The ultimate Aussie road trips for dogs

If you want to see pure happiness, look no further than a dog poking its head out the car window, ears flapping in the breeze, as they watch the world go by. An open window gives a sense of freedom for pups in the same way the open road is for us. 

So if you’ve been stuck at home for a bit too long, it’s time to start planning your next road trip. And there’s no better travel companion than your loyal pup.

We’ve rounded up the ultimate Aussie road trips that will get both you and your dog smiling from ear to ear. So roll those windows down, turn up the music, and strap in for your next big adventure with your best mate.

The Mornington Peninsula is a perfect dog-friendly road trip in Victoria thanks to its dog friendly beaches, wineries, cafes and stunning scenery.

Start the day with a drive up Arthur's Seat and enjoy panoramic views over Port Phillip Bay and the peninsula. Stop in for lunch at Green Olive at Red Hill where their spacious dog-friendly patio overlooks the on-site veggie garden and lake.

After lunch, take a dip at dog friendly Hawker Beach in Mount Martha before stopping in at Miss Drew's Bakery & Dog Cafe in Tyabb for a puppuccino before the drive home.

It’s hard to go past beautiful Stradbroke Island, just off the coast of Brisbane. Reach the island in less than an hour aboard the vehicle ferry and you’ll immediately notice the change of pace. 4WD drivers can enjoy the thrill of driving on the long sandy beaches and dogs can frolic on lead on Main Beach. Keep your eyes out for kangaroos, koalas, whales and dolphins.

Venture north from Sydney and make your way along the Central Coast. Roll down the window to let your pup soak up the sights and smells of the beaches, towns and parks along the way.

Pull in at Avoca Beach lagoon where your pooch will meet plenty of other furry playmates on the shore. Further north, Blacksmiths Beach on the shores of Lake Macquarie has a stunning unleashed dog area that is open all year round. 

Continue towards Port Stephens, a great place to explore the region's stunning waterways. Dogs are welcome on the Port Stephens ferry which travels between Nelson Bay and Tea Gardens. Explore the area and grab a pub lunch at the Tea Gardens Hotel before cruising back and strolling along the coast towards the Port Stephens Lighthouse, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views.

Road tripping through Margaret River’s wine region is a must-do on the west coast. And there’s no better way to discover it than a drive along the iconic Caves Road that stretches 111km from near Busselton to Augusta. 

With so many dog-friendly cafes, galleries, chocolate shops, wineries and breweries straddling each side of the narrow road, let the sights and smells guide your way. Browns turn to green and forests replace paddocks as you wind further south. This is one journey that invites you to truly slow down and enjoy the great Aussie outdoors with your best mate.

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