Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
The Sunshine Coast, Hobart and the Gold Coast lead Compare the Market’s 2026 comparison of dog-friendly Australian destinations. That index is a useful starting point, not a universal verdict: the best place for your trip depends on which beaches, walks and stays allow dogs, and how your dog handles the journey. Victoria’s regions and Western Australia also offer options for different trip styles, but access rules can vary from one site or season to another.
At a glance
| Name | Best for | Key spec | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunshine Coast | An all-round coastal holiday | 7.4/10; 54.46 pet-friendly hotels, 20.42 dog-friendly cafes and 7.33 dog parks per 100,000 residents in the index | Nov 2026 |
| Hobart | A city break with parks and veterinary services nearby | 6.4/10; 19.20 veterinary clinics and 5.88 dog parks per 100,000 residents in the index | Nov 2026 |
| Gold Coast | A beach-focused trip with a high index ranking | 5.8/10; 12.59 pet-friendly hotels, 13.60 dog-friendly cafes and 6.22 dog parks per 100,000 residents in the index | Nov 2026 |
These scores and counts come from Compare the Market’s 2026 index. They describe that publisher’s chosen measures, not a direct rating of every holiday, town or dog.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →How was Australia’s top dog-friendly destination chosen?
Compare the Market ranked the Sunshine Coast first, Hobart second and the Gold Coast third in its 2026 index. The comparison combines measures such as dog parks, veterinary clinics, pet-friendly hotel and cafe counts per capita, selected in-cabin flight availability and rainfall, then assigns an overall score.
The index reports several counts per 100,000 residents, which helps compare places of different population sizes. For example, it gives the Sunshine Coast 7.33 dog parks per 100,000 residents and Hobart 5.88. These are index inputs rather than a count of all places a visitor can take a dog: the availability of a particular beach, trail, cafe or room still needs to be checked directly.
Popular on Amazon
- Dog multivitamins chewable for skin & coat : Dog multivitamin is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E,which can relieve skin allergies,dryness,itching and other problems.Multivitamin for dogs nourishes skin follicles.Long-term consumption of dog vitamins multivitamin can make dog hair stronger and smoother,and reduce coat loss.The COQ10 in dog multivitamin chewable can resist oxidation and delay cell aging.Dogs with skin injuries can eat dog vitamins and supplements to promote wound healing
- Dog multivitamin relieves joint inflammation: Dog vitamins for hip and joint can supplement high-quality MSM, glucosamine, and chondroitin sulfate to promote cartilage development and repair. Long-term consumption of dog multivitamins chewable can enhance the elasticity and toughness of joint cartilage, improve joint flexibility, and move more freely. Dog multivitamin chews can reduce joint friction and relieve joint pain. Dog vitamins and supplements can prevent and improve dog joint problems
- Dog multivitamin chews are good for the gut: Vet-endorsed formula dog vitamins and supplements made from natural ingredients.Dog vitamins multivitamin chewables contain a rich blend of probiotics to support intestinal and digestive health.Dog vitamins for small dogs can regulate the balance of intestinal flora,help calcium absorption,and promote bone development.Dog multivitamins chewables improve energy metabolism,converting food into energy, making dogs more energetic in their daily activities
- Dog multivitamin chews protect overall health:Senior dog vitamins and supplements help improve blood circulation and prevent cardiovascular disease.Dog multivitamins chewable support normal liver function,promote liver detoxification,and improve negative mood.For dog with heart problems and older dog,taking dog vitamins and supplements in moderation is an auxiliary health care measure.Dog vitamins multivitamin helps enhance white blood cell activity,improve immunity,prevent infection and disease
- Dog multivitamins chewable promote brain development: The DHA in krill oil in multivitamin for dogs is an important component of the brain and retina. Dog vitamins and supplements can improve dog cognitive ability. When training puppies to learn basic commands, puppies who are properly supplemented with dog vitamins multivitamin will behave more intelligently and improve memory.Dog supplements & vitamins can prevent and relieve eye problems such as dry eyes and tear stains, and keep eyes healthy
The hotel availability data in the comparison came from Booking.com searches for November 27–29, accurate as of August 4, 2026; cafe counts came from Google Maps. The index also used dog-park and veterinary-clinic datasets, rainfall figures and route-specific flight information. Availability and airline policies can change, so treat the index as a dated snapshot—not a promise that a room, flight or activity will be available when you book.
In practical terms, compare destinations by the experience you want, the certainty of dog access, accommodation rules, travel time and your dog’s health and comfort. A high-ranked destination is not necessarily the easiest choice for a dog that dislikes long drives, needs a quiet environment or cannot be left alone during activities.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Why is the Sunshine Coast a strong choice for a dog holiday?
The Sunshine Coast is the strongest all-round choice in the 2026 index, with a score of 7.4/10. It combines a strong showing for dog-friendly accommodation, cafes and parks with a broad selection of dog-oriented activities in Queensland’s official visitor guide.
Tourism and Events Queensland’s pet-friendly guide points visitors toward dog beaches, accommodation, cafes, farm stays and dog-friendly events. That variety can suit a trip built around outdoor time and pet-welcoming stops, but it does not mean every beach, cafe or nearby nature reserve allows dogs.
One boundary matters especially: Queensland’s national parks are not pet-friendly. Do not assume that a dog-friendly beach or stay nearby grants access to a national park trail. Check the exact location’s rules before adding a walk or scenic stop to your itinerary, and plan an alternative dog-welcoming activity if the attraction excludes pets.
Also popular on Amazon
- Joint Health Supplement for Dogs: Cosequin is the #1 vet recommended retail joint health supplement brand, supporting joint health in dogs for over 25 years
- Contains Glucosamine for Dogs: Cosequin contains glucosamine hydrochloride (FCHG49) and sodium chondroitin sulfate (TRH122), plus methylsulfonylmethane (MSM). This unique combination of ingredients supports healthy joints
- For Any Breed or Size: Whether you have a young or senior dog, a small or large breed, Cosequin helps support their joint health
- Tasty Chews for Daily Use: Cosequin comes in a tasty chewable tablet, making daily administration easy and convenient
- Exceptional Quality: Cosequin is backed by science, undergoing thorough quality inspections to ensure your dog receives a safe, high-quality product. It is manufactured in the United States with globally sourced ingredients
Is Hobart a good place to visit with a dog?
Hobart ranks second in the index, at 6.4/10. The comparison reports 19.20 veterinary clinics and 5.88 dog parks per 100,000 residents, making it a reasonable city-break candidate for visitors who value access to services and parks.
Recommended Free Tools
Those counts are useful context, not a guarantee that a particular clinic is open or that a park suits your dog. Check opening hours, emergency veterinary options and the rules for any park you plan to use. If you are flying, verify current pet-transport arrangements with the airline and on your exact route. The index’s flight comparison did not list an in-cabin pet option for Hobart, but that is a time-sensitive finding and should not substitute for checking current carrier policy.
What makes the Gold Coast worth considering?
The Gold Coast ranks third, with a score of 5.8/10. In the index it has 12.59 pet-friendly hotels, 13.60 dog-friendly cafes and 6.22 dog parks per 100,000 residents. It is a strong candidate for travellers who want a coastal holiday and plan to choose specific dog-welcoming places rather than assume the whole coastline is open to pets.
Queensland’s visitor guide offers broader pointers to dog beaches and pet-friendly stays, but beach access can depend on the exact location and local rules. Confirm the rules for the beach you intend to visit, including any lead requirements or restrictions that apply at particular times. The index marks selected-route in-cabin pet travel as available for the Gold Coast; check the airline’s latest conditions for the route and dates you want before making plans.
Which parts of Victoria suit different kinds of dog trips?
Victoria is best approached as a choice of regions rather than as one single destination. Visit Victoria’s dog-friendly guide covers Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula, Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges, Daylesford and Macedon Ranges, Geelong and the Bellarine, the Goldfields, the Great Ocean Road, the Murray and the Grampians.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Also popular on Amazon
- 8-in-1 Formula - Zesty Paws Multifunctional Bites are functional supplement chews with premium ingredients that support physical performance, antioxidants, hip & joint, heart, immune, skin, liver, & gut health for dogs of all ages, breeds, and sizes.
- Skin Health & Antioxidants – For animals with sensitive skin, this formula contains Cod Liver Fish Oil and Vitamin E to help maintain normal moisture and CoQ10 to help reduce oxidative stress.
- Hip, Joint & Performance Support - Each dog chew features OptiMSM, a premium form of MSM for muscular support, which works synergistically with the Glucosamine HCl and Chondroitin Sulfate in these chews for hip and joint support plus Cod Liver Oil and B-Complex Vitamins support normal physical performance.
- Gut Health & Probiotics - These chews also contain a six-strain Gut Health Blend (500 million cfu per chew) and a Digestive Health Blend to promote gut flora while supporting normal bowel function for dogs.
- Heart, Liver & Immune Health - Multifunctional Bites feature powerful antioxidants, premium CoQ10, Cod Liver Oil and Vitamins A, C, & E to promote healthy cardiovascular function, support liver health and enhance immune response.
The guide includes ideas such as dog-friendly beaches, walks in state and regional parks, waterfalls, beer gardens, winery visits, campgrounds and pet-friendly accommodation. The mix makes it possible to plan a food-and-walks break, a coastal stay or a longer road trip. The important qualification is that an area’s general reputation does not establish access at every individual attraction.
Is the Mornington Peninsula a good beach-and-food option?
It can be, provided you plan around seasonal beach restrictions. RACV names Hawker Beach and Royal Beach as examples of off-leash beaches, and reports that dogs are banned during much of the day from certain beaches between December and February. Treat those examples as starting points: check the current local rules for the specific beach and date, and do not assume an off-leash designation applies along an entire stretch of coast.
Where can you take a dog inland in Victoria?
The Murray offers an inland alternative, with off-leash parks in towns including Echuca, Wodonga and Swan Hill. Some caravan sites allow dogs at particular times, so check the site’s conditions before booking. For gardens, wineries and dog-specific wine tours, the Dandenongs and Yarra Valley are other possibilities; Visit Victoria’s guide names Gourmet Pawprints and Pooches and Pinot as tour operators covering the Yarra Valley, Dandenongs, Mornington Peninsula and Daylesford. Confirm current schedules, eligibility and dog rules with the attraction or operator.
Victoria’s parks rules are not a simple statewide yes or no. Parks Victoria’s dog-friendly parks information says dogs are permitted in many state and regional parks and identifies specific dog-friendly areas in some national parks, subject to restrictions. Parks Victoria also says most state forests allow dogs on-lead, with exceptions. Check the actual park or forest page before travelling; permission in one part of a region does not carry over to another.
Can you take a dog on holiday in Western Australia?
Western Australia offers coastal and camping possibilities, but access needs especially careful checking. RAC WA’s December 2024 guide describes dog-friendly beaches, walking trails, campgrounds and accommodation, including named RAC parks in Busselton, Broome, Cervantes, Exmouth, Esperance, Monkey Mia and Shark Bay.
Also popular on Amazon
- SYMBIOTIC DIGESTIVE ECOSYSTEM: Our dog probiotics build a 4-way digestive ecosystem: Digestive enzymes pre-break nutrients for easy absorption, while probiotics + prebiotics balance and nourish gut flora. Pumpkin helps dogs with a sensitive stomach maintain regular bowel movements. These layers go beyond ordinary probiotics, turning every meal into steady nourishment, digestive ease, and enduring energy*—so your dog stays balanced and full of life.
- TRIPLE IMMUNE SUPPORT: Gut health drives immunity, and our probiotics for dogs target it. Probiotics help maintain a balanced gut microbiome and support mucosal immunity, while plant antioxidants* (Rosemary & Green Tea) and natural Vitamin E help protect immune cells from daily wear and tear. Formulated for triple immune support - helping your dog stay vibrant and ready for everyday adventures.
- DUAL-ACTION SKIN & COAT NOURISH: True skin and coat health starts from within. Gut and immune support work in sync with Salmon and Flaxseed Oils (Omega-3 & 6) to nourish skin and coat from the inside out. This dual-action care promotes a soft, shiny, and glossy coat you’ll love to touch.
- PURE INGREDIENTS: We believe in complete ingredient integrity. Every batch of our dog probiotic chews is crafted in GMP-certified facilities using trusted, premium sources. They are free from grains, soy, and artificial additives. This commitment to safety and quality ensures a clean formula you can trust for your dog’s overall wellness.
- TASTE DOGS LOVE: Made with natural duck flavor, our probiotic chews are loved by most dogs, even picky eaters. Unlike other hard chews, these soft, easy-to-bite chews are perfect for puppies and senior dogs. They help support digestive comfort, gut balance, and skin & immune health: areas commonly affected by occasional diarrhea, seasonal allergies, itchy skin, or paw licking. A tasty daily chew your dog will love.
The guide advises keeping dogs restrained outside designated off-leash areas, checking for 1080-bait warnings and locating nearby veterinary services. Because that regional overview dates from December 2024, confirm current access, site availability and local restrictions directly before booking or setting out. In particular, do not assume a dog can accompany you on every trail or enter every protected area along a coastal route.
How do you choose the right destination for your dog?
Start with your dog’s needs and the activities you actually want to do, then confirm the specific rules. A simple destination shortlist can prevent the common mistake of booking a “pet-friendly” holiday that has few usable places for the dog once you arrive.
- Choose the trip style. Decide whether you want beaches and cafes, regional walks and wineries, or a road trip with campgrounds. Use the Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Victoria’s varied regions and WA’s coastal options as starting points—not as guarantees of access.
- Check each planned activity. Look up the precise beach, park, trail, campground or business. Confirm whether dogs are allowed, whether a lead is required and whether seasonal or time-of-day conditions apply. Rules at neighbouring sites can differ.
- Confirm the accommodation details directly. Ask whether dogs can enter the room, whether the outdoor area is enclosed, what extra fees apply, and whether there are size, breed or other restrictions. Clarify whether the dog may be left in the room and what happens if plans change; do not infer these terms from a listing’s pet-friendly label.
- Map the travel logistics. Consider the drive length, safe stopping points, nearby vets and whether your chosen transport accepts pets. If flying, verify current policy and route-specific conditions with the airline. Do this before paying for a stay that depends on the dog travelling with you.
- Check health and local hazards. Ask your vet about vaccination and parasite-prevention needs for the trip, update your dog’s microchip details and save the contact details for a nearby vet. For regional travel, check relevant warnings such as ticks, snakes and bait notices.
- Pack familiar essentials. Bring your dog’s usual food, water and bowls, lead, collar or harness with identification, bedding, a familiar toy, required medication and a pet first-aid kit. Familiar supplies can make overnight stays and changes in routine easier to manage.
How can you make a dog road trip safer?
Plan the drive around safe restraint, breaks and your dog’s welfare—not just the quickest route. RACV recommends restraining dogs in the vehicle, taking at least a 15-minute break every two hours and never leaving a dog unattended in a car.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsRACV lists harnesses with seat-belt tethers, carriers and crates as restraint options. Choose an arrangement that keeps the dog secure and is appropriate for the animal and vehicle; do not let a dog travel loose. At stops, use a lead unless the location specifically permits off-leash activity, offer water and give the dog time to move safely.
Before leaving, check that your identification details are current, pack medication and familiar food, and know where veterinary help is available along the route. RACV reports that 28 per cent of pet owners took their animals on holidays or road trips, up five percentage points on 2022 data, attributing the figure to the most recent Pets in Australia survey. That is a national pet-owner travel statistic, not a measure of how welcoming any one destination is.
Also popular on Amazon
- COMPLETE 26-IN-1 DAILY WELLNESS FORMULA: Our advanced multivitamin for dogs is formulated to help support 26 vital nutritional areas as part of a daily routine. With essential vitamins A, C, D3, and E, these gummies help support the immune system and contribute to overall heart and brain health for dogs of all sizes.
- ADVANCED HIP AND JOINT MOBILITY SUPPORT: Formulated with Glucosamine HCl, Chondroitin, and MSM to help support cartilage health, joint flexibility, and everyday mobility — making them a great daily supplement for large breed dogs and active senior dogs.
- SKIN & COAT SUPPORT: Packed with Norwegian Salmon Oil and Biotin, our dog multivitamin helps nourish skin from within and supports a soft, glossy coat. Omega 3 fatty acids contribute to healthy skin and coat as part of a complete daily nutritional routine.
- PROBIOTICS & DIGESTIVE SUPPORT: Features a Six-Probiotic Blend (500 Million CFU) and Digestive Enzymes to help support gut health, smooth digestion, and nutrient absorption. Cranberry Powder is included as part of this comprehensive daily wellness formula.
- UNBEATABLE VALUE 250 COUNT JAR: Our 250-count jar provides lasting daily support in a delicious chicken flavor. Made in the USA in a GMP-certified facility, our soft chews are grain-free and suitable for puppies, adult, and senior dogs alike.
What should you verify before booking?
A pet-friendly label is a starting point for questions, not a complete description of the stay. Before confirming accommodation, get clear answers about where the dog may go, whether the outdoor space is enclosed, applicable charges and any size or breed conditions. Ask about seasonal limitations and whether nearby walking areas actually permit dogs.
Apply the same site-by-site check to attractions. In Queensland, national parks are not pet-friendly; in Victoria, access can be permitted in some parks and areas but is restricted elsewhere. Across beaches and regional sites, rules may depend on the local manager, the season, time of day or lead status. Check the official park or council information for the exact site and date, then keep a backup activity in mind in case conditions change.
Compare the Market’s chief executive of general insurance, Adrian Taylor, said researching accommodation, transport options and nearby veterinary services before travelling can help make a trip smoother for both pet and owner. That advice is particularly useful for trips with multiple stops: confirm the details for each overnight stay and activity rather than relying on a destination-level ranking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take my dog on a flight within Australia?
Possibly, but the answer depends on the airline, route and current policy, so check directly with the carrier before booking. A destination index’s route information is only a snapshot and does not confirm that a pet can travel on your specific flight.
Are dogs allowed in Australian national parks?
There is no single rule for the whole country: Queensland says its national parks are not pet-friendly, while Victoria identifies some restricted dog-friendly areas in certain national parks. Check the managing authority’s rules for the exact park and area before you go.
What does pet-friendly accommodation usually mean for my dog?
The label alone does not tell you whether a dog can enter the room, use an outdoor area or stay without supervision. Ask the property for its written conditions, including fees, size or breed limits and any restrictions that apply during your dates.
Leave a Reply