BringFido's Guide to Australia

Posted by Billy Francis

G’day, Fido! Koalas aren’t the only cute critters who believe there’s no place like “Oz.” The birthplace of the Australian Shepherd, Australian Cattle Dog and the Koolie is a pet-friendly “pawradise” that welcomes pups from the shores of Sydney Harbour to the island state of Tasmania.

Even though Australia is only around 5% smaller than the continental United States, only 5% of the country is actually inhabited by humans. While you’d think this might narrow down your furry best mate’s itinerary, the country’s core regions on the east and west coast and Northern Territory are stacked with incredible pet-friendly hotels, unique Aussie activities and lip-smacking cuisine for dogs, dingoes and humans alike. Bring Fido along with you on a “bonzer” adventure around the Land Down Under.

Things to Do

“I could get used to this.” Photo by iStock/djgunner

Fido can captain his own ship around Sydney Harbour, play off leash in a botanical garden and learn how to herd sheep at these pet-friendly attractions across Australia.

Soak Up Sydney

Kick off your visit to Australia’s “Emerald City” with a self-guided tour of Parramatta River in a pet-friendly rental from GoBoat Sydney, which also has locations in Melbourne, Canberra and Brisbane. Then, walk across Sydney Harbour Bridge to view the world-famous Sydney Harbour, followed by a visit to Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden or Observatory Hill Park for a different perspective. Then, book a closeup for your Australian Shepherd with Hachi Sydney photo studio. This dog-friendly photographer specializes in pets and has many backdrops and props to make your pup’s shoot pop. In the evening, catch a movie with other revelers at the seasonal Moonlight Cinema Sydney.

Take a Peek at Perth

Perth is the capital and main city in Western Australia. Just like during your visit to Sydney on the opposite coast, you and your pooch can take a tour of the waterways in an electric boat from Nauti Picnics, which offers picnic cruises at sunset on the Swan River. When you return, make your way to Fremantle to visit The Round House. The Swan River Colony’s first civil gaol was built in 1831 and welcomes pups on a leash to explore the grounds and buildings, including The Whaler’s Tunnel underneath. Finish off your day with some off-leash fun at nearby South Fremantle Dog Beach, known by local pups as Little Dog Beach.

"This is even better than the car!" Photo by Puffing Billy Express

Trains, Tours and More in Victoria

Road trip with your ‘roo down Victoria’s coast on The Great Ocean Road, which follows the coast alongside the Twelve Apostles limestone stacks. Then, head inland to board the Puffing Billy Dog Express for a special service setting off from Emerald Lake Park which is home to a variety of winding paved trails you can explore before pulling away from Lakeside Station. This 40-minute pet-friendly scenic train ride travels through Wright State Forest and over three historic timber trestle bridges to Gembrook, where you can hop off and play together in J.A.C Russell Park and on the Eastern Dandenong Ranges Trail. For another unique experience with your dog, sign up for the Long Tunnel Mine Tour in Walhalla. Leashed dogs who don't get claustrophobic can join their owners on a tour deep underground to see a historic gold mine that commenced operations in 1862.

Head North

Darwin is the capital city of Australia’s Northern Territory. Here, well-behaved dogs are welcome to wander off leash at George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens. This pet-friendly botanical garden has over 100 acres of manicured grounds to explore before you grab lunch on the pet-friendly patio at Eva's Cafe. Afterward, visit Casuarina Coastal Reserve, where you can let your dog loose on the windswept beach between Rapid Creek and Lee Point Rocks. Finish off your tour of the Northern Territory’s natural beauty at Holmes Jungle Nature Park, one of the only nature parks in the area that welcomes dogs.

Lavender Retriever. Photo by Facebook.com/LyndochLavenderFarm

Walk in the Park

Adelaide is known as the “20-minute City” because it’s so easy to get around. It also makes a great base for people and pups visiting the state of South Australia. Go for a stroll along the River Torrens with your leashed pooch, before heading over to Adelaide Himeji Garden to relax in a rock garden and next to a tranquil pond. Soak up a different kind of display at nearby Barossa Sculpture Park, where you can snap pictures of your pooch in front of unique artwork. Then, wander the trails through gardens that are home to more than 130 of the region’s native plants at Barossa Bushgardens. Keep the sweet scents of the region going at Lyndoch Lavender Farm, where your pooch will be shown around the pet-friendly lavender fields by Daisy the farm dog.

Bring Your Boxer to Brisbane

Australia is known for its beaches and watersports. Surf Connect at Sandgate invites you to check it out for yourself on a standup paddleboard tour with your dog. Then, beach-loving Labs can run off leash on the sand at the popular pooch hangout, Nudgee Beach. For a different kind of activity, book an afternoon with the trained professionals at Sheep Herding for City Dogs. Fido can herd sheep and do what “he was bred to do,” learning new tricks, playing off leash and making friends along the way.

Places to Stay

“I require a lot of shampoo.” Photo by Facebook.com/littlealbion.crystalbrookcollection

Pampered pups will find just as many luxuries as their human counterparts at these Aussie lodgings.

Luxury in Surry Hills

Crystalbrook Albion is a small boutique hotel in the hip neighborhood of Surry Hills in Sydney. Dogs are invited to wipe their paws at the doorway on the way to one of the urban rooms on the ground floor which all feature hardwood floors and direct access to the outside space. In the room, your pup will find a soft dog bed and bowls to use during her stay.

Turn Up in Tasmania

Tasmania is an Australian island state that can be accessed by a pet-friendly ferry across the Bass Strait provided by Spirit of Tasmania. Once you arrive on the unique island, check in to one of Hawley House’s pet-friendly rooms that feature slate floors and are situated on the ground level. After meeting the resident dogs at reception, wander through the boutique hotel’s lovely garden to the dog-friendly beach. For a longer stroll, take your Tasmanian Devil on the property’s bushwalking trails.

A Darwin Escape

Pack your bags and prepare for a calming stay at this private rural getaway near Darwin in the Northern Territory. Located on five acres, you and your pooch are free to explore the tropical gardens, relax on the huge balcony overlooking the outdoor space and grill out. Inside the guesthouse, you’ll find hardwood floors, and there’s a kennel for you to keep your pooch in if you need to make a run for treats.

"Take me to my room, please." Photo by Facebook.com/kimptonmargotsydney

Curl Up in a Kimpton

The beloved pet-friendly hotel group Kimpton opened its first branch outside the U.S. in 2017. Kimpton Margot Sydney, an IHG Hotel is one of the international offerings, and it provides the same over-the-top amenities for pets as those stateside. Animals of all sizes, including kangaroos and wallabies, stay for free at this boutique hotel in Sydney. Pups will be happy to find a plush loaner pet bed in the room, food, water bowls and mats. If your pooch needs a bathroom break, go for a stroll together at Hyde Park down the road.

The Charming Queenslander

The Charming Queenslander in the heart of Brisbane is a light-filled pet-friendly Airbnb with rich hardwood floors, a dedicated remote work space and a lovely back deck that overlooks the private garden. While you soak in the sumptuous sauna, your pooch can sniff around the private fenced backyard.

Share a Capital Stay

Share a Pampered Pets Staycation at The Langham Melbourne with your furry best friend. “Australia’s most luxurious pet package” showers Shih Tzus with lavish amenities like a private dining pet menu, a welcome gift, a bed and bowls. GoBoat Melbourne is a short walk away from the hotel, and you can enjoy a nice meal on the pet-friendly patio at Arbory Bar & Eatery when your time is up.

Dog-Friendly Restaurants

“If this is a hotel, can we stay?” Photo by Facebook.com/theerkohotel

Secure your Saluki a spot on a canine wall of fame, let him run loose in a dog park while you eat, or treat him to a gourmet meal of his own at these dog-friendly joints.

Aussie Beer Garden Scene

If you’re enjoying a bar crawl with your Australian Terrier, you’ll notice most of the pubs in Oz contain the word “hotel” because until the 1980s pubs had to provide rooms to get a liquor license. Formerly known as The Erskineville Hotel, The Erko in the Sydney suburb of Erskineville pours pints for people and dishes up a menu that includes risotto, and offers a dog menu that features Raw Beef Tartare. The Erko also hosts an annual festival for dogs.

The Canine Wall of Fame

Union Kitchen serves burgers, bowls and more with a scenic view in the heart of Mindarie Marina. While you enjoy your food, your pooch can devour something from the dog menu like a Mutt Shake of lactose-free milk and egg whisked together and topped with liver sprinkles; the Dogs Bark-fast which comes with sausage, bacon and scrambled eggs topped with liver; or a K9 Cookie. Union Kitchen also features a canine wall of fame to show off the doggy diners from the previous month.

“Let’s make this date a whole day thing.” Photo by Facebook.com/SlateCafePerth

Doggy Date at the Slate

Slate Cafe is a neighborhood hangout where dogs and their owners are welcome to unwind together on the patio. This funky eatery features Puppuccinos for Fido, an enclosed dog playground and a large grassed picnic area. If you’re hungry too, choose a classic cafe dish from the menu and a variety of specialty coffees.

Bark at Bacchus

Overlooking St. Vincent Gulf, Bacchus Bar is a cocktail bar that welcomes Cockapoos. This awesome hangout goes all out for dogs with a Pooch Park outside and a dog menu with treats like Puppaccinos, a pup patty and dehydrated liver treats. With your dog distracted, you can enjoy a premium cocktail and elevated bar food with a view.

“Sippin’ wine and feelin’ fine!” Photo by Facebook.com/Levrierwinesbyjoirvine

Winery and Dog Park

After a trip to Barossa Sculpture Gardens, head over to Levrier Wines by Jo Irvine to sample a glass or two. This pet-friendly winery in the Barossa Valley wine region is owned and operated by Jo Irvine, a certified dog lover. All of Jo’s wine has a beautifully designed dog picture inspired by her own Greyhounds on the front, but that’s not the only dog-centric thing you’ll find here. Outside, pups can play off leash in enclosed areas while you taste a Shiraz or Rosé.

A Tipple Tour With Your Terrier

During your visit to Melbourne, enlist the help of the experts at Puppy Pub Crawl. With crawls in eight suburbs, this funky four-legged tour company will show you where to go to meet other pooch parents over beers, snacks, doggie martinis and more. People who prefer wine to beer can discover the Yarra Valley wine region just outside Melbourne with Pooches and Pinot. This wine and dog-centric tour company offers half- and full-day tours of pet-friendly wineries.

Tails Up to “Tassie”

People and pups visiting Tasmania can enjoy an afternoon hang at the bustling Room For a Pony in North Hobart. This cafe and bar serves breakfast classics like granola and eggs how you like ‘em, pizza for lunch and specialty coffees all day. Dogs are welcome to join their owners on the pet-friendly patio outside with shady tables and room to sprawl.

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Banner photo by Puffing Billy Express.