What to expect

• See a gorgeous garden in a sinkhole
• Admire unreal street and silo art
• See a piece of NASA history in outback Australia
• Taste delicious wines in one of Australia’s oldest wine regions

Fast facts

• Time: 12 days 
• Distance: Approx. 5,171.4km (3,213,4 miles)
• Transport: Van and Hatchback
• Price: $$

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Ah, the good ol’ road trip, who doesn’t feel the thrill of adventure when hitting the open road!? Last year, my husband and I packed up our lives and our two rescue pooches into the back of our cars and started off an epic adventure from the Perth (the West Coast of Australia) back to Sydney (the East Coast of Australia). Why? Well, career opportunities and to allow me to finish my Masters degree on campus played a big part, but let’s be real, we were also itching for a change of scenery.

Now, we’re no strangers to Aussie road trips, but this time we wanted to spice things up. So, with our two fur babies in tow, we ventured to different towns so that we could explore more of Australia. From farm stays to caravan parks and quirky Airbnbs, we sampled it all, making sure to sniff out the dog-friendly spots along the way.

Now I’ve come to realise that there are people who are either adamant campers, caravaners or luxury holidayers, rarely incorporating aspects of the other into their adventure plans. So, I figured, why not share our journey and maybe inspire others to mix up their adventure game too? And boy, did we cover some ground! We crossed through four of Australia’s States and Territories, soaking in the sights, sounds and tastes of each place we passed through. So, if you’re itching for an Aussie adventure with your pup, read on – you never know what hidden gems you might uncover!

Day 1 – Busselton/Ambergate, WA

• Travel time from previous destination: 2 hours 30+ minutes
• Distance from previous destination: approx. 243+km

So for this leg of our trip we stayed at our friend’s farm south of Perth. This place has it all – serenity, wildlife, cattle and the best views of the stars. We arrived later in the evening and, after a big day of supervising the removalists packing our house onto the back of a truck, we were welcomed with a glass of wine and spent the next hour or so chatting about the good times and what’s to come before heading off to the bed in the back of our van.

We were woken up early by the sound of birds and, before we packed up our cars for the drive down to Albany, we made sure to give the cows their brekky – I mean, who wouldn’t want to bottle-feed calves!?!

Unfortunately, our friend’s farm isn’t open to the public for camping just yet. However, there are many accommodation types in the area that cater to pets, including some pretty cool dog friendly options on Hipcamp that can give you a similar camping vibe that we experienced.

Day 2 – Albany, WA

• Travel time from previous destination: approx. 4 hours
• Distance from previous destination: approx. 340 km
• Dog-friendly accommodation option: Big 4 Emu Point

A historic town on the southern cost of Western Australia, Albany is known for its stunning natural beauty and rich history. Here, you can explore the rugged coastline, take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of Middleton Beach, or learn about Australia’s ANZAC heritage at the National ANZAC Centre. Albany is also home to the first European settlement in Western Australia and its historic buildings and museums offer a glimpse into the early days of colonisation. Are you more of an outdoorsy kind of gal or guy? Then you don’t want to miss the chance to hike part of the Bibbulmun Track, which starts (or ends, depending on where you’re coming from) in Albany, and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Unfortunately, if you have your four-legged friend with you, they won’t be able to join you for this hike but there are plenty of dog-friendly walks your pup can enjoy such as the walking/cycling path from Middleton Beach to Emu Point.

Big 4 Emu Point is an idyllic camping or caravanning spot for both two-legged and four-legged guests alike! There’s a dog-friendly beach just a short walk away from the caravan park where pups can stretch their legs and make new friends. If you have a reactive dog like us, you can still enjoy a nice stroll through the and around the outside of the park where your fur kid can get their sniff on and, maybe, admire the cute small wild rabbits along the way.

If you’ve got kids, little and big ones alike, travelling with you, this park has the biggest water park I have ever seen in a caravan park! There’s also a variety of activities and water adventure on offer to keep everyone entertained. So whether you’re craving relaxation by the beach, adventure, or simply a quiet evening under the stars, there’s something for everyone to enjoy here.

Day 3 – Esperance, WA

• Travel time from previous destination: 5 hours 5 minutes
• Distance from previous destination: 481.4 km
• Dog-friendly accommodation option: Esperance Summerstar Tourist Park

Esperance is famous for its pristine white sandy beaches and turquoise waters, particularly Lucky Bay, where kangaroos are often seen lounging on the sand. For those who love being outdoors, Esperance has an array of natural wonders and outdoor escapades for you to enjoy. Explore the rugged coastline and hidden coves, go for a swim in the crystal-clear waters, or hike along the scenic trails of Cape Le Grand National Park (though, sadly, most of these aren’t dog friendly). But, if you’re a fan of street art, you will be pleasantly surprised to know that it Esperance is home to an extraordinary mural depicting the Battle of Beersheba of the 4th Lighthouse Brigade on the 31 October 1917.

We stayed at Esperance Summerstar Tourist Park which is perfect if you want to easily explore the foreshore of Esperance with your four-legged friend. We simply exited the caravan park towards the waterfront and spent the afternoon walking the foreshore of Esperance, stretching our legs and enjoying the beautiful ocean views. We even spied a brekky spot called New Moon Van near the Jetty Headland on the Esplanade, that serves up some tasty toasties and slings a good morning brew.

Day 4 – Balladonia, WA

• Travel time from previous destination: 4 hours 28 minutes
• Distance from previous destination: 421.5 km
• Dog-friendly accommodation option: Balladonia Caravan Park

This unassuming stop along the infamous Eyre Highway has some rather interesting links with NASA, space debris and a sizeable littering fine. In 1979, debris from the damaged NASA Skylab space station fell to earth and landed in Balladonia, where the local council rather humorously issued a $400 littering fine to NASA as a joke, which ended up being paid by a local radio host. This remote location offers a unique outback experience with vast skies perfect for stargazing. Balladonia also marks the beginning of the “90 Mile Straight”, Australia’s longest straight road, which is definitely a must-do on any Australian bucket list.

We stayed at Balladonia Caravan Park, which is next to the Balladonia Hotel Motel. It has 48 powered and 100 unpowered sites nestled amongst the trees and gravel dirt. No bookings are needed for these sites, we just paid for the overnight stay and then chose our own site for the night. For a roadside caravan park, this one was really well maintained, the amenities were clean and there was minimal rubbish around the camp grounds.

Day 5 – Eucla, WA

• Travel time from previous destination: 4 hours 58 minutes
• Distance from previous destination: 490.7 km
• Dog-friendly accommodation option: Eucla Caravan Park

Located near the South Australian border, Eucla is an almost ghost town that is known for the old Eucla Telegraph Station, which is slowly being engulfed by sand dunes. The nearby Eucla National Park provides stunning views of the Great Australian Bight and is a fantastic spot for whale watching during migration seasons.

Our stay at Eucla Caravan Park, was nothing short of magical with its breathtaking ocean views that transformed into a spectacular canvas of colours as the sun dipped below horizon. But don’t let the serenity of the outback fool you, it’s essential to stay vigilant of the local wildlife and ensure your dogs are safely tucked away in a secure section of your campsite during the day and night to keep them safe from curious snakes or dingoes.

Wanting to have a night free from cooking in the camp kitchen (and the inevitable chore of washing up), we headed to the Eucla Roadhouse restaurant where we secured an outdoor table to enjoy our dinner with our fur-kids. A word to the wise: the portions here are generous!

Day 6 – Penong, SA

• Travel time from previous destination: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Distance from previous destination: 418.8 km
• Dog-friendly accommodation option: Penong Caravan Park

You might be mistaken for thinking that Europe is the only place known for its windmills, but the quaint South Australian town of Penong is home to Australia’s largest windmill! We stayed at Penong Caravan Park which is directly opposite the site where Comet, Australia’s largest windmill, is located. The nearby Lake MacDonnell also offers a chance for the iconic ‘pink lake’ photos to be taken.

For an accommodation option that is located in the Aussie outback (and kind of in the middle of nowhere), Penong Caravan Park was top-notch. The camp kitchen was well equipped to cater to camp chefs of all levels, and had enough space for the family to sit inside, watching the big TV screen. The amenities were also really clean – like not even a speck of red dirt!

The camping sites are also really huge, with a nice privacy screens/fence on the three boundaries to make it as private as it could be. The privacy screens/fence came in handy and acted as a shield when an afternoon storm rumbled through, with heavy winds, rain and lightning – which kind of made me feel like I was in the iconic 90’s movie ‘Twister” – just minus the tornado.

Day 7 – Tumby Bay, SA

• Travel time from previous destination: 4 hours 51 minutes
• Distance from previous destination: 460 km
• Dog-friendly accommodation option: Tumby Bay Caravan Park

Tumby Bay isn’t just about the beaches; it’s a town brimming with character and charm. Wander through the streets that are lined with quaint cafes, boutique shops, and local galleries. In fact, this coastal town is known for its vibrant art scene, including the Colour Tumby Street Art Festival, which has transformed the town into an outdoor art gallery featuring murals by world-renowned artists.

Tumby Bay Caravan Park set against the backdrop of stunning ocean views and is a leisurely beachfront stroll into the town centre. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be greeted with immaculately clean facilities and a warm welcome from the friendly office staff. The park kiosk boasts a delightful array of travel mementos (we like to collect something little from every place we visit) and entertainment options from dvds, fishing gear and books, ensuring there’s never a dull moment in the caravan park.

However, if you’re itching to explore the local culinary scene, Tumby Bay has plenty to offer. If you love bakery treats and a good cup of tea, then head to the Tumby Bay Bakery. Whether you’re in the mood for a flaky croissant, a hearty meat pie, or a decadent slice of cake, Tumby Bay Bakery offers a mouthwatering array of tasty treats to satisfy every craving. And if you’re a tea connoisseur like myself, you’ll be delighted to find a they stock a variety of teas including my personal favourite, French Earl Grey from Tea2.

For an unforgettable pub meal, it’s highly recommended to secure a reservation at The Seabreeze Hotel well in advance of your arrival in Tumby Bay. We attempted to make a reservation the day we arrived and were told they were completely booked out. Yet, if spontaneity is your more your style (or you find yourself in a similar situation as us), The Tumby Bay – The Red Roof pub offers a hearty pub meal and are very dog friendly.

Day 8 – Clare Valley, SA

• Travel time from previous destination: 5 hours 14 minutes
• Distance from previous destination: 488.4 km
• Dog-friendly accommodation option: Clare Valley Discovery Park

The Clare Valley is one of Australia’s oldest wine regions and offers a delightful change of pace with its scenic vineyards and gourmet food producers. Renowned for its Riesling. the valley’s wine trails can be explored by bike on the Riesling Trail, which follows the route of a former railway, or you can choose a designated driver and drive to the wineries and stay out of the summer heat. Our favourite dog-friendly wineries to stop in by include Shut the Gate and Tim Adam. and museums, offering a glimpse into the early settler life and the development of the wine industry in South Australia.

We have stayed at Clare Valley Discovery Park before, so returning felt like returning to a friend’s place – familiar, comforting and oh-so-inviting. Last time we stayed in a cabin to help us escape the Aussie summer heat, but this time we opted to be out in nature with a creek view camp site. We couldn’t help my reminisce about our last visit, right around Christmas time, when the park had an open-air screening of the Christmas movie “Arthur”. My husband and I grabbed our camping chairs and a cheeky bottle of red and soaked up the Aussie Christmas vibes under the South Australian stars. This time though, the open-air cinema was on hiatus (maybe we were a little too early for it), but that didn’t dampen our spirits. With our two fur kids lounging on their camp beds (or on our bed in the van!), we embraced the laid-back-get-back-nature vibes with gusto. Who needs a movie when you’ve got good company and great scenery, right?

Day 9 – Mount Gambier, SA

• Travel time from previous destination: 6 hours 3 minutes
• Distance from previous destination: 515.6 km
• Dog-friendly accommodation option: Pine Country Caravan Park

Located on the slopes of an extinct volcano, Mount Gambier is famous for its stunning natural attractions including the Blue Lake, which mysteriously changes colour from steel grey to vibrant blue annually. The region’s natural beauty and unique geological formations can be explored at sires like the Umpherston Sinkhole, a beautiful sunken garden created in a collapsed limestone cave, or the Thugi/Cave Garden, another gorgeous garden created from a sinkhole located in the centre of Mount Gambier.

Hot tip: pop over to Presto Eatery for a spot of breakfast with the pups before heading over to Thugi/Cave Garden. Not only is it super dog friendly, with staff eager to give your pup extra pats, it has an amazing array of delicious meals and one of the best loose-leaf Earl Greys I have tasted on the trip.

Pine Country Caravan Park was our most favourite place to stay on this trip! Not only are the amenities clean, the surrounding area gorgeous and the front office staff extremely helpful, but there is a dedicated enclosed large paddock that is a dog park! Fritz and Freya absolutely enjoyed running around the paddock, chasing after a ball and each other and we loved seeing how happy they were.

Day 10 – Bendigo, VIC

• Travel time from previous destination: 4 hours 32 minutes
• Distance from previous destination: 389 km
• Dog-friendly accommodation option: Big4 Bendigo

Bendigo is a charming throwback to Victoria’s gold rush era, boasting magnificent architecture, historic gardens and the fascinating Central Deborah Gold Mine where visitors can venture underground to experience the life of a miner (though, alas, no pups allowed on this adventure). The Bendigo Art Gallery is one of Australia’s oldest and largest regional galleries, featuring an impressive collection of Australian and European art. But if you’re wanting an art experience that you and your pup can both enjoy, Bendigo is a short drive to the Colbinabbin Silo Art piece created by Tim Bowtell. It’s a huge masterpiece that encompasses local agriculture, flora and fauna, sport and social events, and community of the local area throughout the ages.

After a day of enjoying the Silo Art, Bendigo’s vibrant food scene, with its emphasis on local produce and wines, will sure to satisfy any hunger. Or if you’re after more of a camp-cooked meal, the camp kitchen at the Big4 Bendigo will allow you to whip up the greatest camp chef meal. Just remember that your four-legged family members can’t accompany you to the camp kitchen.

Day 11 – Gundagai, NSW

• Travel time from previous destination: 5 hours 22 minutes
• Distance from previous destination: 549 km
• Dog-friendly accommodation option: Gundagai Cabins and Tourist Park

Nestled on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River, Gundagai is famous for the Dog on the Tuckerbox statue which is meant to celebrate the pioneering spirit and loyalty of the drover’s dog, making it the perfect stop and photo opportunity for dog owners and their four-legged bestie. Many of the town’s outdoor attractions, including walks around the river and visits to the historic bridges, are dog-friendly allowing you and your furry friend to enjoy Gundagai’s scenic country-town beauty. But if you are wanting to check out some go Gundagai’s not-so dog friendly attractions, such as the iconic Old Gundagai Gaol, which offers a glimpse into the town’s colonial past, you should make sure you have doggy daycare sorted (hiring a dog sitter from MadPaws is probably your best bet here!).

Gundagai Cabins and Tourist Park is at the base of a mountain and directly opposite a pool, which is pretty handy if you’r travelling during summer and want to jump into a pool to cool off. This was also the first caravan park where there isn’t a big amenities building, instead the caravan park has repurposed the former ensuite bathrooms of drive-thru sites and has converted them into the bathrooms for all campers.

Day 12 – Sydney, NSW

• Travel time from previous destination: 3 hours 47 minutes
• Distance from previous destination: 374 km
• Dog-friendly accommodation option: AirBnB

Sydney, with its iconic skyline, offers a multitude of dog-friendly activities that ensure your pet can enjoy the city as much as you do. From off-leash beaches like Rose Bay and Greenhills Beach to numerous dog-friendly parks scattered throughout the city, Sydney understands the importance of catering to our four-legged friends.

While there’s plenty of dog-friendly options closer to the hustle and bustle of Sydney, we actually stayed in a cute AirBnB in a small town in the mountains called Kurrajong. The benefit of being in a dog friendly airbnb was that if we wanted to go on an adventure that our pups couldn’t join us for, we could safely leave them in the airbnb where they could enjoy lounging on the sofa while we explored the local area. Being surrounded by nature and just a stones throw away from the iconic sights of the Blue Mountains, it was the perfect way to conclude our adventure.

Much love,
Lara X

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