TAIL WAGGING escapes
- Karen Kinnersly
- May 2
- 4 min read
There are countless upsides to being a dog owner, from always having a loyal companion (read: shadow) at your side to a perfect excuse to get active and get outdoors. They're part of the family, which makes them a key consideration when travelling.
WRITTEN BY CHRIS ASHTON
As a proud adoptive parent to Murphy the English staffy, he's always front of mind when I’m planning trips. Luckily, the prevalence and quality of pet friendly escapes continues to soar, meaning, more often than not, he gets to come along for the ear-flapping ride.
These are some of our local recommendations across the Northern Rivers and Gold Coast.
NOVOTEL SURFERS PARADISE
Novotel Surfers Paradise makes beach breaks with your pup effortless, offering Deluxe rooms with a comfy dog bed, food and water bowl and tennis ball. A dedicated lawn is also available for exercise and breaks.
In an appreciated move, pets can join you at mealtimes, with BLVD Café & Bar on the ground level home to a section for dining alongside your pet. There’s also a BBQ area that can be booked in advance.
Dogs are welcome on-leash at Appel and Lionel Perry Parks, around 5 minutes’ walk.
Things to note: dogs 20kg and under, $50 surcharge per day
QT GOLD COAST
Squirrelled away in the northern end of Surfers Paradise, QT Gold Coast goes the extra mile for very good dogs, offering a ‘Pup Yeah!’ package including a designer bed, welcome treat and a pet-approved room service menu.
That room service is a key point of difference, with steak tartare, chicken and veg, and beef and kidney a tease of what awaits your dog’s discerning palate. Though a smidge pricey (it is a five-star hotel, after all), it takes the hassle out of travelling with meals in tow.
Dogs are welcome on-leash along the Surfers Paradise Esplanade, as well as Mackintosh Island Park, just across the Nerang River.
Things to note: dogs 20kg and under, $150 cleaning fee applies
PAT’S FARM BY O’REILLY’S
Part of the O’Reilly’s Retreat stable, Pat’s Farm is a gorgeous off-grid escape set on a working cattle farm, enveloped by the Lamington National Park. It’s a place to switch off and reconnect. And, one of its six cabins is dog friendly.
Each two-person cabin boasts a kitchenette, plunge pool and couple's hammock, plus a bottle of O’Reilly’s bubbles and even some marshmallows for toasting on your fire pit. Two bowls and a dog bed are supplied.
There’s also the option of a curated paddock-to-plate experience from O’Reilly’s, which comes with two prep-your-own breakfasts, two dinners and a fruit and cheese platter.
Things to note: dogs 20kg and under, $100 cleaning fee
ORIGIN HOUSE CAROOL
A tranquil base to discover the Tweed Hinterland, Origin House Carool pulls double duty as both a place to unwind with the pup and a sensorial journey into the wonderful world of coffee.
Only a short drive from Murwillumbah, the two-bedroom villa shares the grounds of Wirui Estate coffee plantation, with owner Zeta inviting guests for a behind the scenes tour of the award-winning property, which grows primarily for Campos’ single origin range.
Basics for a leisurely breakfast are included for your first morning, together with a bag of Wirui Estate coffee to enjoy overlooking the very plants from which it came.
Things to note: no size restrictions, pets must sleep inside at night to protect wildlife
BLUE WATER MOTEL KINGSCLIFF
The classic road trip is a holiday staple for Aussie families, with humble, small-town motels often playing a key role in that nostalgic experience. Blue Water Motel in Kingscliff is no exception–and your fur baby is welcome to join in on the fun.
Delivering vintage vibes in all the right places, the renovated escape boasts 17 light and bright queen, twin and family rooms, alongside a four-bedroom beach house, all just metres from the rolling waves of the Pacific.
An off-leash dog beach is accessible at the far end of Murphy’s Road, only 5 minutes’ walk at the opposite end of the sports fields, directly across the road from the motel.
Things to note: direct bookings only, one small pet per room, one-off $50 fee
HILLCREST MOUNTAIN VIEW RETREAT
There’s pet friendly, and there’s Hillcrest Mountain View Retreat: an adults only B&B on 165 acres near Murwillumbah. Not only does it welcome well behaved dogs in its cottage, but there’s a gang of resident pooches offering wet-nosed affection on tap.
The cottage is designed for self-catering stays, with a full kitchen and barbeque setup, though gourmet breakfasts, produce-driven evening meals and even a private gazebo dining experience can also be arranged.
When you’re not relaxing in the pool, getting lost in a book or breathing in views of Mount Warning from the spa, Hillcrest is a great sightseeing base, with Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre a definite must-visit.
Things to note: pet friendly on request only
INGENIA PARKS BYRON BAY
Downtown Byron Bay can be rather dizzying in school holidays, but Ingenia Holidays Byron Bay–just five minutes out of town and located opposite the Byron Bay Golf Club–always feels like a slice of paradise. The accommodation options are diverse too.
Pets are welcomed on ensuite, powered and unpowered camping sites, as well as in Studio Cabins and the 2 Bedroom Standard Villa. There’s also a dog wash and agility park.
When in need of a bit of exercise, the dog friendly Tallow Beach is conveniently just a short walk alongside Tallow Creek and across the dunes.
Things to note: pet friendly subject to availability, blackout dates apply
REFLECTIONS LENNOX HEAD
Draped along the shores of Lake Ainsworth, a popular swimming spot infused with dark tannins from the surrounding Melaleuca trees, Reflections Lennox Head welcomes dogs in Deluxe and Economy cabins, as well as all powered and unpowered sites.
A bit like Byron Bay without the crowds, Lennox is known for its relaxed vibe, beautiful beach and fantastic surfing, with its small array of restaurants and cafes all worth biting into (nearby Shelter is a great dog-friendly option).
Reflections features a dog wash and enclosed run. Though dogs aren’t allowed in the lake or along its foreshore, there is an off-leash beach accessible via Pacific Parade.
Things to note: up to 2 dogs when booking direct
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