Where To Stay

Townsville’s Best Pet-Friendly Stays To Bring Your Fur Baby On Holiday In 2026

4th Jun 2026
Written by:
Kayla Wratten
Freelance Sub-Editor | Urban List Queensland

Here at Urban List, we firmly believe our pets deserve holidays, too. With its year-round tropical climate and nature-loving lifestyle, Townsville/Gurambilbarra is an excellent destination for a getaway with your furry sidekick.

Many of the city’s best outdoor attractions welcome dogs, making it easy to sightsee with your pooch in tow. Think breezy coastal hikes, dog-friendly cafes and sandy stretches like off-leash Pallarenda Beach, where pups can run free by the sea. 

When you can’t bear to leave your loyal companion behind, bring them along for the ride. Keep reading for Urban List's round-up of the top pet-friendly stays in Townsville—from secluded hideaways to waterfront suites with grassy lawns. 

The Best Pet-Friendly Stays In Townsville At A Glance

143 Wills Street, Townsville City

City Oasis Inn

True to its name, this four-star stay is a leafy oasis right in the heart of the vibrant city. The expansive lawns and tropical gardens give your pup plenty of space to sniff around, while humans can enjoy the lagoon-style swimming pool, heated spa, waterfall and separate children’s pool.

The farm-to-table City Oasis Cafe is perfect for your morning coffee and cooked breakfast, complete with a puppuccino for your furry bestie. Selected ground-floor standard double rooms are pet-friendly and feature tiled floors for easy clean-ups—ideal if your dog tends to bring half the beach back with them.

30-34 Palmer Street, Townsville City

MainStay Suites

If you’re after a luxe hotel with a waterfront view, MainStay Suites delivers. Overlooking a sparkling, yacht-studded marina, each room comes with a private balcony so you can soak in the view with your pet by your side. It's close to a variety of bars and restaurants on Palmer Street, alongside the pet-friendly Maritime Museum, starring the HMAS Townsville and SS Yongala.  

Studios include kitchenette facilities, while the larger apartments feature fully equipped kitchens and in-room laundry. Plus, your hotel stay comes with practical perks like LCD televisions, a barbecue area, outdoor swimming pool and guest laundry. You've got everything you need for longer stays with your four-legged travel buddy.

78 Mandalay Avenue, Nelly Bay, Magnetic Island

The Little Bush Hut

Fancy staying in a magical little hideaway on an island? Look no further than The Little Bush Hut, a secluded lodge nestled in the lush bushland at Nelly Bay. A short ferry ride from Townsville CBD, this luxe stay is perfectly positioned so you can get the best of both worlds.

Find pure bliss in the open-air bathtub on the back deck, or recline in the swaying banana lounge with a coffee in hand (yes, there's a Nespresso machine in the fully-kitted kitchen). If you're feeling adventurous, hop on the 'his and hers' bicycles, cycle out to explore, grab supplies to cook at the hideaway or dine in at an oceanfront restaurant. Furry friends are more than welcome, with a secure courtyard area for them to stretch their legs. 

117 The Strand, North Ward

Shoredrive Motel

Fresh from a makeover, Shoredrive Motel delivers classic beachside accommodation with a modern feel. Aside from the new-and-improved amenities, the location is hard to beat. Directly opposite the famous Strand Rockpool, this stay promises sweeping ocean views stretching across to Magnetic Island.  

Cool off in the peaceful outdoor pool, or wander across to the stinger-netted beach and jump straight in the salty water. Pets are welcome here for no extra fee—but even better than that, the in-house oceanview restaurant and beach house bar Shorehouse Townsville offers dog-friendly dining, so your pup can join you for lunch, dinner and sundowners. 

261 Stanley Street, Townsville City

The Robert Towns

A stone’s throw from The Strand’s waterfront restaurants and the Magnetic Island Ferry Terminal, this four-star hotel is a solid base for exploring the tropical city with your fur baby. When you're not out and about, you can kick back by the swimming pool or use the covered barbecue area for a hearty fry-up with your fellow travellers. 

Style and convenience go hand-in-hand at The Robert Towns, as the sunlit pet-friendly rooms are designed with both modern comforts and practicality in mind. Think tiled rooms for quick clean-ups and ground floor locale for easy access, making sunset walks and bathroom breaks a breeze.

13/36 Landsborough Street, North Ward

Palm Waters Holiday Villas

Just a short stroll from the waterfront at The Strand, Palm Waters Holiday Villas offers a relaxed apartment-style stay that’s perfect for all types of travellers (including the four-legged kind). The property features spacious self-contained villas surrounded by tropical gardens, giving guests a quiet base close to Townsville’s best cafes, restaurants and beach walks.

Pets can stay with prior approval from management, with a limited number of designated pet-friendly villas available for a small fee of $50—so it’s best to organise this one ahead of time when booking. 

94 Eyre Street, Townsville City

The Pineapple House

Travelling with pets is even easier when you’ve got space—and that’s exactly what The Pineapple House provides in spades. This charming beach-inspired bungalow features five two-bedroom apartments, each with its own private courtyard and fully fenced garden area that’s perfect for pets and kids alike. 

For food lovers, you'll find that the bungalow's location is a major drawcard. Sitting close to The Strand waterfront, this homely stay is within walking distance to Townsville's vibrant dining scene, from award-winning restaurants to buzzy pubs and welcoming cafes with alfresco seating for you and your four-legged friend. 

Main image credit: Shorehouse Townsville | Instagram