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

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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

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.

One of the warm Doggy Baths facilities - Reflections Holiday Parks Tuncurry

 

[1] Animal Medicines Australia ‘Pets in Australia’ national survey Nov 2022

MEDIA RELEASE, 8th June 2023

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Some of you will recall the recent adventures of Leonie and Andrew Jarrett motorhoming with their two Goldens, Albus and Harry, around Victoria.

With the winter break only a few weeks away, you may be planning to head out of town for a break so how about a leisurely trip to discover the joys of the Eyre and Yorke Peninsula as well as the Barossa Valley?

Leonie shares her favourite experiences and tips for travelling with dogs gathered first hand during her journey in the hope these will help you plan your own unforgettable escape!

“Late last year we hired a motorhome to travel with our two dogs Albus (2) and Harry (1) but felt we were all a bit cramped! With our recent trip to South Australia we wanted to try something else so this time we opted for renting pet-friendly accommodation (using Airbnb) for our stopovers.

We started by making up a “doggie kit” for the car trip – the dogs’ leads, a water bowl, some food and snacks and dog waste bags plus a bottle of water in case we couldn’t find water. We actually kept our “doggie kit” handy for the whole trip.

We also made sure we stopped at least once every two hours to let the dogs have a drink and blow off some energy. Ideally, we tried to find a dog park or at least a park so the dogs could have a run. Special mention to the dog park at Railway Terrace, Tailem Bend (so good, we visited it again on the way back home!).

Albus and Harry cuddling in for the long car ride from Melbourne to Wallaroo

Our first day was a long (900 km) drive from Melbourne to Wallaroo, one of the most popular coastal escapes on the Yorke Peninsula and only a two-hour drive from Adelaide. Dead kangaroo count on the way was high. Scenery beauty count was not so high...

We wouldn’t normally drive that far in one day especially with the two dogs but we wanted to catch the Spencer Gulf Searoad and because it left at 9:30am we had to be there the night before. 

The Spencer Gulf Searoad, Wallaroo to Lucky Bay car ferry

To ferry across two adults, a car and a boat is almost $500 one way (ouch!). It does however save a few hours of driving so we chose to take it. But on the plus side, pets are very welcome and are able to travel at no charge.

The ferry worked well with our dogs, although it is very weather dependent. You have to leave your car and you can’t take the dogs into the cabin so you need to be outside with the dogs for the whole two-hour crossing. (Note that it took us two and a half hours on our way back a week or so later). We did see one person leave his dog in the tray of his ute but we didn’t feel comfortable leaving our dogs unattended for that long.

Enjoying the views from the top deck of the car ferry

There is loads of room on the top deck of the boat but there is no shade. Otherwise, there is only a tiny area outside the entrance to the cabin.

When we arrived in Wallaroo the night before, we had found the local dog park – conveniently across the road from the ferry terminal on Heritage Drive. The dogs had had a run there which they well deserved after being cooped up in the car for so long. We took them back before the ferry trip the next morning so they snoozed the whole trip.

A couple of hours drive later and we arrived in Port Lincoln on the Eyre Peninsula, where we stayed for a week. All I knew about Port Lincoln before I arrived was that it was the Tuna Capital of Australia and the home of weightlifter Dean Lukin. (Yes, I am old enough to remember the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics!)

Port Lincoln is actually a big town. About 13,000 people live there. It sits on Boston Harbour which is beautiful. From Port Lincoln, we day tripped to many other towns. 

Coffin Bay, South Australia

Tumby Bay Jetty, South Australia

 

The ones which stood out were: Coffin Bay, Tumby Bay and Streaky Bay.

Sampling Coffin Bay's local delicacies

We travelled to Coffin Bay for their famous oysters. 

We wanted to do an Oyster Farm Tour so we found a dog sitter nearby via MadPaws. Our pampered city pooches got to be farm dogs for the day (they slept extra well that afternoon and night!!)

The Oyster Farm tour was really fun – we put on waders and sat on a pontoon as we learnt about oysters and how to shuck them. We rinsed the freshly shucked oysters in the sea water and ate them natural. What a treat!

Everywhere we went, we were amazed at how many caravans there were! Honestly, most of the towns are so sleepy that I think there were more caravans than residents!

Albus & Harry relaxing on the deck of an Airbnb in Port Lincoln

From Port Lincoln on the Eyre Peninsula of South Australia, we travelled to Hardwicke Bay on the Yorke Peninsula. We stayed at a house right on the beach. We walked in mid afternoon and the sun was blinding through the windows. 

We had the privilege of front row seats for a wonderful sunset that night.

Each day, we saw pelicans and dolphins. And something quirky – tractors driving on to the beach to launch boats.

Leonie, Albus & Harry exploring the beaches of Harwicke Bay

We drove on to the beach ourselves and parked. We let the dogs off leash and they had the time of their lives running on the white sand, playing in the rock pools and chasing a ball.

This part of the world has unspoilt, beautiful beaches and, seemingly, few people. Again, the caravans seemed to outnumber the residents.

We couldn’t resist a trip to South Australia without a couple of days in the Barossa. Only a two and a half hour drive from Hardwicke Bay and we were in our lovely cottage in Angaston. Angaston is a lovely little town full of stone houses and buildings. The main street is lined with cafes and restaurants so you won’t go hungry here!

We found another great dog park – this time at Nuriootpa. It is a 5 star dog park complete with obstacles and toys!

We had arranged dog day care through MadPaws again. This time, not at a farm but an ordinary residential house. The dog minder is a vet student as well as keen pet photographer so we got some bonus doggie photos and videos!

Whilst the dogs were being photographed, we joined the Penfold’s Barossa Luxury Wine Experience. After the Penfold’s Experience, we went to Seppeltsfield for lunch at Fino. The driveway into Seppeltsfield is lined with Canary Date Palms – 2,000 of them are on the property and it makes for a grand entrance! The terrace outside Fino is gorgeous as are the outbuildings, housing wares by local artisans. Lunch and the whole winery were gorgeous!

One more day meant one more lunch! This time at Artisans of Barossa. We ate outside so that we could take the pooches. Again, the meal was terrific as was the local Shiraz – ‘The Schiller’ by Schwarz Wine Co.

Reluctantly, we made our way home. As they say, ‘all good things come to an end.’ After our 16-day trip to South Australia, all I can say is that I’m not sure why we have not been to SA more times in the past. 

As for the dogs, they only left us for two part days when they went to a MadPaws minder so their eight furry feet are voting for more doggy / pawrent holidays!

"Mum, muuum... are we home yet?"

Travelling with the dogs has not been too restrictive. They loved 24/7 company and they travelled so well – they sat quietly for hours in the car, sat contentedly tethered at cafes and pubs, slept wherever and whenever and (mostly) stayed off the couches at the Airbnbs we rented. 

For us, renting pet-friendly accommodation has been a far better doggy travel experience than hiring a motorhome.”

written and all photography by Leonie Jarrett, May 2023 for Australian Dog Lover (all rights reserved).

About our Writer

Leonie, Albus & Harry having a
break in Hardwicke Bay

Leonie Jarrett lives in Melbourne, Australia with her husband of 3 decades, her four adult children and her two Golden Retrievers.

Leonie has variously been a lawyer and a business owner.

Now that she is semi-retired, Leonie is loving writing about her life, her travels and her experiences together with writing poetry and fictional stories.

You can follow their adventures on Instagram @albus_harry_goldens

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