Whether you’re hitting the open road in a caravan or planning a family getaway to the coast, bringing your puppy along can turn a good trip into a great one. With a little preparation and a paw-sitive attitude, travelling with your furry friend is not only possible—it can be an unforgettable bonding experience.
At Banksia Park Puppies, we’re often asked: “Can I take my puppy on holidays?” The answer is yes—with a few important considerations. Here’s everything Aussie puppy parents need to know.
🧳 Preparing Your Puppy for Travel
Just like us, puppies need time to adjust to travel. Here’s how to make it smooth:
✅ Before You Go:
- Visit the vet: Make sure vaccinations are up to date and check for tick and flea protection—especially if heading into the bush or up north.
- Crate training: A secure travel crate can keep your pup safe during drives and becomes a comforting space on the road. If you aren’t crate training make sure you have the correct safety gear such as seat belts, harnesses etc to keep your pooch safe in the car.
- Practice drives: Take short car trips leading up to your holiday to help your pup adjust.
🐶 Packing Essentials:
- Collar and leash
- ID tag with your mobile number
- Food, treats, and water
- Bedding and favourite toys
- Poo bags (it’s the law!)
- Travel crate or dog seatbelt harness
- Up-to-date microchip details
🚗 Road Trips & Caravanning with Your Puppy
Australians love a good road trip—and your pup can too!
🌟 Safety First:
- Puppies should never be loose in the car. Use a secured crate or doggy seatbelt.
- Plan stops every 1.5–3 hours for toilet breaks, water, and leg stretches.
- Avoid feeding big meals right before the drive to prevent car sickness.
🏕 Pet-Friendly Caravan Parks:
Many Aussie holiday parks now welcome four-legged guests. Some of our favourites:
- BIG4 Inverloch Holiday Park (VIC): Beach access and fenced dog play areas.
- Reflections Holiday Parks (NSW): Multiple pet-friendly options near lakes and beaches.
- Discovery Parks Robe (SA): A dog-lover’s dream, right by the coast.
💡 Always check pet policies in advance—they can vary by season and breed size.
🏖 Top Pet-Friendly Destinations Around Australia
Here are a few paw-some places perfect for a puppy-friendly getaway:
🐾 Gippsland, VIC
You don’t have to go far from our home base! Gippsland offers:
- Dog-friendly beaches like Golden Beach
- Lakeside walks in Paynesville and Metung
- Puppy-welcoming stays in Sale and Bairnsdale
🐾 Byron Bay, NSW
Chilled-out vibe + dog-friendly cafes and beaches = perfect getaway. Check out:
- Belongil Beach (leash-free!)
- Pet-friendly cafes like The Top Shop
🐾 Margaret River, WA
Explore the coast, forests, and vineyards (many are pet-friendly!). Look into:
- Gracetown Caravan Park
- Dog-friendly trails at Boranup Forest
🐕 Travelling by Plane with Puppies
While flying isn’t always recommended for young puppies unless absolutely necessary, if you must:
- Use a CASA-approved travel crate.
- Choose direct flights to reduce stress.
- Avoid hot weather—some airlines restrict pet travel during summer months.
🐾 Qantas and Virgin Australia both offer pet transport options, but check age and breed restrictions first.
💬 Final Thoughts from Banksia Park Puppies
Your puppy’s comfort and safety always come first, but with the right prep, you’ll both enjoy the adventure of seeing more of Australia together. Remember to go slow, be patient, and keep things fun. After all, your puppy is learning about the world—and you get a front-row seat to every tail-wagging moment.
Got a favourite dog-friendly travel destination?
We’d love to hear it! Share your pup’s holiday snaps and tag us on Instagram: @banksiaparkpuppies