Families Travel Let's go camping - with the dog!

Is it really a getaway without the dogs? After all, they’re a part of the family too! And luckily for Brisbane families there are plenty of dog-friendly camping sites within a couple of hours’ drive of the city. Whether you’re eager for a bush retreat or a beach-side escape, there’s a camping ground to suit everyone – you just need to know where to look.

Here are 13 of the best dog-friendly local campgrounds that the pups will love.

Neurum Creek Bush Retreat

The Neurum Creek Bush Retreat is located about 1.5 hours north of Brisbane, with the grounds offering pet-friendly camping. Families can come along and enjoy plenty of exciting activities, including biking, canoeing, and heaps of other activities.

268 Rasmussen Road, Neurum QLD 4514 www.ncbr.com.au

Esk Caravan Park

The Esk Caravan Park is another worthy spot around Brisbane for pet-friendly camping. The park is surrounded by a range of walking trails for you to enjoy with the pups. There’s even a dog wash available, as well as a veterinary practice in the Main Street just in case – what’s not to love? There’s plenty of pet-friendly accommodation options, including cabins, motel accommodation, and more. Though there are a few pet policies to be aware of: pets must be approved by management and there is a maximum of 2 pets per caravan site.

16 Hassall Street, Esk QLD 4312 www.eskcaravanpark.com.au

Gordon Country Campgrounds

The Gordon Country Campgrounds are very welcoming of dogs, though dogs are not allowed in the glamping tents, cabins, or on any furniture on the decks, and vaccinations must be up to date.

1847-2081 Inverramsay Road, Goomburra QLD 4362 www.gordoncountry.com.au

Goomburra Valley Campgrounds

Dog-friendly camping is also permitted at the Goomburra Valley Campgrounds, with open and off-lead areas that the pups will surely love. A bond is charged for families with dogs and is returned upon your departure. When visiting the grounds, be sure to bring along your dog’s vaccination certificates.

2013 Inverramsay Rd, Goomburra QLD 4362 www.goomburravalleycampground.com.au

Flinders Beach

Also located on North Stradbroke Island is Flinders Beach, with pet-friendly camping at 12 beachfront camping spots to choose between. Located nearby are plenty of attractions to keep guests entertained throughout their stay, including bushwalking, fishing, whale watching (seasonal), wildlife interactions, and surf beaches. Toilets are also located at the camping grounds. Flinders Beach can only be accessed via 4WD.

North Stradbroke Island QLD 4183 www.minjerribahcamping.com.au/location/5-flinders-beach

Bigriggen Park

Dog-friendly camping is available at Bigriggen Park, though some terms and conditions apply. There are plenty of facilities and activities to make your stay more comfortable, including toilets, showers, powered sites, swimming, fishing, cycling, fire pits, wildlife, walking trails, and heaps more.

196 Bigriggan Road, QLD 4287 www.bigriggen.com.au

Yarraman Caravan Park

The Yarraman Caravan Park offers dog-friendly camping at management’s discretion and with certain conditions including that pets can’t be left unattended in the grounds. Luckily there are plenty of walking trails nearby, though bear in mind that dogs are not permitted within Queensland National Parks.

12121 D’Aguilar Highway, Yarraman QLD 4614 www.yarramancp.com.au

Queen Mary Falls Caravan Park

The Queen Mary Falls Caravan Park is located on the edge of the NSW border, with a wide range of activities and facilities available to make a visit comfortable. There are powered and unpowered caravan and camping sites, and a park kitchen with wood heater, gas BBQ, fridge, microwave and stove. Activities include twilight native animal walks, bushwalking, 4 wheel driving and hand-feeding native birds.

676 Spring Creek Road, Killarney QLD 4373 queenmaryfallscaravanpark.com.au

Bluff Creek Campground

Located in Kenilworth, only 50 minutes from the Sunshine Coast, is the Bluff Creek Campground – another great pet-friendly option for those looking for dog-friendly camping on the Sunshine Coast. The camping grounds are packed with plenty of exciting activities to entertain everyone, including mountain biking, horse riding, swimming, canoeing, markets, and more.

44 Wilcox Road, Kenilworth QLD 4574 www.kenilworthcampgrounds.com

Main Beach Camping Grounds

North Stradbroke Island is home to a handful of dog-friendly campgrounds, including the Main Beach Camping Grounds. The grounds are dog-friendly and have 15 designated areas to choose from. Nearby, visitors can enjoy bushwalking, whale watching (seasonal, May to September), fishing, and more. Main Beach Camping Grounds are 4WD access only.

Alfred Martin Way, North Stradbroke Island QLD 4183 www.minjerribahcamping.com.au/ location/6-main-beach

Golden Beach Holiday Park

For those looking for dog-friendly camping on the Sunshine Coast, the Golden Beach Holiday Park is ideal. The park allows pets though they are not permitted inside the park’s accommodation, pool, BBQ, or amenities area. The Golden Beach Holiday Park has plenty of facilities to make a visit very comfortable, including a BBQ area, camp kitchen, laundry, and kiosk.

9 Onslow Street, Golden Beach QLD 4551 www.goldenbeachholidaypark.com.au

Murphy's Creek Escape

Located in Upper Lockyer is Murphy’s Creek Escape, where families can enjoy a getaway from the city with their dogs. The grounds offer bush camping and adventure activities. Some of the activities families can enjoy include swimming, hiking, mountain biking, archery, bird watching, and abseiling.

356 Thomas Road, Upper Lockyer QLD 4352 www.murphyscreekescape.com.au

Kenilworth Camping

Kenilworth Camping offers dog-friendly camping with the condition that they are controlled and don’t roam. The grounds are located upon a scenic dairy farm with plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained. This includes swimming, kayaking, and bike riding – or you can just sit back with your furry friends and soak in the serenity. Dairy Tours are also coming soon – which will involve feeding baby calves and offering visitors a glimpse into the milk production process.

18 Paulger Road, Kenilworth QLD 4574 www.kenilworthcamping.net.au

Tips for camping with dogs:

• Before you set off, check out the pet rules for each campground. Most require you to keep your dog leashed or restrained at all times while on the property, and it is common courtesy to make sure all your dog’s droppings are disposed of.

• Make sure your dog’s vaccinations, worm, flea and tick treatments are up to date. You may need to show the vaccination certificate at some sites.

• Take shampoo – your dog is probably going to enjoy getting dirty!

• Invest in a collapsible water bowl or other portable water vessel to take with you on hikes.

• Take plenty of poo bags, spare lead, chew toys, stout tethering pole and a source of shade to set up your dog’s area at your camp site.

• Have fun! Camping with your dog makes some of the best memories, and is a perfect way to reinforce care and responsibility of pet ownership with your children.

You can find more dog friendly camping spots in the full online article here: www.getoutwithkids.com.au/dog-friendly-camping-qld