Ready to hit the road with your dog? Whether you’re chasing coastlines, wine country or cool mountain air, these dog friendly road trips from Sydney are packed with off leash parks, pup-welcoming beaches, and dog friendly accommodation that rolls out the red carpet for your four-legged co-pilot. Each itinerary is perfect for a 2–3 day escape — ideal for stress-free holidays with your pup.
Blue Mountains Dog Friendly Escape: Bushwalks, Cafes & Off Leash Parks (2 hrs from Sydney)
The Blue Mountains offers dog friendly destinations with stunning cliff views, easy walking trails and pup-welcoming cafes. Katoomba, Leura and Blackheath are full of leash-friendly areas and nature walks perfect for active pups.
2–3 Day Dog Friendly Itinerary
- Day 1: Stretch your legs on scenic dog friendly walks like Wentworth Falls Lake Walk or South Lawson Waterfall Circuit, then unwind over lunch at the cozy, dog welcoming Red Door Café or charming Cafe Leura.
- Day 2: Enjoy a stroll on Horseshoe Falls Walk or Charles Darwin Walk in Wentworth Falls. Then relax with a craft beer at Mountain Culture Beer Co. in Katoomba where dogs welcome on the deck.
- Day 3: Visit Blackheath’s off leash dog park, Whitley Park – a fully fenced, 24-hour off leash park with water stations, shaded seating, and dog waste bags. The perfect spot for exercise before cruising back to Sydney.
Dog Friendly Accommodation
- Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains, Leura – Spacious pet friendly rooms with cozy pet beds, plus nearby walking trails and dog friendly cafes.
- Mountain Culture Farm Stays, Megalong Valley – Peaceful pet friendly farmstay surrounded by nature, perfect for relaxing with your dog.
Central Coast Dog Friendly Coastal Adventure: Beaches, Markets & Walks (1.5 hrs from Sydney)
Rolling surf, laidback cafes and bushy reserves make the Central Coast a top-tier destination for dog lovers and their fur babies.
2–3 Day Dog Friendly Itinerary
- Day 1: Kick off the day with off leash fun at North Shelly Beach (off leash before 9 am and after 5 pm), then savour brunch with your pup in tow at The Morning Coffee Society’s spacious dog friendly outdoor seating in Long Jetty.
- Day 2: Walk a shaded loop in Strickland State Forest (dogs allowed on leash). Explore Avoca Beachside Markets (4th Sunday of the month) with your leashed dog by your side.
- Day 3: Coffee and treats at Café 2261, Long Jetty with dog friendly courtyard seating. Take a leisurely stroll through Long Jetty Foreshore Reserve, a grassy park with picnic spots and dog-friendly trails.
Dog Friendly Accommodation
- The Clan Terrigal – Lagoon-side rooms just minutes from off-leash areas, with pet-friendly dining and walking trails nearby.
- Buccaneer Motel – Perfect for pups and their humans who want easy access to Long Jetty Waterfront.
- Kims Beachside Retreat – For pups craving a bit more luxury, Kims offers private bungalows and villas with jacuzzis or private pools – one of the few luxury resorts in the area welcoming dogs.
South Coast Dog Friendly Seaside Getaway: Beaches, Breweries & Parks (3 hrs from Sydney)
The South Coast is ideal for dog friendly holidays. Think turquoise waters, shady parks and cafes where dogs rule the roost. Base yourself around Jervis Bay or Huskisson.
2–3 Day Dog Friendly Itinerary
- Day 1: Lunch at Angels Bayside Café, Huskisson. Explore Huskisson Beach (dog friendly section between Tapalla Point and Tapalla Avenue, off leash from 4 PM to 8 AM daily).
- Day 2: Sip local brews at Cupitt’s Estate – a dog friendly winery and brewery. Catch a sunset walk at Nelsons Beach (off leash times apply).
- Day 3: Grab takeaway coffee from 5 Little Pigs. Walk the Huskisson to Vincentia shared path or visit Greenwell Point Dog Park (a fully fenced area with water stations) before heading home.
Dog Friendly Accommodation
- Sandy Paws and Salty Zoomies – Just a bone’s throw from the beach, this modern ground-floor apartment is perfect for pups and their people.
- Husky Sands, Huskisson – Stylish beachside stay just 5 minutes’ walk to Huskisson Beach where pups are welcome off leash during set hours.
Hunter Valley Wine Region: Vineyard Walks & Pet Friendly Cellar Doors (2.5 hrs from Sydney)
Wine lovers, rejoice. The Hunter Valley offers an abundance of pet friendly wineries, dog parks and open countryside where dogs are welcome to wander on leash.
2–3 Day Dog Friendly Itinerary
- Day 1: Explore the Best Dog Friendly Wineries in the Hunter Valley. Sip in the sunny garden at Briar Ridge Vineyard, stroll to Pepper Tree Wines for VIP tastings where dogs are welcome indoors and out. Head to Glandore Estate Wines in Lovedale, where dogs are part of the family — meet the resident winery dogs and treat your pup to doggy ice cream.
- Day 2: Join a dog friendly winery tour like Vino Paw Tours or Classic Tours, where your pup rides comfortably while you visit multiple pet friendly wineries. Walk the Hunter Valley Gardens village green (on leash), then refuel at Two Fat Blokes Deli Café, another dog friendly spot.
- Day 3: Before heading home, visit the Branxton Off-Leash Dog Park or spacious spots like Manning Park and Hall Park in nearby Cessnock for some final tail-wagging fun.
Dog Friendly Accommodation
- voco™ Kirkton Park Hunter Valley, Pokolbin – Luxurious 4-star hotel set on 28-hectares. Dogs up to 15 kg are welcome with puppy beds and handmade treats provided.
- Ingenia Holidays Hunter Valley, Cessnock – a family-friendly holiday park with cabins and powered sites welcoming dogs.
- Tonic Hotel, Lovedale – an Adults-only boutique hotel nestled among the vines, with dog beds to ensure your pup’s comfort.
Bowral Southern Highlands Dog Friendly Retreat: Gardens, Cafes & Boutique Shops (1.5 hrs from Sydney)
Bowral is a stylish yet relaxed dog friendly destination with cool climate gardens, antique stores and leafy trails.
Weekend Dog Friendly Itinerary
- Day 1: Visit Corbett Gardens, a historic botanical oasis (on leash except during Tulip Time Festival). Then enjoy coffee at The Press Shop café with their dog friendly courtyard.
- Day 2: Walk along heritage-listed Glebe Park trail before visiting Dirty Janes antique market, where dogs are allowed on leash.
Dog Friendly Accommodation
- The Hidden Door Bowral – Pet friendly cottage with fenced garden, close to cafes and shops.
- Berida Hotel – Allows small dogs on request, close to walking trails and cafes with dog friendly outdoor seating.
Byron Bay Dog Friendly Coastal Bliss: Beaches, Markets & Boho Vibes (9 hrs from Sydney or 1 hr flight)
For longer adventures, Byron Bay is a dream dog friendly beach destination.
2–3 Day Dog Friendly Itinerary
- Day 1: Head to Belongil Beach off leash area. Lunch at Folk Byron Bay with dog friendly outdoor seating.
- Day 2: Walk the Cape Byron walking track to the lighthouse (on leash). Swim at Suffolk Park Beach, off leash before 9 am.
- Day 3: Brunch at Bayleaf Café (dog friendly tables outside), then explore Bangalow Markets if timing allows.
Dog Friendly Accommodation
- The Shambhala Byron Bay – Stylish pet friendly accommodation in lush beachside surroundings just minutes from off leash areas.
- Byron Bay Hotel and Apartments – Located just 3 blocks from the beach, offering a handful of dog friendly rooms with prior approval.
Kiama Dog Friendly Coastal Break: Walks, Beaches & Cafes (2 hrs from Sydney)
Kiama is an ideal weekend dog friendly destination with iconic coastal views, a welcoming community and accessible walks.
2 Day Dog Friendly Itinerary
- Day 1: Walk the Kiama Coastal Walk from the Blowhole to Easts Beach. Lunch with your dog at Olive & Vine (dog friendly outdoor seating).
- Day 2: Morning play at Jones Beach off leash area, followed by brunch at The Brooding Italian café.
Dog Friendly Accommodation
- Sea Breeze Luxury Accommodation – Just a few minutes’ walk from Kiama Surf Beach.
- Saddleback Grove Kiama – A scenic getaway with stunning views, outdoor spa and firepit.
Planning your first dog friendly road trip?
Don’t miss our guide on How to Prepare for a Dog Friendly Road Trip – filled with essentials on packing, safety and choosing stops your dog will love.
Looking for more PawTripper approved places to stay? Our full Dog Friendly Accommodation Guide is your ultimate travel companion.
