Long Weekend Escapes Pet-Friendly

Long weekends are the perfect time for a mini escape. Here are some top recommendations to enjoy a pet-friendly long weekend close to the city.

Blue Mountains, NSW

The Blue Mountains is a breathtaking must-see location in Australia. It is roughly 1.5 hour’s drive from Sydney and there plenty to do when escaping for the long weekend with your dog.

Much of the mountains are National Park, which means strictly no dogs, but there is still plenty to do on a long weekend with your pet.

• Echo Point Lookout: Views of the Three Sisters.
• South Lawson Waterfall Loop: Pet-friendly walk to Cataract Falls. An easy 2.7km for you and pup.
• Campbell Rhododendron Gardens: Beautiful to visit in Autuym but open all year round. Note dogs must be on a lead at all times.
• Cafe 2773: Located in Glenbrook, this is a great little cafe that has plenty of room outdoors for your all to dine. They often have live music on the weekend. It’s a great spot for everyone.

PET-FRIENDLY ACCOMMODATION BLUE MOUNTAINS >>

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Jervis Bay, NSW

Jervis Bay has some of the most spectacular white beaches, with many of them dog friendly. It is located around 2.5 hours south of Sydney on the South Coast of NSW and a great option for getting away over a long weekend for a pet-friendly holiday.

While visiting, here are some pet-friendly places that are a must to visit.

• Huskisson Beach; Dogs allowed off lead during set hours. Visit Shoalhaven City Council website for the most up-to-date information.
• Hyams Beach: Dogs allowed all year round but must be on lead. This is one of the most famous beaches in the area, for its pristine white sand.
• Jervis Bay Brewing Co: If you like a cold beer on holidays, this is the place to visit. They do a great range of boutique beers with a beer garden that is dog-friendly.
• Whale watching: Jervis Bay is a famous spot for heading out to spot whales as they migrate. There is a lovely walk called the Wreck Walk that has views of the wreck of the S.S. Merimbula and you may be lucky to spot some.

PET-FRIENDLY ACCOMMODATION SOUTH COAST NSW >>

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Dundee Beach, NT

This is a bit of a secret spot in the NT. Dundee Beach is a must visit if you love all things beach and water sports. It is roughly a 1 hour drive from Darwin.

While you visit with your dog, there are a few things you can do.

• Dog walking along Dundee Beach, which is off lead. Enjoy it at any time of day, but the NT sunsets are particularly beautiful.
• The Lodge of Dundee is a popular spot for meals a drink, topping up with fuel, essentials or bait.
• Another eating option is Sunset Palms. It is a little further out but does food all day, every day.
• Fishing is a popular activity in the area. There is a large boat ramp at The Lodge and plenty of Barramundi to be caught.
• There is a lot of wildlife

PET-FRIENDLY ACCOMMODATION NT >>

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Sunshine Coast, QLD

For those dogs that love the beach, the Sunshine Coast delivers. But, there is more to the Sunshine Coast than just sea, sand and sunshine. Consider this for your next long weekend pet-friendly getaway

For beaches, the best thing to reference is the Noosa Council Website. This has the most up to date information. But here are the highlights.

• Noosa Spit: dogs are allowed off-lead on the entire spit leading to the Noosa River and the beaches on either side.
• Noosa Doggy Beach: on the northern side of the river, this is one of the most popular spots.

When the weather is nice all year, visitors can make the most of outdoor dining, which is perfect for your dog. There are plenty of places to choose from. These are some of our favourites:

• Concept.coffee: on the boardwalk at the Riverside Centre in Maleny. A great spot for excellent coffee and plenty of outdoor seating for you and the dog.
• The Velo Project: really dog friendly and they even have a dog menu! Located in Mooloolaba.
• Malt Shovel Taphouse: great local beers and outdoor dining that is all dog friendly.
• Sunshine & Sons: this is a dog friendly distillery in Woombye. Try some delicious craft spirits and your dog is welcome everywhere.

PET-FRIENDLY ACCOMMODATION SUNSHINE COAST QLD >>

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Fleurieu Peninsula, SA

If you live in Adelaide, the Fleurieu Peninsula is around a 1 hour drive and perfect for a long weekend with your dog.

• Normanville/Carrickalinga Beaches are off-lead between 200 meters north of Normanville Jetty (Lacham Street access) to the southern side of Carrickalinga river estuary. Find out more about the other dog-friendly beaches in the area here.
• Local council provide poo bags in the area that are totally compostable.
• Normanville Kiosk and Cafe is right on the beach and the perfect place to get your morning coffee before a walk.
• Just a 15 minutes drive away is a brewery called Smiling Samoyed Brewery. It is so dog friendly, they name it after their dog!
• If you’d prefer to visit a winery there are plenty to choose from in the area. McClaren Vale is around 40 minutes from Normanville. Alpha Box and Dice is one of our favourites as they welcome dogs into the cellar door and have a little treat for your dogs. View all the pet friendly wineries in the area here.

PET-FRIENDLY ACCOMMODATION FLEURIEU PENINSULA SA >>

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Mornington Peninsula, VIC

The Mornington Peninsula has long been a favourite jaunt for Melbournians. It offers beach, wineries, restaurants, Hot Springs, shopping and more. Plus, plenty to do with your dog.

• Safety Beach: There are a lot of dog-friendly beaches on the peninsula, but many have restrictions. This is one of the few that is 100% off lead all year round. Visit the Mornington Peninsula Shire website for the most up to date rules.
• Camerons Bight Dog Off Leash Area: Located on Blairgowrie Beach it is off lead all year except midday to 7 pm, 25 December to 1 March.
• Green Olive at Red Hill: An Olive Farm in the heart of Red Hill. Dogs are welcome in the outdoor seating area, which is weatherproof for the colder months. Grab a meal and a glass of wine with some fresh bread and Extra Virgin Olive Oil on the side.
• Millionaires Walk: A cliff-top walk between Sorrento and Portsea along the cliff-top. Enjoy the views on one side and beautiful homes on the other.

PET-FRIENDLY ACCOMMODATION MORNINGTON PENINSULA VIC >>

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Phillip Island, VIC

If you live in Victoria and have a dog, then a get-away to Phillip Island is a must!  It is a really pet-friendly spot and perfect for a long weekend getaway.

• If you are interested in beaches, the Phillip Island Dog Brochure provides descriptions, a map and everything else you need to know about walking your dog on Phillip Island. download the map HERE.
• Ocean Reach Brewing – Pets are welcome and you can sit and enjoy a local cold beer and a mouth-watering burger together!
• Isola Di Capri Restaurant and Gelataria – the verandah is the perfect spot for you and pooch to enjoy ocean views and authentic Italian dishes.  Alternatively, pop into the gelataria for a coffee or gelati and continue to stroll the Cowes main street or onto the beach.
• Phillip Island Winery – offers a stunning outdoor area where you and your pet can admire rural views, enjoy a cheese platter or meal and taste some of the region’s best wines. 
• Purple Hen Winery – offers another picturesque location where you can take in the water views over a glass of local pinot with your pooch! 

PET-FRIENDLY ACCOMMODATION PHILLIP ISLAND VIC >>

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Margaret River, WA

There is plenty to do in the Margaret River if you have a three day long weekend and want to get away with the dog.

• Smith’s Beach: Beautiful beach with crystal clear waters and dog friendly.
• Geographe Bay: Dogs are welcome on 7km of the shoreline from west of the jetty foreshore all the way to Holgate Road. Check City of Busselton website for the most up to date information.
• Geographe Path: A long walk that you can do in sections that spans from Busselton to Dunsborough. The views are spectacular.
• Grape Escape South West Wine Tours: These guys love dogs and will take you on a wonderful wine tour of the Margaret River with the dogs. While you’re tasting, they are making sure your pooches are being spoilt.
• Flametree Wines: A beautiful spot that is pet and family frindly.

PET-FRIENDLY ACCOMMODATION MARGARET RIVER WA >>

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