Travelling with Your Dog This Christmas: A Complete Guide for Adventurers in Australia

 

The Christmas break is the perfect opportunity to hit the road and explore Australia’s breathtaking landscapes with your pet's by your side. Whether you’re dreaming of sandy beaches, lush forests, or cozy glamping retreats, sharing the adventure with your dog makes it all the more special.

But let’s be real—travelling with a dog isn’t as simple as throwing their favourite toy and blanket into the car. Keeping your pup happy, safe, and well-fed on the go takes a little extra planning. From navigating dog-friendly locations to ensuring their comfort in new environments, there’s a lot to consider.

One of the biggest challenges? Maintaining their diet. Switching foods mid-trip can upset their stomach, and finding fresh or raw food options while travelling isn’t favourite ways easy. Add in the Australian heat and the need for safe food storage—especially if you’re camping or glamping without a fridge—and it can start to feel a bit overwhelming.

The good news? With a little preparation and a few clever travel hacks, you can kiss travel anxiety goodbye and make your holiday plans stress-free for both you and your pup.

Quick Tips!

To make every trip a success, preparation is key. Here’s what’s always on my dog travel checklist:

• Comfort items: My pup's favourite blanket, familiar bed and squeaky toy keep him relaxed in new environments.

• Travel bowls: Lightweight, collapsible options for easy feeding and hydration.

• Safety Kit: Don’t forget your pup’s medications and any must-have preventatives like flea and tick treatments (because no one wants uninvited guests on the trip!). And for extra peace of mind, slap on an AirTag collar—because even the best explorers can sometimes wander off!

• Clean-Up Supplies: Waste bags for picking up after your pup & wet wipes for quick clean up.

• Nutritious meals: Convenient, healthy feeding while traveling.

 

The Ideal Dog-Friendly Trip in Australia

After nailing the essentials with your travel prep, it’s time to dive into the fun part—planning the ultimate dog-friendly adventure! Here are some of our favourite pet-friendly spots that we think are perfect for making the most of your Christmas holiday with your dog:

Camping with Your Dog

Australia’s campgrounds are often dog-friendly, but it’s essential to check if the one you choose has amenities like dog parks or off-leash areas. Bring Frontier Pets’ freeze-dried raw food to save space and avoid spoilage, especially if you’re camping without a fridge. Pack collapsible food and water bowls for ease and comfort.

Featuring dog-friendly camping spot per Australian state:

State	Camping Spot	Description
Queensland	Noosa North Shore	Coastal paradise with sprawling beaches, ideal for 4WD and beach lovers.
New South Wales	Pebbly Beach	Coastal camping with friendly kangaroos, hiking trails, and dog-friendly spaces.
Victoria	Otway National Park	Lush rainforests and coastal views are perfect for exploring with your canine companion.
South Australia	Belair National Park	Close to Adelaide, offering bushwalking and wildlife spotting, dog-friendly areas.
Western Australia	Lucky Bay	White sand beaches and turquoise waters, are great for beach camping with dogs.

When camping with your dog, always check if the campsite has secure fencing or consider bringing your portable pet playpen. This keeps your pup safe from wandering off or encountering local wildlife while giving them space to relax and explore in a controlled area. Peace of mind for you, freedom for them!

 

Glamping Under the Stars

For those who want a touch of luxury, glamping with your dog is a perfect option. Choose pet-friendly glamping sites that offer pet beds and even dedicated dog areas.

Here are some great pet-friendly accommodation options across Australia, available on Airbnb and other platforms:

Treehaus: Luxe Sunny Coast Private Bush Retreat, Queensland
Located in Valdora on the Sunshine Coast, this tranquil glamping site offers beautiful bushland and farmland views. It’s a short drive from Coolum Beach and is perfect for a peaceful getaway with your dog​ (Airbnb).

 

Poppy’s Getaway Dome, Victoria
Nestled in the Dandenong Ranges, this cozy dome is perfect for a romantic escape or peaceful retreat. It features a deck with BBQ facilities and stunning views, making it great for a getaway with your dog ​(Jones Around The World).

 

Turon Gates, New South Wales
Located near the Blue Mountains, Turon Gates offers glamping tents in a 6,000-acre property with pristine streams and scenic mountain views. It's an excellent dog-friendly option where you can enjoy nature, bushwalking, and canoeing (turongates).

 

The Love Shack at Balnarring Beach, Victoria
Just a couple of minutes' walk to the beach, this charming cabin offers the perfect dog-friendly coastal getaway with a wood heater, outdoor shower, and BBQ area ​(
Jones Around The World) ​(Airbnb).

These glamping options provide a mix of beach, bush, and luxury experiences that your dog is welcome to join!

 

Hotel Stays with Canine Companions

If you love the comfort of a hotel but don’t want to leave your pup behind, plenty of pet-friendly accommodations make it easy to travel in style with your canine companion. These hotels don’t just tolerate pets—they welcome them with open arms (and wagging tails)!

Here are some standout options in Brisbane and Queensland:

1. Ovolo Hotel, Fortitude Valley | Pet-Friendly VIP Pooch Deal

Ovolo goes above and beyond to pamper your pooch. Their VIP Pooch package includes:

• Frontier Pets dog treats waiting for your furry friend.

• A mealtime mat, food and water bowls for stress-free dining.

• A super comfy dog bed.

• A fun toy for your dog to take home (because who doesn’t love a souvenir?).

This boutique hotel blends style and comfort, ensuring you and your pup enjoy a luxury stay together.

 

2. QT, Gold Coast | Fur-Friendly Stays at QT

QT’s Pup Yeah! package brings a playful, indulgent experience for dogs under 20kg. Perks include:

• Designer doggy beds for ultimate snoozing comfort.

• A decadent treat on arrival for your fur baby.

• A minibar stocked with pet-friendly snacks.

• An exclusive in-room dog dining menu designed by QT’s "Head of Treats."

It’s the perfect mix of fun and luxury for a memorable getaway with your furry best friend.

 

3. W Brisbane, Brisbane City | P.A.W. (Pets Are Welcome)

W Brisbane offers pet-friendly rooms that redefine indulgence. With their P.A.W. package, your pet gets:

• Plush pet beds and toys to keep them entertained.

• Treats and food/water bowls ready for mealtime.

• Extras like clean-up bags, wee pads, and local pet information.

• Cat-friendly inclusions like a litter box and litter.

While your pup relaxes with river views, you can unwind by the poolside bar. Note: A daily pet fee and cleaning fee apply, and pets are not allowed in restaurants or bars.

Tips for Traveling with Your Dog

1. Plan Ahead: Research dog-friendly destinations, accommodations, and activities before you go.
2. Stick to Their Routine: Maintaining your dog’s feeding schedule and diet helps them stay happy and healthy on the road. Make sure they get toilet break if you're on a long road trip.
3. Pack Smart: Bring essentials like food, water, toys, seat belt, and any medications your dog may need.
4. Prepare for the Elements: Whether it’s hot or cold, pack items like cooling mats or jackets to keep your pup comfortable this festive season.

 

Plan the Perfect Trip with Frontier Pets by Your Side

This Christmas, give your pet quality time and yourself the gift of peace of mind while travelling with your dog. Make Frontier Pets a staple in your travel bag and ensure that your four-legged companion enjoys the holiday season as much as you do. Wherever you’re headed—be it a scenic campground, a glamping retreat, or a luxury hotel—your dog’s health, diet, and happiness will be covered.

No matter where you stay, feeding your dog on the go is a breeze with Frontier Pets’ freeze-dried raw food. Lightweight, compact, and easy to prepare, it ensures your dog enjoys a healthy, delicious meal—without the hassle of refrigeration or meal prep.

With these hotel options and Frontier Pets in your pet travel bag, you can treat yourself and your dog to a holiday that’s as enjoyable as it is luxurious.

FYI: If you're heading overseas this Christmas and can't bring your dog along, consider hiring a pet sitter. Opt for a freeze-dried meal plan so your pet sitter will have no trouble keeping your dog well-fed and happy while you're away—just add water, and it's ready to go! Both you and your sitter can relax knowing your pup's diet is taken care of.