Pet-friendly Caravan Parks

Pet-friendly caravan parks: The best places to stay with your furry travel buddy

Australia’s roads are made for roaming, and more of us than ever are choosing to share the adventure with our pets. After all, they’re part of the family too.

And that’s where things are looking up—more caravan parks across Australia are opening their gates to paws, tails and the occasional meow. Not just allowing pets, but truly welcoming them with space to roam, thoughtful amenities, and yes, even with the occasional treat at check-in!

From beachside escapes to bushland retreats, the options for pet-friendly stays are growing fast. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a lap of the map, here’s how to find caravan parks that cater to pet-loving travellers.

What makes a caravan park pet-friendly?

Some caravan parks say ‘pets allowed’ like they’re doing you a favour. But with rules so strict, it’s clear they’re not exactly thrilled about it. Other parks, by contrast, genuinely welcome your furry friends with shady spots to nap, hydro baths for sandy paws, and plenty of space to roam.

That’s the difference between simply allowing pets and actually being pet-friendly.

So how can you tell the difference before you pull in and set up? Here’s what to look for in a park that’s genuinely geared for travelling with pets:

• They welcome pets across a range of site types. A pet-friendly park won’t limit you to one corner of the campground. Look for parks that allow pets on powered, unpowered and (ideally) select cabin sites too.
• There’s space for your pet to move. Whether it’s an off-leash dog area, a fenced run or easy access to walking trails or beaches, your pet should have room to stretch, sniff and burn off energy safely.
• Facilities set up with pets in mind. Parks that go beyond the basics, offering dog-wash stations, water bowls or shady rest spots, are a strong sign they actually want pets there.
• Rules are clear, reasonable and pet-specific. Look for simple guidelines like leash requirements, quiet hours and check-in processes for pets. These keep everyone safe and happy, without feeling like a list of don’ts. 

Benefits of travelling Australia with your pet

There’s something uniquely rewarding about exploring Australia with your pet by your side. Every track you wander, every beach you discover, it all becomes part of a shared story.

And if you’ve ever watched your dog gallop across an empty stretch of sand or poke their nose into a bush track with uncontainable excitement, you’ll know exactly what we mean.

Taking your pet on the road isn’t just doable. It comes with a whole range of upsides:

• It encourages you to explore the road less travelled. When you travel Australia with your pet, you quickly realise that many of the most popular tourist spots and National Parks aren’t always pet-friendly. This means you naturally start seeking out the hidden gems, the quieter beaches, charming country towns, and off-the-beaten-track campsites where pets are welcome. Travelling with your pet opens up opportunities to discover places you might otherwise overlook, leading to a richer, more unique experience of Australia.
• It saves on kennel/cattery costs (and heartache). Let’s face it, leaving your pet behind is really tough. Taking them with you avoids the stress, guilt, and the added expense of boarding.
• It opens the door to new friendships. Dogs have a way of starting conversations. A walk through the caravan park can quickly turn into shared travel tips, yarns around the campfire, and new mates made along the way.

Tips for travelling with pets in a caravan

Bringing your pet along on the road takes a bit of extra planning. But it’s one of those small efforts that pays off in a big way. With the right setup and a few smart habits, travelling with your furry companion can be smooth, safe and incredibly enjoyable.

Here’s how to make the journey easier for both of you:

• Call ahead to confirm pet policies. Just because a park was pet-friendly last year doesn’t mean it still is. Policies can shift with new management or seasonal changes, so it’s always worth a quick phone call before you arrive.
• Pack for comfort and convenience. Having the essentials close at hand makes life simpler. Think water bowls, leads, bedding, shade, toys and waste bags. Remember, it’s better to be over-prepared than caught out (there’s nothing worse than arriving at a remote campsite and realising you’ve forgotten your dog’s bowl or bed).
• Stay up to date with health needs. Before heading off, check that vaccinations, tick and flea treatments, and any medications are sorted. Travelling through different regions means different conditions, and prevention is always easier (and far cheaper!) than treatment – especially on the road.
• Choose a caravan layout that suits your pet. Think about where they’ll sleep, how easily they can get in and out, and whether they’ve got space to stretch out.

Many Wonderland RV owners customise their vans with open floor plans and smart storage solutions that keep everyone comfortable—paws included. Talk to our friendly sales team about pet friendly custom layouts that are made specifically for your furry friends.

Top pet-friendly caravan parks by region

Some parks make travelling with pets easy, going the extra distance to make your tail-wagging travel buddy feel right at home.

Whether you’re heading up the coast, across the Nullarbor, or down to Tassie, here’s a round-up of parks that truly deliver when it comes to comfort, convenience, and space for your pet to roam.

Queensland

• BIG4 Gold Coast Holiday Park: One of the most well-equipped pet-friendly parks in the state, with a dedicated off-leash play area, hydro bath, and even dog agility equipment.
• NRMA Palm Cove Holiday Park: Positioned between Queensland’s tropical rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef, this laid-back park offers direct access to dog-friendly beaches and gorgeous walking tracks.

New South Wales

• Reflections Holiday Parks Evans Head: A peaceful stay with easy access to pet-friendly beaches and plenty of shade for lazy afternoon naps.
• Ingenia Holidays South West Rocks: Offers pet-friendly cabins, spacious sites and loads of green space for daily strolls.

Victoria

• BIG4 Yarra Valley Park Lane Holiday Park: A perfect mix of vineyard country charm and pet-friendly perks, including a fenced dog run and scenic walking trails.
• Lakes Beachfront Holiday Park: Just a stone throw from Ninety Mile Beach, this park is amazing for dogs who love a good run on the sand.

South Australia

• Adelaide Shores Caravan Park: Close to the coast with pet-friendly powered sites and walking paths right on your doorstep.
• Moonta Bay Caravan Park: A relaxed, seaside base with easy access to the dog-welcoming stretches of the Copper Coast.

Western Australia

• RAC Exmouth Cape Holiday Park: Pet-friendly and perfectly positioned for nature lovers, with trails and snorkel spots nearby.
• Esperance Bay Holiday Park: A quiet, coastal gem with dog-friendly beaches just a short stroll away.

Tasmania

• BIG4 Ulverstone Holiday Park: Welcoming to pets and located alongside scenic river trails, fantastic for daily walks.
• Discovery Parks – Hobart: Offers designated pet areas and easy access to dog-friendly cafés and green spaces in the city.

Northern Territory

• Hidden Valley Holiday Park (Darwin): Surrounded by tropical greenery and close to off-lead areas and nature reserves.
• G’day Parks (Various NT locations): With locations across the Territory, several G’day Parks welcome pets and offer easy access to nearby walking trails or nature reserves. Just check ahead, as facilities and policies can vary between parks.

Pet etiquette while staying in caravan parks

Pet-friendly caravan parks are a privilege, not a right, and a little courtesy goes a long way in keeping them open and welcoming for all of us travelling with our furry companions.

Here’s how to be a considerate traveller when your four-legged mate is along for the ride:

• Always clean up after your pet. Carry waste bags, use the bins provided, and leave every spot better than you found it.
• Keep pets on a lead unless otherwise stated. Even if your dog’s friendly, not everyone else’s is—and not everyone’s a dog person.
• Don’t leave pets unattended at your site. New surroundings can be stressful, and barking (or digging) can quickly turn into a nuisance.
• Stick to park rules and respect boundaries. That includes steering clear of pools, camp kitchens and communal areas where pets aren’t allowed.

Planning resources & finding more parks

With so many pet-friendly caravan parks across Australia, the hardest part is often narrowing it down. Thankfully, there are some great tools out there to help you plan ahead and travel with confidence.

• WikiCamps App: Use the pet-friendly filter to find dog-welcoming parks, free camps, and rest areas across the country.
• PetFriendly.com.au: A dedicated online directory with listings for caravan parks, accommodation, cafés and attractions that welcome pets.
• Facebook groups and caravan forums: Other travellers are often the best source for honest, up-to-date advice on where to stay with your pet.

Travelling with pets: A whole new way to explore

More than ever, Australian roads and caravan parks are ready to welcome your entire pack—furry family members included!

And when you’re travelling in a caravan that’s built for your lifestyle, like a custom-designed Wonderland RV, it becomes less about logistics and more about enjoying shared experiences.

So pack the lead, bring the treats and hit the road together. Because every tail wag, every muddy pawprint, every sunset stroll—it all adds up to a journey you’ll never forget.