Planning Your Dog-Friendly Road Trip in Australia

If you’re planning a dog-friendly road trip across Australia, this guide has everything you need to make it safe, smooth, and tail-waggingly fun!

We’ll cover:

• 🏞️ The best dog-friendly destinations
• 🐶 How to keep your pup safe and comfortable in the car
• 🧳 The ultimate dog road trip packing list
• ⏱️ How often to stop on long drives
• 💡 Practical planning tips for stress-free adventures

Whether you’re heading up the coast, into the bush, or across the outback, here’s how to plan the ultimate road trip with your best mate.

 

First Things First: Do Dogs Like Road Trips?

Before you load the car, it’s worth asking – does your dog actually enjoy car travel?

The answer depends on their personality and past experiences:

• Are they thrown by changes in routine, or are they a go-with-the-flow kind of dog?
• Have they travelled in the car before, or will this be their first big journey?
• Do they get carsick, anxious, or restless on longer trips?

If your dog’s already relaxed in the car, great – they’ll probably love a road trip! If not, start small. Try short, positive outings to new places. Reward calm behaviour, and build up gradually to longer journeys.

Most dogs love exploring new places – the smells, sights, and sounds of the open road can be an adventure for their senses. Just take the time to prepare them for it, and they’ll be ready for the ride.

 

Get Planning: Road Tripping with Your Dog

A good road trip might feel spontaneous, but travelling with a dog means planning ahead. The key is to make every stop work for both of you.

Here’s what to keep in mind:

Never Leave Your Dog in the Car

Even for a few minutes. Temperatures inside cars can spike dangerously fast – even on mild days. Plus, pet theft is sadly on the rise, so your dog should stay by your side at all times.

Map Out Dog-Friendly Stops

Plan your route in advance, marking:

• Pet-friendly hotels, cafes, and rest areas
• Dog beaches, parks, and walking trails
• Emergency vets along the way (try to stay within an hour’s drive of one)

Plan Regular Stops

Wondering how often to stop on a road trip with a dog? Aim for every 3–4 hours for toilet breaks and leg stretches. High-energy dogs might need more frequent stops to stay calm and happy.

Test Short Trips First

If this is your dog’s first road trip, build up their tolerance. A few weekend getaways before a big trip can make all the difference.

 

The Ultimate Dog Road Trip Packing List

Here’s everything you’ll need to keep your pup comfy, hydrated, and safe on the road.

Food & Bowls

Bring enough food for the whole trip (plus a little extra in case of delays).
Pack collapsible bowls for food and water – easy to clean and store.

Water Bottle

A portable water bottle with a built-in bowl (like the Kurgo Gourd Travel Bottle) keeps hydration simple on the go.

Car Safety Gear

Car safety is a must. Keep your dog secure with a car harness, tether, or crate.
Small dogs benefit from booster seats so they can see out the window – it helps reduce travel sickness.

👉 Browse our range of dog car travel gear for your ideal setup.

Harness & Leash

A secure, adjustable harness is essential when exploring new environments.
The 4Pooch Control Harness and Multi-Function Lead give you maximum safety and flexibility – ideal for rest stops, city walks, or bush trails.

ID Tags

Make sure your dog’s wearing an up-to-date ID tag with your contact info. (It’s a legal requirement in most Australian states.)

Treats & Pouch

Keep training on track while you travel!
A treat pouch helps you reward good behaviour quickly and keeps your pockets crumb-free.

Toys

Toys help your dog burn energy and feel at home in new places. Bring fetch toys, chew toys, or amphibious toys if you’ll be near water.

Poop Bags & Holder

A waste bag dispenser ensures you’re never caught short at rest stops.

Travel Shower & Towel

For muddy paws or beach days, a portable shower and microfibre towel are must-haves.

Documents

Keep copies of your dog’s:

• Vaccination record

• Microchip registration

• Pet insurance details

• Vet contact info

Medication

If your dog’s on medication, pack enough for the trip – plus a few spare days in case of delays.

 

Stay Safe and Road-Smart

Australia’s vast landscapes can be as risky as they are beautiful – here’s how to keep your trip worry-free.

Stay Alert

Avoid wearing headphones on remote trails. Keep your eyes open for wildlife that could pose a risk – or tempt your dog to chase!
Remember: wild dogs and dingoes are present in some regions. Always keep your dog leashed in unfamiliar areas.

Be Aware of 1080 Bait

1080 bait (sodium fluoroacetate) is a toxic pest control substance used in rural Australia.
Dogs can be poisoned by bait or by eating carcasses of affected animals. Always check signage, avoid baited zones, and if necessary, use a basket muzzle to stop scavenging.

 

Dog-Friendly Road Trip Destinations in Australia

Looking for inspiration? Here are some top dog-approved stops around the country:

 

💡 For themed routes – think dog beach crawls, forest hikes or foodie trails – check out  Travelnuity, an excellent resource for pet-friendly Aussie adventures.

 

Enjoy the Ride

A dog-friendly road trip isn’t just about the destination – it’s about the joy of sharing the journey.

With the right gear, thoughtful planning, and plenty of water (and treats!), you and your dog will make memories to last a lifetime.

And don’t forget – we love seeing your adventures! Tag @SniffLab in your travel photos for a chance to be featured.

Happy travels, road trippers!