7 paw-fect spots to take your four legged friend on a roadtrip from Byron Bay to Sydney, from secluded beaches to free camp spots. Woof!
G’day!
I’m Melissa (Liss) Connell and this is my personal travel blog. The Slow Lane chronicles my Aussie adventures in my 1974 Kombi, with my furry sidekick Sandy. As the co-founder of Exploring Eden Media, I write articles (and post our books) as I travel. Check the postage stamp on your book order and you’ll see where I am right now!
The journey of life is sweeter
When travelled with a dog
Top 7 spots to paws for a break on a Byron Bay to Sydney roadtrip
Blog post by Liss Connell @lifeintheslowlane
The first time I laid eyes on this little fluffball, I knew that I was in for trouble. For someone who loves travelling, owning a dog can make life a little bit, well, ruff (ok, prepare for lots of dog and border collie related puns ahead).
I’ve had to leave Sandy behind on my last few trips, but now that I’m living on the road, there was no way that I was leaving her. Travelling solo can be lonely and, at times, scary. With many of Australia’s best spots located within national parks, travelling with a dog can be challenging. That’s why I’ve compiled this list, to make life a little easier for other dog owners on the road. If there are any spots that I’ve missed, please leave a comment below!
1. Byron Bay
Byron Bay is amazingly dog-friendly. Even on the Main Beach, right there in front of the Beach Hotel pub (where you can also see the famous shipwreck poking out from the waves). Byron’s CBD gets super busy, especially during summer, so head to Main Beach early in the morning before the crowds. Alternatively, some great nearby dog beaches include Tallow Beach and Suffolk Park. Further north there’s Brunswick Heads (pictured above) including a beautiful river where you can kayak or SUP.
2. Delicate Beach, near Crescent Head
A dog-friendly bush campground, right next to an amazing beach? I know it sounds far-fetched, but it’s true! Delicate campground, in Goolawah Regional Park near Crescent Head has spaces for vans and camping AND it’s dog-friendly. For 2 people its $24 per night ($12 each). There’s a bush track straight through to the dog beach, where you can go surfing or swimming, plus there are other beaut beaches nearby.
3. Moonee Beach and Lagoon
Just ten minutes north of Coffs Harbour is Moonee – a massive tidal lagoon and gorgeous beach. As soon as you arrive you’ll think you’ve found hound heaven. There’s a bush track over to a headland that has amazing views and sunset picnic spots galore. While I’m not normally a fan of staying in caravan parks, Reflections Moonee Beach Holiday Park is right next to the lagoon – it’s pooch friendly and well set-up for your beloved fur baby. There’s even a dog wash tub! My tip – book a spot right next to the river (but first, ask reception if there are any midges on the bite).
4. Bretti Reserve, near Gloucester
An amazing riverside camping area, dog-friendly and … wait for it … completely FREE! Bretti can be found on the scenic Thunderbolts Way drive between Gloucester and Walcha, in the Barrington region. Bring firewood, a kayak and enough food to last you a week or so. Once you’re here, it’s likely you’ll stay for a while.
5. Forster-Tuncurry
There are some amazing dog-friendly beaches around Forster-Tuncurry, though my favourites (Boomerang and Blueys) have time restrictions. Dogs are permitted on One Mile Beach at Forster, Blueys and Boomerang Beaches at Pacific Palms between 5am-8am. On Nine Mile Beach, Tuncurry it’s leash-free from 3pm-8am. Check on the Great Lakes website for other beaches nearby.
6. Norah Head, Central Coast
About an hour north of Sydney is the Central Coast, a beautiful region with lots of bushland and gorgeous beaches. At Norah Head, there’s a lighthouse that’s almost identical to the one in Byron Bay (they are ‘sister lighthouses’) and, on a clear day, locals claim that you can see Centrepoint Tower from the Soliders Beach carpark. Anyway, back to the part about dogs … As you drive into Soldiers carpark you’ll see a deserted beach at the base of the sand dunes. Gravelly Beach is dog-friendly, as are the beaches below the lighthouse between Gravelly and the rockpool at Cabbage Tree Bay. Norah Head’s Holiday Park is also dog-friendly.
Q: What’s the difference between a dog and a marine biologist?
A: One wags a tail and the other tags a whale.
7. Turon Gates, Blue Mountains
For something a little bit paw-sh, head to Turon Gates Eco Retreat in the Blue Mountains, doggie heaven! There’s camping, glamping and cabins that are dog-friendly, plus 6,000 acres of bushland to be explored. Take your doggie for a paddle in the river, go fishing, or even try your hand at gold panning. This is a nice getaway if you’re craving some time in the mountains.
Drop back from time-to-time as Sandy and I continue our journey to the Kimberley, Western Australia (I will upload more blogs – read them all here). And please – if any of the information has changed or if you know of more great spots, please leave them in the comments below 🙂
This insightful blog article provides invaluable tips and firsthand experiences on traveling with dogs from Byron Bay to Sydney, catering to pet owners seeking a seamless adventure with their furry companions. The author’s detailed account of their journey, from dog-friendly accommodations to scenic pit stops along the coastal route, offers practical advice and inspiration for pet lovers embarking on similar trips. Drawing from my own experiences traveling with dogs along Australia’s east coast, including stops at pet-friendly beaches and cafes, I can attest to the joys and challenges of exploring with canine companions. This article serves as an excellent resource for anyone looking to create unforgettable memories while traveling with their beloved pets, showcasing the beauty and pet-friendly amenities of the Byron Bay to Sydney route.
I am regular visitor, how are you everybody? This
piece of writing posted at this site is truly nice.
I love you brought your dog along with you guys. Made this blog even better.
As a dog blog writer, I always recommend my reader to travel with a dog. And they told me that, they get an adventure feeling with their dog.
Hi Melissa and Sandy, you have put me at ease knowing there are so many great spots for doggies. The last photo or you and your little darling just bought a tear to my eye! I love how much dogs get to be loved by souls like you. Thank you again. Let the adventure begin!!
Thanks so much, Leisa. Haha, yeah, that last pic def. epitomises my relationship with little Sandy dog. It does make travel harder, though, but I prefer to take her along because it makes the trip better. Happy travels to you!
What a beautiful article to read and more importantly, to watch! The three of you make a great trio I must say.
Came to share an article I recently read that covers all the dog friendly places (beaches, parks, cafes etc) on the Northern Beaches of NSW –> (URL left as website below)
Wow, was just looking at your blog while on a doggy road trip to Coffs and realised you have a matching dog! So excited, our collie, Marty, looks exactly the same with one ear up and one down. Thought we were the only lucky ones. Thanks for the info.
G’day Robyn,
Yes, people always comment on Sandy’s one up/one down style!
It’s nice seeing other red collies. Hope to meet Marty in our travels 🙂
Happy New Year.
– Melissa
Moonee is one of my favourite beaches, the lagoon there is incredible. So good that it’s dog friendly!
It’s so good!
Thanks for your comment, Jacqui.