22 Apr 2022
Being inseparable from your pet doesn’t mean you have to miss out on adventures in the great Australian Outback.
With a little planning, you can keep your best friend by your side every step of the way!
Things to do with your dog in the Top End
The Northern Territory is full of diverse landscapes and vibrant colours. It boasts breathtaking gorges, vast stretches of desert and tropical parks that are an oasis for your soul!
Like most regions, there are restrictions on pets, but there are always exceptions and plenty of pet-friendly alternatives on offer!
Whether you start, finish or bookend your NT adventure in tropical Darwin, this vibrant city reflects the region’s diversity via a booming foodie scene, impressive Aboriginal street art and national parks that deliver stunning natural beauty.
To start your dog-friendly trip, take a stroll or self-guided walking tour through Darwin’s dog-friendly Botanic Gardens - as long as you use a leash.
After the gardens, stop at Eva’s Botanic Gardens Cafe, one of the city’s best dog-friendly cafes. Grab a mango smoothie and a bowl of water for Fido.
Darwin has its own designated pet park, Marlow Lagoon Pet Park, which makes for a fun day out for every four-legged visitor. The park is open 24/7, and has an obstacle course and dedicated off-leash area for pups that are still in-training.
Casuarina Beach is a popular spot for walks between Rapid Creek and Dropshoe Cliffs. One glimpse and you’ll see why the area is a huge drawcard for dog lovers.
Holmes Jungle Nature Park is another treat for the senses for both you and pooch. Leashes are required as this area is teeming with native rainforest wildlife.
Darwin Ski Club is a great spot for a dog-friendly sundowner, and why not treat yourself to some freshly caught seafood or exotic burgers on the veranda at Frying Memo on Tipperary Waters Marina.
Naturally, Darwin has some excellent al fresco dining options, where dogs are welcome to sit out front with their parents. Ray’s Cafe and Patisserie is the pick of the bunch, going one step further than water bowls by offering its own set menu for dogs. Woof!
Pet-friendly Accommodation in the Top End
Discovery Parks - Darwin is close to Darwin and the perfect spot to enjoy the outdoors and tropical climate of the region with your dog. Pets are welcome all year round, with the exception of July.
Fire up the BBQ while the kids tackle the onsite bouncing pillow and swimming pool, surrounded by nature and fresh air.
Discovery Parks - Katherine is an ideal accommodation base for anyone looking to explore Nitmiluk Gorge and the National Park.
Often described as 'where the outback meets the tropics,' Katherine will leave you breathless with its mix of gorges, waterfalls, thermal springs and ancient Indigenous culture.
Nitmulik (Katherine) Gorge is undoubtedly the crown jewel in any visit here, and deserves its place among Australia's most popular attractions. Dogs are welcome on sites at this park.
Things to do with your dog in Australia’s Red Centre
The heart of Australia is the ultimate spot to experience an authentic outback adventure, and is surprisingly pet-friendly!
Be aware that it is essential to follow local guidelines to ensure both your pet and Australia’s native wildlife remain safe.
Alice Springs is a popular start any Northern Territory Outback adventure. The area around the town is teeming with Aboriginal history and colonial heritage sites, and nearby Owen Springs is one of the Territory's best dog-friendly national parks.
Alice Springs itself has several dog-friendly dining spots such as Page 27 Cafe, Yaye Cafe and Saltbush Restaurant’s veranda at the plush Hilton Hotel.
There’s an early morning window for dog walkers at the Anzac Oval and another pet-friendly space at Trevor Reid Park.
For those planning a trip to Uluru, or any of the region’s more remote spots, Pawz and Clawz is one of the Alice Spring’s most reputable kennels, with air-conditioned lodgings and plenty of furry friends to meet.
130km west of Alice Springs, Glen Helen is another natural wonder in its own right and a perfect hub to explore the West MacDonnell Ranges with your best friend.
Cool off in Glen Helen Gorge and take the pup on a bushwalk, or an off-road tour for the more adventurous. Road trips in genrral are a fantastic way for pet owners to explore the Northern Territory’s most famous attractions, including the incredible King’s Canyon, which is your gateway to Uluru and Kata Tjuta!
Pet-Friendly Accommodation in the Red Centre
Discovery Parks - Alice Springs is the perfect base for any holiday exploring everything the outback has to offer. Just 5 minutes from Alice Springs CBD, the park has a fantastic selection of pet-friendly accommodation on selected sites and cabins.
There is an onsite pool and gym, BBQ facilities and a camp kitchen, meaning you have everything you need to relax after a long day exploring.
Discovery Parks - Glen Helen is another haven of outback hospitality in a ruggedly beautiful location. The restaurant bar and bistro provide a welcome respite for weary travellers from all over the world, and the outdoor terrace overlooks the Glen Helen Cliffs, an unforgettable setting for a traditional Aussie family holiday. Dogs are welcome on sites only here.
Discovery Parks - Kings Canyon offers uninterrupted views of King Canyon, in an area steeped in cultural heritage. A swimming pool, BBQ area and a lively bar and restaurant deliver creature comforts you’ll appreciate after a day discovering unrivalled natural beauty. Dogs are welcome on sites.
