Whether you’re pondering a portion of the Big Lap or simply a short weekend away, Eliza Velk uncovers how to plan your trip around these pet-friendly BIG4 Holiday Parks so that fido can go too.
If you’re a pet parent, you’re likely familiar with the heart-sinking feeling of leaving your beloved pooch behind when you go on a family holiday. I mean, is it really a family vacation if your furry, four-legged family member isn’t there?
Travelling with your dog may take a little extra planning, but the joy that comes with seeing them enjoy their holiday as much as you is always worth the effort. Think frantic tail wags, tongues hanging out and zoomies up and down a dog-friendly beach. It’s adorable.
Finding pet-friendly accommodation doesn’t have to be a chore either. BIG4 Holiday Parks offer more than 100 dog-friendly camping, caravan and self-contained holiday destinations across the country, so finding a place to stay is easier than ever.
Some holiday parks go above and beyond for their furry guests, offering dedicated pet facilities like dog-friendly cabins (for those that like their comforts), off-leash running areas, dog wash stations and even day-care kennels.
BIG4 Saltwater @ Yamba is a dog’s dream with an off-leash agility area, obstacles and lots of open space to sniff and explore. BIG4 Gold Coast boasts a DIY dog wash, affectionately known as the ‘Puppy Pampering Palace’, as well as a doggy cafe and kennels for when you want to visit the theme parks. While in WA, BIG4 Breeze Holiday Park Busselton is situated near several dog exercise areas and offers a wash and blow-dry facility.
Use this interactive map to find a BIG4 Holiday Park for your family. Find out more about each pet-friendly park here.
At BIG4 Holiday Parks they don’t just welcome dogs, they cater for them. From the fluffy to the short-haired, the big to the small, the excitable to the calm.
No matter the breed, BIG4 makes bringing your furry friend on holiday a walk in the park. If you don’t have your own caravan or tent and you have a dog that typically sleeps inside, you’re going to want the option of a pet-friendly cabin. BIG4 has numerous pet-friendly cabins scattered around Australia.
If you have a dog that dreams of playing catch for days on end, perhaps you’ll prioritise a park with wide-open spaces or its own dog-friendly beach. For instance, BIG4 Naracoorte in South Australia has an expansive off-leash area and a disc golf course that allows pets, while BIG4 Ulverstone Holiday Park in Tasmania has an off-leash beach adjacent to the park.
And we can’t forget the mucky pups. You know, the ones that end up covered in dirt every time you go out? BIG4 cater to those too with dog wash facilities at many pet-friendly parks including BIG4 Seymour Holiday Park, which features a K9000 dog wash.
They really have thought of it all when it comes to holidays with your pet. All you need to do is remember to use the appropriate pettiquette. It’s hard to believe, but some people don’t love dogs as much as we do (I know, so strange).
Information regarding pet-friendly accommodation at BIG4 Holiday Parks is subject to change. Each park has different policies for welcoming pets, so please check with the park directly before booking.
This article originally appeared in Holidays with Kids magazine. Subscribe to the latest issue here.
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