Travelling with pets: questions

Keen to travel with dog or cat? There are now more pets than people in Australia, according to the Animal Health Alliance of Australia. Read this list of FAQs first.

1. Is it easy to travel with your pet? Our travel industry doesn’t seem that pet-friendly.

Times are changing. While the easiest way to travel with a pet is still the road-trip/camping holiday combo, according to president of the Caravan and Camping Industry Association, Theo Wilmont (and we’re inclined to agree – there are over 50 dog-friendly campsites in the popular Big4 Holiday Parks brand alone), there are other options. “I recently took my dog Ebony to Riverwood Downs, a rural property located at Barrington Tops, NSW," reveals Gareth Brock, founder of pet boarding review website petcheck-in.com.au. “They’re very accommodating for ‘pet parents’, with Ebony even offered her own pet menu – she had the Home Made Treat Tasting Plate (!)."

2. But I’m not a camper…

Get online – websites such as airbnb.com are an absolute goldmine. “If you can’t find what you’re after through the pet-friendly search filter, widen your search to include other properties and contact the hosts directly to explain your situation. Some hosts aren’t listed as pet-friendly but are open to certain pets, particularly those that are adorably well-behaved," says Airbnb country manager, Sam McDonagh. Pet-specific websites such as lovemelovemydog.com.au and dogsonholidays.com.au are also useful, although pet-friendly search filters on sites like lastminute.com.au might offer you more variety.

3. Can my pet and I stay in ‘normal’ hotels yet?

Amazingly, yes: an increasing number of motels, hotels and resorts now accept pets, including big-name brands like Best Western, Quest Serviced Apartments, Mercure and Quality Hotel. Pet-friendly status is up to the management of each property, however, so you still have to check with individual properties, but things are looking up. Expect to pay a bond, an additional cleaning fee upfront and/or to be given a ground-floor room with access to outdoors. And for your pet, many pats.

4. My dog hates being in the car. How can I convince him/her that road tripping is fun?

“The car can be quite stressful for pets," agrees Brock. “Many pets’ first or only experiences of travelling in a car are going to the dreaded vet." You can easily desensitise your dog to the car with positive reinforcement, he says (i.e. treats). “For cat lovers, playing classical music works wonders."

5. What about flying, instead?

Of the major domestic airlines, only Qantas and Virgin Australia will transport pets. Cost-wise, pets are treated as baggage if you’re flying with them, though you’ll also need to provide your own crate (or hire one direct from the airline for around $50–$80). You also need to request your pet’s flight in advance (we’d suggest giving at least two weeks’ notice in high-season periods, as freight travel can fill up).

6. Can my pet come in the cabin with me?

This is becoming increasingly common in other countries – Etihad Airways even allows falcons on board, according to its website (although you may only bring a maximum of two of your falcons at any one time), while British Airways allows cats or dogs in the cabin (in a carrier) if they weigh less than six kilograms. In Australia, this isn’t possible yet, but we’d say it’s only a matter of time.

7. What happens when my pet flies in the hold?

After checking in 90 minutes prior to the flight, your pet will be held in the freight area. Once boarded, they’re kept in their carriers, in a cabin usually below the main passenger cabin, in the same climate-, pressure- and light-controlled conditions.

8. What happens if my pet misses the flight?!

Extra peace of mind can be sought with businesses such as JetPets, which offers door-to-door service including transport, crate hire, transit lounge access and certification to open your pet’s crate before and after the flight, and comfort it if required. Cost is from around $300 including the flight. jetpets.com.au

From natural wonders to historical sites, we’ve rounded up Victoria’s most epic icons that deserve a place on your itinerary.

Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park

From towering mountains to crystal cascades and ancient rock art sites, the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park is a playground for both outdoor adventurers and nature lovers. Don’t miss the views from the highest peak Mount William or the iconic Pinnacle.

Murray River

A paddle steamer down the Murray in Echuca — The wonders of the Murray are best experienced on board a paddle steamer. (Image: Visit Victoria)

A natural icon of majestic proportions, the Murray River flows for a staggering 2700 kilometres, making it one of the world’s longest navigable rivers. Meandering through Victoria before flowing out to sea at Goolwa in South Australia, the river is home to diverse wildlife, picturesque towns and secluded creeks and beaches.

Twelve Apostles, Port Campbell

the Twelve Apostles, Great Ocean Road — The Twelve Apostles are a star attraction on the Great Ocean Road. (Image: Tourism Australia/Two Palms/Harry Pope)

These limestone sea stacks are arguably Victoria’s most famous icon . After an $8-million upgrade to its lookout, The Blowhole near Loch Ard Gorge/Poombeeyt Kontapool (meaning breath of the whale) has recently reopened. A brand-new Twelve Apostles Visitor Experience Centre, complete with rooftop lookout, will open in 2026.

You Yangs, Geelong

kangaroos in You Yangs — Kangaroos enjoy dusk in the You Yangs. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Rising 300-plus metres from the flat volcanic plains between Melbourne/Naarm and Geelong, the You Yangs are massive granite boulders named for the local Wadawurrung word ‘Youang’, meaning ‘big hills’. Hiking, biking, rock climbing and horse-riding are popular within this regional park.

Redwood Forest, Yarra Valley

Near the town of Warburton, an extraordinary forest of some 1500 Californian Redwoods stands among native orchids, eucalypt trees and rich birdlife. Planted in the 1930s, these 55-metre-plus trees can live for 2000 years and will grow to be some of the world’s tallest.

Wilsons Promontory, Gippsland

the Wilsons Promontory — Wilsons Promontory is home to the incredible Skull Rock formation. (Image: Tourism Australia)

The Prom, as it’s known locally, is the southernmost tip of mainland Australia. This 50,000-hectare reserve comprises granite mountains and forest, fringed by sandy beaches and surrounded by a marine park rich in marine biodiversity. It’s also home to the incredible and imposing Skull Rock formation.

Hanging Rock Reserve, Macedon Ranges

This six-million-year-old volcanic rock  was thrown into the national spotlight thanks to the 1967 novel and consequent 1975 film based on the fictional disappearance of schoolgirls in 1901. Mystery aside, visitors can walk the steep 105-metre summit, fish for trout and go twitching.

Sovereign Hill, Ballarat

exploring Sovereign Hill — Step back in time at Sovereign Hill. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Cry ‘eureka!’ at Sovereign Hill , a living museum to the prosperous Gold Rush era of the 1850s, during which Ballarat produced the most gold in the world. Visitors to this much-loved attraction can walk historic  streets, enter a gold mine and try panning for the good stuff, too.

The Great Stupa, Bendigo

Who’d have thought the largest Buddhist temple in the Western world would be tucked away in Bendigo’s bushland? Welcoming visitors to explore, this sacred Buddhist pagoda is an epicentre for Tibetan culture, architecture, art and interfaith harmony.

Cape Schanck Lighthouse, Mornington Peninsula

the Cape Schanck Lighthouse from above — Heritage-listed Cape Schanck Lighthouse. (Image: Tourism Australia/Two Palms/Harry Pope)

Ensuring the safe passage of ships in the notoriously treacherous Bass Strait since 1859, this heritage-listed lighthouse overlooks dramatic volcanic coast and wild beaches. The surrounding reserve is home to a plethora of wildlife including little penguins, seals and echidnas.

Travelling with pets: Your questions answered