Dont forget your furry friends next holidays
Holidays are all about spending time with family and, as pet owners know, that includes four-legged family members too. We’re lucky that we can enjoy a wide range of accommodation, leisure activity and dining options where pets are most certainly welcome, all a short drive from home.
Destination NSW CEO Sandra Chipchase says, “Pets are an integral part of many families and we know that having them along for the holiday journey is an important factor when deciding where to vacation. With so many families choosing to travel with their four-legged friends, more and more amazing destinations across NSW are offering stellar pet-friendly experiences.
“From beachside getaways with designated leash-free areas, and great accommodation choices including hotels and caravan parks, travelling with a furry or feathered companion has never been easier. Pet-friendly travel in NSW is an outstanding experience, with everything from custom food menus for dogs and cats, animal minding services and pet pamper packages!”
Consider exploring Destination NSW’s selection of great pet-friendly holiday spots.
Five-Paw Accommodation - Pet-friendly hotels and caravan parks: The Langham, Darling Harbour If you really want to spoil yourself and your four-legged friend you can’t get much better than this luxurious fie-star hotel. Taking pet-friendly accommodation to a new level, The Langham offers pet-sitting so owners can take some time-out and enjoy the various hotel services such as the luxurious spa, as well as a pet turn-down service (complete with treat)
Hidden Valley Retreat, Grose Vale - A secluded property in NSW’s Hawkesbury region, Hidden Valley Retreat is tucked away on the verge of the Grose wilderness and has acquired a reputation for being both private and pet-friendly. Boasting fie settler’s cottages to choose from, each with its own unique features and all of which are pet-friendly – think relaxing with your four-legged friend in front of an open fire, orsipping champagne on a private verandah after a busy day of bushwalking together.
Active Holidays BIG4 (25 parks across NSW) - With parks in some of NSW’s most popular family and holiday locations, including the Hunter Valley and Port Macquarie, BIG4 is an easy choice for families who want to get away with their pets without having to compromise where they holiday. BIG4 has pet-friendly locations across the state, offering a variety of accommodation options to suit all tastes, pet-needs and budgets from poolside villas to budget cabins and a number of caravan and camping sites. BIG4 continues to be a popular choice for pet-loving travellers.
Off the Leash - beaches, parklands and dining options for owners and their pets to enjoy:
Estabar Café, Newcastle - A popular spot to sit back and relax with your pet at any time of the day. Whether you’re starting the day off with breakfast after a walk at this sun-drenched cafe overlooking Newcastle Beach, or planning to pop in with your pooch for a Summer afternoon gelato, Estabar Café has the welcome mat out for pets. The Newcastle region also offers a range of pet-friendly accommodation options. Try Tantarra Bed and Breakfast, a 15-minute drive from Newcastle’s CBD which has a selection of rooms that welcome pets
Bicentennial Gardens, Ballina - The Bicentennial Gardens are one of six off-leash locations in the Ballina Shire in far north NSW that offers pet owners the chance to bring their four legged family members while visiting the beautiful Ballina and Byron area.
For those wishing to make the most of their pet-friendly holiday to the Hinterland, the Ballina Beach Village is one of the most popular accommodation options where families and their furry friends can rest up.
To make sure your pet-friendly holiday experience is positive, here are a few tips to consider when planning your purr-fect family break:
When making a booking, always mention that you would like to bring your pet, even if the accommodation is openly pet-friendly
Make sure your pet’s vaccinations and flea and orming treatments are up to date before setting off on your holiday
Take lots of breaks on your car journey so your pet can relieve themselves, stretch their legs and rehydrate
Although many pet-friendly holiday destinations provide beds and bowls, your pet may like the familiarity of having their own bed and bowls from home, so bring them just in case. Also, take more pet food than you think you’ll need.
Visit www.visitnsw.com to help plan your pet-friendly holiday in 2016.
