Introduction

This web site is for all Caravan, Campervan and Motorhome travelers throughout Australia but particularly those who choose to travel without leaving a family member behind, namely their dog.

Unfortunately, we have restrictions placed upon us as to where we can and cannot take our dogs. We need to be aware of these restrictions and how to compensate for them.

Understandably we are barred from all National Parks, Conservation Parks and also many caravan parks and local council parks, but fortunately we are still welcomed in State Forests (particularly NSW and Victoria) and some caravan parks and council facilities.

NSW Forestry Dept deserves a special mention for their attitude towards recreational use of their State Forests, particularly in relation to camping and dogs. The following is an extract from their web site.
"State forests provide many established camping areas. Some contain space for a number of tents or caravans, water supplies, fireplaces and toilet facilities. These sites are free and they cannot be reserved in advance."
"Dogs are permitted on State forests but must be under control."

Unfortunately Queenslands Forestry Dept is not so obliging, particularly in relation to dogs where they list only six State Forests where you can camp with your dog. The following is an extract from their web site.
"Unless prohibited by signage dogs restrained on a leash or lead are allowed on State forests but are excluded from most State forest campgrounds and may not remain on the State forest overnight."
"If you want to camp on a State forest, you must obtain a camping permit."

We will try, with your participation, to compile a list of worthwhile dog friendly locations, with as much detail as possible, which will be published on this web site.

An excellent source of dog friendly locations is 'Holidaying with Dogs' published by 'Life. Be in it' and available from most news agents.
It is not our intention to compete with this excellent publication but rather complement it and concentrate more on great places that do not tax the budget.

Many, if not most of these places are far better in terms of peace, tranquility and beauty than any caravan park could ever hope to be and most are completely free.
Photographs of many of these locations will be included, space permitting.
(See 'Destinations' page.)

Once you have attained the necessary degree of self-sufficiency you will prefer the alternative to caravan parks as we now do.

We average only one, maybe two nights per week in a caravan park (to  replenish supplies) and the rest of the time . . . . beside a creek somewhere.

But please don't litter and only empty your sullage tank at designated dumping points - the saying "take only photos and leave only footprints" is worth remembering.
Once you leave your campsite, no one should ever know you have even been there.

In our personal list of the top 10 sites we have stayed at, all are dog  friendly non-caravan parks of which 6 are in State Forests.

Although we tow our caravan with a 4wd, almost all of the locations listed are accessible with a 2wd tow vehicle, assuming the mass of the caravan doesn't exceed that of the tow vehicle and that  you have reasonable ground clearance without too much rear overhang.

Truth is, 90% of the places we like to visit are accessible in 2wd providing the weather  is reasonably fine.   If you want to venture a little further off made roads then a 4wd is an asset.

4wd vehicles, while certainly not essential to enjoy exploring this country, do instill  a certain peace of mind and fitted with a diesel engine are quite fuel efficient.  We usually get between 6 and 7 Km per litre or 17 to 20 mpg while towing on the highway, depending on terrain. (See 'Our Outfit' page.)

 The point of all this is, there is no need to leave your dog behind, they like a holiday as much as you do.


We would like to hear from any of the following.

- As a fellow traveler, maybe you personally know of a suitable destination or stopover  location, if so please contact us with as much information as possible.

- Maybe you operate some private facility that could be of interest or maybe you are contemplating doing so.

- If you operate a caravan park with a dog minding day care facility I will certainly list you here in the Caravan Parks page.

- Maybe you live near a National Park and for a fee, could mind a dog while the owners day visit the National Park.
A Veterinary Practice or registered breeder would be ideal.

- Maybe you have looked at this site and would like to pass on some comment, suggestion or literary contribution.

- We also welcome links from other sites with similar interests.