No one likes leaving their furry friend behind, and now you don’t have to thanks to many hotels and bed and breakfasts turning dog-friendly in Australia. We’ve got the lowdown on who’s offering special treatment to good boys and girls around the nation. Think spa treatments, goodie bags, outdoor adventures and exclusive menus all for your pup’s enjoyment.
Here’s where to find the best pet-friendly accommodation in Australia that’ll have your fluff ball howling in delight.
Australia Wide
QT Hotels
Earning the crown for the dog-friendliest hotel chain, all of QT Hotels are pup-friendly, but they don’t just stop there. All good doggies get to enjoy a treat-packed mini bar, an indulgent in-room dining menu and pet bedding by Nice Digs. Four-legged guests at QT Sydney can even book in with the Director of Chaos for walkies, while selected hotels offer pupQ grooming services, so your dog doesn’t have to miss out on the holiday spa treatments. So long as your pupper is under 20kg they are welcome to stay. Packages start from $450.
New South Wales
Seaside Paws, Kingscliff
Right at the top end of New South Wales, Seaside Paws is the perfect getaway for beach-loving dogs. Perched in between Gold Coast and Byron Bay, doggos will love lazing about in the manicured backyard post beach walk. The modern holiday house is air conditioned, sleeps seven and is only three streets back from the beach and a short walk to local hotspot Shiny Brew cafe. Did we mention you don’t have to pay any extra to bring Fido along too?
crystalbrook Albion, Sydney
You don’t have to spend long in Sydney to realise just how dog friendly it is. You’ll see pooches of all shapes and sizes conquering the hilly city. Crystalbrook Albion, part of the Crystalbrook Collection Boutique Hotel group, is somewhere we’d stay pooches aside. The Surry Hills hotel has a whole lot to offer our furry friends, including pet bowls and baskets, plus it’s situated just around the corner from Frog Hollow Reserve, a lovely green space where they can stretch their legs. It’s also one of the very few pet-friendly hotels that allows you to leave your pup alone in the room, provided they are well behaved.
The Treehouse, Kangaroo Valley
One look at The Treehouse in Kangaroo Valley and you and your pooch will be howling in delight. Think luxury glamping amongst a forest of gum trees hanging atop the Kangaroo River. Perfect for a recharging nature getaway, this Airbnb only allows non-shedding pets indoors, so if your dog drops hair and doesn’t like being outside this spot might not be for you.
Kookawood, Rydal
Well behaved dogs will love spending time with you outside watching the sun go down or inside curled up by the open log fireplace at Kookawood. Spend your days walking around the 450-acre pine forest that surrounds the property or checking out the nearby Blue Mountains. Accepting one medium to large dog or two small dogs with prior approval, the cottage also features outdoor and indoor baths, a big OLED TV and all the kitchen mod cons you’ll need.
Victoria
White Picket Cottage, Bendigo
Just over the road from Bendigo’s historic Ulumbarra Theatre and beautiful Rosalind Park, you’ll find this adorable white picket cottage Airbnb. After exploring all that Bendigo has to offer you and your bestie can kick back on the lounge by the fireplace or take in the serenity on the front porch.
Charming Rustic Barn, Heathcote
Get off-grid for a while at this pet-friendly, secluded barn. Renovated to perfection, your pooch will love watching the kangaroos hop around the property while you enjoy reading a book carefully selected from the barn’s own library. Toast marshmallows on the outdoor firepit come sundown and then stay toasty warm by the indoor wood burning fireplace.
St Ives Cottage, Rye
Pets stay for free at this sweet little Rye cottage on the Mornington Peninsula. On arrival you’re greeted with artisan chocolates and local sparkling, while pups can enjoy stretching their legs in the backyard. After lapping up the sun, sand and surf, be sure to duck off to Peninsula Hot Springs for a soak while your doggo dreams about chasing rabbits back at home.
Zagame’s House, Melbourne
Gift your dog with the full Melbourne experience at Zagame’s House in Carlton. On arrival they’ll score a “Treat Yo Fur-baby” goody bag, and during their stay they can order from an exclusive in-room pet menu with dishes like holistic chicken and lentils, summer-bod meal and gluten-free ancient grain kangaroo. If your pal likes watching TV they can tune in to the “Furry Movie of the Month” for free. Not all fuzzballs are accepted, so call ahead prior to booking.
Tasmania
Shearers' Quarters Rathmore, Hollow Tree
Whether you live in Tassie or you’ve brought your pup over by plane or boat, the whole family will love the Shearers’ Quarters Rathmore. Surrounded by hectares of grassy fields, you’ll love spotting the sheep, ducks, swans and, potentially, platypus frolicking about the property. Spend your time hiking and fishing, or you can just kick back on the balcony and take in the serenity.
Coastal Cottage By The Beach, Bicheno
If a quiet, coastal escape is what you’re after, set your sights on this stylish cottage Airbnb in Bicheno. Two hours from Launceston and close to the incredible Freycinet and Apsley National Parks, it’s got a fenced-in backyard so you don’t have to worry about your dog going walkabout. One fuzzball is allowed per booking, with prior approval, and it’ll only cost you $20 more for the privilege.
South Australia
Norwood Cottage, Adelaide
A walk away from the pup-friendly Norwood Parade and close to the city, this 1890s cottage is perfectly located for an Adelaide city escape with your bestie. Artfully renovated, you’ll enjoy the fireplace, reading nooks, open plan kitchen and the leafy backyard that boasts multiple decks and a firepit. Be sure to take your pooch to Argo for a puppuccino and one of the most extensive breakfast menus you’ll ever encounter in your life.
Beachfront Apartment, Henley Beach
This light and bright pet-friendly apartment offers sweeping views of the beautiful Henley Beach, just steps from the front door. There’s no need to get all sandy while sunbathing thanks to the sun-drenched patio overlooking the water. Decked out with creature comforts like aircon, an espresso machine, memory foam mattresses, soaking tub and a BBQ, there are not many reasons to leave, aside from taking a dip at the beach of course.
The Red Shed, Hahndorf
If you’ve never had the pleasure of visiting Hahndorf in South Australia, pack your poochie and head on over there. Base yourself at The Red Shed, a sweet house that sleeps six. Set on 14 acres of lush farmland, you can get to know the locals, including goats, chooks, donkeys and dogs, in between ducking out for lunch at wineries and leisurely wanders around the German-inspired town of Hahndorf. Just be advised, there’s no internet available at the property, but that just means more time for patting and play.
Western Australia
Tudor Lodge Garage Heritage Cottage, Perth
If the hustle and highrises of Perth city seem a little daunting for you and your doggo, head out east to the leafy, cafe-heavy suburb of Mount Lawley and this lovely little cottage. Visit the incredible Chu Bakery for your morning coffee and pastry before doing a few laps of the ultra pet-friendly Hyde Park. You’re very well located to get to all of Perth’s central hotspots and a short drive away from stunning ocean vistas.
Pier 21, North Fremantle
Located in one of our favourite parts of Perth, this luxury, waterfront accommodation is perfect for you and your pooch. Resting on the sandy banks of the Swan River, Pier 21’s fully serviced apartments are the perfect bolthole for you and furry pals. There’s a dog friendly beach outfront, plus a dreamy pool for you to enjoy a bevvy by, plus there’s the chance to rent paddle boards and a tennis court. Adding a dog to your booking is just $60 per pooch, with no size restrictions.
Architect-Designed Luxury Residence, Gnarabup
No trip to Western Australia is complete without visiting the wine region of Margaret River, and thankfully the area is extremely welcoming to dogs. Base yourself at this luxurious architecturally-designed home in Gnarabup and you’ll enjoy kicking your feet up in the private courtyard with a bottle of local vino. Stroll to the nearby White Elephant Cafe for coffee before taking a walk along the dog-friendly Gnarabup Beach.
Karri Mia, Denmark
Just further down the coast from Margaret River the hidden gem of a town called Demark—no, not THAT Denmark. Filled with sugar-white sand beaches, rolling green hills and wineries galore, Karri Mia is the perfect spot to set up shop with your pup for a couple of days. Their chalet-style villas come with full kitchens, decks that show off sprawling views of the countryside and comfy bed for you and your furry friends to snuggle in. There’s also a restaurant and spa on site, what more could you need?
Kimberley Croc Motel, Kununurra
While the name might not sound super dog-friendly, Kimberley Croc Motel offers a Pampered Pet Package that’ll help paw-loving pals have the Kimberley getaway of their dreams. Everyone who books a dog-friendly room will get access to a pet ensuite and score a “doggy bag”, plus bedding and bowls will be provided.
Northern Territory
Luxury Beachfront Villa, Darwin
With views over the stunning dog-friendly Cullen Bay and marina, this luxury beachfront villa will have you dreaming for more Darwin time before you’ve even left. Along with ocean views, outside you’ll find a plunge pool and BBQ, as well as the marina on your doorstep, where you’ll discover loads of cafes and restaurants.
Tropical Dream Retreat, Rapid Creek
Take things tropical at this gorgeous retreat in the popular Rapid Creek area of Darwin. It’s got a perfectly manicured backyard with an outdoor bar, BBQ, hammock and pool. Walk to the Rapid Creek Markets on Saturdays and Sundays and enjoy cocktails at sundown at the Beachfront Hotel. What more could you want on a tropical escape?
Ooraminna Homestead, Alice Springs
Journey to the Red Centre with your four-legged companion and book into the welcoming Ooraminna Homestead for an outback adventure unlike any other. Tails will be wagging at the horses, cows, lizards and kangaroos that can be spotted on the cattle ranch. Pups stay for free on request and you can leave their dinner bowl at home. Don’t forget to look up come nightfall, there’s nothing like stargazing in the outback.
Queensland
W Brisbane, Brisbane
You can expect the furry best at the dog-friendly W Brisbane. They’ll kit you out with food and water bowls, beds, treats and toys so you can have an enjoyable stay perched high above Brisbane River. A reservation at Three Blue Ducks is a must while you’re there, but other than that you’ll love getting out and about on Brissy’s beautiful waterfront, cafe hopping the day away.
Little Red Barn, Noosa Hinterland
Don’t be fooled into thinking the Little Red Barn won’t be big enough, it sleeps seven and includes three bathrooms. Cool off in the concrete water tank swimming pool or have a soak in the cast iron bathtub that’s up on the veranda as you take in the views of the hinterland. There’s plenty of grass for pups to roll around on and a fireplace inside for chilly nights.
Mooloolah River Villa, Mooloolaba
If you’re looking to treat your pooch to a ritzy stay, this incredible (and expensive) Airbnb in Mooloolaba is as fancy as they come. Sitting on the Mooloolah River and two minutes from the Mooloolaba Spit Beach, the home has three bedrooms featuring the most stunning headboards we’ve ever laid eyes on, a sunken lounge area, wine cellar, plunge pool and fire pit, and is surrounded by greenery. You’re close to all the great Mooloolaba offers, but trust us when we say you won’t want to leave. Ever.
Luxury Hinterland Villa, Gold Coast
Dogs AND horses are welcome at this luxury villa that sits on ten acres of the Gold Coasts vibrant hinterland. Outside is where you’ll want to be for most of your stay, thanks to the hot tub, open fireplace and 25-metre lap pool that sits next to a pavilion with an outdoor TV. Dive-in movies, anyone? Gather up your mates and their best mates and make it a pet-friendly holiday to remember.
Next, plan a weekend away at one of these dreamy under-the-radar beach towns.
Image Credit: Zagame’s House, QT Hotels, Little Albion, W Brisbane, Pier 21