New research has revealed Australia’s most dog-friendly road trips packed with pet-friendly accommodation options and loads of parks and beaches to run wild with your pooch.
Rollin’ Car Insurance analysed 22 of the nation’s most iconic road trips to find out which journeys truly catered to pets.
In first place was the Cape to Cape region in Western Australia’s South West, boasting 159 dog-friendly parks and beaches and 30 pet-friendly accommodation choices stretching along its 111km coastline.
It was followed by NSW’s Grand Pacific Drive, which scored high on experiences with more than 320 scenic spots to explore along the 140km journey from the Royal National Park in Sydney’s south to the Illawarra and Shoalhaven regions.
In third place was the Pacific Coast, which takes you from NSW to Queensland with about 10 veterinary clinics for every 100km stretch of the trip.
Kris Christou takes his dog Max on road trips every year to visit his grandmother more than five hours from his home.
He said one of the major considerations was knowing where he could stop and take his dog to parks to run around and for a toilet break.
Mr Christou said Max was super anxious in the car and moaned until they stopped for him to run around somewhere.
“Usually, we’ll stop at any place that has a park so we can sit down, have some food and let him have a run around,” he said.
“Sometimes we let him run around the car back seat.”
Rollin’ executive manager Brendan Griffiths said travelling with pets was a non-negotiable for many people who want to explore and create lasting memories with their furry companions.
“Ranking Australia’s most pet‑friendly road trips is about helping travellers enjoy unforgettable adventures with their pets while ensuring everyone arrives safely at every stop,” he said.
“Road tripping with pets also comes with responsibilities. Having the right car insurance and following road safety rules is essential, not just for you, but for your pet too.
“Simple measures like securing your pet safely in the car, taking regular breaks, and keeping emergency supplies handy can make a big difference in ensuring a smooth, stress-free journey.”
Originally published as Australia’s best dog-friendly road trips revealed in new national travel ranking
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