Revealed: Australia’s most welcoming towns for you and your pet

These are the destinations that welcome you and your pet pal with open arms.

Travelling is great, but travelling with your pet? Even better. But that’s not to say it doesn’t come without its challenges. Finding pet-friendly places to stay, eat and explore isn’t always simple.

Tripadvisor has revealed the most pet-friendly destinations in Australia, calculated using density and number of pet-friendly restaurants and destination lookers, uncovering where you and your pet pal should travel next.

Dogs are welcome at Pier One Sydney Harbour.

Pet-friendly holiday destinations in Australia

1. Rye, Victoria

Rye, at the tip of the Mornington Peninsula, offers a wonderful variety of beaches, accommodations and dining options that make travelling with pets a breeze.

Several dog-welcoming beaches, including designated off-leash areas like the stretch between Daly Avenue and Shirlow Avenue, mean your pup can roam freely during certain hours. Accommodation-wise, MP Cottages and Eagles’ Nest cater to pooches, offering secure yards and proximity to the beach. There are also plenty of dog-welcoming cafes in the area, including St Andrews Beach Brewery and Cafe El Capitán where you and your furry friend can relax together with a bite to eat.

2. Rainbow Beach, Queensland

The dog-friendly Rainbow Beach Hotel (photo: Steve Madgwick).

Another coastal escape that should be on your radar if you live up north is Rainbow Beach.

As one of the few places in Queensland where dogs on a leash are permitted on the beach, this relaxed destination between the Sunshine Coast and K’gari Fraser Island is perfect for enjoying the warmer weather with your pooch. Many accommodations, like BIG4 Breeze Holiday Park and The Swans Nest Beach House will welcome you as well as top-notch cafes and pubs such as Little Parliament and Rainbow Beach Hotel.

3, Mudgee, NSW

The Zin House in Mudgee welcomes four-legged friends. (Image: The Zin House, Mudgee/DNSW)

Picturesque natural beauty, world-class wineries and your dog by your side? What more could you want! Hit the road and make a beeline for wine country as Mudgee offers pet-friendly hospitality, outdoor activities and a welcoming wine culture. Accommodation offerings include Wildhouse Guesthouse and BIG4 Mudgee Holiday Park, while numerous wineries such as Yeates and De Beaurepaire are pet-friendly.

4. Robe, SA

a family with their pet dog relaxing at Robe Holiday Park — Guests can bring pets to Robe Holiday Park.

The tiny town of Robe is renowned for its rich history, great fishing and beautiful beaches, lakes and bushland. There are several dog-friendly beaches and scenic walking trails here, so you can stay active and enjoy quality time in stunning natural surroundings. Tobruk Cottage and Lily’s Cottage are two of the best accommodation offerings for pet owners in the area, while Drift @ Robe offers delicious meals to enjoy with your friend by your side.

5. Dunsborough, WA

Hit the road with your pup for a scenic beachside road trip. (Image: Getty/ Vesnaandjic)

With picture-perfect beaches, world-class wine and a laidback WA vibe, Dunsborough offers a mix of relaxation and adventure for travellers and their pets alike. Dog-friendly beaches allow pets to roam off-leash outside of peak hours, while dog-friendly venues such as the elevated YARRI restaurant and the beer garden at Occy’s pub allow for enjoying local flavours.

Dog-friendly travel is on the rise

Tripadvisor and MY DOG® have unveiled a new digital hub for dog-friendly travel to make the planning process seamless. The hub is designed to connect Australian pet owners with dog-friendly travel options, such as restaurants, hotels and attractions.

According to TripAdvisor data, interest in dog-friendly restaurants in Australia has continued to grow in 2025, up nearly 10% on the previous period in 2024. This signals a growing demand and shift in Australia’s dining culture, where more eateries are opening their doors to our four-legged friends.

“Aussie travellers are incredibly passionate about their pets, often looking for ways to include them in every adventure," Tripadvisor’s Director of Sales, Scott Wegener, told Australian Traveller.

Pooches & Pinot offers exclusive, dog-friendly wine tasting experiences in the Yarra Valley.

While pet-friendly accommodation was once a niche offering, it’s quickly becoming more common due to demand. Tripadvisor found that listings labelled ‘pets allowed’ increased by 22% in the early months of 2025. This signals a growing demand for the travel industry to meet the needs of pet parents.

The Tripadvisor X MY DOG® hub will be pet owners’ ultimate resource for pet-friendly travel. You’ll find city guides featuring pet-friendly travel tips and attractions, an AI Trip Builder guided by traveller tips and reviews to plan your personalised itinerary, and listings for pet-welcoming hotels, restaurants, cafes, pubs and attractions.

Many hotels and rentals now welcome four-legged guests. (Image: Getty/ Liudmila Chernetska)

The partnership aims to help pet parents “bond and create more meaningful moments with their furry companions," says Lisa Matheson, Mars Petcare Australia and New Zealand Marketing Director for MY DOG®.

“Whether it’s a quick weekend escape or a scenic beachside road trip, this partnership makes it easier to discover pet-friendly stays, venues and experiences right across the country," explained Wegener.

Visit the new Tripadvisor x MY DOG® travel hub and create your perfect pet-inclusive adventure.

Discover some of Australia’s most pet-friendly hotels

The Mornington Peninsula blends vineyards, galleries, golf and delicious finds for an unforgettable getaway that indulges all penchants.

Just over an hour from Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula blends coast and country in a way that feels effortlessly indulgent. It’s a region where vineyard views meet acclaimed dining, art and culture is never far from the sea, and where hot springs bubble alongside rolling fairways. Whether your escape is a long lunch, an immersive art trail or a round of golf, the Mornington Peninsula has an itinerary to match. And there’s always a glass of good local pinot waiting for you at the end of the day.

A creative trail through the Peninsula

The Mornington Peninsula is a haven for artists and creatives. Its coastal views and rolling landscapes have long been a source of inspiration. Stay at the historical InterContinental Sorrento , a grand hotel established in 1875, recently renovated to blend heritage charm with contemporary elegance. With curated art lining the hotel’s corridors and rooms, you could spend hours simply wandering the halls, studying the walls.

Pt Leo Estate outdoor gallery — Wander around Pt. Leo Estate’s outdoor gallery. (Image: Visit Victoria/Jesse Hisco)

If looking for an outdoor gallery with sea views, head to Pt. Leo Estate , a landscaped vineyard home to a sculpture park featuring more than 70 large-scale works by both local and international artists, all easily accessible by connecting paths. After strolling through the vineyards, there are three dining options: fine dining at Laura, a relaxed meal at Pt. Leo Restaurant or a vino at the Wine Terrace. For something more hands-on, sign up for the Sip & Sketch experience. And if you book directly into the elegant Lancemore at Lindenderry Red Hill , you’ll enjoy free access to the sculpture park.

food at Pt Estate — Pt Leo Estate boasts three elegant dining venues. (Image: Visit Victoria/Two Palms/Arianna Harry)

For those who like their art framed by rolling hills, vines and wetlands, Montalto is the place. More than 30 sculptures are dotted throughout the property. The vineyard offers a formal restaurant and casual tables among the seasonal produce in a setting that feels like Mr. McGregor’s Garden from Peter Rabbit. And there’s always the option to picnic on the lawn.

Montalto Vineyard is an idyllic setting for afternoon wining and dining. (Image: Visit Victoria/Robyn Lea)

The Sorrento-Portsea Artists Trail offers a self-guided walk along bush paths and sea cliffs to see the same landscapes that once inspired brushstrokes of some of Australia’s most famous artists. Along the way, interpretive signs share insights into the area’s artistic past. And, if the peninsula’s weather turns a little wild, the region is brimming with galleries, particularly around Flinders, Sorrento and Red Hill. Artisan studios are open by appointment.

A feast for food and wine lovers

With more than 200 vineyards, around 60 wineries and cellar doors, plus an abundance of breweries, distilleries, orchards and family-run farms spanning generations, the Mornington Peninsula is a playground for food and wine enthusiasts.

The perfect base for a culinary inclined trip is Cassis Red Hill , where luxury accommodation is tucked between grape vines and olive trees. A quiet nod to the fishing village of Cassis in the south of France, this retreat is all about contemporary elegance – crisp linen, sunlit interiors and a private mineral plunge pool.

Then, for a stand-out lunch, Green Olive at Red Hill offers a delicious way to enjoy the region. Graze on generous tasting plates with house-made relishes, lamb sausages, local cheese and just-picked garden produce. Pair it with a wine flight or order a picnic hamper to enjoy among the olive grove; there’s a picnic option for your dog, too. And for a playful twist, Green Olive is home to what is believed to be Australia’s only pickleball court set within a vineyard or orchard.

Amid the many wineries with open cellar doors, Main Ridge Dairy offers a delicious detour – a goat dairy where you can sample handcrafted cheeses and even meet the resident goats. For a more refined experience, Paringa Estate is one of the peninsula’s most awarded wineries, offering fine dining with sweeping vineyard views and a menu crafted from seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.

If you’re looking to step outdoors before a lingering lunch, during winter Flinders Truffles offer the chance to join their clever dogs and search for the black gold under oak trees. For an authentic taste of the region, time your visit with one of the Peninsula’s vibrant farmers’ markets.

From golf days to spa stays

Kingswood CountryGolf Club — Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club. (Image: Visit Victoria)

With its champion courses, the Peninsula is a dream destination not only for those who love to tee off but for those who enjoy the post-golf wind down. Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club draws keen golfers from around the world, while Peppers Moonah Links Resort is a course that has hosted both a PGA tournament and two Australian Opens. For a true test of skill, The Dunes Golf Links is one of Australia’s top public courses. Each golf course offers accommodation, and staying onsite means maximum convenience, especially at The Dunes, where premium rooms have you sleeping right next to the fairway. Off-course indulgence is close at hand, too.

Alba Thermal Springs& Spa — Soaking at Alba Thermal Springs & Spa. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Peninsula Hot Springs and Alba Thermal Springs are just next door, where thermal waters drawn from geothermal mineral springs deep underground provide the ultimate recovery after a day of perfecting your swing. These award-winning wellness sanctuaries offer everything from bathing pools to private plunges and spa treatments.

After sinking the last ball, and the 19th hole beckons, the Peninsula serves up just as many dining options as it does golf courses. Just minutes away and right on the beach, Jetty Road Brewery  is a laid-back spot perfect for a round of beers and typical pub fare. For something a little elevated, book a table at Epicurean . Here, a glass of local red pairs beautifully with handmade pastas and woodfired pizza, all served in a historical coolstore and packing shed dating back more than a century.