Travelling with your dog (or even your cat) is becoming easier across Australia.
And while in the past you would have been limited, travelling with a furry family member has become a lot more accepted.
Indeed, research shows a surge in demand for pet-inclusive travel, with 20 percent planning to take their pets on holiday, according to Tourism and Transport Forum Australia.
READ MORE: Couple who have done 36 cruises say the best cabin on a ship may surprise you
But some places are better than others when it comes to accommodating your hound.
A survey has revealed which some of the nation’s most popular destinations come pet approved.
Australian online pet shop, Budget Pet Products, analysed things like accommodation availability, regional accommodation rating, access to vets, dog-friendly beaches, and dog-friendly cafés.
Little-known Sydney beach named Australia’s best for 2026
READ MORE: The best time to visit Africa isn’t when you might think
The best place in Australia to go with your dog is is the Mornington Peninsula just outside Melbourne.
It’s known for its cute towns, sweeping landscapes and dramatic beaches.
For beach-loving pets, the Mornington Peninsula is unmatched, boasting 67 dog-friendly beaches, more than double any other destination.
It’s also an easy drive from the city.
After that came Jervis Bay, just south of Sydney.
It has beaches with some of the whitest sand in the world (of course you’ll need to check which are dog friendly.
Third on the list, surprisingly, was Sydney CBD. Melbourne and Perth CBDs made up the top five.
BudgetPetProducts.com.au Director Karla VanDepol says: “More Australians than ever want to include their pets in holiday plans, and our research shows just how dramatically destinations can differ in how welcoming they are to animals.
“From beaches to cafés to emergency vet access, a truly pet-friendly holiday goes far beyond just allowing pets in accommodation.”
READ MORE: ‘You have to plan ahead’: Essential item to check you own before your next trip
Hotels are also increasingly welcoming dogs.
Hyatt House South Melbourne has introduced dog-friendly stays.
Sydney’s Hotel Indigo at Potts Point also welcomes your furry child.
Plus flying dogs and cats is also much easier thanks to the pioneering flights from Virgin Australia.
The airline plans to extend its current Pets in Cabin network to include some Adelaide and Launceston flights.
They’re currently running flights between Melbourne and the Gold Coast and Melbourne and the Sunshine Coast.
Most pet-friendly holiday locations across Australia:
- Mornington Peninsula, Victoria
- Jervis Bay, NSW
- Sydney CBD, NSW
- Melbourne CBD, Victoria
- Perth CBD, Western Australia
- Brisbane CBD, Queensland
- Phillip Island, Victoria
- Adelaide CBD, South Australia
- Gold Coast, Queensland
- Dunsborough, Western Australia
Australia’s best bucket-list hike has been crowned
