Pet-friendly holidays in SA

By Clair Morton
Published: Wednesday, August 14, 2019
Updated: January 14, 2022 at 10:38 am

You know that sharp pang you feel when dropping your child at the school gate for the first time, or when you leave your partner to go on a work trip?

That’s not far off how pet owners feel when they have to part from their fur babies to go on holiday.

While it might not be realistic to bundle up your coveted corgi for a trip to Cuba, or take your fussy French bulldog to Fiji, there are plenty of holidays your best mate can join in on right here in SA. Stick a little closer to home for an unforgettable trip the whole family will remember for years to come.

Before you head off

Ensuring a smooth ride for you and your furry family member all comes down to preparation.

The first decision you’ll need to make is based on what level of luxury you’re looking for. Finding a pet-friendly place isn’t as difficult as it used to be – there are boutique hotels popping up all over the place that’ll treat both you and your animals.

Discovery Parks across SA are increasingly offering pet-friendly accommodation options, and even Apollo is on board with allowing pets in its motorhomes.

Before you set off, you’ll just have to make sure your pet is happy with the idea of going on a trip. Are they comfortable and familiar with car travel? Do they get anxious about going to new places? If you’re confident they’ll be okay, you’re good to go.

Pack enough pet food and water for the distance you’re travelling, and don’t forget a collar and bed for your four-legged friend.

Lastly, while not a legal requirement in SA, it’s safest (for everyone in the vehicle) to invest in a pet restraint.

When you first arrive at your animal-friendly destination with a dog, take them for a walk so they can familiarise themselves with their new surroundings. This should help alleviate any stress they might be feeling. Dogs also thrive on routine, so try to keep things as similar as possible why you’re away.

Dogs thrive on routine while on holiday.

Dogs thrive on routine, so try to keep things as similar as possible why you’re away.

Where can you go?

Camp out under the stars

While most South Australian national parks don’t allow dogs, there are a few exceptions. One of these is Innamincka Regional Reserve in the iconic SA outback. An oasis for stargazers and birdwatchers, life in the tiny outpost town of Innamincka is centred around two watering holes – Cooper Creek, and the Innamincka Hotel. Have a drink and meal outside, with your best friend by your side, before heading off to explore the natural wonders this remote region has to offer. Just make sure your dog is on a lead at all times.

Where to stay: There are plenty of places to set up camp along the banks of Cooper Creek – by doing so, you’ll be following in the footsteps of Australian explorers Burke and Wills, who camped out here in 1860 during their most ill-fated expedition. If you’re roughing it, a gold coin will get you a welcome shower at the toilet block near the trading post and pub.

Cooper Creek - a great pet-friendly holiday destination.

There are plenty of places to set up camp along the banks of Cooper Creek. Image: SATC.

Take to the water in the Riverland

Houseboats are synonymous with the Riverland, and for good reason – they’re arguably one of the best ways to see the region.

It’s also one experience you don’t have to leave your pup on the shore for.

Take in life at river-pace, and spend your days dropping a line in the Murray, or cruising past the Riverland’s dramatic ochre cliffs, stark white sandbars and river red gum forests. To regain your land legs, travel downstream to Berri and head for the award-winning, off-the-grid Mallee Fowl Restaurant in Monash, which welcomes pets in its laid-back courtyard dining area. If it’s a walk you’re in need of, stroll along the recently revamped Paringa Paddock trail in Renmark.

Where to stay: Wilkadene Above Renmark offers several pet-friendly accommodation choices, including its fleet of houseboats and its cottage. Just take your pick and cruise off into the sunset.

You'll find plenty of pet-friendly houseboats along the Murray and in the Riverland. Image: SATC.

Embrace beach weather on the Fleurieu

Life’s a beach on the Fleurieu Peninsula – not just for people, but their furry family members too. Some of the most accessible places with pup-friendly stretches of sand are Sellicks Beach, Aldinga, and Port Noarlunga.

Further south, where turquoise waters meet the white sands of Normanville, there’s a year-round off-leash area north of the jetty for your pooch to make some new friends on holiday. Most cafés in the town’s main strip are accommodating to pets as well, as long as you’re happy to dine alfresco.

If you’re looking for something else to help you slide into holiday mode, why not check out a winery or two in the Fleurieu region?

The owners of Lazy Ballerina near McLaren Vale know just how well dogs and wine pair together, which is why their winery is not only child-friendly but canine friendly too. Boasting a picturesque cellar door and restaurant surrounded by vivid green lawns, this place is a popular choice, so call ahead to make sure you get a spot.

Where to stay: Just a short stroll from Normanville is Seagrass Villas, one of SA’s highest-rated dog-friendly accommodation options. Offering luxurious features for humans such as a therapeutic outdoor spa and complimentary drink on arrival, your pooch won’t be forgotten either – there’s a ‘doggy bag’ of goodies for them too.

Even better, RAA members save 10% when they book through RAA Travel.

In Normanville, there’s a year-round off-leash area north of the jetty for your pooch to make some new friends on holiday.

In Normanville, there’s a year-round off-leash area north of the jetty. Image: SATC.

Stay, or stray, near Adelaide city

Ever heard of a puppacino? If you’re not content to quench your dog’s thirst with a basic water bowl, there’s another option at Fawn Coffee, right in the Adelaide CBD. The popular café’s dog-friendly drawcard is apparent on its Facebook page, which is littered with photos of happy customers of the wet-nosed variety. From there, take your pampered pooch on an invigorating walk through the city, or make a picnic lunch and throw the Frisbee with your four-legged friend at Golden Wattle Park.

If you’re looking to venture further into the hills, you’ll find the Stanley Bridge Tavern at Verdun, which welcomes all manner of two and four-legged beings into its beer garden.

Where to stay: It doesn’t matter which side of the city you want to be closer to, DressCircle Apartments has you covered with serviced apartment locations at Kent Town and North Adelaide that welcome furry family members.

Take your pampered pooch on an invigorating walk through the city.

Take your pampered pooch on an invigorating walk through Adelaide's city parks.

Happy paws

As well as being pet-friendly, Apollo Motorhomes offers RAA members 10 per cent off its best rate of the day.

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