January 2, 2019
3 Dog-Friendly Road Trips Outside of Sydney
With some return flights to Europe costing less than the average dog will cost you in one year, it can feel like you have sacrificed your holidays for your pooch. While we all agree our furry friends are worth it, it doesn’t have to be this way. You can still go on vacation and, even better, you can take your pup along for the ride to enjoy the pleasure of their company.
If you are looking for pet-friendly road trips that offer dog-friendly activities and accommodations then check out these top 3 dog-friendly road trips outside of Sydney:
1. Coastal road trip: Shoalhaven via Great Ocean Road – 3-hour drive: 191km
A haven indeed, Shoalhaven offers an adventurers playground for man and his dog. From 24/7 off-leash areas at Seven Mile Beach and River Road Reserve to a plethora of pet-friendly accommodation options to doggy day-care services, Shoalhaven is dog owner’s paradise.
From Sydney, you can take the breathtaking Great Ocean Road, and stop in Wollongong along the way to stretch your legs. Take in the town’s delights and give your pup a much-needed break at McCauleys Beach, which offers a creek for your dog to have a revitalising splash, before you continue you continue your drive.
Ulladulla is a particularly popular spot in Shoalhaven for pet owners. Offering a range of pet-friendly accommodation, dog motels, dog parks and two 24 hour off-leash beaches, this town tends to be more affordable and convenient for pet owners than staying in the city.
2. Vineyard road trip: Hunter Valley via Newcastle – 4-hour drive: 265km
If you want to take a road trip with your dog in NSW, but you don’t want to sacrifice on opulence, then why not take a trip to the Hunter Valley?
With pet-friendly wineries dotted around the region and variety of accommodation that will welcome your furry friends with open arms, the Hunter Valley is a picturesque escape for any pet owner. Drive through the rainforest of the Glen, taste boutique wines partnered with local earthy cheese and allow your dog to explore the farmland.
Newcastle sits north of Sydney and while you will need to take a slight detour to visit this coastal city, it is a picturesque rest stop with a variety of trendy restaurants and cafes. The reason this eclectic city has gained special mention is its pet-friendly accommodation options and its iconic Horseshoe Beach. A dog friendly-beach that is a popular fishing spot and sits adjacent to Nobby Lighthouse.
3. Countryside road trip: Hawkesbury Region – 2.5-hour drive: 141km
Explore the famous Hawkesbury River with your dog at your heels. With pet-friendly accommodation available in the Hawkesbury and 12 hectares for your dog to roam off the leash at Yarramundi nature reserve, this is a memorable getaway for dog and owner. If you are visiting Yarramundi nature reserve on a hot summers day, then why not take a dip in Grose River? It is an off the leash area so your pooch can also have a refreshing paddle. Whether you want to fish, cycle, horse ride or picnic, you and your canine can enjoy a relaxing riverside vacation in the Hawkesbury.
Hawkesbury offers heritage, as one of the oldest colonial settlements in Australia. You can walk your dog on a leash around the historic towns such as Windsor or Richmond or take your pup to Dangar Island where you can take in Guringai Aboriginal rock engravings. There are riverside and country retreats that offer pet-friendly accommodation, making booking pet-friendly stay easy and painless.
Now all you need to do is remember to pack your camera!