As the April air turns crisp, our selection explores the profound work that defines our lives with dogs. This month, we move beyond the surface of pet ownership to delve into the high-stakes world of police and military K9s, the emotional grit of the assistance dog journey, and the evolving science of vet CPR standards. Whether you are navigating the reality of owner-training or honouring the "four-legged diggers" of our history, these titles reflect a deeper, more informed partnership with our canine protectors.

Our bumper Kids’ Corner arrives just in time for the Autumn school holidays, celebrating the high-energy joy and magical wonder of childhood pets. From the rhythmic excitement of a backyard chase to inclusive stories of service pups and "dog-tuned" enrichment, this collection is designed to engage every type of young reader.

YOSHI AND ME

How a Golden Dog Taught Me to Stay
by Yevette Ho (Author)

What happens when you need a dog to save you - but you're the one who has to train her?

Living with PTSD, chronic illness, and the daily barriers of disability, Yevette Ho never imagined that a golden retriever puppy would become her lifeline. Yoshi and Me is a raw, funny, and deeply moving memoir about survival, stubborn hope, and the unbreakable bond between human and dog.

Unlike polished tales of ready-trained service animals, this is the messy, honest story of what it means to raise and train your own assistance dog. From sleepless nights and chaotic puppyhood to breakthroughs in behaviour, disability access battles, and the nerve-wracking journey toward the Public Access Test (PAT), Yoshi proves that she's more than a dog - she's a partner in independence.

Blending heartfelt memoir with practical insight, this book explores:

✔️ The realities of owner-trained assistance dogs
✔️ The difference between emotional support animals and service dogs
✔️ The struggles and triumphs of living with PTSD and chronic illness
✔️ The humour, frustration, and joy of training a golden retriever with a purpose

At its core, Yoshi and Me is about resilience, love, and the quiet strength it takes to keep going - with muddy paws, wagging tails, and plenty of dog hair along the way.

Read More: For a deeper look at the legal and ethical framework of owner-training in Australia, don't miss our exclusive feature: The Reality of Owner-Trained Assistance Dogs.

Perfect for readers who love service dog memoirs, disability lived experience, dog training stories, or uplifting tales of survival and companionship.

Publisher: Vetz Media Publishing, 28 September 2025
Paperback,‎ 182 pages

Price: $28.59 from www.booktopia.com.au

VADER: The Legend of K9-239
by David Raymond

In the rugged terrain of North Queensland, one name commanded immediate respect: Police Dog Vader. For five years, this formidable German Shepherd and his handler, Sergeant David Raymond, formed one of the most effective K9 teams in the Queensland Police Service.

Vader is the gripping true account of their partnership—a bond forged in the humidity of Cairns and tested in the adrenaline of high-stakes manhunts. From tracking violent fugitives through dense scrub to the life-saving rescues of missing persons, the book captures the raw reality of life on the thin blue line.

David Raymond doesn't just chronicle the heroism; he shares the humour and the heartbreak of working with a partner who was as relentless as he was loyal. It is a powerful tribute to a dog that caught over 160 offenders and left an indelible mark on the community he was sworn to protect.

Why We Love It 

"More than a career retrospective, this is a masterclass in the human-canine bond. Vader wasn't just a tool for law enforcement; he was a force of nature with a personality to match. It's a must-read for anyone who respects the silent service of our working dogs."

Paperback,‎ 320 pages

Publisher: ‎Big Sky Publishing, 26 August 2025

Price: $26.11 at amazon.com.au

DOGS OF WAR: Guardians of the Battlefield

by Nigel Allsopp

From the bomb-scarred streets of Ukraine to the deserts of Afghanistan, Dogs of War uncovers the untold stories of the canine heroes who stand where others won't. These aren't just animals of burden; they are elite trackers, explosive detectors, and the emotional lifelines for soldiers facing the chaos of conflict.

Through first-hand accounts from handlers and trainers, veteran K9 expert Nigel Allsopp explores the unbreakable bond forged in the heat of battle. This collection honours the "four-legged diggers"—from rescue dogs turned warriors to silent sentries—whose loyalty and sacrifice remain etched in the hearts of those they served alongside.

Why We Love It 

"As we approach ANZAC Day, this is a powerful reminder of the silent service provided by our war animals. Nigel Allsopp doesn't just write about these dogs; he lives the mission, with royalties supporting the Australian War Animal Memorial Organisation (AWAMO)."

Hardcover, ‎336 pages
Publisher‏: Big Sky Publishing, 25 November 2025

Price: $29.75 from www.amazon.com.au

THE DOGWALKERS’ DETECTIVE AGENCY
by Michael Hogan (Author)

They've got a lot of leads, but can they collar a killer? A funny, delightfully twisty murder mystery pairing the nation's favourite genre with man's best friend!

When Charlie Boardman and his beloved Staffy, Ruby, stumble across a corpse in the woods, the sleepy coastal town of Framstone is rocked by the discovery that the local pub landlord has been murdered.

Charlie and his fellow dogwalkers take it upon themselves to try and sniff out any clues that might help the local police with their investigation.

But what begins as idle speculation and gossip quickly becomes something more sinister, when Charlie starts receiving anonymous threats warning him off the case.

Then, a second body washes up on the beach...

Can Charlie hunt down a killer, before he becomes the next victim?

Paperback, ‎ 480 pages
Publisher: ‎Michael Joseph, 20 January 2026

Price: $18.75 from www.amazon.com.au

IT’S A TOUGH JOB BEING A DOG
Life Through a Dog's Eyes
by Iain Welch

With charming watercolour artwork and witty, soulful captions, It's a Tough Job Being a Dog reminds us that behind every lick is plenty of hard-earned love.

In this tender and whimsical tribute to the quiet heroes in our homes, Iain Welch invites readers into the delightful world of his beloved canine characters.

From the quiet nobility of guarding the sofa to the daily drama of squirrels and surviving terrifying vacuum monsters, these dogs face life's ups and downs with unwavering heart and wagging tails.

Perfect for dog lovers of all ages, this collection reminds us that while being a dog isn't always easy, it's always filled with love, loyalty and the occasional muddy pawprint. These charming stories, brought to life with delightful art, prove that being man's best friend is no walk in the park.

Hardcover, 128 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers, 12th March 2026

RRP:$30.75 from www.booktopia.com.au

ADVANCED CANINE AND FELINE CPR AND EMERGENCY LIFE SUPPORT 
by Amy D'Andrea (Author), Gregory D'Andrea (Editor)

In a pet emergency, the first few minutes are the most critical. 

This definitive guide from Pet Emergency Education, LLC provides a vital overhaul of emergency protocols, based on the 2024 RECOVER Initiative updates—the first major revision of veterinary CPR guidelines in over a decade.

Designed for both veterinary professionals and high-stakes pet industries (groomers, trainers, and first responders), this manual moves beyond basic first aid. It delivers step-by-step instructions for:

• The 2024 CPR Overhaul: Updated compression rates and rescue breathing techniques for dogs and cats.

• Professional Triage: Rapid assessment protocols to prioritize care during multi-animal crises or disasters.

• Critical Care: Handling shock, heatstroke, and trauma with the latest evidence-based safe restraint and transport methods.

Whether you are a pet parent or an industry pro, this resource ensures you are acting on the most current, life-saving science available in 2026.

Paperback, 125 pages
Publisher:‎ Independently published, ‎ 18 September 2025

Price: $50.01 at www.amazon.com.au

BOOK CLUB - KIDS CORNER

ABSOLUTE BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO DOGS AND PUPPIES FOR KIDS
Everything You Need to Know about Breeds, Training, Safety, and More!
by Lynn Guelzow

You've got a new puppy or dog--now what? This guide will help you learn how to build a wonderful relationship, keep your new puppy healthy and happy, and avoid common mistakes of first-time dog and puppy owners.

Whether you have a dog, are thinking about getting a dog, or just love puppies and dogs, this guide is packed with the essential information, tips, and advice that every dog-loving kid will enjoy.

Every chapter begins with a short story to introduce the topic and engage the reader. Stories are short but lead directly into the information, showing the importance in everyday situations from destructive puppy chewing to sports and games to play with a dog. Adorable pictures and photos aid in understanding, as well as keeping a young reader interested.

The Absolute Beginners Guide to Dogs and Puppies covers a lot of important topics including:

✔️ Preparing your home for a new dog
✔️ Dog breeds and their characteristics
✔️ Amazing dogs in movies, books and real-life heroes
✔️ House-training
✔️ Basic obedience
✔️ Nutrition and health care
✔️ Unique needs of puppies and young dogs
✔️ Domestication of wolves into dogs
And so much more

Series: Best Beginner's Guide for Kids with Pets
Paperback, 160 pages
Publisher: Skyhorse Publishing, Inc., 15 April 2026
For Ages: 8 - 12 years old

Price: $18.75 at www.amazon.com.au

PAWS: THE TROUBLE WITH LEO
by Nathan Fairbairn (Author), Michele Assarasakorn (Illustrator)

The girls of PAWS have a bone to pick with a group of rival (BOY! Ugh.) dog walkers...

It's been seven whole dog years of PAWS (or just one if you're a human), and the girls' business is at an all-time high! But after a run-in with Gabby's arch-nemesis, Leo, things take a turn - and Leo leaves the girls with a message- "You're not the only one who can walk dogs..."

Sure enough, it's not long before the PAWS girls notice flyers advertising a new dog walking business, SCAMPS - and Leo is behind it! And when Gabby and Mindy take some not-so-righteous revenge on the boys, what was a little healthy competition turns into an all-out turf war.

As the battle between the two groups escalates, with neither side is playing fair, the girls are forced to consider... just WHO is the real bad guy here... ?

Paperback, 176 pages
Publisher: Puffin, 24 March 2026
For Ages: 9-11 years old

Price: $14.99 from www.amazon.com.au

THE BOY AND THE DOG TREE 
by Fiona Wood (Author)

Magical. Whimsical. Wild. This exceptional middle-grade novel about the special bond between a boy and his dog will set your heart free.

'So, are you my dog?' Mitch whispered, hardly daring to ask.
'No,' said Argos. 'But you are my boy. For a time.'

Mitch's life has been uprooted. Instead of the whole family moving to a new city, Mitch and his sister are staying with their gran while their parents are stuck on the other side of the world. As he struggles to fit in at school, with the Grade Five bully picking on him, Mitch knows the one thing that would make his life better is a dog. If only he could persuade his parents.

Then Mitch discovers an old oak tree that seems to ... growl. And one night, a strange, majestic dog-like creature emerges from the trunk. His name is Argos. He has been bound in the tree by 'history, mystery, magic and chance' and he is here to help Mitch find his way.

While at first Mitch looks to Argos for friendship and protection, there comes a time he must stand up for this wild and magical beast.

A heart-lifting tale of friendship, courage and belonging by three-time CBCA Award-winning author Fiona Wood.

Paperback, 256 pages
Publisher: University of Queensland Press, 3 March 2026
For Ages: ‎ 7 - 10 years

Price: $16.75 from www.amazon.com.au

ANDY: A DOG’S TALE 
by John Kelly (Author), Canine Companions Ignite Animation Studios (Producer)

Adapted from the award-winning short film, this heart-warming picture book follows Andy—the smallest puppy in his litter—as he overcomes adversity to discover his purpose as a service dog. 

From his early days of training to his eventual placement, the story mirrors the real-world dedication and bond required to prepare Canine Companions for people with disabilities. 

It is an uplifting tale of resilience and compassion, proving that even the smallest beginnings can lead to a life of extraordinary purpose.

Hardcover, ‎32 pages
Publisher: ‎The Collective Book Studio, 16 December 2025
For Ages: 4 - 8 years

Price: $32.59 at www.amazon.com.au

A TAIL OF TWO DOGS
Friendship, bravery, and discovering your own magic
by Shannon Faye, Timothy A

Featuring expressive watercolour illustrations, A Tail of Two Dogs follows the journey of two canine friends, Eloise and Z, as they navigate a world of change. 

Written with cross-generational appeal, this story serves as a calming read-aloud that invites readers to stay grounded in the present moment. 

By focusing on the bond between the two dogs, it transforms the concept of "change" from something to fear into an opportunity for resilience and growth.

Paperback, 44 pages
Publisher: Balboa Press, 30th January 2026
For Ages: 4 - 8 years

Price: $32.78 from www.amazon.com.au

ARE YOU THE GOODEST DOG?
by N.G. Welis | Illustrated by Milia Finn

Part of the Books to Read to Dogs series, this rhyming picture book is written to be narrated directly to a canine audience. 

The story follows a dog’s daily perspective, celebrating familiar habits like "peemail" checks, enthusiastic sniffing, and bed-hogging.
The book utilises a specific "Dog Tuned™" reading rhythm—incorporating intentional pauses and elongated phrasing—designed to help dogs settle and connect with the sound of a human voice. 

It includes a guide at the back for readers looking to use the story for calming enrichment or as a tool for children practicing their literacy skills with a non-judgmental furry listener.

Paperback,‎ 35 pages

Publisher: Best DOG'S Life Publishing, 18 February 2026
For Ages: 4-8 years old

Price: $15.52 at www.amazon.com.au

THE CHASE
by Jenny Bloomfield (Author)

FETCH!

A girl on a beach throws a ball for one eager little dog.

Suddenly one dog becomes two--three--TEN leaping, bounding doggies, hot on its trail! The chase is on: who will be the lucky pup to fetch the bright red prize?

The race leads them down the beach, through the city, into the museum; high up over the city balanced on an iron girder; through the park down the river, until: what's that rumbling sound? Oh dear! But not even a thundering waterfall will stop these determined dogs from chasing down that ball...

An utter joy from beginning to end, this book combines the charm--and an adorable canine crew--of Hairy Maclary with the infectious rhythm and energy of We're Going on a Bear Hunt.

Paperback,‎ 34 pages
Publisher: ‎Frances Lincoln Ltd, 3 February 2026
For Ages: 3 - 5 years

Price: $16.95 from www.amazon.com.au

Haven't found your perfect read yet?

If this month’s selection hasn’t quite hit the mark, or if you are looking for even more canine-centric inspiration, head over to the BOOK CLUB tab on our main menu. There, you can explore our full archives—including our last 10 monthly instalments—to find the ideal story, training guide, or professional resource for your shelf.

From Anatomy Lab to Greyhound Advocate

When Dr Jan first met a Greyhound, it wasn’t in a home, a park or even a veterinary clinic. It was in a university anatomy lab.

“I walked in and there were multiple tables, with a dead Greyhound on each for our anatomy class,” she says.

“Healthy-looking dogs. It was overwhelming.”

At the time, Jan was a veterinary student at Sydney University, driven by a lifelong love of animals and a deep sense of responsibility to protect them. She had grown up with dogs, inspired by a grandfather who wrote poetry about animals and believed that they deserved kindness, not cruelty.

Where it all began: Dr. Jan meeting Greyc for the first
time at Greyhound Rescue in Bargo, NSW

That first encounter stayed with her. But it would be decades before a Greyhound would finally make her way into Jan’s life — not as a specimen, not as a patient, but as family.

Today, that Greyhound is Greyc. 

With National Greyhound Adoption Month running throughout April, Jan encourages anyone considering a new dog to look at the 'gentle giants' of the canine world. 

For those ready to meet their match, special nationwide adoption events are being held over the weekend of April 18–19, providing the perfect opportunity to see their social and quiet nature first-hand.

Finding Her Calling: The Evolution of a Career in Care

Jan always wanted to be a vet, even when practicalities got in the way.

“I hated science. Chemistry, physics — I just didn’t get it. I actually gave it up and thought I’d become a lawyer like my father.”

That changed one afternoon on Sydney’s northern beaches, shortly after she’d got her licence. Jan came across a dog that had been hit by a car. Strangers were gathered around, doing their best to help.

“I remember thinking: ‘I need to be the person who knows what to do’.”

From theory to practice: Dr. Jan’s decades of experience in the clinic have always centred on
compassionate care, no matter the breed.

She went back to school, switched to biology, and eventually fought her way through veterinary science — even taking a year off university to study chemistry and physics at TAFE so she could keep up.

“It was hard,” she says. “I’m very sensitive. Veterinary training in those days involved doing things that didn’t always sit comfortably with an animal lover. It was quite traumatic. Luckily a lot of things have changed now.”

That included euthanising her first animal — a Greyhound. Trainers would bring in their unwanted Greyhounds for the students to practise euthanasia on.

“I still remember holding his paw,” she says. “He was gentle. Sweet. That was when it really hit me what these dogs are like.”

Life on the Margins

For much of Jan’s working life, Greyhounds existed on the edges. At the RSPCA, she encountered them again — this time as blood donors, housed quietly out the back, called upon to save other dogs’ lives.

“They were well-treated, but they weren't living in homes either. They were just… there.”

Like many vets, Jan never actively chose most of her dogs. 

They arrived by circumstance — a German Shepherd abandoned by flatmates, a one-eyed Pomeranian who needed care, a Cavoodle returned to a pet shop because of a heart condition. Animals, she says, have always found her.

But after her Cavoodle died young, Jan realised something had shifted. “For the first time in my life, I thought: ‘I can actually choose the dog I want’.”

Treating a beautiful Greyhound patient called Hoover and sponsoring a Greyhound through her business contented Jan’s thinking. She knew what her next dog would be.

Softness and Firsts

During COVID, Jan made the trip to ‘Greysland’: Greyhound Rescue’s kennels at Bargo, just outside Sydney.

“And then I met Greyc.” 

Greyc climbed into the back of the car, lay down, and slept the entire way home.

Greyc exploring the natural world, sniffing through tall grass and enjoying her retirement from the racing industry.

“When we arrived, she went straight out to the yard, did a wee, and that was it. She just fitted.”

Greyc had never seen stairs. Didn’t understand what a dog bed was. Had no idea what toys were.

“I had to put treats on the bed so she’d step onto it,” Jan says. “She’d just lie on the floor otherwise. She’d never known softness.”

Within weeks, Greyc learned it all — the joy of couches, the bliss of deep sleep, the simple pleasure of being safe.

“She’s the calmest dog I’ve ever owned,” Jan says. “She’s quiet, gentle, undemanding. She’s like a cross between a dog, cat and a horse.”

Greyc rarely barks. She’s content with walks and long naps. She greets Jan every morning with quiet devotion.

“She’s just easy. And joyful.”

From 60 to Zero: The World’s Fastest Couch Potatoes

Jan is quick to dispel common myths.

“Most Greyhounds don’t need endless exercise. They’re sprinters, not marathon runners. Two walks a day and a soft bed? They’re thrilled.

“They’re ideal for apartments and townhouses. They’re clean, quiet, affectionate, and — contrary to their racing image — most are quite relaxed. Most people are shocked by how lazy they are.”

As a vet, she does recommend seeking out a Greyhound-savvy veterinarian, as the breed has specific medical quirks. But she’s unequivocal in her advice: 

“If you’re thinking about a Greyhound, adopt through a rescue. You’ll be matched carefully, and you’ll know what you’re taking on. It’s incredibly rewarding.”

A Global Problem for a Gentle Breed

Like many adopters, Jan’s advocacy grew alongside her love for her dog.

“When you live with a Greyhound, you start wanting to know where they came from,” she says.

What she learned disturbed her. Each year, thousands of Greyhounds are bred for racing in Australia. Only a fraction ever make it into homes. Many are discarded when they’re no longer considered profitable. Hundreds are killed or injured during racing each year.

After retiring from full-time veterinary work, Jan finally had time to act on her long-held animal welfare convictions. She became involved with the Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds, supporting campaigns to improve welfare standards and to work towards an end to greyhound racing in Australia.

“It’s about shining a light on a system that causes harm — and showing that there’s a kinder alternative.”

Jan is particularly troubled by the fact that Greyhounds and other sighthounds are mistreated well beyond Australia’s borders.

“It’s heart-breaking,” she says. “These dogs were once revered. Now, all over the world, they’re abused because they’re seen as disposable.”

In Spain, tens of thousands of Galgos — close cousins of Greyhounds — are abandoned or killed by hunters at the end of each season. Rescue organisations like Galgos del Sol work tirelessly to save, rehabilitate and rehome these gentle dogs.

“These dogs are gentle,” Jan says. “They don’t fight back. They freeze. And that makes them vulnerable. It’s a global shame. Such a sensitive, loving breed, treated so cruelly.”

A Hopeful Future

National Greyhound Adoption Month is about exactly that: hope. Across Australia, independent rescue organisations work tirelessly to rehome dogs like Greyc — dogs who have never known a couch, a toy or a family, but who adapt with astonishing grace once given the chance.

Jan believes every adoption is quietly powerful.

“When you bring a Greyhound into your home, you’re not just gaining a beautiful companion,” she says. “You’re changing the ending of their story. 

“She’s living proof of what these dogs can be — and what they deserve.”

written by Sue Osborne, CPG Volunteer, March 2026 for Australian Dog Lover

About Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds

CPG is a dedicated group of volunteers across Australia working together to inform the public about the realities of greyhound racing and advocate for the welfare of these gentle hounds.

Learn more by visiting: greyhoundcoalition.com

Do you have your own "happily ever after" story? In an industry often marked by hardship, sharing tales of hope and healing is vital. If you have a story of adopting or fostering a Greyhound, CPG would love to hear from you.

Please email your stories & images to info@greyhoundcoalition.com.

Follow the journey:

• Facebook: Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds

• Instagram: @coalitionprotectgreyhounds

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How to Help

If you want to adopt, foster, or donate, please visit these organisations:

• Links to Greyhound rescue groups
• GreyhoundRescue NSW
• Greyt Greys
• Friends of the Hound
• Galgos del Sol
• Hounds in Homes
• Homeward Bound Homes
• I Want a Greyhound (IWaG) |Queensland
• Dogs' Homes of Tasmania
• Busselton Greyhound Awareness

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From our Archives: Celebrate Adopt A Greyhound Month

The Community Spirit Behind Fostering Greyhounds Explore the incredible work of the foster coordinators and volunteers who help ex-racing dogs transition to domestic life, creating a vital bridge between rescue and a forever home.

Greyhound Cartoonist Rich Skipworth's Wonderful World From "Bed Fails" to "The Teef Taptastic," explore the quirky vocabulary and charming illustrations of Richard Skipworth that perfectly capture the Greyhound's unique personality.

Sensory Gardens Opened at Greysland: A New Era for Greyhound Enrichment Take a look back at the ground-breaking facility in Bargo designed to help rescued hounds transition to life as pets.

Why Autumn Is The Golden Season For Adventures With Your Dog

Words by Kerry Martin | Puppy Tales Photography

There’s a shift that happens somewhere around March in Australia. The light softens. The mornings have a crispness to them that wasn’t there a week ago. And the trees start doing something that stops you mid-walk.

That’s autumn.

And if your dog is part of how you spend your days, it might just be the best season of the year to get out and explore together.

The Practical & The Soulful

The practical reasons are obvious. Cooler temperatures mean walk at any time of day, not squeezed into the margins of first light and last light to avoid the heat. Longer hikes feel easy, and the scenery along the way is spectacular. Sunrise is later, which means you can actually be there for that golden first light without setting an alarm that offends both you and your dog. Off-peak pricing kicks in at many accommodation spots, and availability opens up in places that are fully booked through summer.

But it’s the less obvious things that make travelling in autumn with a dog something special.

"The crunch of leaves underfoot for ‘walkies’. The way your dog moves through a pile of fallen oak leaves, nose-first, completely absorbed. Mist lifting off a lake at dawn."

Anyone who’s read my guide to the best dog-friendly snow adventures in Australia will know that winter holds a su-paw special place in my heart. But autumn is a very close second, and in some ways it’s more accessible. You don’t need robust cold weather gear or alpine planning. You just need a lead, a good pair of walking shoes and a dog who’s happy to be outside in the moment with you.

These are my favourite dog-friendly autumn destinations across Australia, chosen from personal experience on the road with my own dogs.

---

Victoria: The Goldfields Glow

Our Favourite: The Victorian Goldfields

Kyneton. Castlemaine. Daylesford. When the leaves start to turn, these historical Goldfields towns become some of the most beautiful places in Victoria. Tree-lined streets, stunning gardens, historic architecture, mineral springs, and the kind of autumn colour that makes you slow down to take it in.

In Daylesford, the walk around Lake Daylesford is a gentle 2.8-kilometre loop. Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens sits above town on an extinct volcano, with a dog-friendly cafe, the Wombat Hill House, right in the gardens.

While You’re in the Area

• Take a ride on the dog-friendly Daylesford Vintage Railway from Daylesford Station to Bullarto.

• In Kyneton, stop by Animus Distillery on Piper Street for a gin tasting with your dog in their outdoor courtyard.

• Head to Trentham to see the 32-metre Trentham Falls, then settle in at The Cosmopolitan Hotel.

Also Worth a Visit 

Bright and Beechworth in the High Country are famous for their autumn displays for good reason. The Dandenong Ranges offer fern-filled walks, and Walhalla has a quiet magic in the cooler months.

Australian Capital Territory: Canberra’s Arboretum

Our Favourite: National Arboretum, Canberra

If I could only visit one place in Canberra in autumn, it would be the National Arboretum. Established in 2005 after the devastating 2003 bushfires, this 250-hectare living collection of rare, endangered and symbolic trees is one of the most quietly spectacular places in Australia when the season turns.

Dogs are welcome on all trails on lead. There are over 20 kilometres of walking paths to choose from, so you can tailor the visit to your dog’s energy and your own.

While You’re in the Area

• Hire a GoBoat on Lake Burley Griffin and bring your dog along as first mate.

• Walk to the summit of Mount Ainslie for panoramic views of the city’s planned layout.

• The Canberra wine region, particularly Murrumbateman, is well worth the drive.

Also Worth a Visit

Lake Burley Griffin’s Bridge to Bridge walk is a gentle 5-kilometre loop. Yarralumla is also home to autumn goodness, plus a popular dog park and dog-friendly beach.

New South Wales: Southern Highlands

Our Favourite: Berrima and Bowral

Berrima and Bowral sit at the heart of the NSW Southern Highlands, just 90 minutes from Sydney, and in autumn they are glorious. Berrima is one of the most intact Georgian colonial towns in Australia, and walking its streets with your dog feels like stepping back in time.

While You’re in the Area

• Browse through Dirty Janes vintage emporium in Bowral with your dog in tow.

• Walk the hedge maze at Harper’s Mansion in Berrima.

• Lunch at Bendooley Estate, where dogs are welcome on the outdoor terrace.

Also Worth a Visit 

New England towns like Armidale, and the Central Tablelands like Bathurst and Orange, are worth the drive. Mount Wilson in the Blue Mountains is a hidden gem.

South Australia: The Hills & Hahndorf

Our Favourite: Adelaide Hills, especially Hahndorf

In autumn, the Adelaide Hills are draped in colour. The mature trees lining Hahndorf’s main street turn gold, and the nearby walking trails through Mount Barker and the Laratinga Wetlands are at their most beautiful.

Hahndorf has been named one of the most dog-friendly destinations in Australia. This charming German-settled town is lined with restaurants, shops and cellar doors—many of which welcome dogs.

While You’re in the Area

• Hike to the summit of Mount Barker for panoramic views.

• Visit the dog-friendly cellar doors at Simon Tolley in Woodside or Nepenthe in Balhannah.

• Wander the Artist’s Garden and Artist’s Walk at The Cedars.

Also Worth a Visit 

A drive through the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale wine regions in autumn is a treat in itself.

Tasmania: The Derwent Valley

Our Favourite: New Norfolk

Tasmania in autumn is something else entirely. The air sharpens, and the Derwent Valley around New Norfolk comes alive. The New Norfolk Esplanade is a one-kilometre walking path lined with poplars and oaks that turn gold and red as the season deepens.

While You’re in the Area

• Walk the Derwent River foreshore through Tynwald Park.

• Stroll around Arthur Square and the town’s colonial heritage precinct.

• The Bicentennial Track follows the Lachlan River upstream from town.

Also Worth a Visit 

Richmond is one of Tasmania’s most beautifully preserved colonial villages. Deloraine and the quiet Hollybank Forest near Launceston also sparkle in the season.

Queensland: The Garden City

Our Favourite: Toowoomba

Queensland may not be the first state that comes to mind for autumn colour, but Toowoomba earns its place. Known as the ‘Garden City’, it’s home to dozens of parks and gardens. The Ju Raku En Japanese Garden is especially delightful as the leaves fall.

While You’re in the Area

• Walk the East Creek Trail through Toowoomba.

• Visit the Toowoomba Farmers Market on a Saturday morning.

• The Picnic Point Lookout offers sweeping views across the Lockyer Valley.

Also Worth a Visit 

Stanthorpe in the Granite Belt region offers cool-climate wines, orchard country, and great autumn beauty.

Western Australia: Balingup

A Favourite: Golden Valley Tree Park, Balingup

This 60-hectare heritage-listed arboretum holds over 250 species of Northern Hemisphere trees. In autumn, this World Collection transforms into a riot of red, orange and gold, with self-guided walks through avenues of oaks, birches, and century-old London plane trees.

While You’re in the Area

• Visit the dog-friendly Balingup Fruit Winery or The Barking Cow Cafe.

• In Bridgetown, walk the River Walk along the Blackwood River.

• Make a detour to Gnomesville in the Ferguson Valley.

A note for dog owners visiting WA’s South West: Be aware of the Western Shield baiting program. Keep your dog on lead on trails and be vigilant.

Northern Territory: Chasing the Dry

The NT’s dry season begins in April, which makes it an appealing destination for those who want to swap cooling temperatures for warm days, clear skies and wide-open landscapes. If you’re chasing a different kind of autumn adventure, the Top End could be calling.

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Autumn on the Road with Puppy Tales

This autumn, I’ll be travelling through some of these very destinations with Scout and Mr Magoo as part of the Dog Tales of Australia: Pawtraits project. This is a coffee table book celebrating dogs across Australia in the places they love.

If you live in or near one of these regions and would love to be part of it, I’d love to hear from you at puppytales.com.au.

Autumn seems short. The light is gentle. The air is kind. It’s a season made for being outside with a dog.

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Plan Your Next Pawsome Adventure

If you loved this guide, explore more expert travel tips and destinations from our archives:

• Expert Tips for Stress-Free Pet-Friendly Travel – Essential advice on packing, safety, and etiquette for life on the road.

• Chasing the Chill: Australia’s Best Dog-Friendly Snow Adventures – Discover why winter is Kerry's "su-paw" favourite season for alpine exploring.

About Kerry Martin & Puppy Tales 

Kerry Martin of Puppy Tales Photography is a Melbourne-based award-winning dog photographer known for her seasonal photography experiences and travel adventures with her dogs Keiko, Summer & Scout, and tabby cat Mr Magoo. Puppy Tales is a carbon-negative "business for good" and Kerry is the founder of the Australian Dog of the Year Awards.