9 Pet-Friendly Accommodation Options in Outback Queensland
In Outback Queensland, man’s best friend is as much a part of the psyche as the akubra, flannelette shirts, and RM William boots.
Canine companions are considered members of the family, which is why pets are welcome at most establishments across the outback.
From sleeping under the stars to enjoying the finer things in life, we’re paws-itive that you’ll be adding chew toys and pet food to your packing list for your next trip out west.
If you’re planning on bringing a pet, organise your trip around these pet-friendly accommodation options:
1. Bailey Bar Caravan Park, Charleville
Home-away-from-home feels never looked so good as Charleville’s Bailey Bar Caravan Park.
It’s no surprise they’ve had a four year winning streak taking out Trip Advisor’s Customer Excellence Award for their quality outback hospitality.
On site, you’ll find dedicated pet-friendly cabins that allow the animals to sleep inside for a small room surcharge.
Pets even get a souvenir ‘dog tag’ for their stay that reads ‘BBCP Luvs Me’ – how #cute.
While in Charleville, visit the World War II Secret Base – a key attraction not to miss in town, and bonus – you can take your dog inside.
2. Boulia Caravan Park, Boulia
The Boulia Caravan Park is located on the Burke River in Boulia. It is a great pet-friendly place with its grassy and well-shaded areas.
The accommodation includes powered and unpowered sites, cabins, units, and a family room.
You’ll even get to meet the resident animals, including camels and ponies!
3. Sandstone Park, Carnarvon Gorge
Sandstone Park is the only pet-friendly accommodation option in the Carnarvon Gorge region. And pets are not allowed in National Parks of course.
So, take it from us, if you’re planning on staying in the region book in early for you and your canine companion – as all Carnarvon Gorge accommodation gets booked out well in advance.
Each site in the park provides 360 views of Carnarvon National Park, giving this caravan park unparalleled wake up views.
For your best friend, there are pet kennels for daily hire for when you explore the gorge, as domestic animals are prohibited in the national park.
4. Hughenden Allen Terry Caravan Park, Hughenden
Located on Overlander’s Way half way between Townsville and Mount Isa, ‘Hughie’ as its affectionately known by the locals is hub of natural wonders, and home to an impressive fossil collection – and of course, the Hughenden Allen Terry Caravan Park.
Although pets aren’t allowed in the cabin accommodation, they are welcome in the campgrounds and caravan sites. Who knows, your pooch could be the lucky one that digs up a dinosaur bone!
5. Julia Creek Caravan Park, Julia Creek
Julia Creek is located 258km east of Mount Isa. Although a small town, it’s not one to miss with the upgraded Julia Creek Caravan Park which is home to the famous Monday Night Bush Dinner (during June to September) and the Artesian Bath Experience.
And the best news – the caravan park is also pet-friendly (excluding cabins).
6. Lara Wetlands Camping Grounds, Barcaldine
Approximately 30km south of Barcaldine, Lara Wetlands guarantees picture perfect tent-views over looking the prolific birdlife that inhabit this wet land.
If you get tired of sitting under the shade of this spectacular campsite, you can take some time out to pamper yourself with a relaxing swim in the property’s thermal controlled Artesian therapeutic Hot Pool.
As the campgrounds are located at Lara Station, a working farm, there is always cattle wandering freely through the property. This means, although a pet-friendly site, visiting pets are required to be restrained at all times.
7. Leichhardt Accommodation, Mount Isa
Stay in the heart of Mount Isa at Leichhardt Accommodation – a place that helps you feel at home!
With spacious motel-style units, an outdoor pool and gym, free Wi-Fi, and a complimentary buffet breakfast, all your travel needs are covered.
The best part? Pets are welcome!
8. The Lake, Quilpie
The Lake provides farmstay accommodation, caravan and camping sites located 4-minutes from the main town of Quilpie, with the bonus of this beautiful water gem. The property is home to Lake Houdraman, surrounded by shady gum trees, and dogs are welcome to stay.
You can go fishing in the lake, experience their Lakeview Bathhouse, join a private 4WD station tour, and see their resident emus!
9. Longreach Tourist Park, Longreach
If you’re looking for a comfortable and leisurely stay, then the Longreach Tourist Park in Longreach is perfect for you!
With pools, BBQ sites, a restaurant and bistro, and camp kitchen, this is the place to kick back and relax. It’s also just down the road from the iconic Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame and the Qantas Founders Museum.
The tourist park is pet-friendly (excluding cabins).
Before you go…
Before leaving for your outback trip, make sure that your pet is ready for the adventure too:
- Pet health – make sure that your pet is up-to-date with their regular veterinary care, like worming, ticks/fleas prevention, and vaccinations before you leave. It’s not only one less thing for you to worry about out on the road, but vets are also less available in the outback.
- Contact information – the last thing you need to have happen is your pet getting lost. If they accidentally do, having your contact information up-to-date on their collars and microchips can help them to be returned to you.
- Car travel – travel safety is not only vital for humans, but pets too. Make sure to have the required car restraints and carriers so that both you and your pets remain safe. Rest stops are also needed for not only us humans, but our four-legged friends so they too can stretch their legs and get some fresh air. For more pet care travel tips, check out the RSPCA’s pet travel guide.
- Dog park etiquette – it’s a thing! If you’re taking your pooch to a dog park, make sure your pooch can mind their dog park manners and follow the local rules. And of course always carry ‘dog poo bags’ with you everywhere you go to pick-up after your dog.
- Out of bounds – as much as we’d like to take our furry friends with us everywhere we go, there are some places where pets are not allowed. For example, National Parks or around stock and properties with dogs, are out of bounds. Make sure to read up on the relevant information for the areas you are visiting.
And here are a couple of activities for you and your furry friend to do in the Outback:
- Grab a drink at the Birdsville Hotel: This iconic establishment is so pet friendly you can take your pooch to the pub!
- Treat your pet to their first music festival at the Big Red Bash. 2017 was the first year dogs were allowed at the event, proving a great success.
