Dog-Friendly Holidays in The Whitsundays

For many, planning a family holiday includes one (or more) furry loved ones. And while travelling with your pup within Australia is not uncommon, we are sure we have all come across the same hurdles when finding accommodations and activities that are pet friendly. Good news, if you are planning to bring your pup(s) to the beautiful Whitsundays, read on because we have put together some great options to make your next holiday as easy as possible for you and your im-paw-tent family member!

Firstly, make sure to pop into our Whitsundays Visitor Information Centre for a pooch-stop. We are pet-friendly and even have a water bowl with fresh water waiting outside so your best mate can relax while we help you to get the best out of your Whitsundays holiday. We are located on the Bruce Highway, directly next to the Whitsunday Gold Coffee Plantation. The beautiful café next door has pet-friendly dining areas, perfect for breakfast, lunch, and a coffee break.

Accommodation Options

Nothing is more important than a restful sleep to be able to explore everything this region has to offer, so we have listed our favourite pet-friendly accommodations in and around Airlie Beach for you below.

NRMA Airlie Beach Holiday Park

Located on 13 acres in Cannonvale (just before Airlie Beach) is NRMA Airlie Beach Holiday Park (Formally known as Seabreeze Tourist Park), ideally situated right next to great shopping and dining options. This beautiful caravan park has a selection of pet-friendly cabins and powered or unpowered sites so be sure to contact them ahead of time to get your pooch approved and your accommodation booked in. The start of the Bicentennial Boardwalk is also right across the road. This coastal walk takes you right into the heart of Airlie Beach and at a leisurely stroll will take around 30 minutes, the perfect way to get you and your pooches steps up for the day.

Tasman Holiday Parks – Airlie Beach

Tasman Holiday Parks – Airlie Beach (Formally known as Island Gateway Holiday Park) is the closest caravan park to central Airlie Beach, located only 1.2 kilometres past the main street. If you are travelling with a caravan or tent, this little gem has a few powered and unpowered sites available. With several clean and modern facilities to choose from, including two amenities’ blocks, two laundries, three barbecue areas, a large pool, half-size tennis court, bike and buggy hire, two camp kitchens, daily lorikeet bird feeding and much more you will have everything you need for you and your pup. There is also an off-leash park just 200 metres further down the road. Tip: take your pooch to reception to receive special attention and pet-friendly tips for your stay. Please be sure to have your pup’s vaccination certificates with you on check-in.

BIG4 Whitsundays Tropical Eco Resort

If you are seeking a more secluded getaway, head on through Airlie Beach and towards Shute Harbour. Nestled amongst Conway National Park and only a five-minute drive past Airlie Beach town centre is this little gem. You can choose from a limited selection of pet-friendly villas, studios, and campsites. As with all pet-friendly accommodations, please ring ahead of time to get your pooch approved and to ensure you do not miss out.

Discovery Parks, Airlie Beach

Discovery Parks – Airlie Beach (Formally known as BIG4 Airlie Cove Resort and Caravan Park) is your gateway to the enchanting white sands of the Whitsunday Islands. This park has both unpowered and powered sites that your paw-legged friends can accompany you to.

In a protected amphitheatre alongside the rainforest of Conway National Park, Discovery Parks – Airlie Beach is set against a tranquil, tropical paradise. Say g’day to all sorts of Australian wildlife milling about the park, including kangaroos, wallabies, possums, goannas, scrub turkeys, parrots and rainbow lorikeets. Be cautious to keep an eye on your furry family members as dogs are not allowed in the adjacent Conway National Park.

Pet-friendly Activities

Most pet-friendly accommodation providers request not to leave a dog unsupervised so finding things to do and places to see with your pup are important. Luckily, The Whitsundays is anything but short on options that you can explore together.

Airlie Beach

Dogs are allowed along the Airlie Beach foreshore, the main street, and the Bicentennial Boardwalk. So, head out to explore the little town centre together with your best friend and smell the ocean breeze. Most cafes allow you to have your dog outside so make sure to check with the individual restaurant before you sit down and grab a bite to eat.

Head on further along the Bicentennial Boardwalk past Coral Sea Marina and Shingley Beach towards Bicentennial Park. Here you will find a great off-leash dog park with access to a creek for your pup to run around and cool off in. If you want to explore a bit further off the beaten track, continue on to adjacent Cannonvale Beach and towards the end of the sandy foreshore. Here you will find a little locals secret and an opportunity for your dog to explore around the rocks with great views back to Coral Sea Marina and Airlie Beach. The Fat Frog Beach Café, located nearby, even has some specific options on their menu specifically for your four-legged fury friends. Please watch your step and remember to keep your dog on a leash here.

On a Saturday morning, be sure to check out the Lions Community Markets at the Airlie Beach foreshore. Here you can find local produce, arts and crafts and locally made souvenirs. It is a great place to visit, have a coffee or purchase a unique gift and if you are lucky you can even find a stall providing home-baked dog treats. Pets on leads are welcome.

If you want to experience Airlie Beach in a different way, why not hire a Tuk-tuk? Just Tuk’n Around can fit a small pup and two of its favourite humans or a medium-sized dog and its very favourite human for a fun, light-hearted, informative & eco-friendly experience.

More pet-friendly and off-leash beaches in The Whitsundays

Head further along the Bruce Highway to Hydeaway Bay. Parts of this beautiful beach are pet-friendly and can be accessed from the public beach access off Gloucester Avenue. The left-hand side of the beach is an off-leash area. Perfect for you and your pup to soak up the sun, dip your toes into the water and enjoy the sound of lapping waves.

Want the full list of off-leash locations for your pooch? Click here.

Are you travelling further up the road to The Whitsunday’s most northerly part of Bowen? Click here for detailed pet-friendly holidays.

Vets

Should your pup become ill during your travels, click here to contact one of the region’s vets.