Happy Tails On The Road in Queensland | Lets Go Caravan and Camping

Happy Tails On The Road in Queensland

Category: Inspiration, News, Road To A Million, RoadtoaMillion2526, Date: 17 October 2025

Feature: Kirra Beach Tourist Park

Travelling with Pets? Here’s How to Keep Everyone Smiling

More and more travellers are bringing their four-legged friends along for the ride, and it’s easy to see why. Pets make great companions, especially when you’re exploring wide open spaces, discovering new places, and settling in for a campfire evening.

But travelling with pets takes a little extra planning to make the trip safe, comfortable and enjoyable for everyone, from your furry mate to your park neighbours. Whether you’re road tripping in a van, towing a caravan, or staying in a cabin, here are some tips to help you hit the road with confidence.

1. Do a Pre-Trip Check

Before you leave, make sure your pet is travel ready. That means checking their vaccinations are up to date, ensuring they’re microchipped with current contact details, and packing essentials like:

  • Food and water bowls
  • Leash and harness
  • Bedding or a favourite blanket
  • Toys or chew items
  • Medications or flea/tick treatments
  • Waste bags and grooming supplies

If your pet isn’t used to long drives, start with shorter trips to help them adjust. A comfy crate or pet seatbelt can also help reduce anxiety and keep them secure while you drive.

BIG4 Caloundra Waterfront

2. Book Pet-Friendly Parks

Not all caravan parks are pet-friendly, so it pays to do your research. Thankfully, many Queensland parks now welcome pets and offer tailored features like dog wash stations, off-leash areas, or pet-friendly cabins.

The Explore Queensland Caravan Parks Directory clearly identifies which parks are pet-friendly, and which aren’t. Use the directory to plan ahead, and always give the park a quick call to confirm their current policy. Some parks have site-specific conditions, seasonal restrictions, or limits on the number or type of pets allowed.

KEY TIP: Use the Directory to Filter Pet-Friendly Parks. The Explore Queensland Caravan Parks Directory flags pet-friendly parks clearly. Be sure to double-check the listing and call ahead, policies can change.

3. Be a Responsible Guest

A pet-friendly park is a privilege, not a guarantee, so it’s important to be a good neighbour. Keep your pet on a lead at all times unless in a designated off-leash area. Always clean up after them, and try to keep barking or noise to a minimum, especially in the early mornings or evenings.

If you’re heading out for the day and your pet can’t come, don’t leave them alone in a hot van or cabin. Look for local pet-sitters, boarding kennels or doggy day care options nearby.

pet-friendly caravan parks qld
Sentimenatal Rocks – Credit TEQ

4. Think Like a Pet

Just like us, pets can get overwhelmed in new environments. Give them time to settle in when you arrive at a new park. Set up a consistent spot for their food, water, and bedding, and try to keep feeding and walking routines regular.

Don’t forget to let your pet stretch their legs often, whether it’s a short bushwalk, a beach run (where allowed), or a game of fetch at the park. Tired pets are happy pets.

5. Discover Pet-Friendly Adventures

Queensland is packed with places that welcome both two-legged and four-legged travellers. Many national parks, country pubs, walking trails and markets allow pets on leads. Some even have dog-friendly cafés or special events.

Ask the park manager for local tips, they’ll often know the best pet-friendly beaches, walking tracks or cafés nearby.

travel with pets qld
The Ginger Factory – Credit TEQ

Looking for pet-friendly things to do while you’re on the road? Here’s a list of dog-welcoming experiences around Queensland that both humans and hounds will love.

Beach Runs:
  • Pallarenda (Townsville): Long off-leash stretches.
  • Sunshine Beach (Noosa): Off-leash north end.
  • Grey Street (Southport): Off-leash before 8 am & after 4 pm.
Scenic Walks:
  • Jubilee Park (Toowoomba): Bush trails & creeks.
  • Hervey Bay Esplanade: Coastal path with sniff stops.
  • Redcliffe Walkway: Foreshore views & cafés.

pet-friendly caravan parks qld
Binna Burra Lodge – Credit TEQ
Camping & Day Trips:
  • Leslie Dam: Pet-friendly camping & swims.
  • Lake Tinaroo: Trails & open space.
  • Carnarvon Gorge: Nearby pet-welcoming stays.
Pit Stops:
  • Rusty’s Markets (Cairns) & Eumundi Markets: Dogs on-lead welcome.
  • Many country pubs offer outdoor dining for pups.
Extras:
  • Hughenden Dog Park: Fenced off-leash fun.
  • Dog wash stations: Common at Roma, Charleville & other parks.

pet-friendly travel
Ipswich Caravan Village

Every Pawprint Counts

Travelling with pets adds a special kind of joy to the journey. The tail wags. The sandy paws. The evening cuddles after a big day exploring. With the right planning and a bit of courtesy, pets and parks go perfectly together.

So, if your next adventure includes a furry co-pilot, rest assured, there are plenty of places across Queensland ready to welcome you both with open arms (and maybe a treat or two).

Planning a pet-friendly getaway? Use the Explore Queensland Caravan Parks Directory find your next stay.

Did you know that if you take a camping holiday between October 1st and February 28th, you could win a shot at one million dollars? The further you travel, the more entries you can get! Find out more!

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