Pack your pup: pet friendly camping in Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef
List
By Danielle Reckless
Travelling with your whole family – including your best friend – is easy in Queensland. Even in our tropical north, holiday parks, caravan parks and campgrounds across Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef region open their doors to pets.
Ready to wander through the world’s oldest living rainforest, or explore raging waterfalls through the world-heritage Wet Tropics? Gearing up for an off-road adventure to Cape York? This is one camping trip where you can pack the pup, too.
Pet friendly camping near Cairns
Lake Placid Tourist Park
Set amongst 14acres of tropical rainforest, this pet-friendly paradise is adjacent to Lake Placid, at the base of world-heritage listed Barron Gorge National Park. It’s got all the activity of Cairns on your doorstep, along with hiking and bicycle trails, and an off-lead dog park close by that features a swimming lake. Conditions apply for pets, so check out their website before booking.
NRMA Cairns Holiday Park
Conveniently close to the heart of town, this park welcomes small dogs, cats and birds in your own accommodation: so it’s the perfect spot to bring your tent, caravan or camper (pets not allowed in the park’s cabins).
Kuranda Rainforest Accommodation Park
Soar above the rainforest and Barron Falls on the Skyrail, visit Birdworld, shop at the markets, and then return to your campsite at pet-friendly Kuranda Rainforest Accommodation Park. This peaceful park will get you moving at a slower pace, just a ten minute walk from Kuranda Village and 30minutes drive from Cairns.
Kick back and enjoy the facilities: there’s a large saltwater pool, free tour booking office and kiosk, camp kitchen and campfire, and internet access.
Pet friendly camping Atherton Tablelands and south of Cairns
Photo by @lake_tinaroo_holiday_park
Lake Tinaroo Holiday Park
When the weather gets too humid, 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).
Ringers Rest
Taste your way through the coffee plantations, fruit farms and wineries of Mareeba, and then head to Ringers Rest to camp amongst the open woodlands. Pets on lead are welcome, and park facilities include a campfire, cooking area and restrooms.
Rotary Park Campground, Babinda
The cool, cascading waters of Babinda Boulders feel a million miles from Cairns’ bustling esplanade. And if you’re seeking a longer stop in serenity, set up camp at Babinda’s dog-friendly Rotary Park Campground.
Bramston Beach Campground
Drive an hour south of Cairns and you’ll find a quiet beachside oasis nestled between two national parks. And it won’t cost you an arm and a leg to stay here. Apart from the ocean views and regular dolphin visits, the council campground at Bramston Beach is dog-friendly, offers powered and unpowered sites, laundry and toiled facilities. There’s a local café just steps away, serving breakfast, coffee and unbeatable burgers - plus a boat ramp to explore nearby islands at your own pace.
Pet friendly camping near Palm Cove
Palm Cove Holiday Park
Watching sunrise from the idyllic palm-tree lined Palm Cove beach is pretty hard to beat, unless you’re also camping just steps away at Palm Cove Holiday Park. Pack your pup for this adventure; there’s plenty of pristine beaches and bushwalks to discover. While dogs aren’t allowed in Daintree National Park, Yorkeys Knob and Trinity Beach are open to dogs on lead.
Pet friendly camping near Port Douglas
Newell Beach Caravan Park & Holiday Units
Port Douglas is just 15 minutes away, Mossman Gorge is within easy reach, and the beauty of Newell Beach lies right across the road. Pet-friendly Newell Beach Caravan Park has been winning the hearts of Queensland road-trippers for years. Step inside and you’ll see why: there’s shaded powered sites and cabins, a saltwater swimming pool, communal BBQ area, book exchange, and the chance to make new friends (on both two and four feet) at the daily happy hour.
Lync Haven Rainforest Retreat
If you’re towing a caravan or camper or pitching a tent, do so at Lync Haven. Set amongst the tropical rainforest of Cape Tribulation, reconnect with nature with your best mate by your side. Dogs are allowed to stay on powered and unpowered sites.
Pet friendly camping near Mission Beach
Bingal Bay Campground
The barefoot, laidback atmosphere of Mission Beach is perfect for an escape with your pet. And if you’re camping, check into Bingal Bay Campground. It’s right on the beach, three kilometres north of Mission Beach’s town centre. Pets are welcome, and there’s a BBQ area, potable water, campfire facilities, showers and toilets – as well as local instituion, Bingal Bay Café, on your doorstep.
Pet friendly camping near Cooktown
Cooktown Orchid Travellers Park
Is the gold rush history and world-heritage nature of Cooktown calling? Reserve a pet-friendly campsite at Cooktown Orchid Travellers Park. This small park is located in the heart of Cooktown, and is a great base for exploring the area.
Pet friendly camping in Cape York
Heading to the Tip? Even Queensland’s remote and rugged Cape York peninsula offers pet friendly camping. Here’s a few of our favourite spots to pitch a tent or park the caravan.
Seisia Holiday Park
A great base for exploring Cape York and the Torres Strait, Seisia Holiday Park is just 40kilometres south of the tip. There’s a lot to love about this off-the-radar park: its beachfront location, some of the best jetty fishing in Australia on its doorstep, stunning views of Red Island and the Torres Strait Islands, and evening sunsets so bright it looks like the sky’s on fire. A supermarket, service station and mechanic is within walking distance, and the ferry to Thursday Island leaves from the jetty too.
Loyalty Beach Campground
Set up camp here and you’ll never want to leave. Set on the beachfront about 45 minutes’ drive from the tip, this campground offers 500metres of grassed sites right by the water (though you’ll need to watch out for crocs here). There’s powered sites, hot showers, and pets are allowed under supervision.
Cape York Camping Punsand Bay
Fall asleep to the sound of gently lapping waves, and wake to ocean views at Punsand Bay. You’ll find this campground 5km from Australia’s northernmost address, in the heart of Queensland’s untouched wilderness. Perfect for adventurers, beachcombers and birdwatchers – and those travelling with dogs, you’ll most likely meet a few more puppy friends up for playtime too.
Travelling further afield in Queensland? Check out more pet friendly campgrounds, these holiday homes, and a few more holiday ideas.
