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Written for Auski by Pink Lemonade Social
There are many options in South Australia for those travelling with pets, whether they prefer a rustic camping experience or something more plush. You and your best friend want to go away, but you can't bear to be apart; we've got your back because we're on the same page. Camping spots and accommodation options in South Australia are plentiful, from the Outback to the river and beaches. Here is a list of the best accommodation options, caravan parks and campsites in South Australia that allow dogs.
Glamping with your canine companion doesn't have to break the bank, thanks to this rustic park in the Coonawarra wine region's selection of bell tents at Coonawarra Bush Holiday Park. Camping in the bell tents next to the vineyards eliminates the need to bring your own tent and bedding (just bring your pet’s bed!). There are also powered sites, unpowered sites, and ensuite cabins available at the park, and dogs are welcome at no extra cost. A lot of other caravaners stop here, so your dog is likely to meet some new friends. There is also a large communal kitchen and showers/bathrooms at the site.
The Pine Country Caravan Park in Mt. Gambier is known as one of the most pet-friendly campgrounds in all of South Australia. This highly rated campground is conveniently located near the heart of town and features numerous dog-friendly amenities. Dogs are welcome all year round, and there is an expansive off-leash dog park and dog-friendly cabins on site. Pine Country Caravan Park offers two cabins that are dog-friendly. Each of the cottages features a private yard that is securely fenced in for the safety of your pet. Both cabins have dog bowls inside, and the larger two-bedroom cabin has an outdoor kennel as well, but you'll want to bring your dog's own bedding to make them more comfortable. They welcome up to two dogs per cabin, and all camping sites (ensuite, powered, and unpowered) allow guests to bring their furry friends along. Prior to your arrival, please inform the front desk that you will be bringing your dog(s).
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Visit the land of natural wonders along the Limestone Coast and rest your head on the banks of an inactive volcano. Lake Leake campground is a popular dog-friendly destination as well as for water sports such as swimming, boating, fishing, water skiing and is conveniently located just half an hour from Mount Gambier's top attractions. Lake Leake Campground is a free campground; they just ask for a small donation to help keep the site maintained. Relax by the water's edge or spend the weekend checking out the area's many attractions, such as the Blue Lake, Umpherston Sinkhole, New Orleans-style jazz clubs, and the region's 40 or so breathtaking cellar doors. Lake Leake Campground provides amenities such as a grill, picnic tables, and restrooms.
Take your dog for a stroll along the river and enjoy some river time. In the heart of the Riverland, just outside of Berri, you'll find the dog-friendly Mallee Fowl Restaurant and Campground. Just a short stroll takes you to the thriving banks of the Murray River and the Mallee Fowl Restaurant and Camp, which is attached to a quirky Australian-style eatery. The spot is set on more than 20 acres of picturesque bushland. You can also take a break from camp cooking and enjoy some country-style fare at the restaurant, which features an interesting assortment of oddball Australiana memorabilia. Take your dog on a sightseeing trip while you're in the Riverland; the tortured trees of Lake Bonney are close by, and you can grab a gin and tonic at Renmark's Twenty Third Street Distillery.
The Riverbend Caravan Park in Renmark is a fantastic place to stay with your pet. The park is open year-round, meaning you can go away anytime with your doggo. There are two pet-friendly cabins, and all of the other campsites welcome your four-legged friends. Up to two pets are welcome in each cabin, and the fully fenced yard provides a secure environment for everyone. There are two fully self-contained cabins, one sleeping up to four people and the other five.
Riverbend Caravan Park is the place to stay if you want to camp along the Murray River. In Renmark, you and your dog will have no shortage of options. The Paringa Paddock and Lyrup Flats areas of the Murray River National Park allow leashed dogs.
You can also sleep soundly under the stars at Murray Bridge Marina Caravan and Camping Park, which is located on the banks of the Murray River. South Australia's Dark Sky Reserve is conveniently located nearby. The area's low rainfall, clear skies, and nearly absent light pollution make it an ideal spot to explore the cosmos with your canine companion. The caravan park and campground not only offers prime viewing of the state's arguably clearest skies but also provides dog-friendly camping areas and cosy cabins by the river for an unforgettable night under the stars (and your dog). The Murray River is close by, and the cities of Murray Bridge, Mannum, and Younghusband along its banks are easy day trip destinations.
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Robe's Lakeside Tourist Park is where to stay if you like your water with a hint of salt. The park is pet-friendly, with the exception of the Christmas holiday period (approximately December 24th to January 8th) and the Easter holiday weekend.
Make a direct reservation and choose between a pet-friendly cabin and a powered or unpowered site. Bookings must include a note about any accompanying pets. Lakeside Tourist Park is tucked away in the trees right next to the tranquil Lake Fellmongery, which is a great location for waterskiing and other watersports.
If you’re looking for accommodation not too far from Adelaide, then the below vacation spots are just a short drive away, making them ideal for a quick weekend getaway with your four-legged friend.
Located on the Fleurieu Peninsula, a little over an hour south of Adelaide is the beautifully restored old stone farmhouse known as Lapito House. The house has three bedrooms, all with queen beds, so it's perfect for a large family or group of friends. Your dog will enjoy the opportunity to run free in the scenic countryside. Additionally, there is a dam on the premises, and the off-leash beach in Carrickalinga is only 20 minutes away. Pets can be of any size, and are not limited to canines (at least one horse has stayed at the property). When inquiring about availability, be sure to ask about any restrictions on bringing pets.
Located a little more than an hour north of Adelaide, the Barossa Valley is the ideal destination for a leisurely weekend of wine tasting. Tanunda's Discovery Parks – Barossa Valley is the place to stay if you want to bring your dog along for the trip. You can pick from a variety of lodging options, including pet-friendly cabins and both powered and unpowered campsites. The website makes it abundantly clear that certain Standard and Economy class cabins are pet-friendly. The park is close to the heart of Tanunda and features many amenities, such as a pool and a large water park for human children. If you prefer a charming cottage all to yourself then Barossa Best is for you. This 1856 cottage has been beautifully restored and is located in a quiet area of Tanunda only a 5-minute walk of Barossa Visitor Centre and 2.3 km from Langmeil Winery. With its one king-sized bed, one queen and one single, this apartment can accommodate five guests in comfort and offers free WiFi, barbeque, and tour/ticket assistance.
Image: Instagram/lapitohouse
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Yorke Peninsula is the perfect place to spend a day basking in the sun with your four-legged friend. Moonta Bay Holiday Park is ideally located for exploring the South Australian coastline, with the beach, shops, pubs, and cafes all within easy walking distance. The park is close to some of the state's best beaches, including Moonta Bay and Port Hughes. Envision yourself and your beloved canine taking leisurely strolls along azure waters and white sands. Campground amenities include potable water and public restrooms that are only a two-minute stroll away from this dog-friendly spot. Call ahead to discuss bringing you pet along, and note pets are not permitted in or around cabins.
If you and your dog are looking for an adventure, consider taking a trip to the Eyre Peninsula or the Flinders Ranges in South Australia's outback.
It is highly recommended that anyone beginning their journey across the Nullarbor or returning from Western Australia take some time to relax and enjoy the sights on the stunning Eyre Peninsula. Perlubie Beach, located about 90 kilometres south of Ceduna, is a fantastic place to stay on the peninsula. The white sand and calm, shallow waters make for a picture-perfect beach. At this budget campground, all payments are handled through an honesty box. This incredible oceanside campsite is only a twenty-minute drive from Streaky Bay.Camping on the beach itself, even next to a beach shelter, is the main draw here. More daring campers who can take care of themselves and have a 4WD vehicle suitable for driving on beaches will enjoy it the most. Water for drinking is scarce, but flush toilets are provided. In exchange, they ask for a suggested donation of $10 per night.
If you want an option with more amenities then Ceduna Shelly Beach Caravan Park may be right for you. There are no size restrictions in the off-leash area at Ceduna Shelly Beach Caravan Park, so bring your dog(s) of any breed. The Caravan Park welcomes up to two dogs per reservation, and the fully fenced grounds will give you peace of mind while swimming with your four-legged friend. In addition to their pet-friendly 1 and 2-bedroom cottages, they also offer 3-bedroom waterfront spa villas and eco beach shacks, large shaded powered and unpowered sites, as well as drive through and private ensuite sites. Every type of travelling is welcome! Your dog must remain on a leash at all times, but there are many places to walk. Cross the dunes and take the bar down to the beach. Pick up a map of the Dune Walk Trail from the front desk and take your dog for a stroll in the evening.
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Visit the Eyre Peninsula with your pet for a beach vacation that is sure to please with its abundance of amazing wildlife, pristine beaches, and delectable seafood. After a day of playing on the sand and splashing in the waves at one of the Eyre Peninsula's best beaches, relax at the Coulta Memorial Park rest stop, which is only a 40-minute drive from Port Lincoln. Greenly Beach is a great place to unwind with a good book, a glass of the region's best wine, and a plate of freshly shucked oysters. Find peace and quiet at Farm Beach, a popular spot for swimming and fishing near the Coulta Memorial Park Rest Stop. Just remember this is a rest area oddering an overnight stop over. Located across the street from the Coulta Memorial Hall and directly behind the Coulta Fire Brigade shed, this large slashed area has quite a bit of flat, shady space available. There is a clean restroom, trash cans, and a little table and chairs in the shade.
Another rest area, Cohen Rest Area, is a perfect pet-friendly home base for exploring the Eyre Peninsula's stunning coastline, which includes the Instagram-famous Cactus Beach and the jaw-dropping pink waters of Lake MacDonnell. Lake MacDonnell, one of South Australia’s most photographed pink lakes, is just a short distance from camp, displaying the full range of Mother Nature's palette thanks to the super-high salt concentration found there. Cactus Beach, just beyond that point, is an oceanic paradise that attracts surfers from all over the globe with its potent breaks and Southern Ocean swells. Fowlers Bay, a coastal playground with abundant wildlife, rugged cliffs, endless sand dunes, and pristine waters, is only an hour's drive from camp. Between May and September, you can witness a spectacular natural event: the annual migration of Southern Right and Humpback whales and their young along the coast. If you're travelling from Perth to Adelaide via the Nullabor, you can also stop at the Cohen Rest Area; however, you'll need to bring your own water and toilet facilities if you plan to stay here.
Camp out at the Kimba Recreation Reserve, the starting point for exploring the Eyre Peninsula. Located close to a playground, oval, courts, and the Roora Reserve walking trail, this free campground is also dog-friendly. Amenities include flush toilets, a coin-operated shower, and water. With its proximity to the Eyre Highway, it serves as an ideal stop for travellers between Perth and Adelaide. Visit the impressive silo artworks or take a trip to the nearby seaside town of Cowell, where you can relax in the sun with your pet.
Coodlie Park Farm Retreat is located further down the Eyre Peninsula, about two hours south of Ceduna. You can take your dog camping on an outback farm on this three-thousand-acre plot, which is conveniently located near the coast. The campsite and swag huts are pet-friendly, but the property also has self-contained cottages and dorm-style rooms. These are situated some 2 kilometres away from the main structures, providing a serene environment in which to relax.
As long as they are close by and under your effective control, leashes for dogs are not necessary. Perhaps you could go for a stroll on the private beach that is close by.
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Skytrek Willow Springs Station is about 5 hours north of Adelaide and is located close to the magnificent Flinders Ranges national park, making it a great option for an inland outback stay with your dog. This is a fantastic area for off-roading and hiking. From Parachilna Gorge, you can access the Heysen Trail, or take one of the many walks around the property.
You can either go camping or stay in the Jillaroo's Hut, both of which allow pets. Up to four guests can be accommodated in this room with its own bathroom. There is a small nightly fee for bringing your pet inside, and the yard is fully enclosed for their safety and enjoyment.
Bendleby Ranges is a working station deep within the Flinders Ranges. This quiet and peaceful dog-friendly campsite is only 3.5 hours north of Adelaide, and it's surrounded by exciting 4WD tracks, bush walking, mountain biking, and bird watching. This pet-friendly campground is one of the best places for families while enjoying all the picturesque perks of the intrepid camping life, including breathtaking views over Wilpena Pound, Lake Frome, and the vast plains of the Flinders.
Do you want to take your dog on an adventure through the Flinders Ranges? The Cradock Hotel Campground is ideally located less than an hour from Hawker and close to the rugged gorges and mountain ranges, and abundant wildlife of Ikara-Flinders National Park. On a more pragmatic note, this campground offers hot showers for only $2 and flush toilets for free. Leave the billy in the car; camping is on the house at the Cradock Hotel if you buy a beer (or dinner!). Ikara Flinders Ranges is a national park, so make sure your dog has plenty of water, shade, and a breeze if you plan on camping there in the summer.
Rawnsley Park is a great place for a family vacation, and they welcome pets in their pet-friendly caravan park, which also has a swimming pool, a licenced grocery store, an under-cover camp kitchen, and other modern conveniences. Two pet-friendly cabins, located in the caravan park across from peaceful Kangaroo Creek, are available for a nightly fee of $10 per pet and feature fireplaces, bar refrigerators, televisions, and DVD players. Rawnsley Park can be found at the intersection of Flinders Ranges Way and Hawker.
Cooper Creek Camp is a good place to pitch a tent if you and your best friend are travelling to the Outback to investigate the red centre of South Australia. Conveniently located about five hours' drive from Maree in Etadunna, the remote campsite is close to the Simpson Desert, the Strzelecki Track and Kati-Thanda Lake Eyre,. Bring plenty of clean water and review outback driving safety tips before stopping at this free pit stop that welcomes pets.
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Taking your dog to Adelaide for a visit? You can either stay in a fancy hotel in the middle of the city or you can pitch a tent on the beach. Here’s the best options for pet-friendly accommodation in Adelaide.
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In South Australia, you can take your dog on a relaxing camping trip by the water without travelling too far. South of Adelaide, near Glenelg, is Brighton Beachfront Holiday Park, which began accepting pets in early 2021. The best part is that dogs are welcome on the beach. You can either stay in a cabin that allows pets or camp with your dog at one of the powered sites that also allows pets. Two guests can stay in the converted Seaside cabin, while four can stay in the larger Budget cabin, both of which welcome pets. Before making a reservation, make sure you understand the property's pet policy. Limits on the number of pets are in place and the manager's approval is required.
The Adelaide Beachfront Discovery Park is perfect if you and your dog enjoy long walks on the beach. The Adelaide Beachfront, located on the water, is packed with fun activities for the whole family. This park has everything from a jumping pillow and playground to a pool and a community barbeque and activity room.
You can take your dog with you to a luxury hotel in South Australia if you'd rather not camp. The Hilton Adelaide is conveniently located on Victoria Square, the city's central plaza. Rooms feature tasteful decor and room service is available. The lobby is marbled. Only a select number of rooms can accommodate guests travelling with pets, and they must be reserved in advance. Only one pet up to 34 kgs is allowed per room, as stated in the hotel's pet policy. You must pay an extra $90 per stay in addition to a $100 refundable deposit. Even though a pet sitter can be arranged for your furry friends, they should never be left alone.
The five-star Mayfair Hotel in the heart of the Central Business District now welcomes four-legged guests with their new "Luxe Pets" programme, which includes accommodations and amenities fit for a king. Your pet can stay in your room with its own food and water bowl, a selection of engaging toys, and animal waste bags for an additional $100 per night when you book a Deluxe King or Superior Queen Access Room. There is a limit of two pets per room, and each pet must weigh less than 15 kgs (unless otherwise approved by management).
Image: Instagram/hiltonadelaide
There are several fantastic low-cost or free campgrounds where your dog can stretch their legs and relax. Here’s a quick rundown.
The reserve next to the free campsite has a lake and a walking path. This is a fantastic spot for a dog owner to set up camp without spending a dime. Enjoy the walking track and swimming spots; they stock the lake with fish during certain seasons, and the free camp has a great picnic and BBQ area, as well as a gassed area for cooking food.
For both people and their pets, this camouflaged area is a piece of paradise. It's a great free camp and it's well maintained for the price of $9 per night per adult and $4.50 per night per child over the age of 8. Rapid Bay offers beachside camping, a definite perk for any camping trip (as well as cleaned and stocked flushing toilets). Before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m., when there are fewer people at the beach, the beach becomes an off-leash area where dogs are welcome. There is also an on-site cold shower and supply of clean water.
With plenty of beach for the dog to run on when the tide is out, Port Parham, just before the Yorke Peninsula, is a great choice. This service is also offered at no cost. There is plenty of room to run and play because the tide goes out quite a ways and there aren't many people on the beach (other than those who are crab raking). Blue swimmer crabs can be found at low tide in the Port Parham Foreshore Camping Reserve, a beautiful free camp close to the water. Campsite amenities include a flushing toilet, hot showers, and water for drinking and washing.
In keeping with the rest of the Yorke Peninsula, Port Julia welcomes dogs with open arms. Bring your dog to happy hour every afternoon, and leave them at the caravan (if they won't cause any trouble) while you go sight-seeing. Enjoy long stretches of beach running and a refreshing swim. However, you will have to walk quite a distance to get to them. Campsite amenities include a flushing toilet, hot showers, and water for drinking and washing. The number of campers is capped at 30 at all times per Council regulations. Campers will be charged a flat rate of $10 per night or $60 per week for sites, to be paid in advance. Caravans, RVs, camper trailers, and tents can all fit on a single lot. Boats carried on the roofs of cars or trailers are allowed. Dogs must remain on leash at all times.
Everyone in the family, including your doggo, will have a great time at this inexpensive camp ($10 per night). In addition to swimming, fishing, strolling, and playing, the beach is an ideal location for any of these activities. There is a nice sandy bay and a campground called Lipson Cove on the Eyre Peninsula, right next to the Spencer Gulf; however, you will be quite isolated there, so come prepared. There are no amenities available.
Take a day trip or spend the night to take in the serene scenery of Cockatoo Lake's waterfront. Favourite activities of guests include yabbying, water skiing, walking and fishing. You can park the caravan or set up a tent on one of the flat green areas. If you want to get away from it all, this is a fantastic place to do it. North of Naracoorte is where you'll find Cockatoo Lake (30kms). Water levels in the lake fluctuate with the seasons and the amount of precipitation.
Set up camp right at the edge of the clear, blue water! You're separated from each other by nothing more than a few yards of white sand and a few bright red rocks. This gorgeous location right on the beach is a great camp spot but with no amenities. Campers can stay for up to 14 nights at a time in the Port Gibbon Camping Area, located off Beach Road and equipped with picnic tables, trash cans, water, and a dump station. This free camp at Point Gibbon is popular because of its convenient location and breathtaking scenery, which includes white sand dunes to explore, a beach with easy access for fishing, and daily visits from large pods of dolphins. For $10 a night, campers can enjoy the seclusion of this council-maintained campground, which features a decent dirt road entrance and plenty of space for parking a van on the cliff top. Since trash collection is the only amenity, guests will need to come fully prepared or make use of the facilities at the nearby Port Gibbon.
Many tent sites, some of which are protected from the elements by natural features such as dunes and brush, are spread out across this section of privately owned land. The beach is reached via a gravel road, and a camp site can be found at the end of the road, on the right. There's a helpful and pleasant caretaker on staff. Approximate nightly cost is $4 per person anet pets are welcome. It's a great campsite, especially in warmer weather as it can get quite windy.
There is a free camp right in town that puts you within walking distance of the jetty and a good chunk of the Great Yorke Peninsula Walk; plus, your four-legged friend is welcome the whole way. Off the Jetty is a great place to go crabbing (with baskets) because the crabs are in abundance. There are only three campsites available at the Ardrossan RV Friendly site, and there is no electricity or water hookups available. However, a dump station, trash bins, and public restrooms are located nearby. It's easy to see why Ardrossan is such a popular vacation spot, what with its friendly locals, clean beaches, and excellent fishing and crabbing. Ardrossan Caravan Park also offers a variety of convenient amenities for those who value such comforts during their travels. Ardrossan Caravan Park, which is owned by the community, is conveniently located near the beach, the jetty, and a variety of shops and services. Many different types of cabins, as well as both powered and unpowered camping sites, are available.
Off the beaten path, free of charge, and close to Streaky Bay is this camp spot at Pildappa Rock, a fascinating geological The rock is an outcropping of granite, similar in appearance to Wave Rock, and has the characteristic wave pattern, formed by erosion over 1500 million years. If you're not afraid of a little climbing, you should definitely check out the view from the top of the rock. A walking trap goes all the way around the rock's base and offers some great vantage points (and photography opportunities). There are toilets, a sheltered picnic table and gas barbecues. This free camping area does not require bookings, and also has no amenities so you need to be self-supportive.
No matter where you go with your dog in South Australia, you’ll have a blast! Have another recommendation? Leave a comment below!
If you’re looking for more dog-friendly stays across Australia, check out our guide to Best Dog-Friendly Camping Spots in NSW, Top 10 Dog-Friendly Camp spots in Victoria, Best Dog-Friendly Camp Spots in Tasmania, and Best Dog-Friendly Camp Spots in Perth.
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