The best pet-friendly campsites and holiday parks in Queensland
A road trip in a campervan is always a great way to see Australia, and what makes it even better is when we can take our furry friends along with us for the ride. Apollo Campervans are pet-friendly, meaning no family member is left behind! When it comes to travelling with pets however, it can take a little more planning as pet-friendly camping and campsites can be a little more tricky to find.
Queensland is a great place to explore with your four-legged friend in tow. Fantastic weather and epic outdoor adventures make this Australian state the perfect pet-friendly holiday option. National parks are plentiful in Queensland, but you’ll want to check out the rules for each national park around taking pets, before you travel there. To help you with your pet-friendly motorhome hire planning we’ve written this article to help you decide where to stay in Queensland with your pets.
What’s the best way to take your pet on holiday?
When it comes to whisking your furry friend away on a holiday, Apollo’s pet-friendly campervan hire is your golden ticket. It's a two-in-one solution that covers both transport and accommodation, saving you from any pet-induced travel headaches. One thing to remember is that being a considerate pet owner is key. Keep your fur baby on a leash when necessary, and clean up after them - it's the golden rule of pet travel. A happy, well-behaved pet makes for a stress-free and enjoyable holiday for everyone involved. So, pack the treats, don't forget their favourite toy, then hit the road!
Note: there is a small cleaning fee added to those who bring their pets.
The best pet-friendly campsites and holiday parks in Queensland
1. Mudjimba Beach Holiday Park
Distance 100km - Driving Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Mudjimba Beach Holiday Park is a slice of pet-friendly paradise set along the stunning Sunshine Coast. This laid-back park offers a range of accommodation options, perfect for your Apollo Camper.
Your pets are more than welcome here, with designated areas for pets to stretch their legs and even a dedicated dog wash station to keep them fresh after a day of seaside adventures. Prices are reasonable, making it accessible for all budgets, and it's worth every penny for the serene coastal atmosphere.
Once you've settled in, take your furry friend for a leisurely stroll along the pet-friendly stretches of Mudjimba Beach, or explore the nearby off-leash areas. With an abundance of pet-friendly activities around, you and your four-legged companion are bound to have an amazing time!
2. Inskip Peninsula
Distance 175km - Driving Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Nestled on the stunning Inskip Peninsula, this holiday park is a hidden gem for nature-loving campers looking to embrace the great outdoors. The M.V Sarawak camping area is best accessed by 4WD campervans, due to the sandy location. This camping area offers a rustic escape with limited facilities, perfect for those seeking a back-to-basics adventure with their furry friends. Inskip Peninsula offers amenities like clean bathrooms, basic cooking facilities, and ample space for a cosy campfire under the starlit Queensland sky. With your Apollo Camper, you’ll have all you need within your camper to ensure a comfortable stay.
This place is also a haven for pet lovers, with designated areas and trails where your furry friend can stretch their paws. Plus, prices are affordable, making this a budget-friendly option for families. To get here, simply follow the signs from Rainbow Beach, and you'll find yourself in this tranquil paradise in no time!
Nearby, you'll discover pet-friendly activities like beachcombing and bushwalking, ensuring all the road trippers in your campervan have a great time.
3. Neurum Creek Bush Retreat
Distance 65km - Driving Time 1 hour
Next up on our list is Neurum Creek Bush Retreat which is surrounded by lush Australian bush and is a hidden gem for nature-loving holidaymakers. This tranquil retreat offers a perfect blend of serenity and adventure, as well as being pet-friendly!
With spacious campgrounds, clean facilities and budget-friendly prices, this pet-friendly holiday park is a great addition to any road trip. Getting here is a breeze as it’s just a short, scenic drive away from the Apollo Brisbane branch.
The Neurum Creek area is also delightfully pet-friendly. You can take your furry friend for a dip in the creek or explore the numerous walking trails. Just remember to keep them on a leash and be mindful of other people. It's the perfect spot to create lasting memories with both two-legged and four-legged family members alike.
4. Coolum Beach Holiday Park
Distance 110km - Driving Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Nestled in the heart of the Sunshine Coast, Coolum Beach Holiday Park is a slice of paradise for both two-legged and four-legged travellers alike.This pet-friendly haven boasts great budget-friendly campervan sites, as well as clean amenities, a camp kitchen, and Wi-Fi. Plus, prices at Coolum Beach Holiday Park won't break the bank, making it a fantastic option for budget-conscious holidaymakers.
Once you've settled in, there's a treasure trove of pet-friendly activities nearby. Stroll along the golden sands of Coolum Beach or indulge in a little retail therapy at the Peregian Beach Markets which even has a dedicated pet products area!
5. Kookaburra Park
Distance 85km - Driving Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Kookaburra Park near Maleny on the Sunshine Coast is next on our list, and is a haven for nature-loving holidaymakers and their furry friends. This charming holiday park offers a range of great campsites for your motorhome hire, as well as great amenities to make your stay comfortable. Plus, with a pet-loving atmosphere, budget-friendly prices and a convenient location under 2 hours drive from the city, this park is sure to impress.
For those who want to explore the local area, there are plenty of pet-friendly activities nearby. Take your four-legged friend for a stroll along the scenic trails, or head to the nearby dog-friendly beach for a splash in the waves.
6. Mission Beach Hideaway
Distance 1,281km - Driving Time 15 hours
Situated right in the centre of magical Mission Beach, Mission Beach Hideaway in North Queensland is a slice of paradise for both humans and their furry companions. This destination is one to plan as part of a longer road trip as it has a decent drive time, but is well worth the effort!
This holiday park boasts a tranquil setting with lush greenery and is just a hop, skip, and a jump away from the beach. With great campsites, clean amenities, affordable prices, an enviable location and pet-friendly atmosphere, this destination is the perfect holiday park for those travelling with pets. Once you're settled, there's plenty of pet-friendly activities to dive into, from beach strolls to nearby nature trails.
7. Queen Mary Falls Caravan Park
Distance 115km - Driving Time 1 hour 40 minutes
The Queen Mary Falls Caravan Park is a family-friendly and pet-friendly holiday park in South-West Queensland that we think you’re going to love! This charming holiday park boasts spacious and well-maintained campsites surrounded by lush greenery and the soothing sounds of nearby cascading waterfalls. For amenities, they've got you covered with hot showers, clean facilities, and even a communal fire pit for those marshmallow-roasting evenings.
Pets are more than welcome and prices are perfect for the budget-conscious, making this holiday park a must-add to your road trip itinerary. Getting here is a breeze in your campervan, just follow the scenic route through the Great Dividing Range, and you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views and fresh mountain air. Nearby you can enjoy fantastic walking trails around the falls, perfect for some bonding time amidst nature's beauty, just be sure to check which trails allow your furry friend to come along. After a day of exploring, we suggest enjoying a bite to eat in one of the nearby towns with your pet!
8. Barambah Bush Caravan & Camping Park
Distance 180km - Driving Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Another great holiday park for those travelling inland is the Barambah Bush Caravan & Camping Park. Situated west of the Sunshine Coast, and nestled amidst the serene beauty of nature, Barambah Bush Caravan & Camping Park is a hidden gem for holiday seekers and their pets. With sprawling campgrounds, great amenities, affordable prices and a pet-friendly atmosphere, this park has it all!
Nearby there are some great dog-friendly trails to explore. The rail trail network of trails offers picturesque strolls where your pets can stretch their legs as you take in the breathtaking views that are sure to leave you in awe.
9. Blue Topaz Caravan Park
Distance 180km - Driving Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Those travelling out towards Stanthorpe with their pets are in for a treat. Set amidst the tranquil bushland, Blue Topaz Caravan Park is a gem for nature-loving holidaymakers. This charming park caters to every type of adventurer and has great amenities to make your stay comfortable and relaxing.
Your pets are welcome with designated roaming areas and a dog wash station to keep your furry friends looking fresh! Plus, prices are affordable, making it a great place to park up on your road trip. For pet owners, there's a fantastic dog-friendly trail nearby, where you and your furry friend can explore to your hearts' content.
10. Glendon Camping Grounds
Distance 150km - Driving Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Last on our list of pet-friendly holiday parks in Queensland is the Glendon Camping Grounds in Thane, South West Queensland. With its lush woodland surroundings, it's the perfect relaxing escape for you and your four-legged friend. They have dedicated pet-friendly spaces and even a dog park for your pets to stretch their legs. Prices for a spacious and private campsite for your campervan are extremely affordable and the amenities are nice and clean.
For those looking to explore with their pets, there's a plethora of nearby activities including taking a leisurely hike along one of the picturesque pet-friendly trails. If you're wanting to cool off, the nearby lake offers ample opportunities to get wet.
Best Time to Visit Queensland
Queensland is a year-round destination thanks to its warm climate, but the best time to visit is during the dry season, from May to October. These months bring sunny days, lower humidity, and comfortable temperatures, making it perfect for exploring the Great Barrier Reef, enjoying outdoor adventures, and embarking on road trips. Winter in Queensland is mild compared to other regions, with daytime temperatures averaging between 20–26°C, which is ideal for hiking in the hinterland, whale watching along the coast, or soaking up the sun on world-famous beaches without the intensity of summer heat.
On the other hand, the wet season runs from November to April, when tropical regions experience higher humidity and afternoon rain showers. While this season brings lush green landscapes and fewer tourists, it can also mean the risk of tropical storms and limited accessibility in some northern areas. However, for those seeking vibrant rainforest scenery, waterfalls at their peak, and great deals on accommodation and tourist activities, this time can still be appealing. Ultimately, the cooler, drier months are the most popular and more comfortable for travellers and their pets, especially for long road trips and outdoor activities.
Ready for a trip with your furry friend to Queensland?
Now you know all the wonderful pet-friendly options to stay in Queensland, what are you waiting for?! Book online or head into the Apollo Brisbane or Apollo Cairns branch to book your pet-friendly campervan today!