Top 10 Dog Friendly Camping Sites Around Australia

Travelling Australia with your dog? There are a plethora of free and low-cost campsites available with space for them to roam and frolic in the great outdoors – you just need to know where to look.

We’ve collated a list of the top 10 dog-friendly campsites around Australia – camps that feel like they were built with your dog’s comfort in mind – to make it easier for you to hit the road with your pet.

To make the list, sites needed to offer specific dog services or facilities, showing how they not only ‘welcome’ our four legged friends – but have things in place to ‘cater’ to them.

NOTE: Each campsite will have their own rules and regulations visitors need to adhere to, so be sure to double check with the sites before making any bookings. Please check directly with the operators and emergency services before you travel due to bushfires that are impacting some of the states listed below at the time of publishing.

Here’s the list (in no particular order):

1. BIG4 Gold Coast Holiday Park, Qld

From their dedicated off leash area – where even the most athletic of pups will enjoy several agility activities – and their Puppy Pampering Palace (aka K9 DIY dog wash) to their doggy day care kennels, dog-friendly private ensuites and dog-welcoming poolside café, these guys have definitely planned to please even the fussiest of pets. Did we mention dogs aren’t charged to stay here?!

Address: 66-68 Signato Drive, Helensvale, Gold Coast, Qld

For more, try our Gold Coast accommodation guide.

2. Coodlie Park Farm Retreat

Coodlie Park Farm Retreat is set on a 3000 acre property with lots of space for your dog to roam. The retreat also has its own private beach for guests – and their dogs – to enjoy. Dogs are permitted to go off leash providing they are under your effective control and near you at all times whilst in the retreat. They also don’t charge you extra for your dog’s stay.

Address: Flinders Highway, Port Kenny, Eyre Peninsula, SA

There is lots of space for your dog to roam on this 3000 acre property

3. Capital Country Holiday Park, ACT

It can be hard to keep your dog inside your caravan for long periods of time which is why Capital Country Holiday Park currently offer two ‘Freedom dog sites’ which come with a fencing enclosure around your van for dogs to enjoy space to roam unleashed. As the trend of travelling with your pet continues to rise, this caravan park is looking into further pet-friendly additions, so stay tuned.

Address: 47 Bidges Road, Sutton, Canberra, ACT

For more, try our Canberra accommodation guide.

Capital Country Holiday Park currently offer two ‘Freedom dog sites’

4. Tathra Beach Side, NSW

Have you ever checked into a hotel and been treated to a ‘welcome’ cocktail? Well, at Tathra Beach Side your dog is spoiled with a ‘welcome’ dog-treat upon arrival. They also offer many pet-friendly sites to book, a dog wash station and a number of pet supplies available for purchase at reception. It’s nice to know pets are welcomed as part of the family at this park.

Address: 2 Andy Poole Drive, Tathra, South Coast NSW

5. Best Friend Holiday Retreat, Vic

This retreat has 10 acres of park and fenced caravan and camping sites to choose from. You can also make use of the luxury dog kennels during the days should you need to venture out without your pet. They’ll be treated to a dog playground with a giant dog ball run to keep them exercised and entertained, relax in the hydrobath hut or roam free in the six securely fenced off dog exercise areas (in addition to the playground mentioned above).

This retreat has certainly been made with man’s best friend in mind.

Address: 1720 Tarra Valley Road, Tarra Valley, Gippsland, Vic

6. Heritage Caravan Park, NT

Heritage Caravan Park have a dedicated off-leash dog run area for your pets to burn off energy and socialise with other canine guests. Not only is exercise and play covered, but this park also offers a K9000 dog wash for bath time. These seriously hard-working dog washes will give your furry friend the best bathing experience of their life after a day of play.

Address: 40 Ragonesi Road, Alice Springs, NT

7. Broome’s Gateway Pet Friendly Caravan Park & Lodge, WA

This pet-friendly caravan park has a fenced off dog run and dog baths for use – they also have a Doggie Wash Down Bay in the pipeline. You can take advantage of the park’s day kennels and pet-sitting services should you wish to partake in local tours or even head out for an early evening dinner.

Address: 3000 Broome Road, Roebuck Plains, Broome, WA

8. Captain Cook Holiday Park, Tas

Captain Cook Holiday Park have their own resident dog, which means they are more than happy to cater to your furry friend’s needs as well. They have a doggie play pen and offer dog-sitting services while you take advantage of the National Park runs or nearby lighthouse visits where pets are prohibited. They don’t have a dedicated dog wash area but you are welcome to use the wash down bays onsite – which will definitely come in handy after they’ve had a playful frolic on the beach just over the road.

Address: 786 Adventure Bay Road, Adventure Bay, Bruny Island, Tas

9. BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Cairns Coconut, Qld

Ingenia features a dog agility park designed to let them play in a safe, controlled setting. There are tunnels, ramps and holes for them to play in with other dogs. Get them to exert some energy with some running, tumbling and jumping fun during your stay.

Address: 23-51 Anderson Road, Woree, Cairns, Qld

10. Reflections Moonee Beach

With drinking stations, shaded tie up areas for your dogs and doggie bags in dispensers throughout the park, they’ve easily ticked all the practical boxes for your stay. Instead of just walking your dog, why not take them kayaking or paddle boarding – because you can do that here too! The park also provides dog baths and there is dog sitting available for booking but perhaps the best part is that there are no restrictions on bringing your pet during peak times and they are welcome all year round.

Address: 50 Moonee Beach Road, Moonee Beach, North Coast NSW

Hobart has quietly become our coolest capital, but the real wonder lies just beyond the city limits.

In the cool shade of Kunyani/ Mt Wellington, Hobart has earned a reputation. Home to culture-defining Dark MOFO, the city blends rugged, raw wilderness and rule-breaking galleries. But, step beyond the thrumming capital’s border and you’ll find a new perspective: historic towns, Jurassic-era cliffs and a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. With ALL Accor as your home away from home, fill your days with epicurean odysseys and wild scenery on the best day trips from Hobart.

Where to stay

Behind every good road trip is the perfect home base. Somewhere central to review your camera roll, make the most of Hobart’s dining scene and relax before setting off again.

For modern, Tasmanian-inspired design, book a stay at the Movenpick Hotel Hobart . Standing at the Salamanca Markets, look to the Hobart skyline and the award-winning hotel will catch your eye. As the third-tallest building in the CBD, the views across the harbour toward Antarctica are totally unique to your room. Here, end each day at the daily free chocolate hour (plus a free Movenpick ice cream for the little ones).

For a more budget-conscious option, head to the picture book, sandstone buildings of Macquarie Street. Nestled along the buzzing, historic streetscape, you’ll find Tasmania’s biggest hotel: the Ibis Styles . Return home each day to defrost in one of the hotel’s two saunas. Make use of the proximity to MONA, or take an easy stroll to the candy-coloured cottages of Battery Point between your adventures.

A stylish, Tasmanian-inspired bedroom at Mövenpick Hotel Hobart, your perfect base for relaxing after the best day trips from Hobart. — Elevate your Hobart stay with sleek style at Mövenpick.

1. Bruny Island

Craggy cliffs and tropical-hued, white sand beaches signal your arrival to Bruny Island/ Lunawanna-Alonnah.

Start your day trip at the island’s most iconic spot, the Neck Game Reserve. Scale the Trunganini steps to gaze out over the teensy stretch of land that juts through the sea connecting the two ends of the island.

Catch a rare glimpse of the white furred wallabies that call Bruny Island home at Adventure Bay. Then, for ocean-fresh oysters, pull into the drive-thru window at Get Shucked . Sample Bruny Island cheese at the cellar door before catching the ferry home with an esky full of local produce.

Bruny Island Neck is an isthmus of land connecting north and south Bruny Island. — Begin your adventure with a climb and a view. (Image: Elise Weaver)

2. Mount Wellington

At 1271 metres, Mount Wellington watches protectively over Hobart. Follow the winding road to climb through alpine forest and tufts of snow to reach the summit. Gaze down over Hobart and out to sea, or over your shoulder to the southwestern wilderness.

Reset your adrenaline with a mountain bike ride back down. Or, make like the locals and head into the mountain on foot. Try the hike to the Jurassic-period Organ Pipes which slips under the mountain’s magnificent dolerite cliffs (perfect for families thanks to the trail’s minimal incline).

For a view of Mount Wellington itself, hike nearby Cathedral Rock.

No matter where you are in Hobart you are never far away from the City's beloved mountain, Kunanyi / Mount Wellington — Climb through alpine forest to the summit. (Image: Paul Flemming)

2. Port Arthur

Constructed entirely by convicts, the manicured gardens and penal buildings of Port Arthur offer a day trip that practically hums with history.

The rugged, seagirt location was chosen for its difficult escape conditions. Now, you can cruise the coast below the towering, jagged cliffs of the Tasman National Park or wander the sloping fields of fragrant lavender.

Tickets to Port Arthur include a walking tour and harbour cruise. See the Isle of the Dead where 1000 men are buried in marked and unmarked graves. And Point Puer, Britain’s first prison for children.

The Port Arthur Historic Site is one of Australia's most important heritage sites and tourist destinations. Located on the scenic Turrakana / Tasman Peninsula in the south east of Tasmania, it offers a unique and essential experience for all visitors to the area. — Wander convict-built grounds and gardens. (Image: Dearna Bond)

3. Launceston

You’ll find Launceston at the confluence of three rivers after an easy 2.5-hour drive from Hobart. Launceston is a patchwork of old and new. Here, heritage streetscapes meet modern architecture.

Visit Cataract Gorge, the green, sun-dappled heart of the town and sacred meeting point for Tasmania’s indigenous communities. Pull up at roadside produce stalls that dot the Tamar Valley, or dine out. Launceston is, after all, a UNESCO City of Gastronomy.

Should the local wine scene persuade you, simply extend your time in Launceston at Peppers Silo (but definitely at least stop by the onsite restaurant, Grain of the Silo , for a farm fresh menu) or Mercure Launceston before heading back to Hobart.

Walk the sunlit paths of Cataract Gorge. (Image: Nick H Visuals)

4. Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary

Take a 35-minute drive from your hotel and you’ll find Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary . This social enterprise is run by a team of extremely passionate Tasmanians with a mission to look after critically endangered species who have found sanctuary here after facing extinction on the mainland.

Choose to wander the sanctuary at your own pace or join a guided tour (free with your ticket) to come face to face with Tassie’s most iconic species. Tasmanian Devils, wombats and echidnas are part of the free tour. You can book up close encounters with your favourite animals, too.

Bonorong is a Sanctuary for wildlife run by a passionate team of like-minded people. We're a social enterprise: a little business with a big heart. — Snap a cuddle-worthy encounter. (Image: Tourism Australia)

5. Richmond Village & Coal River Valley

Richmond is a town that belongs in a snow globe. Fifty colonial-era, Georgian buildings have been painstakingly restored and turned into cafes, cosy restaurants and galleries. Visit Richmond Gaol , said to be the home of a prisoner so vile he inspired Charles Dickens to pen Oliver Twist’s Fagin.

Then, follow the Coal River as it flows past grassy, duckling-dotted knolls and under the iconic Richmond Bridge, the oldest bridge in Australia. From the crest of the bridge, see the oldest Catholic Church in Australia. The river crawls past many cellar doors, perfect for a day of wine tasting.

Richmond is a picture-perfect town in the Coal River Valley wine region, offering a glimpse into early colonial life, one of the best day trips from Hobart. — Trace the river through history and wine country. (Image: Fin Matson)

Plan your trip to Hobart and beyond with ALL Accor at All.com .

Top 10 dog-friendly camping sites around Australia