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Camping with your best-friend is a swag-full of fun. Think hiking, beach hangs and ending the day with a meaningful, emoji-free conversation and a glass (or two) of wine by a warm campfire. Sounds like #bestfriendgoals right?
But, when your bestie has four legs and a wagging tail, camping can get a little complicated and you’ll find that most campgrounds forbid dogs (to protect native wildlife).
However, don’t let that put a ‘paws’ in planning your next outdoor adventure because, *whispers*, we’ve found five pet-friendly campgrounds within driving distance of Brisbane.
PS. If you’ve never been camping with dogs before, chew on this guide.
1. S.S. DORRIGO CAMPGROUND, INSKIP POINT
Trade the kennel for a doggy teepee and treat your pooch to a night under the stars in the S.S. Dorrigo Campground at Inskip Peninsula Recreation Area Camping, near Rainbow Beach.
Yes, you’ve read that right! Inskip Point is more than a ferry terminal to Fraser Island. Its five campgrounds offer sublime beach camping conditions and you won’t find designated campsites here. That means you can wander around and find the right spot to pitch your tent in.
You’ll need a 4WD to camp right on the dunes, but conventional cars can access the grassy campsites near the main bitumen road. And from there, it’s just a short stroll to the beach.
The best part about this campground is that on one side you get crashing waves and stretches of white sand and on the other, you’ll find Pelican Bay; the ‘pawfect’ place for your side-kick to get their doggy-paddle on.
Pet conditions: Dogs must be kept on a leash in the campgrounds.
Price per night: $6.35 per person, per night. Pets are free.
Distance from Brisbane: Approx. 3.5 hrs.
2. GOOMBURRA VALLEY CAMPGROUNDS
“Who wants to go for a W-A-L-K?”
With manicured lawns and hiking trails, you and your BFF will love exploring the Goomburra Valley Campgrounds and surrounding bushland in Southern Queensland Country.
And you don’t need to ruff it at all. In fact, there’s drinkable water onsite, hot showers and toilet facilities which makes it super convenient for humans to set up and relax.
For campers with four legs who love to swim, you can spend time splashing in the creek that flows through the campground.
Pet conditions: Dogs must be kept on a leash in the grounds. Vaccinations must be up to date.
Price per night: $17 per person, per night and a $30 bond for pets (returned when you leave).
Distance from Brisbane: Approx. 2 hrs and 10 mins.
3. GORDON COUNTRY CAMPGROUNDS
Unclip that leash and run free!
That’s right. At Gordon Country in Goomburra, your furry pals can have all the freedom they want. So long as they’re supervised and act sensibly.
With 4000 acres of open bushland to sniff, there shouldn’t be any need for tail chasing. Being such a pet-friendly campsite, you’re bound to bump into other puppy campers, so be sure your dog is on best behaviour, especially if you encounter any livestock.
And if you need toilet paper, bread and other necessities like ice-cream and treats, there’s a small convenience store at the office.
Pet conditions: Dogs must be restrained at night, but are allowed off leash during the day. Vaccinations must be up to date.
Price per night: $17 per adult on weekends + $30 4WD permit. Pets are free.
Distance from Brisbane: Approx. 2 hrs.
4. AMAMOOR CREEK CAMPING AREA, AMAMOOR STATE FOREST
Playing host to the Gympie Music Muster every August, Amamoor State Forest is a quiet sanctuary for campers every other month of the year.
So, when your pup needs a break from their daily “sit, shake and roll-over” routine, this is where you take them for fresh country air and to stretch their little legs.
Nestled behind the Noosa Hinterland, there’s lots to do in Amamoor State Forest. From platypus spotting to conquering the short 2.5-hour hiking trail along the creek, you can choose to make this an active getaway or one where you curl up into a ball and snooze.
Pet conditions: Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times.
Price per night: $6.35 per person, per night. Kids under 4 years are free.
Distance from Brisbane: Approx. 2 hrs and 25 mins.
5. MINJERRIBAH CAMPING, NORTH STRADBROKE ISLAND
Get some salt in your hair and sand in your bud’s fur when you pitch a tent along Main or Flinders Beach on North Stradbroke Island.
For these campgrounds, you’ll need a reliable 4WD and some beach driving know-how. Don’t freak out, you can brush up on your skills here. And, getting to North Stradbroke Island couldn’t be any easier than via the vehicle ferry from Cleveland.
Once your camp is set up, let your furbaby play in the surf, grab a board and hit the waves yourself or try your hand at beach fishing. If all else fails, good ol’ fetch can keep your pal entertained.
Pet conditions: 2 dogs allowed per campsite.
Price per night: $18.85 per site, sleeps up to 6 people.
Distance from Brisbane: Approx. 3 hrs (driving and ferry time).
Source: queensland.com