Australian Dog Lover: HOLIDAYS

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A Paradise for your Pets: Pet Resorts Australia new luxury pet accommodation in Queensland

The award-winning Pet Resorts Australia revealed the latest in luxe facilities across its two Queensland locations at Eumundi and Townsville.

Pet Resorts Australia has unveiled destination-themed suites for pampered pups, a splash park, commando course, doggy day care, and dog training in response to increased demand for luxury accommodation for Australia’s furry friends.

Australian households are home to almost 30 million pets and Aussies are forking out a staggering $33 billion annually on their fur-babies and best mates. This has seen pet resorts across the nation record a huge uptake in bookings since travel restrictions eased.

Pet Resorts Australia Chief Operating Officer Blake De Bruin said the uptake of both pet accommodation for short stays along with doggy day-care has spurred the business to create state-of-the-art facilities that are leading the way in innovation, quality and care.

“At our Eumundi resort on the Sunshine Coast, dogs can now stay in a Destination Suite with rooms inspired by the plains of the African Serengeti or Tuscan villas for example, and during playtime, they can try their skills on our custom-built commando course or cool off in the splash park,” De Bruin said.

Pets Resort Australia Eumundi-Noosa - Commando Course

Pet Resorts Australia Eumundi-Noosa - Splash Park

“Our canine guests in Townsville can enjoy the ultimate in luxury pet accommodation with our brand-new Hamptons Suites, all our resorts also offer Pet Postcards – so owners get progress reports and photos of their pet’s time with us – and additional services like Room Service”.

Pet Resorts Australia Townsville - aerial view

The family-run Pet Resorts Australia opened the two Queensland locations in 2022, providing Queensland’s pampered pets with a safe and enriched environment where they can stay, play and relax, supported by passionate, highly trained professionals.

“In Queensland, we’ve been busier than ever, we are seeing resorts booking out three-to-six months in advance, so we have heavily invested in quality accommodation across both our sites,” De Bruin said.

“We know people and their pets got accustomed to being together day in, day out during COVID. Since people have returned to work and are holidaying freely again, we know that pets are experiencing a lot of anxiety and owners don’t want their furry friends left alone.

Pet Resorts Australia Eumundi-Noosa - Tuscan Villa Destination Suite

“Now more than ever, Australians are willing to spend the money on quality accommodation and enriching entertainment for their four-legged friends if it means having peace of mind that their pets are cared for as they would be at home.

“It is paramount that we as a company continue to evolve with the changing attitudes of Australians and lead the way in pet care through investment in our facilities,” De Bruin concluded.

The new facilities and offerings are open and taking bookings. Find out more at petresortsaustralia.com.

About Pet Resorts Australia Eumundi-Noosa

Set amongst the rolling hills of Eumundi, our 15-acre property features a custom-built commando course and splash park, and premium pet accommodation, including luxury Destination Suites.

About Pet Resorts Australia Townsville

Surrounded by secluded tropical gardens, Pet Resorts Townsville has a relaxed and tranquil atmosphere and features premium pet accommodation.

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Put a Ring on it! The proposal Aussies should make this silly season...

Aussies encouraged to make a smart commitment to their prized possessions including their pets!

In the lead up to Christmas, Aussies are being encouraged to ‘Put a Ring on it’ (their homes that is), as the ultimate gesture in securing their most prized possessions.

Inspired by peak proposal season currently in full swing, where nearly 40 per cent of Aussies [1] pop the question in an act of commitment to their partner, Ring, leader in smart home security, is encouraging us to prioritise our commitment to our most valued items in our home – whether we own or rent.

Homes will likely be left unoccupied this upcoming holiday season as one-in-three Australians are ready to embrace out-of-home activities such as travel and social events despite cost-of-living pressures, with a quarter (26%) having made travel plans and a fifth (19%) being away from home more frequently attending social engagements.

With an influx of parcel deliveries as Aussies spend on gifts for their loved ones, and an uptick in home break-ins over the last year, two-thirds of which involve personal item theft [2], the stakes around protecting our valuables this time of year are at their highest.

An Australia-wide poll by Ring* has revealed Aussies are feeling vulnerable about the safety of their most valued and prized possessions as the holidays approach, due to less time spent at home. A vast majority of Australians (84%) are willing to invest in protecting the things they love.

Renowned science communicator, astrophysicist, author and proud pet dad, Matt Agnew, shares this sentiment, spending increasing amounts of time away from home and having experienced a home break-in himself.

To demonstrate his commitment to the things most important to him, Matt has put a Ring on it (his home) for peace of mind his beloved furry companion, Pluto, and his prized scientific apparatus are safe while he is away.

“This is a commitment that matters. With my social engagements and travel plans ramping up this time of year, I won’t leave anything to chance. Investing in an easy-to-install smart and connected security solution like Ring, is one of the easiest commitments I’ve ever made – to my beloved Pluto, my DSLR camera with its amazing lens for taking long exposure astrophotography and my peace-of-mind. It’s a no-brainer and a commitment I encourage all Aussies to make this proposal season.”

Passports, Pets and Parcels: Prized possessions worth protecting

More than half (53%) of all Australians have added some extra security measures ahead of the holiday season to protect their valuables and deliveries ahead of the holiday/Christmas season, with close to a third (31%) expecting more deliveries to their home leading up to the holidays.

For most though, securing important documents, like passports and birth certificates, is the most important thing to protect when they are not home (58%), followed by sentimental items (45%) and pets (38%).

The Cost of Commitment: How much will we pay to protect the things we love?

Matt is one of the 16.6 million** Australians willing to invest in protecting the items they love at home with one-in-five (21%) Aussies saying they are happy to pay “as much as it takes” on protection measures. One-in-three (27%) are willing to pay between $100 to $300 which could be as much as $530 million and $1.6 billion^ nationally to secure their valuables.

From drastic measures like buying a guard dog (8%) to installing security cameras (34%), mounting sensor lights (23%) or installing a smart doorbell (22%) Aussies’ commitment is firm. For the 47 per cent of Aussies who have not installed security cameras, almost half cite cost (49%) while one-in-five (22%) believe it is overkill and are not concerned about security.

Mark Fletcher, Ring Managing Director, Australia says, “We’re about to hit peak busy season, and the ability to keep a vigilant and watchful eye on our most prized irreplaceable possessions, pets, and loved ones will be tested.

Ring really is the ultimate smart home security choice for protecting what matters most at home, offering unmatched value for money, convenience, security, and connectivity for daily peace-of-mind to Australians. Just as we put a ring on our loved ones to reaffirm our commitment, we urge Aussies to put a Ring on the things they love at home, the convenient commitment for the ultimate protection.”

Ring’s top tips for peace of mind when you’re away from home:

✔️ Ensure Home Safety Before Your Departure: While it may appear straightforward, it's essential to double-check all windows and doors are securely locked before heading on holiday.

✔️ Adjust Recurring Deliveries: To prevent your home from appearing vacant during extended absences, consider rescheduling regular subscription deliveries such as milk or newspapers. If unexpected deliveries occur, having a Ring

✔️ Video Doorbell is an easy way to instruct the delivery person to place the package in a secure location.

✔️ Remote Monitoring of Security Cameras: Consider installing a smart security system which enables you to access and review footage from your Ring devices directly on your smartphone, regardless of your location.

✔️ Create the Illusion of Occupancy: Consider implementing timer settings not only for your lights but also for sound.

✔️ Having your radio turn on at various points throughout the day can give the impression that someone is at home.

Ring offers homeowners peace of mind, knowing their home and loved ones are fully protected.

Price & Where to Buy:

Starting at just $79 for the Ring Indoor Camera and offering accessories such as a No-Drill Mount for the Ring Doorbell, Ring delivers exceptional value and convenience for homeowners and renters alike.

For a full list of products available in Australia, visit https://ring.com/au/en.

About Ring

Since its founding in 2013, Ring has been on a mission to make neighbourhoods safer. From the video doorbell to the DIY Ring Alarm system, Ring’s smart home security product line offers users affordable whole-home and neighbourhood security. At Ring, we are committed to making home and neighbourhood security accessible and effective for everyone – while working hard to bring communities together. Ring is an Amazon company. For more information, visit www.ring.com. With Ring, you’re always home.

* About the research

The research was commissioned by Ring and conducted by Lonergan Research in accordance with the ISO 20252 standard. Lonergan Research surveyed 1,021 Australians 18+. Surveys were distributed throughout Australia including both capital city and non-capital city areas. The survey was conducted online amongst members of a permission-based panel, between 9 and 13 November 2023. After interviewing, data was weighted to the latest population estimates sourced from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

** Figure based on 84% of survey respondents weighted against the latest adult population figures from the ABS.

^ Figure based on a calculation of the 27% of population who are willing to spend between $100 and $300, which equates to 5.3 million using latest adult population figures from the ABS.

[1] BBC article, released 5th December, 2018

[2] Crime Victimisation, Australia, 2021-22 financial year by the ABS, released 22 February, 2023.

The weather is warming and so is our desire to start embark on canine adventures in this great land of ours. Pet Insurance Australia, alongside Chief Canine Cuddler at Puppy Tales has some great tips to get travelling alongside your four-legged best friend.

For dog owners, the bond shared with their four-legged companions often transcends the role of a mere pet, solidifying them as treasured family members. When adventure beckons, it's only natural to wish to include our furry friends. However, before hitting the road, it's vital to navigate the world of dog-inclusive travel with careful planning to ensure an enjoyable and secure experience for humans and canines.

"Pet Insurance Australia recently had the privilege of engaging in an enlightening conversation with Kerry Martin, affectionately known as the Chief Canine Cuddler at Puppy Tales," Nadia Crighton from Pet Insurance Australia says.

"A revered authority in dog-inclusive travel, Kerry provides invaluable insights into the art of journeying with our beloved companions. With her guidance, a successful and enriching voyage with your dog is just around the corner."

How to Find the Perfect Stay for your Furry Friend

When selecting accommodation that caters to dogs, Kerry recommends focusing on several key factors.

"It's all about finding places that not only tolerate dogs but genuinely celebrate their presence," she states.

Here are some essential considerations:

✔️ Website: Seek accommodations with websites that warmly welcome dogs as guests, showcasing photos of canine companions enjoying the surroundings.

✔️ Location: Opt for spots situated close to dog-friendly walks, beaches and dining options. Access to local vets and groomers adds an extra layer of convenience.

✔️ Warm Doggy Welcome: Look for hosts who understand and embrace dogs. Tell tales for this include; offering treats, securely fenced areas, spare bowls, and dog beds.

✔️ Convenient Accommodation: Choose places that allow dogs indoors and provide self-catering options. Spacious cabins with room between them can ensure a tranquil stay.

Check your dog is also allowed indoors it can be a surprise to arrive at accommodation that is "dog-friendly", but that doesn't mean them allowing your dog inside. Always check the listing carefully for any rules/restrictions or if in doubt contact the host prior to booking.

✔️ Creature Comforts: Luxury amenities like dog-room service or a dog spa enhance the experience. Accommodations with doggy day care or pet sitting services facilitate dog-free outings.

✔️ Clean Canines: Seek places that offer practical solutions for maintaining cleanliness, such as blankets to cover furniture and working vacuum cleaners.

Caution is needed when selecting dog-tolerant accommodations that fall short of embracing dogs fully. She warns against restrictions based on size or breed, limited visitation times, and insufficient dog provisions. These places may lack maintenance and amenities and even impose unwarranted fees.

"It's important that adventurous dog owners do their due diligence with accommodation to ensure they have the best experience possible," Crighton says. "But the great news is that with so much to choose from, you can find the perfect holiday spot for you and your furry companion."

Kerry, Keiko & Summer's Favourite Destinations:

Having travelled to every state and territory alongside her adorable dogs, these are Kerry’s Top 10 destinations for avid road trip lovers.

Dinner Plain, VIC – Experience the thrill of snow with
your canine companion.

Coffs Harbour, NSW – Discover stunning beaches and breathtaking inland landscapes.

Jervis Bay, NSW – Enjoy Australia's prettiest dog-friendly beaches.

Atherton Tablelands, QLD – Uncover unexpected trails and water spots.

Coober Pedy, SA – Explore the iconic outback and stay underground.

Kangaroo Island, SA – Relax on beautiful beaches and dog-friendly cafes.

Denmark, WA – Delight in scenic walks and dog-friendly wineries.

Beechworth, VIC – Immerse yourself in history and invigorating walks.

Bay of Fires, TAS – Camp by the beach and soak in the serenity.

Canberra, ACT – Explore vibrant cityscapes and diverse walking paths.

Huon Valley, TAS – Revel in green landscapes and visit dog-friendly cideries.

First-Time Dog-Holiday Owner Advice

"Ensure thorough research to identify dog-friendly activities and dining options. Seek recommendations from fellow pet parents, explore online resources, consult visitor information centres, and consider purchasing 'Dog Tales of Australia' for comprehensive insights," Kerry advises.

"Prioritise safety precautions, such as tick treatments and weather considerations, and ensure a comfortable travel distance for your dog."

Pet Insurance Australia agrees that ensuring your pet is up-to-date with preventative medications and vaccinations is essential.

"Always check the areas you are heading to for any possible issues such as ticks," Crighton says. "Some simple checks can ensure your holiday doesn't become a medical emergency."

The Rise of Pet-Friendly Places in Australia

"Pet parents seem keener than ever to travel with their pets," Crighton says. "With this trend, there is certainly a shift for more pet-friendly accommodation now available to pet owners."

Platforms like Airbnb, HiCamps, and WikiCamps offer increased options for pet owners, enhancing the availability of pet-friendly stays.

Why Travel with Dogs?

"Travelling with your dogs can bring a whole new experience," Crighton says. "Allowing us to enjoy the moments and possibly explore places and walks that we wouldn't have considered without our four-legged companion trotting beside us."

While Kerry also acknowledges that travelling with dogs isn't for everyone, the rewards are enormous for those who choose this path. The bond shared, the lessons learned from observing dog's simple joys, and exploring destinations from a dog's perspective contribute to unforgettable experiences.

"Our first trip to Dinner Plain to see the snow started a probably lifelong destination obsession with taking our dogs to the snow," Kerry smiles. "I love seeing my dogs enjoying this environment, and I adore photographing the dogs that join us here for our Snow Dogs Photography & Retreats."

"The second is our Dog Tales of Australia trip. We loved the slow-time ability to travel the country over 13 months. So much so that we'll be off next year on Dog Tales of Australia 2 - this time for two years - starting in 2024!"

For more information, visit puppytales.com.au/dog-tales-of-australia-pawtraits

Inspiration Behind 'Dog Tales of Australia

Kerry's ground-breaking book, 'Dog Tales of Australia,' is a guide for canine-loving travellers. Designed to inspire unforgettable adventures, the book offers various tips, secrets, and recommendations for traveling with dogs.

Kerry's inspiration stems from a desire to share her experiences and encourage dog-friendly practices across Australia.

For more information or to purchase Dog Tales of Australia, visit puppytales.com.au/product/dog-tales-of-australia-book

Media Release, September 2023

Air Bark’n’Bark: a new innovative pet minding service for people travelling with dogs

Australian start-up company ‘Air Bark’n’Bark’ announced today that their new mobile App ‘Air Bark’n’Bark’, launched in April 2023, has reached 1250 registrations and is growing everyday.

Air Bark’n’Bark is an exciting new App that offers a unique solution for anyone travelling with a dog to connect with other travellers and local services for dog minding. An ideal solution for the grey nomad or family taking a year out to travel Australia with their beloved dog.

Pepsi and Luci love travelling!
Example of User Profile on the App

“As dedicated dog lovers who love to travel, we’ve experienced first-hand how difficult it can be when you need to find a dog minding service while on the road” says Abbey Wehrung, Marketing Director and co-founder at Air Bark’n’Bark “so we are building a network of ‘minders and finders’ to connect for dog sitting services.

We want you to make the most of the places you visit and not have to consider surrendering your dog or re-home them because it’s too hard”.

Features and benefits of the App include:

✔️ Using GPS location maps, users will be able to see minders in the local area

✔️ Users can plan ahead, by searching a specific location

✔️ With a 5-paw rating system, users can be reassured their dog is safe

✔️ Users can offer reciprocal dog sitting, so a win for those on a budget

✔️ Provides opportunity to make money on the road while spending time with a lovely dog

✔️ In-App messaging service connecting Users to simply organise dog minding

✔️ The App facilitates the connection - users make the arrangement and set their own fees

✔️ There is no booking fee

Whether you’re off for a weekend, a fortnight or you’re planning a longer trip, there’s nothing better than travelling with your four-legged friend in our great country.

Air Bark'n'Bark allows travellers to connect with each other and local services for dog minding, either on a fee-based basis or reciprocally, ideal for those close to national parks wanting to see the local attractions.

How Does Air Bark ’n’ Bark Work?

The App allows you to view the profile of other Users or you can search an area and plan ahead

If you’ve ever used an online dating app, Air Bark ’n’ Bark will seem spookily similar - but with a canine twist!

Before you can get started, you’ll need to register as a user and be accepted. Once Air Bark’n’Bark have confirmed your membership, you’re all set to get started.

By looking on the map you’ll be able to see other users in your area and connect via the in-app messaging service, or you can search for different locations if you prefer. If you are planning ahead for your travel, this can be a handy tool.

About Us

Our app is only 5 months old, so you’ve found us early - congratulations!

For Air Bark ’n’ Bark to be effective, we need to build up a functional network of dog lovers across Australia, particularly grey nomads, remote workers, families on the road, or anyone who’s just enjoying the van life! We have already over 1250 registered users and we are growing everyday. So come and join the travelling dog loving community.

More and more people are travelling Australia with their dogs, like Lucy.

We are constantly working to improve the app and welcome feedback from our users to resolve any issues and make this the best dog minding app in Australia.

Price & How to Join:

Our app is extremely affordable. You can subscribe for 1 month for $4.97 - great for those short term holidays.

There is a 6-month option for $16.97, which is perfect for those on long service leave, or maybe you want to be a permanent Minder or doing a lap of Australia, then our annual subscription for $27.97 is the right choice.

No percentage cut is taken from any minding fee, nor do we charge a booking fee.

To learn more about Air Bark’n’Bark visit our website at www.airbarknbark.com.au

Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/airbarknbarkfb or @air.barknbark on Instagram.

MEDIA RELEASE, 5th September 2023

These truly drool-worthy tiny house getaways offer up a pawfect weekender for you and your furry friend.

If you can’t bear the thought of leaving home without your four-legged significant other, Tiny Away offers a range of stunning tiny homes that are pet-friendly and ready to welcome you and your goodest boys and girls for a unique stay.

A step up from glamping, each tiny house offers hot showers, air conditioning, a cosy queen bed, and a kitchenette. The sustainably built tiny houses are typically positioned on farms or remote rural properties, with plenty of outdoor space for you and your pup to roam and explore. Here’s a roundup of some of the best dog-friendly stays across the country:

#1. Altitude, Monegeetta (Macedon Ranges), Victoria (lead photo)

Altitude is the ideal dog-friendly stay in Monegeetta in the stunning Macedon Ranges which is well known for Hanging Rock, foodie towns like Kyneton as well as wineries and walking trails.

Mount Macedon, Trentham Falls, Riddells Creek Farmers Market, and Holgate Brewhouse are all on your doorstep. Free from hustle and bustle, Altitude is a working goat farm (home to a resident canine friend too) and is the perfect escape where you get to be at one with nature but with the comforts of a beautifully designed tiny house.

#2. Tiny Inja, Kurrajong (Hawkesbury), NSW

Tiny Inja, Kurrajong (Hawkesbury), NSW

Just over an hour away from Sydney in village surrounds, discover beautiful birds and farm animals on this 5-acre lifestyle property. The house is close to Bilpin, the Hawkesbury River, and some of the region's best bushwalks and cycling routes.

The expansive estate is characterised by its undulating hills and soothing natural melodies thanks to the abundance of bird life. What’s more, the tiny house hosts raise Labradoodles, meaning your furry companions can socialise with new friends during your tiny house retreat.

#3. Golden Hill Farmstay, Rosedale (Bundaberg Region), Queensland

Golden Hill Farmstay is the perfect Queensland farm stay nestled on 168 acres of green pastures, dense woodlands, native wildlife, and farm animals including free-range chickens, pigs, and goats. Experience the unhurried backcountry lifestyle, unwind, and reconnect with nature.

During the day, explore the region’s landmarks, national parks and nearby towns. When the night falls, go back to your tiny house to enjoy a warm bonfire under the stars. Don’t forget to bring the firewood.

#4. Maluridae Creek Views, Lawrence (Daylesford), Victoria

Maluridae Creek Views, Lawrence (Daylesford), Victoria

Experience the slow backcountry atmosphere at Maluridae Creek Views. This ideal tiny house escape is surrounded by rolling green pastures, farmlands, and starry night skies.

Set in a perfect little triangle of Daylesford, Clunes, and Creswick, you can enjoy beautiful picnic spots, farm animals, and wildlife. Clunes Market, Lal Lal Falls, and the Mill Markets Daylesford are just a few of the nearby attractions to visit.

Willow Dale Farm,
Paterson (Hunter Valley), NSW

#5. Willow Dale Farm, Paterson (Hunter Valley), NSW

Willow Dale Farm is set in a large paddock overlooking farmland and the soothing waters of a nearby dam.

John Tucker Park, Hope Estate, Bimbadgen, and Peterson House restaurant are all on the doorstep. Discover simple country living and soak in the 25 acres of farmland, and stunning vistas of rolling green hills.

Nestled within the picturesque landscapes of the Hunter Valley, Willow Dale Farm offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. You and your pup can engage with friendly farm animals, take leisurely strolls through the property, and ‘lap up’ the authentic country atmosphere.

Don't miss your chance to Win a Pet-friendly Tiny Away escape this Spring, valued at $600!

About Tiny Away

Founded in 2018, the Tiny Away network includes a range of comfy eco-friendly ‘tiny houses’ for travellers seeking alternative and unique accommodation experiences.

Tiny Away offers adventurous road-trippers and weekenders the chance to immerse themselves in Australia’s vast flora and fauna, without compromising on comfort.

Using a profit-sharing arrangement that sees landowners earning up to 45% of rental revenue, Tiny Away considers itself a partner with landowner hosts on a mission to create rare and exceptional accommodation experiences.

To learn more, visit www.tinyaway.com

Paws on the Park: Pullman Melbourne on the Park unveils its pet-friendly suite

Are you after the pawfect accommodation for your next Melbourne getaway or staycation?

Pullman Melbourne on the Park’s brand-new Pet Suite is just the place for you and your four-legged friend to enjoy a weekend away.

One of the hotel’s suites has been transformed into a pet paradise, with the room including a private courtyard, grass mat and kennel.

“We are constantly looking for ways to expand our offering to make our guests’ experience more enjoyable and what better than being able to bring your pet on holiday with you?” said General Manager Stephan Leroy.

“We have extended our five-star service to cater to the needs of both pets and their owners, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay for all.”

The catering extends to a mouth-watering room service menu, including:

✔️ Make your Dog (or Cat) feel like a ‘Star’ and look Furbulous: Raw-some Australian beef tartare, steamed Cauliflower & Broccoli

Photo: @hannaandgnocchi and @pullmanonthepark

✔️ Unleashed Puparazzi: Diced cooked Australian beef fillet, mixed vegetables & braised barley

✔️Pawfectly Healthy: Poached chicken with oats, olive oil, spinach and egg

With the hotel position perfect to Fitzroy Gardens and Yarra Park, even your daily walk will have a touch of luxury.

To make the stay extra special, the 5-star hotel has teamed up with gummi to produce the ‘Paws on the Park’ collaboration.

The range includes co-branded tote bags and treats, poo bags and a frisbee for all guests to take home, along with a number of items available in the room to loan.

“We are delighted to join forces with Pullman Melbourne on the Park and bring the Paws on the Park collaboration to life,” said Natalie Asseraf, gummi’s Founder & CEO.

“At gummi, we know that our pets are fully fledged family members and deserve only the best. Our colourful and fun products are designed to enhance our pet’s lives and we’re thrilled to be extending that to Pullman’s guests and their fur-babies during their hotel stay!”

Pullman Melbourne on the Park’s Pet Suite have been taking bookings directly via the hotel from June 25th.

Guests, locals and their pets were invited to preview the hotel’s facilities and joined in on some paw-some activities at its Open Day on Saturday 24th June.

Pricing is in line with the daily room rate, with no additional surcharge for pets. 10% of proceeds from all bookings will be donated to The Lost Dogs Home.

About Pullman Melbourne on the Park

Pullman Melbourne on the Park stands on the threshold of Melbourne's sports, dining, business and cultural precincts. The hotel sits alongside the MCG and stunning Fitzroy Gardens, with both the city and the historic creative hub of Fitzroy and Richmond only minutes away. With trams and trains and beautiful walking and cycling paths, the best of Melbourne is literally at your doorstep. Following a $40 million renovation, Pullman Melbourne on the Park has been awarded the 2022 Design Inn Award for Hotel of the Year (refurbishment). The Australasia-Pacific Hotel Design Awards celebrate excellence in hotel interior design.

For more information, please visit www.pullmanmelbourneonthepark.com.au

You can follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PullmanOnThePark or @pullmanonthepark on Instagram

Media Release, Melbourne, July 2023

Now that the world has opened up again but with international travel costs 'off the charts', many Aussie families will be looking to spend their next holiday locally – and half of all dog owners want to take their pooch on holidays with them!

Australia has one of the highest pet ownership rates in the world, with 69% owning at least one pet, equating to more than 28 million pets. Of the 48% of households that own a dog, half of those are keen to include their pooch in their family holidays.

Reflections Holiday Parks, located across NSW, understands the obsession that Australians have with their furry friends, which is why they offer 28 dog-friendly holiday destinations across NSW, where both two- and four-legged family members can all enjoy the delights of a holiday.

Reflections Holiday Park Jimmys Beach, Hawks Nest (located on the north shore facing Port Stephens)

Here are 8 popular Reflections Holiday Parks options:

1. Shaws Bay Holiday Park (Ballina)

Shaws Bay Holiday Park, situated in East Ballina just two hours south of Brisbane, is a dog-friendly caravan and camping park positioned on the tranquil banks of Shaw Bay, where all caravan and camp sites, and selected cabins, are dog-friendly all year round.

A 5-minute drive takes you to the dog-friendly Spit, a popular off-leash dog beach for your pooch to really let loose and get out all the zoomies. Shaws Bay Holiday Park is also a great base to explore nearby the picturesque Ballina and Byron Bay.

2. Moonee Beach Holiday Park (Coffs Harbour)

Moonee Beach Holiday Park is located just 10 minutes from Coffs Harbour, moments from the fishing and surfing haven of Moonee Beach. Boasting plenty of large dog-friendly sites for caravans and camping – both powered and unpowered – and a range of modern tiny homes and cabins, Moonee Beach Holiday Park is the perfect spot to experience the tranquillity of nature with your best (furry) friend.

With a deluxe dog wash with hot and cold water on site, your pooch can enjoy a pamper session to relax for the evening, while human companions can make the most of the modern amenities including a large camp kitchen, fire pits, tennis court and ping pong tables.

3. Corindi Beach Holiday Park (Coffs Harbour)

30 minutes north of Coffs Harbour, Corindi Beach Holiday Park is the perfect destination for your next coastal getaway with your pooch. Situated on the stunning Corindi Headland, this holiday park is dog-friendly all year round, with all caravan and camping sites, and selected cabins, welcoming your precious pup.

Corindi Beach Holiday Park also offers a skate park and basketball court, with organised fun for kids during the school holidays. A perfect location to explore the stunning Coffs Coast, with its world-famous attractions and endless natural delights.

Red Rock is the northernmost village on the Coffs Coast and is nestled between the beach and the pristine waters of the Corindi River

4. Red Rock Holiday Park (Coffs Harbour)

Also on the Coffs Coast is Red Rock Holiday Park, located in the quaint town of Red Rock just 30 minutes from Coffs Harbour. This park has a range of powered and unpowered sites for humans and their furry friends to enjoy. Dog owners love the 3km board walk around the river and the salty spray of surf nearby at Red Rock Beach (dogs allowed on leash).

For off-leash fun, playful pups can run around Corindi Beach to the south of Ocean Street. A warm doggy bath is on hand at the end of each day for your sandy hound, and there’s a takeaway restaurant and convenience store on site (which also sells dog food) in case you forget any essentials.

5. Ferry Reserve Holiday Park (Byron Bay)

Nestled on the edge of Brunswick Heads, just 15 north of Byron Bay, Ferry Reserve Holiday Park features direct river access and a boat ramp, making it ideal for boaters, paddlers and fisherfolk to explore the Brunswick River.

The flat and spacious caravan and camping sites, plus selected deluxe cabins and tiny homes are dog-friendly all year round, and there’s a fantastic off-leash exercise area close by at Mains Beach, making Ferry Reserve Holiday Park a doggie’s dream destination.

6. Lennox Head Holiday Park (Lennox Head)

Located on the north coast of NSW, just a short walk from off-leash Seven Mile Beach, Lennox Head Holiday Park is a pup’s paradise. All of the caravan and camping sites are dog-friendly, with 10 dog-friendly cabins – four of which are deluxe accommodation offerings for a more luxurious travel experience with your pampered pooch.

The park’s own enclosed, off-leash dog area has agility equipment and is the ideal location for dog-loving travellers to connect. The park’s dog wash is also a must for those returning from a beach romp!

7. Eden Holiday Park (Eden)

Heading in the opposite direction down the south coast of NSW is Eden Holiday Park on the stunning Sapphire Coast, where dogs are welcomed on all sites, as well as in five dog-friendly family cabins (sleeps 6).

Kick back with your pup after a day of exploring the local areas, including the off-leash dog beach, Aslings Beach, directly opposite the park. A fully equipped camp kitchen means you can travel light, and if you visit between September and November, you’ll find yourself in one of Australia’s best whale-watching hotspots.

8. Lake Keepit Holiday Park (Tamworth)

Lake Keepit Holiday Park can be found in the beautiful New England region of NSW, an easy drive from both Gunnedah and Tamworth. A water park, skate park and BMX track will make this a huge hit with the two-legged kids, while the four-legged variety can enjoy a splash in Keepit Dam – which is more than twice the size of Sydney Harbour!

Dog-friendly all year round, Lake Keepit Holiday Park features a large selection of powered and unpowered caravan and camping sites, as well as a limited number of dog-friendly cabins. Other amenities to suit the whole family include the camp kitchen, BBQs, go karts, tennis court and volleyball court.