The dog-friendly guide to Outback Queensland

There’s no doghouse here

If you’re travelling by car, in a caravan, Troopy or prefer to pitch a tent, Julia Creek Caravan Park has something to suit all creatures great and small. Hosts Jason and Cathy will find you and your pup a shaded, grassy spot to camp, a powered site for the RV or if your dog doesn’t mind sleeping outside your door, you can enjoy a comfortable air-conditioned cabin.

There’s plenty of space to roam and while it’s asked that dogs be kept on a leash at all times, your four-legged friends will adore the genuine outback hospitality and  a chance to meet some new doggy friends. A favourite spot for pet parents to pamper is in the artesian bush baths topped with 38-degree mineral-enriched water drawn from 900 metres below the earth’s crust. But pets like a pamper too, so if you BYODB (bring your own dog bath), Jason might let you fill it up at the bore so your pup can enjoy a private soak by your campsite too.

Speaking of bathtubs you won't want to hop out of, Saltbush Retreat is a must for dog-friendly accommodation in Longreach. It's got rustic charm to a tee, and is the perfect base for exploring the region - and coming home to glorious sunsets after a long day. 

Doggies gone bush

Spanning 52,000 hectares, Noonbah Station south-west of Longreach lies beneath a blanket of a million stars with pet-friendly bush camping alongside one of the properties waterholes. You will need to be self-sufficient but for $10 a night you can fish, swim, wander and wonder with your trusty mate right beside you. You’ll meet Angus, a fourth-generation man of the land in his bush paradise, and he loves a yarn, is a dab hand photographer and can set you up with a lovely spread of tea and scones at the sprawling family homestead. With 100 years of history to unearth; and a mantra of do as much as you like, or as little as you choose, dog lovers and your well-behaved fur babies are welcome, as long as they give the abundant wildlife that calls Noonbah Station right of way.

Hey VIP

Charleville's Bailey Bar Caravan Park often takes out top accolades for being the most paw-fect place to stay with pets in Outback Queensland. Pet-friendly cabins are just one of the rewards your pooch can expect from owners Darryn, Pam and Alan. They also offer every pet a surprise treat, and when it comes to their campfire cook-ups, a place for travellers to kick back over a cold one, enjoy a hearty home-cooked meal and if the pooch begs, a spot for them beside the fire too. With Charleville a regular stop-over for campers heading west or homeward, there’ll be plenty of socialising for both parents and pets alike plus spacious sites, clean amenities and a bonus locals advantage card offered to Bailey’s Bar guests that’ll make you feel like you’re one of the family.

Pet-friendly places to eat

Most cafes, pubs and restaurants recognise dogs as an essential part of the tapestry of the outback, so take a seat outside, or ask if there’s a special pet area allocated and lap up the pet-friendly love.

Blue Heeler Hotel Kynuna

The name might’ve already given it away, but if not, the big blue heeler dog sitting on the roof certainly will. The Blue Heeler Hotel pays homage to the hard-working dogs of the land and their thirsty masters who regularly pop by to prop up the bar. You’ll find dogs in all descriptions waiting patiently outside, and the resident blue heelers keeping them in line if they stray. Grab a souvenir dog coat (all the popular pups have them), and a singlet for yourself. This one is true blue Aussie pub experience right in the heart of Waltzing Matilda Country that you’ll want to brag about to your mates back home.

Fanny Mae’s Cafe Tambo

Dogs and cats are encouraged to be friends at this country cafe where a lovely little garden is the perfect sunny spot to enjoy a home-style breakfast, barista coffee and a puppuccino for the pooch. The resident feline will let the pups know who is boss, but if they show her some due respect, she does love a snuggle. Right next door you will find Tambo Teddies so be sure to pick up a cuddly teddy souvenir and if you are staying for lunch or dinner, Tambo Tavern a few doors up serves honest pub grub including juicy steaks - so you can throw the dog a bone after.

Birdsville Bakery

If you and your pup have made it this far, firstly, congratulations and secondly, what better way to celebrate an outback win than with a pie? The Birdsville Bakery is an icon, and earlier this year was purchased by the Birdsville Hotel (also dog friendly) which has ensured the endearing legend of the late Robert 'Dusty' Miller will continue to pump out his iconic camel pies. There’s the signature curried camel, spicy chook or kangaroo and claret to choose from but leave a little for the doggo who’ll love them as much as you.

Outback events for your dog’s diary

Big Red Bash

The world’s most remote music festival swells the tiny outback town of Birdsville with music goers who camp out to concert alongside the flaming red dunes of the Simpson Desert. Headlined by Australian music legends, the three-day event in July welcomes dogs to join in the festival fun with a dedicated doggo camping and concert areas plus an exercise yard where they can have a bit of ruff and tumble with new pet friends. Pet owners are required to register, as there’s a strict numbers allowance, but if you are planning to head bush for the bash why not make room for the dog to join too?

Winton Outback Festival

Another family and dog-friendly event that coincides with the Queensland September school holidays is the Winton Outback Festival. Line up for a range of quirky events like the Quilton Outback Dunny Derby, or test your families fitness by competing in the Outback Iron Man, Woman and Junior events. With sport, art, culture and characters galore; most events welcome dogs on leashes to join. And if you do find yourself heading to Winton, be sure to add a visit to The Australian Age of Dinosaurs to your plans too. There’s  free dog kennels in the car park where pets can be safely left in the shade while budding palaeontologists preen their prehistoric knowledge on a tour. Be sure to bring food, water and your pets favourite blanket or toy. You’ll also need to BYO lock for added pet safety if you choose.

Proof your pup was here

With so many big things out bush, be sure to stop in at these towns so your pup can snag a holiday selfie too. Pop your pet under the Giant Meat Ant at Augathella or in the jaws of Kris the Big Savannah Croc in Normanton. Theres big barras in Normanton and Karumba so why not snap both and for an Aussie classic, head to Blackall where you can get a pic with the Big Kangaroo and across the street the Big Sheep. And your dog can even meet a dinosaur at Richmond, where the Big Kronosaurus awaits. 

Feature image by @nix_the_aussie