Dogs make great travel companions as long as they’re used to traveling and sleeping in unfamiliar environments. Make sure your canine friend is either crate trained or safely restrained before setting out on their journey, and stop every couple of hours to let him stretch his legs and stretch them out!
Be mindful that some national parks impose strict pet restrictions and use sodium Fluoroacetate (1080 bait) in bushland and reserves, which could prove fatal for any animals who mistakenly consume it.
1. Sea Cliff Bridge
Have you experienced traveling with your dog? If so, then you understand the importance of keeping their health and happiness top of mind while on a road trip. Australia offers numerous pet-friendly road trips – make the journey memorable by enjoying luxurious farmstays, boutique wineries, dog-friendly restaurants and stunning beaches together!
If the coastal scenery of New South Wales doesn’t captivate you enough, make your way south along the Grand Pacific Drive for an incredible road trip. This route hugs the coast while passing by picturesque national parks and beaches – perfect for anyone interested in surfing, hiking, coastal nostalgia and coastal nostalgia!
The Sea Cliff Bridge is an iconic feature of Grand Pacific Drive, built in 2005 to replace a dangerously eroding section. Aptly named, its floating off the coastline design has made headlines and Instagram feeds worldwide, while car advertisements and travel photographer Instagram accounts regularly showcase it as their subject matter. You can reach it via car or train. Ideally visit it first thing in the morning for stunning sunrise photography as well as long exposure photography of cars driving across its spans.
As you drive south along the Grand Pacific Drive, stop in Wollongong to stretch your legs with a beach walk along McCauleys Beach in Wollongong. Here, your pup can have an invigorating swim in McCauleys Creek while you take advantage of pet-friendly accommodation, cafes and parks nearby.
While in Port Kembla, don’t miss the unique Breakwater Battery Museum – an important former military site renowned for its artifacts from World War I that will leave visitors fascinated and impressed. Experience memories from days gone by at its boat sheds that recall beach life with greatness!
Alternately, drive out to the Shoalhaven region for an enjoyable road trip. Ulladulla is a popular spot among pet owners as it features dog-friendly hotels, motels, parks and two 24 hour off-leash beaches. Dine on Indian food next to Sri Venkateswara Temple while your furry companion explores Symbio Wildlife Park!
2. The Three Sisters
Road trips offer the ideal opportunity to discover Australia’s diverse landscapes, with beautiful dog-friendly beaches, national parks and charming towns just waiting to be discovered. However, keep in mind that not all dogs enjoy long drives; your furry companion may require time to adjust when away from their usual routine.
Compare the Market has recently conducted extensive analysis on some of Australia’s most popular road trips in order to assess their suitability for pet parents with their pups. Criteria such as being pet-friendly, accommodation options and dining/drinking spots were considered, with results showing which trips will allow your whole family to have an exciting and stress-free adventure this Summer.
As a quick day trip from Sydney, head out to Blue Mountains National Park’s Three Sisters for an enjoyable outing. These spectacular rock formations can be found surrounded by lush, green sandstone cliffs and dense forest. This natural phenomenon was formed over 200 million years ago during Triassic period when this area was covered in swampy bog.
To experience The Three Sisters at its best, plan your visit during sunset when the sun is low and its rays shine upon their cliffs – it will leave you speechless! After exploring The Three Sisters, stroll to Little Austinmer Beach for some off-leash fun amidst sea breeze and rolling waves as they crash onto its shores.
When the time comes for food and drinks, there are plenty of great pet-friendly restaurants and pubs nearby – such as The Grounds on Sydney Harbour with its large outdoor dining area for pets; Frenchy’s Cafe serving French-style food; The Newport waterfront pub providing drinks and dining; all offering pet-friendly environments!
3. Kiama Blowhole
Kiama is an inviting seaside town boasting impressive geological wonders. The “Big Blowhole”, with its powerful stream of water ejection, gives Kiama its name – known as “where the sea makes noise”. Additionally, there are other geological marvels and beautiful beaches along the 20km Kiama Coast Walk to experience!
Not up for the full trek? Take advantage of one of the area’s free off-leash dog parks instead, such as Speers Point Dog Exercise Area on Tingira Crescent which is about an hour and 45 minute drive north from Sydney.
As well as dog parks, Kiama Blowhole also boasts plenty of pet-friendly accommodation options nearby. There are hotels located nearby in coastal towns Minnamurra and Gerringong; both within easy walking distance to Kiama Blowhole. You may also wish to head further inland towards historic towns like Berry or Kangaroo Valley where there are more lodgings that accept pets.
Kiama Blowhole is at its most breathtaking during spring and summer when sea spray blasts up from within its hole, as waves crash upon rocks and sand. You can watch as seawater streams through, while listening to its thunderous roar against rocks and sand.
Kiama Harbour has been captivating visitors for more than 100 years. British surgeon and Australian explorer George Bass first noticed it while anchoring his boat in what would later become Kiama Harbour in 1797. Since then, tourists have come from near and far to witness this breathtaking scene while strolling along its beach and boardwalk.
The Blowhole is formed through erosion of softer rock strata that forms an opening in a cliff-face. When waves from the south push against it, ocean currents push upward through this opening and cause it to whoosh up with spectacular heights causing it to whoosh away with spectacular force.
The Blowhole is a popular tourist attraction that can become very crowded during peak times. To avoid the crowds and find more peace when visiting, go during a quieter time of day or during off-peak season. Climb the top of a nearby cliff to gain a different perspective of this natural phenomenon!
4. The Central Coast
Undertaking a coastal road trip around New South Wales with your pup in tow can only bring happiness. From amazing dog beaches and national parks, to charming towns, it is the ideal way to see all that NSW has to offer with them as companions.
Start off your New South Wales road trip right and experience Sydney’s eastern coastline, from its weathered sandstone rock formations, far-reaching ocean views, quiet inlets inviting swimming or dog walking and scenic cliff-top viewpoints to inlets where seals and whales breaching can be seen from a distance, plus preserved Aboriginal rock art pieces scattered along its length. Bondi Beach to Coogee coastal path is especially rewarding – featuring scenic cliff top viewpoints, wide open inlets where seals and whales breach in distant distance, preserved Aboriginal rock art pieces along its route and delightful coastal path runs alongside Bondi Beach to Coogee for further enjoyment!
At that point, you’ll head north towards the Central Coast – an enchanting region characterized by stunning beaches and bushland. Soldiers Beach and Norah Head beaches in particular are dog-friendly, providing plenty of room for them to run and play on either sand or rocks below the lighthouse. If the weather doesn’t permit a beach outing, drive further north until Strickland State Forest where trails surrounded by towering red cedars and eucalypts can be explored or cross a photogenic suspension bridge!
If you’re staying on the Central Coast, there are also a variety of fantastic pet-friendly restaurants and cafes available to choose from. Frenchy’s Cafe in Moora stands out with its spacious outdoor area offering beautiful harbour and parkland views; The Greens in North Sydney is another cosy dining and drinking spot tucked into an old bowling club, while Newport, located nearby Pittwater offers spacious living quarters ideal for dogs as well as breathtaking waterfront views.
Make the most of your NSW road trip with pets by understanding public transport options. While most trains and buses do not accept dogs, private Palm Beach Ferries operate regularly between Pittwater and Ettalong and allow confined pets as per driver discretion; taxis and Uber also offer “Uber Pet” options with slightly higher rates.