Bring your bestie to our favourite pet-friendly accommodation across Queensland

Bring your mate along to stay at Miss Midgley’s in New Farm, one of Brisbane's oldest heritage homes. Here you can stay in a pet-friendly ground-floor apartment (choose between the Refectory Room, Locker Room, or Principle’s Office) with a private courtyard and sunken garden so they can come in and out as they please.

Ovolo The Valley and The Incholm by Ovolo

Give your pet the rock star treatment on a stay at one of Brisbane’s best contemporary boutique hotels — Ovolo The Valley (in Fortitude Valley) or at its sister hotel The Incholm by Ovolo (in Spring Hill). It's all about pampering them like a true V-I-Pooch, so expect to find a comfortable dog bed, a bag full of snacks and toys, and pet-friendly staff on hand to provide assistance whenever you need it.

Hotel Indigo, Brisbane City

The pet-lovers at Hotel Indigo understand not every dog is handbag sized, with a generous pet-friendly policy that welcomes dogs up to 40kg – and treats them like the good boys they really are. Book a Pet Getaway package and your stay will be a breeze with a pet bed, blanket and bowls provided – along with some locally made treats to enjoy with the city views.

Sea Shanties, Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island)

With its sandy beaches, laid-back island vibe, and abundant native wildlife, Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) is a much-loved island escape. Hop onto the ferry from the mainland and head towards the sleepy fishing village of Amity Point to stay by the waterfront in self-contained cabins at Sea Shanties – where cabins 4 – 8 are pet friendly. Cook under the stars in the outdoor kitchen, fish, surf, and swim at one of the island’s many dog-friendly beaches, or simply kick back with a glass of wine and watch the dolphins play.

Prefer island camping? Minjerribah Camping offers 4WD access beach campsites – dogs welcome – so you can clock up plenty of time on the sand. Be sure to follow these beach camping tips and take note of places around the island where dogs are not allowed to visit, such as Aboriginal sites including Brown Lake and Naree Budjong Djara National Park, which includes Blue Lake. 

Wongari Eco Retreat, Scenic Rim

Wongari Eco Retreat is a place the whole family can slow down, recharge and get back to nature. Located in the foothills of the World Heritage-listed rainforests of the Border Ranges and Lamington National Park, Wongari offers absolute seclusion with creeks, waterfalls, and forests at your doorstep – so there’s plenty of wide open spaces for your pup to roam. Wongari provides two pet bowls for your hound(s) and won’t charge you extra for a security deposit, but it’s BYO pet bedding for those chilly winter nights.

The Stonehouse Retreat, Queensland Country

An off-the-grid paradise perched on the edge of the Scenic Rim and Ravensbourne escapement. Originally built as a private, solar-powered eco-lodge, this three-bedroom home is crafted from natural stone, raw timber, and concrete. Your mate will relish the chance to explore the 175 acres of natural bushland or chill in the secure ‘dog lounge’ at the end of the veranda.

Pet-friendly things to do in Brisbane: 

• pet-friendly Brisbane activities
• Dog beaches near Brisbane
• dog-friendly cafes
• Even more pet-friendly Brisbane accommodation

Spoil yourselves with an all-inclusive stay at QT Gold Coast where your pup (under 20kg) can order room service from the dogs' dinner menu, or indulge in the QT doggy-deluxe spa package provided by Hollywoof Pet Spa. Not only will they be washed (in a black salt bath), dried, brushed and nail trimmed, but they can sit back and relax with a blueberry facial and take home a scented cologne. Bliss.

Tugun Hideaway, Tugun 

Make a booking at Tugun Hideaway (through Gold Coast Holiday Homes), an open plan, three-bedroom designer beach house, and lap up the panoramic views, and indoor and outdoor entertaining areas. There’s also a small fenced yard for your friend to stretch their legs and dry off in the sun post-beach swim at Tugun’s designated off-leash beach - one of the Gold Coast's quieter patches.

Tamborine Mountain Glades, Tamborine Mountain 

Bask in the green surroundings of Tamborine Mountain for a peaceful break at Tamborine Mountain Glades. The self-contained and beautifully decorated Creek Lodges and Forest Lodges are dog-friendly, and with either a campfire-pit to roast marshmallows or a wood fireplace for a cosy evening in. 

Big4 Gold Coast Holiday Park, Helensvale

With 32 acres of dedicated off-leash doggy space, Big4 Gold Coast Holiday Park is the perfect destination for our furry friends. They can run free in the designated off-leash area and with over 20 dog friendly cabins, plenty of dog friendly camp sites and each site able to accommodate up to two dogs, there is plenty to keep everyone happy. From December 2024 dog kennel service will return for those who want the pet-loving staff to take care of their bud while you enjoy an activity they can't – such as visiting the nearby theme parks.

Pet-friendly things to do on the Gold Coast:

• Grab your morning cuppa at a dog-friendly cafe
• Have a splash at an off-leash beach
• Discover more activities with this guide

Sunshine Coast

Lake Weyba Cottages, Noosa 

A stay at this idyllic 20-acre property will bring new meaning to the term self-care — for you and your dog. Located just 15 minutes from Noosa’s famous beaches and Hastings Street strip, a selected few of these luxurious one and two-bedroom cottages are pet-friendly, with some boasting a double spa, wood fires for those chilly winter nights, and air conditioning in summer.

Spicers Tamarind Retreat, Maleny

Spicers Retreats are known for being among the most luxurious escapes in Queensland, and nestled into the rolling hills of Maleny, Spicers Tamarind Retreat rolls out the red carpet for its four-legged guests. The ‘Pooch Package’ unlocks luxury accommodation in the two-bedroom, two-ensuite Orchard Villa, which has a fireplace, full kitchen, open plan living and a verandah – and you’ll get complimentary breakfast daily while your pup is welcomed with a plush dog bed and dog bowl.

Bluff Creek Campground, Kenilworth

Set on 100 acres alongside Mary River, Kenilworth's Bluff Creek Campground is a haven for camping with dogs. It’s simple living, with unpowered sites, however the campground offers hot showers, a camp kitchen, BBQs and laundry. Swim, kayak and bushwalk by day, then warm up by the campfire come dusk. Be sure to stop by the quaint little town of Kenilworth, where you'll find one of Queensland's best country cafes.

Saltwater Villas, Mooloolaba

If your kind of Sunshine Coast escape means being a short walk from the beach and the best dining, check into Saltwater Villas. Dogs – and cats – are welcome in the villas, which range from studios to three-bedroom homes. Take in the views from your deck or balcony, have a dip in the pool, rent kayaks or SUPs – then head out to discover the town.  

Coolum Beach Holiday Park, Coolum

Want to park the caravan steps from one of the Sunshine Coast’s best beaches? Come to Coolum Beach Holiday Park, which is dog-friendly (upon application). From coastal walks to café culture, Coolum is a beach holiday experience where you can truly relax – and when it’s beach time for your pup, drive the short distance to Stumer’s Creek off leash area.

Wild Duck Farm Stay, Sunshine Coast Hinterland

Craving a real country escape? Wild Duck Farm Stay offers a fresh air reset surrounded by charming hinterland – while still close enough to the Sunshine Coast’s main attractions if you decide to get out and explore. But once you discover your new home, set on 35 acres of rainforest and farm land – home to cattle, horses, ducks, chickens and plenty of wildlife – you’ll be tempted to stay put.

The standalone one-bedroom cabin overlooks the dam and is complete with a deep, stone bath on the deck, an inside fireplace, and outside fire pit. And no need to worry about whether your dog will like the livestock a little too much – the cabin and gardens have dog-proof fences so your bestie can roam safely. 

Dog-friendly things to do on the Sunshine Coast:

• Hit the beaches
  
• Grab brunch together at a cafe
• Hop on board the Mary Valley Rattler in the 'Pets On Board' carriage.
• Find more with this guide

Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

Crystalbrook Bailey, Cairns

Crystalbrook Bailey is your dog-friendly accommodation in the heart of Cairns – with a philosophy that dogs deserve to enjoy life's little luxuries just as much as we do.

And they understand what we need when we travel with our pets – which is why dog-friendly Crystalbrook Bailey Residences are located on the first floor, with access to a courtyard or balcony, so your four-legged pals can stretch their legs and soak up some tropical Queensland rays.

Dog-friendly accommodation packages are available to add on to your stay, which includes a food and water bowl to use during your stay, with a special doggy treat on arrival. When it’s time to walk, the parklands and Cairns Esplanade are close by.

BIG4 Ingenia Cairns Coconut, Cairns

Only seven-minute drive from Cairns’ CBD, BIG4 Ingenia Cairns Coconut is an 11-hectare tropical oasis with plenty to do in the park, and even more to explore outside it. Play a round of mini golf or tennis, cool off in the pool and splash park, dine at the café or wander through the landscaped gardens.

Whether you’re towing the van or prefer cabin stays, the park offers both pet-friendly sites and cabins, subject to availability.

Chilverton Cottages, Atherton Tablelands

Set on a picturesque 7-acre property surrounded by rainforest, the riverside. Chilverton Cottages takes pet-friendly stays to another level. On arrival, you’ll be greeted with complimentary dog treats and a special holiday dog bed, and there’s even a pet bath on-site in case they get up to muddy mischief. The highlight though is the property’s very own fully fenced ‘puppy park’ so your bud can get out all of their zoomies ahead of a comfortable stay. To top it off, the Chilverton Restaurant has a pet-friendly section offering a three-course ‘fur-kid’ menu for $20 per pup.

Executive Retreats, Port Douglas 

Searching for chic beachfront and rainforest retreats in stand-out locations? Executive Retreats has nine gorgeous dog-friendly holiday homes in and around Port Douglas so your pet can easily join you on a tropical, sunshine-filled holiday.

Each hideaway exudes its stunning architecture, yet they all perfectly frame the beach or bush. If we had to choose one, you and your pup will want for nothing at the ReNewell property on Newell Beach, just 15 minutes north of Port Douglas. The modern four-bedroom home was designed by local award-winning architect Charles Wright and features an open plan with an indoor/outdoor poolside kitchen. The private pool overlooks the beach where you and Rover will get a kick out of many long beach walks.

Lake Tinaroo Holiday Park, Atherton Tablelands

When the humidity rises, head to Lake Tinaroo in the cooler climes of Atherton Tablelands – and bring your watersports equipment, because it’s the perfect spot to kayak, SUP, waterski or spend the day on your boat. Lake Tinaroo Holiday Park offers powered and unpowered campsites for those travelling with pets. There’s also cabins and villas close to the lake (note that dogs aren’t allowed inside these accommodations and would need to stay on the deck – full policy available on their website).

Pet-friendly things to do in Cairns & Great Barrier Reef:

• Use this guide to find more accommodation, pet-friendly cafes, activities and dog beaches around the region
• Take a camping trip

Queensland Country

Alure, Stanthorpe

Glamping isn’t a luxury reserved only for humankind. Alure Stanthorpe happily opens its glamorous tents and villas to pamper your four-legged friends. While you’re gushing over the four-poster bed, chandelier, eco fireplace, and no-expense-spared ensuite, your pooch will waste no time slipping into their very own fluffy bathrobe, cosying up in the plush dog bed and eyeing off the gift bag of treats. See this weekend guide for more ideas on where to go and what to see while you’re in the area.

Ruthmor Villas, Toowoomba

Planning a trip to Toowoomba? Just minutes away from the CBD, Ruthmor Villas is an intimate complex with one and two-bedroom self-contained villas open to dogs and cats with an enclosed courtyard for them to roam outdoors safely. To ensure your pet is welcome, bookings must be made with the property directly.

Goomburra Valley Campground, Goomburra

Nestled in the countryside just a couple of hours' drive from Brisbane, Goomburra Valley Campground is one of the state's best bush camping spots for those travelling with dogs. 

Pitch your tent in a shady spot on the banks of Darymple Creek, take your pup on a wander through the bush hiking trails, splash in the creek, go fishing, kayak, and spend nights around the campfire: most sites come with a firepit. Just be sure to check if there are fire bans in place before you go. 

Pet-friendly thing to do in Queensland Country:

• Sniff your way around Toowoomba’s many parks and off-leash areas
• Visit during the annual Carnival of Flowers, which includes a pet-friendly program titled Petals and Pups with fun activities for dogs.
• In the Granite Belt, take an easy hike through Donnelly’s Castle (a granite rock formation that you can walk between) or drive up to Mt Marley Lookout and walk around the summit. For refreshments, join a private Bark and Barrels Tour with Fillippos Tours and immerse yourself in a broad range of local food and wine experiences at dog-friendly wineries and breweries.

Inspired to bring the whole family on your next visit to Queensland? Discover the best pet-friendly holidays across the state.