It’s easy to see why Aussies love travelling with their pets – according to the Australian Dog and Cat Care Survey 2024, 63 per cent of pet owners consider their animals part of the family. That tracks perfectly with us because it’s exactly how I feel about my beautiful kelpie Tina.
So, when a furry friend feels more like family than a pet, leaving them behind is not an option for many travellers. That’s why the Sunshine Coast is such a popular option given our huge range of pet-friendly stays, including in Noosa where pet owners can choose between fabulous camping areas to luxury bed and breakfasts like Amamoor Homestead or Rosecliffe Boutique Farm Cottages.
I love taking my dog along to Borumba Deer Park in Imbil, which is not your everyday camp site because it comes with deer as neighbours and has a specific off-leash area!
We all know pooches love the beach and it’s hard to find a better one the dog beach at the end of the Spit.
Beyond beaches and campgrounds, the region has no shortage of things to do with dogs in tow and if you’re driving through Gympie, stop at the Lake Alford Recreational Park which has barbecue facilities and a great off-leash area.
Our visitors also travel from near and far to come to dog-friendly events on the Sunshine Coast! If you don’t believe me, come along and see for yourself at the Noosa Festival of Surfing in March which features a Surfing Dog Spectacular and workshop for board riders and dogs.
Like 90 per cent of Aussies surveyed, I’m guilty of letting Tina on the couch, the bed, and basically anywhere she pleases. She’s a big part of my life, so it makes perfect sense she’s part of my holidays too. And I’m certainly not alone with pet travel being a huge, growing industry so we can expect to see a lot more pooches on holiday around Noosa because let’s face it – holidays are just better with a wagging tail and a little bit of sand in the car!
