How to plan when travelling with your dog
Travelling Australia with your dog has become part of the touring lifestyle for thousands of adventurers. Whether you're exploring the beaches of the South Coast, tackling an Outback track or spending weeks crossing the country, bringing your four-legged companion can make every journey even more memorable. But travelling with your dog requires a little more planning - particularly once you leave major towns behind. Knowing where you'll find dog-friendly accommodation, suitable campsites, veterinary services and safe places to stop can make all the difference. A recent study by ROLLiN' analysed 22 of Australia's best-known touring routes to see which are best suited to travelling with pets, while also highlighting the extra preparation needed for more remote adventures.
Where are Australia's most pet-friendly road trips?
According to ROLLiN's research, Western Australia's Cape to Cape route was Australia's highest-ranked dog-friendly road trip, thanks to its abundance of dog-friendly accommodation, beaches and parks. The Grand Pacific Drive in New South Wales and the Legendary Pacific Coast also ranked highly, offering a combination of scenic attractions, pet-friendly facilities and convenient access to veterinary services. While these coastal routes naturally benefit from more towns and infrastructure, the findings also highlight just how important planning becomes once you venture further off the beaten track
By comparison, Australia's iconic remote touring routes—including the Gibb River Road, Savannah Way and Red Centre Way—offer a very different experience. These adventures reward travellers with spectacular landscapes and genuine wilderness, but services can be hundreds of kilometres apart. If you're travelling with a dog, careful route planning, carrying extra water and food, and knowing where veterinary assistance is available become even more important than on coastal drives.
Whether you're planning to explore the Victorian High Country, cross the Nullarbor, tackle the Gibb River Road or follow the Savannah Way, travelling with your dog adds another layer of planning. Mapping your route before you leave helps identify fuel stops, campsites, rest areas and towns where veterinary assistance is available should you need it.
Travelling with your dog means more muddy paws, wet noses, sand-covered coats and plenty of dirt making its way into your caravan, camper or tow vehicle. A Muk Mat is a simple but effective way to keep the mess where it belongs. Designed and made in Australia, Muk Mats trap dirt, sand, grass and mud before it gets inside, helping to keep your living space cleaner and more comfortable for both you and your four-legged travel companion. Whether you're stopping at a dog-friendly beach, bush campsite or country caravan park, a Muk Mat is an essential addition to your touring setup, making life on the road with pets that little bit easier.
Lower rankings don't necessarily mean these journeys should be avoided. Many of Australia's greatest 4WD adventures naturally have fewer services because they're far from major population centres. Routes like the Gibb River Road, Savannah Way and the Nullarbor demand greater self-sufficiency, making thorough planning essential for anyone travelling with pets. Carrying additional food and water, understanding local restrictions and knowing where the next town or veterinary service is located can help avoid unnecessary stress if something unexpected happens.
Trip Planning Checklist for Touring with Dogs
- Research national park regulations before departure.
- Identify pet-friendly camps and accommodation along your route.
- Mark fuel stops and towns with veterinary clinics.
- Carry extra drinking water for both you and your dog.
- Pack a dedicated pet first-aid kit.
- Plan shorter driving days where possible.
- Keep dogs restrained while driving and around wildlife.
- Check seasonal hazards including heat, snakes and ticks.
Whether you're following a scenic coastal drive or tackling one of Australia's legendary Outback tracks, travelling with your dog can be one of the most rewarding ways to explore the country. The key is preparation. Understanding your route, knowing where services are available and planning ahead allows both you and your four-legged travelling companion to enjoy the adventure safely. For remote journeys in particular, detailed maps and trusted touring guides remain invaluable tools for identifying campsites, towns, fuel stops and alternative routes before you leave home.
For the full research, check it out here
For more information on travelling with your best mate, check out the editor's pick below!
Planning an trip with your dog? Here's what to consider