Thinking about heading off on a holiday but you don't want to leave your pet behind? Well, you don't have to! There's a whole bunch of accommodation options that offer pet-friendly getaways. Here are just a few.
Queensland
Sunrise on the beach – sunset on the lake
The pet-friendly welcome mat is out for dogs at the award-winning Lake Weyba Cottages, just 15 minutes from Noosa Heads. With 20 acres of stunning gardens and lagoons, there are so many things to do around the property and in the surrounding area. Peregian Beach has special dog-walking trails open all year and nearby Noosa has many off-leash parks, cafes and restaurants where dogs are more than welcome.
New South Wales
100 acres at the foothills of the Blue Mountains
Nestled in the Wollemi National Park just 130 km north-west of Sydney, Kurrajong Trails and Cottages is the perfect place to relax and get back to nature. The property features four self-contained cottages each sleeping six people, and furry companions, in comfort. There are plenty of scenic walking tracks to discover, and you can even BYO horse!
Australian Capital Territory
Creature comforts in Canberra
If you're travelling with your pet to the nation's capital, you should check out the Pampered Pooch Special at the Mercure Canberra. Not only are dogs welcome, they get their own private, enclosed garden to enjoy, special bedding, a food bowl and a special take-home treat. There are a number of parks nearby to explore, including the stunning Mt Majura nature reserve.
Victoria
Lazing about at Lavender Farm
Want to explore the Yarra Valley? Lavender Farm features a spacious three-bedroom farmhouse just an hour's drive from Melbourne and five minutes from Healesville. Set on thirteen acres overlooking the Yarra Valley, the kids (the furry ones too) can explore the grounds, pick lemons from the orchard and even help feed the chickens. Babysitting is also available on notice.
Tasmania
Find your bliss in Boat Harbour Beach
You won't want to leave the stunning "At Sea" at Boat Harbour Beach, which is a small township perched on the ocean's edge on the north-west coast of Tasmania. Every room in this spacious modern home has a view of the sea and pets are very welcome. Sit on the deck and enjoy the spectacular view or take a quick stroll to the beach below and explore the rock pools. If the weather doesn't co-operate the kids will be kept happy with superfast internet and Netflix.
South Australia
Ever wanted to be a riverboat captain?
If you're looking for a pet-friendly experience that's a little different, this may be just the ticket. The PS Federal is an old paddle boat that has made the Fleurieu Peninsula its permanent home. Resting on the banks of the Murray River, the steamer (which was built in 1902) sits adjacent to a bird sanctuary and is just a quick stroll from Goolwa Beach and what the locals say are the best fish burgers around.
Western Australia
Get back to nature at Gnylmarung Retreat
If your plan is to witness the beauty of an outback sunset, camping at Gnylmarung Retreat should be at the top of your list of pet-friendly things to do in WA. This remote site, 150 km north of Broome at Beagle Bay, offers only twenty campsites surrounded by lush vegetation and overlooking a secluded beach. Time your trip right and you can spot humpback whales and their calves on their annual migration.
Northern Territory
Take a trip to the tropics
Hacienda is a spacious, dog-friendly tropical villa that is just a stone's throw from the Darwin CBD. It's a two-storey family home that has all the mod cons necessary for a relaxing and enjoyable time away. Most council reserves, parks and beaches in Darwin are off-leash, which gives you and your pet plenty of opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors. Definitely check out the obstacles at Marlow Lagoon Pet Park and take some time to explore the monsoon forest and savannah woodlands of Holmes Jungle Nature Park.