As the number of BIG4s that welcome dogs continues to rise, we’ve decided to shine the spotlight on a cluster of excellent pet-friendly holiday parks.
These parks have fantastic facilities for canines and their owners.
If you’re looking for great places to stay with dogs, check out these options. There’s one featured park for each state and territory.
BIG4 Saltwater @ Yamba Holiday Park, NSW
If you’re hunting for pet-friendly accommodation on the north coast of NSW, BIG4 Saltwater @ Yamba is the ideal choice.
The park is a dog’s dream destination with ample pet-friendly sites backed by a wide range of cabins that accommodate four-legged guests, including inside access.
Better yet, this Yamba park has an off-leash agility area complete with tunnels, ramps, and other obstacles for dogs and a shelter with seating for pet owners.
It also constructed a doggy day spa area with the likes of a dog wash, drying facilities, and designated washing machine for pet-related gear.
In addition, Yamba has a great selection of dog-friendly cafés, while Pippi Beach and Wattle Park are among the town’s best off-leash areas.
Book now: BIG4 Saltwater @ Yamba.
BIG4 Ballarat Windmill Holiday Park
Dog lovers will strike gold with a visit to BIG4 Ballarat Windmill. The park has a pet-friendly cabin that welcomes dogs inside and comes complete with a fence around its porch. There are new fully fenced sites available, too.
There is also an off-leash/dog-run area called BIG Paws, and a section of the park’s camp kitchen is pet friendly, which allows guests to sit down and eat with their pooches.
For those who wish to explore Ballarat’s best attractions without their pet can take advantage of doggy day care that is available in the city and can be organised at the park.
Ballarat has several pet-friendly cafés and parks, which add to its appeal for dog owners. Victoria Park is among the leading choices thanks to its spacious off-leash area.
Book now: BIG4 Ballarat Windmill.
BIG4 Naracoorte Holiday Park
Naracoorte is nestled in the glorious Limestone Coast area with its famous wine regions and World Heritage caves. It’s also renowned for being dog friendly.
That warm welcome begins at BIG4 Naracoorte where you could well be greeted by Chip, the park’s resident border collie x blue heeler.
Alongside four dog-friendly cabins – where pooches are allowed inside – and plenty of sites, BIG4 Naracoorte has a spacious off-leash area and a disc golf course that’s perfectly suited to pets. The park also has a dog wash.
In addition, the 5km Naracoorte Creek Walk wraps around the park, and this path is as popular with local pet owners as it is with visitors.
In town, the Naracoorte Hotel includes a pet-friendly beer garden, while many local cafés cater to dogs, too.
Book now: BIG4 Naracoorte.
BIG4 Howard Springs Holiday Park, Darwin
Whether it’s dog-friendly camping or caravanning, this popular Darwin accommodation option has you covered.
Accompanying the park’s many pet-friendly sites is a large dog run. This leash-free area is completely fenced.
In a great initiative, BIG4 Howard Springs has teamed with the local vet to offer park guests a dog-minding and grooming service. Considering nearby national parks like Litchfield and Kakadu don’t accept dogs, this is a great way for pet owners to get the best of both worlds.
As BIG4 Howard Springs is as much child friendly as it is pet friendly, management discretion is utilised when accepting dogs into its park.
Book now: BIG4 Howard Springs.
BIG4 Emu Beach Holiday Park, Albany
There’s loads to love about a stay at BIG4 Emu Beach. The park has more than 50 pet-friendly sites to choose from, and there’s plenty to keep canines content nearby.
This includes an off-leash section of beach within 1km of the park, while there is a host of dog exercise areas dotted around the city. Among best picks is Foundation Park. On top of this, you’ll spot a wide selection of pet-friendly cafés in Albany.
A mobile dog wash visits the park on request, or there are several places in Albany equipped with this facility.
And for those looking to explore the action-packed but dog-free national parks in the area – including must-visit Torndirrup National Park – it’s worth noting that doggy day care is available offsite. Just ask park reception for details.
Book now: BIG4 Emu Beach.
BIG4 Ulverstone Holiday Park
If you’re looking for a great place to take dogs, try the scenic north coast town of Ulverstone, only 10min from the Spirit of Tasmania.
BIG4 Ulverstone has several pet-friendly cabins of various styles – which allow pooches to stay inside – to complement its dog-friendly sites.
The park is perfectly positioned for energy-laden four-legged guests thanks to an off-leash beach adjacent to the park. There is also a waterfront walking path, which allows for pets on leads and connects to the town centre where you’ll also find various pet-friendly cafés.
The Spirit of Tasmania is a pet-friendly service and, as a bonus, those guests who are boarding the evening sail can enjoy a free late checkout and remain onsite at BIG4 Ulverstone. This offer applies to all park guests travelling on the Spirit of Tasmania.
Book now: BIG4 Ulverstone.
BIG4 Gold Coast Holiday Park
As one of the best pet-friendly holiday parks in Queensland, dog owners would be barking mad to overlook BIG4 Gold Coast.
There’s plenty to entertain your furry friend, including a large off-leash area, a DIY dog wash – affectionally referred to as the Puppy Pampering Palace – and a poolside doggy café.
If you wish to explore the best attractions on the Gold Coast without your pet, the park offers doggy day-care kennels. However, there are ample dog-friendly beaches nearby.
All this sits alongside the park’s 170-plus dog-friendly sites and more than 20 pet-friendly cabins where dogs can sleep inside with the rest of the family.
Look no further for your dog-friendly accommodation on the Gold Coast.
Book now: BIG4 Gold Coast.
Isn’t it time the whole family had a holiday? Bound in for a BIG4 break.
Please note: with any pet-friendly stay, terms and conditions apply. Check with the park directly before booking.
