10 Best dog-friendly campsites across Australia for your campervan road trip

Ingenia Holidays Merry Beach, Kioloa (NSW)

For an easy South Coast favourite, Merry Beach is a strong pick. Set by the clear shallows and rock pools of the South Coast, Ingenia Holidays Merry Beach delivers classic coastal camping with dog-friendly comfort. Sites sit steps from the sand, sunrise strolls become a daily ritual, and kangaroos often graze across the lawns at dawn. 

The park welcomes pets on designated camping sites and in selected cabins, with approval and conditions that can vary by season, so confirm details when booking. Between swims, wander the long beach, explore nearby coves and settle in for a simple barbie as the sky turns cotton candy. It is the sort of place where both paws and people unwind quickly.

 

Delicate Campground, Goolawah Regional Park (NSW)

Tucked in coastal forest near Crescent Head, Delicate Campground feels delightfully removed from the rush. The sandy track sets the tone for a back-to-nature stay, and the reward is a sweeping strand where dogs are allowed off leash in designated areas. Long beach wanders at low tide, playful sprints through the shallows and lazing beside the van in the afternoon breeze come standard here. 

Facilities are simple, so arrive prepared with water, shade and a beach umbrella. In season, keep an eye on the horizon for gliding whales while keeping your mate within the rules. Some sections require dogs to be on lead, and adjacent protected areas do not allow pets, so follow local signage.

 

Wooyung Beach Holiday Park, Wooyung (NSW)

On the quiet fringe of the NSW North Coast, Wooyung Beach Holiday Park offers a classic coastal bush-camping experience. You get towering paperbarks and pandanus for shade, big starry skies at night and a long, under-the-radar beach that welcomes dogs for soul-filling walks. The vibe is laid back and old school, which suits canine campers perfectly. 

When you feel like exploring, scenic drives and relaxed coastal villages are close by, yet it is always a joy to return to the hush of Wooyung. Check Tweed Shire’s on-leash rules and observe signed exclusions around sensitive dunes and nesting sites.

 

BIG4 Bays Holiday Park, Anna Bay, Port Stephens (NSW)

When you want nature and convenience in equal measure, BIG4 Bays Holiday Park hits the sweet spot. Pet-friendly unpowered sites in the bushier section give dogs room to stretch out, and you are a short walk from amenity blocks, camp kitchens and hot showers. Days can be as active or cruisy as you like. 

Take your pup for a leashed amble along bayside paths, swim and splash at nearby dog-friendly beaches, or head to permitted scenic lookouts for sunset. Some well-known lookouts sit inside Tomaree National Park where pets are not allowed, so choose on-leash, dog-friendly views such as Gan Gan Lookout.

 

Johanna Beach Campground, Great Otway National Park (VIC)

Wild surf, broad horizons and a rugged shoreline define Johanna. The Johanna Beach Campground sits behind dramatic dunes on the Great Ocean Road, placing you close to one of the most photogenic stretches of coast on the entire route. Facilities are intentionally rustic with pit toilets and no showers, which suits travellers chasing a simple, elemental stay. 

Early mornings are for wave watching and beachcombing, afternoons for scenic drives and cliff-top views. Always check current pet policies and seasonal restrictions before you book, and plan your days so your mate is safe, comfortable and part of the adventure. 

 

Paradise Beach Campground, Gippsland Lakes (VIC)

True to its name, Paradise Beach blends serene lakeside calm with ocean energy. Nestled between Lake Reeves and Ninety Mile Beach, this coastal bush campground is a go-to for many dog owners thanks to its relaxed feel and abundant space. Long, rhythmic walks on the sand are a daily staple, while the nearby lake and ocean access draw anglers and sunset-lovers alike. 

Dogs fit right into the easygoing atmosphere. Bring a comfy bed, a portable shade setup and plenty of fresh water, then let the soundtrack of waves and seabirds ease you into the simplest kind of holiday bliss. Official guidance and regional info for Gippsland and nearby campgrounds can help with planning.

 

Skenes Creek Foreshore Caravan Park, Great Ocean Road (VIC)

At Skenes Creek Foreshore Caravan Park, the ocean is the headline act. Sites sit so close to the shore that morning coffee comes with salt spray and gull calls. The park welcomes dogs on sites and offers a mix of powered and unpowered options, along with the convenience of on-site amenities such as a camp kitchen and laundry that keep campervan life smooth. 

Between beach strolls with your pup, take a short drive to towering forests, waterfalls and fern-fringed trails in the Otways. Evenings are best spent watching the sky flame over Bass Strait, a contented dog curled up at your feet as dinner sizzles. Check local leash rules and seasonal shorebird protections on nearby beaches.

 

Inskip Peninsula Recreation Area, Rainbow Beach (QLD)

Inskip is the sandy fingertip of the mainland pointing toward K'gari, and it is a scenic stunner. Campsites nestle among banksias and casuarinas with direct access to broad beaches where sunrise and moonrise put on nightly shows. Dogs are welcome on leash within the recreation area, making it easy to combine long walks, beach play and lazy hammock time back at camp. A 4WD vehicle is recommended for these campsites, so bring sand-friendly gear and check with your rental company around regulations on sand driving before arriving at Inskip. 

Note: dogs are not permitted on K'gari, so plan your day trips accordingly and keep your coastal fun to the Inskip side.

 

Loyalty Beach Campground & Fishing Lodge, Cape York (QLD)

Make it to the Top End, and you will be rewarded with big skies, warm nights and a true frontier feel. Loyalty Beach Campground & Fishing Lodge spreads along 13 acres of tropical waterfront where everyone is welcome, including well-behaved pets. Expect palm-framed sunsets over the Torres Strait, beach wanders at first light and a laid-back rhythm that makes time feel expansive. 

Between coastal exploring and cultural sites in nearby communities, there is plenty to fill the days. In Far North Queensland, always keep dogs close, avoid water edges and provide shade and hydration through the heat. The payoff is an unforgettable out-there adventure together.

 

Sandy Cape Recreation Park, Jurien Bay (WA)

Just north of Jurien Bay, Sandy Cape Recreation Park is a playground of steep dunes and a sheltered turquoise bay that looks tailor-made for an active dog holiday. The setting is postcard pretty, with soft sand for morning runs, calm pockets for a quick paddle and golden-hour light that begs for a camera. The recreation area welcomes dogs, and the simple beachside camp zones put you right where you want to be for sandboarding, swimming and lazy afternoons behind a windbreak. Nights bring a brilliant canopy of stars and the gentle hush of surf for an instant reset. 

 

FAQs and quick answers

1. Can you caravan around Australia with a dog?
   Yes, you can caravan around Australia with a dog, but it depends on your accommodation choices, local pet rules and your hire agreement. Some holiday parks, campgrounds and routes are dog-friendly, while many national park areas and beaches have restrictions.

2. Can my dog sleep in the car when camping?
   A dog should only sleep in a vehicle if it is safe, well-ventilated, and the temperature is suitable. In much of Australia, especially in warm or humid conditions, leaving a dog in a vehicle overnight can be risky, so a secure bed inside the camper or annex setup is usually the better option. 

3. Where do dogs sleep in a campervan?
   Most dogs sleep on their own bed inside the campervan, usually on the floor or another stable spot where they can settle safely. The best setup is one your dog already knows and feels calm in - we recommend bringing your dog’s bed from home if possible.

4. What are the best camping spots in Australia for camping with dogs?
   Strong options include Ingenia Holidays Merry Beach, Delicate Campground, Wooyung Beach Holiday Park, BIG4 Bays Holiday Park, Johanna Beach Campground, Paradise Beach, Inskip Peninsula, Loyalty Beach and Sandy Cape. The best one for you depends on whether you want a simple bush camp, a beach holiday park or a more remote adventure.

 

Ready to go on a campervan adventure with your furry friend?

There are plenty of places in Australia where a campervan holiday works just as well with a dog in tow. The trick is picking the right stops, checking the rules, and giving yourselves time to enjoy the easy parts of the trip: beach walks, camp dinners and a happy dog settling in for the night beside the van. Be sure to check with your campervan rental provider about any pet policies or additional fees before hitting the road.

Hire a Britz camper and plan a dog-friendly Australian road trip with scenic campsites, practical stops and plenty of room for both two-legged and four-legged travellers to enjoy the journey.