April 18, 2015
Driving from Brisbane to Melbourne with a Pet.
Photo Credit: Hot Tropical Yoga
Thinking about driving from Brisbane to Melbourne with a pet? But not sure the best route to take?
After some very helpful comments from our readers, this article was created in order to assist others who intend to embark on a similar road trip with a four-legged pal. The idea is to include some one-night stopovers.
The total distance is around 1669 kms and driving time given about 19 hours.
There are three options to get from Brisbane to Melbourne:
1. Coastal:
This route is far more densely populated so heaps more accommodation options, but also factor in roadworks etc. Take the Pacific Hwy all the way from Brisbane. Continue straight through Sydney and then on the Hume. There are pet-friendly options in Albury and Wodonga. A suggested overnight stop at Port Macquarie or Coffs Harbour is advised. The properties below are all en route and pet-friendly.
Byron Bay offers a good choice of pet-friendly accommodation as does Newcastle and its popular Hamilton Heritage B&B. Closer to Sydney, pet-friendly places that allow animals inside are An Oasis in the City B&B in Balmain, Big Bell Farm in Kangaroo Valley, and further south Beach Cabins in Merimbula, Bruce’s Waterside Units in Mallacoota and Best Friend Holiday Retreat in Tara Valley.
2. New England:
Take the New England Highway through the Hunter Valley, Tamworth, Armidale, Tenterfield. For a range of places to stay in the Hunter region, you can view on the following page.
Roydons Motor Inn
Located close to town, this family-run motel has two pet-friendly rooms available, all cats and dogs must be desexed and vaccinated and bring the papers with you to as proof. Facilities include free Wi-fi, a saltwater swimming pool, Foxtel and BBQ area.
110B Church Street, Tamworth 2340
T 02 6765 7355
You could also stay at Poppy’s Cottage, Armidale or Armidale Tourist Park, which features the choice of three Pet Friendly Studio cabins that allow well trained, vaccinated pets inside. If you wish to book one of the pet friendly cabins, please make sure you select the specific pet-friendly cabins online or call ahead. Not all cabins are pet friendly and fines will be incurred for pets being found in our non-pet friendly cabins.
3. Newell Highway:
Using this route you could stop at several places en route. In Dubbo, Tallarook Motor Inn has a pet-friendly room available, call 02 6882 7066 to book. Narrabri Big Sky Caravan Park allows pets but on the veranda of cabins only. There is a pet-friendly motel in Coonabarabran called Matthew Flinders Motor Inn. Or the Winchester Motel in Moree NSW.
Goondiwindi has a few pet-friendly accommodation options to choose from, you can stay at Freedom Lifestyle Parks Goondiwindi, Rivergums or Binalong Motel.
Goondiwindi Holiday Park welcomes pets and is located near the Queensland and NSW border. You could also stop in Albury.
Jugiong Motor Inn
This motel is the ideal stopover for travellers between Sydney and Melbourne, or those looking for a quiet getaway. The Motor Inn offers 5 designated pet-friendly rooms, an a-la-carte menu along with its own intimate bar; 18 rooms in total with reverse cycle airconditioning, and set on 5 acres.
T 02 6945 4269
Ibis Caravan Park
This park offers doggy daycare for visitors who want to explore the area whilst leaving their pet in safe hands. Some cabins are pet-friendly so your dog can stay with you. The park is located on the outskirts of Kerang, only one hour to Echuca and forty minutes to Swan Hill.
T 03 5452 2232
If you have taken this journey and have stayed at a great place that welcomes pets, please get in touch.
