Caravanner's best friend

A generation ago, taking the family dog on a caravan holiday was more the exception than the rule. Today, it's becoming an increasingly common sight, with four-legged travelling companions just as likely to be found relaxing under an awning as their owners.

For many caravanners, dogs are no longer something to leave behind with friends, family or a boarding kennel. Instead, they're part of the adventure, accompanying their owners on everything from weekend escapes to months or years-long laps of Australia.

Travelling with a dog isn't without its compromises. National Park restrictions, finding dog-friendly attractions and ensuring pets are comfortable and safe on the road all require planning. But ask almost any caravanner who travels with a dog whether it's worth it and the answer is almost always the same.

Here are the views of four caravanning families (including the author’s own) on why they wouldn't leave home without their canine companions, the lessons they've learned on the road, and the tips they'd pass on to anyone thinking about taking their own dog on the next adventure.

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Your names? Ian and Sue Palmer


Where are you from? Geraldton, WA

Tow vehicle and caravan? Ford Everest Sport and Austrack Campers Tanami X15L

Dog's name? Mac


Breed? Jack Russell

Age? 11½


How long have you been travelling with dogs? 
Since 1997.

In a nutshell? Mac is the third Jack Russell the Palmers have taken on the road and, apart from one interstate trip that involved flying, every caravan holiday has included a dog.

Why do it? "Our dogs have always been part of the family," says Sue. "We couldn't imagine going away and leaving them behind."


The Palmers have never used kennels, preferring to have their dogs with them wherever possible.


Positives? One unexpected benefit has been the friendships that come from travelling with a dog.

"We get to talk to everybody," says Sue. "Dogs are a very social thing.”

Mac is a natural icebreaker in caravan parks, helping the couple meet fellow travellers and strike up conversations wherever they stop.


"We don't really know travelling without a dog," Sue says. "It's just what we've always done."


Negatives? For the Palmers, the biggest issue isn't travelling with a dog - it's the behaviour of some owners.

"Do the right thing," says Sue. "Carry dog bags and always clean up after your dog."

She also believes dogs should be well socialised before heading off on an extended trip.

"Don't suddenly decide I'll take the dog that's never been outside the backyard."


While National Park restrictions occasionally limit where they can go, the couple says it has rarely affected their travels.

"There's so much other stuff to see," says Ian.


A tip to make the experience better? "Make sure your dog is socialised before you leave home," says Sue.
"If they're used to meeting people and other dogs before you hit the road, everyone - including your fellow travellers - will have a much better experience."

Your names? Rolf and Rachael Chorley and sons William and Henry

Where are you from? Perth, WA

Tow vehicle and caravan? Ram 1500 Laramie and Leader Gold caravan

Dog's name? Martha

Breed? Shih Tzu cross

Age? 10

How long have you been travelling with dogs? Since 2020.

In a nutshell: The couple says Martha has joined the family on almost every caravan trip, including journeys to Tasmania, Queensland, Adelaide as well as Broome and Coral Bay on the WA north coast.

Rolf’s adult son Dylan looks after her only when they head overseas.

Why do it? "She's part of the family," says Rachael. "When we don't have Martha with us we miss her, but when she's here we feel like we can stay away for much longer."

Positives? One of the biggest joys is simply seeing Martha enjoying the adventure as much as they do.

"I love seeing how happy she is," says Rachael. "She loves the beach and she just fits into our routine. You wouldn't even know she's there."

The family says Martha is so settled in the caravan that she happily travels for hours, sleeps with them at night and even jumps into the car whenever she sees the caravan being packed.

Negatives? Like most caravanners with dogs, National Park restrictions require some planning, but day-to-day care is the bigger consideration.

"You've always got to think about how long she's been left, make sure she's got water and keep an eye on her," says Rolf.

They also make sure Martha has interactive toys to keep her occupied whenever they leave the van for a short period.

They never leave Martha in the 'van alone for more than a couple of hours.

A tip to make the experience better? "Do your research before you leave," says Rachel.

"We're on travelling-with-dogs Facebook groups and forums all the time, looking up where dogs are welcome and what facilities are available."

She also recommends using a proper crash-tested harness and seatbelt restraint whenever travelling by car.

Your names? Helen Weightman and Corien Ridley

Where are you from? Margaret River, WA

Tow vehicle and caravan? Toyota LandCruiser 200 Sahara and Golf Savannah caravan

Dogs' names? Baby Belle and Lulu

Breed? Mixed-breed rescue dogs

Age? Baby Belle is 4 and Lulu is 3

How long have you been travelling with dogs? About four years. While both women had been caravanning for many years, they only started bringing their dogs after adopting their rescue pups.

Why do it? Helen and Corien quickly discovered that bringing the dogs meant they could stay away for much longer.

"We used to come away for two weeks and by then we'd be missing the animals too much," says Helen.

"Now we can stay away for a month, or even longer, because the dogs are with us."

Corien's longest trip with Lulu was a three-month half lap of Australia, which coincided perfectly with long service leave and a brand-new caravan.

Positives? Like many caravanners, Helen and Corien say dogs are the ultimate conversation starter.

"You get out and meet people," says Corien. "Whether it's at a dog park or just walking around the caravan park, you meet like-minded people."

The dogs also encourage them to explore each destination, whether that's seeking out local dog parks or discovering dog-friendly attractions.

Negatives? National Parks remain the biggest compromise, but Helen and Corien say a little planning goes a long way.

"When we did our half lap we'd take turns," says Helen. "One of us would stay back with the dogs while the others went sightseeing."

Research has become an essential part of trip planning, with some councils and caravan parks providing excellent information about dog-friendly facilities, while others leave travellers guessing.

They've also noticed more dog-sitting services becoming available, making it easier to visit attractions where pets aren't permitted.

A tip to make the experience better? Invest in a quality portable dog enclosure. Helen and Corien have an inflatable fence they swear by.

"It's not a cheap investment, but we absolutely love our fence," says Corrien.

"It gives the dogs freedom to move around camp without being tied up all day, and it gives us peace of mind."

The enclosure also prevents tangled leads, keeps other dogs at a safe distance and, because extra panels can be added, can be adapted to suit almost any campsite.

Your names? Bruce and Jane Newton

Where are you from? Mornington Peninsula (Vic)

Tow vehicle and caravan? Kia Tasman X-Pro and MDC Forte SR19

Dogs’ names? Eddie and Lulu

Breed? Dachshunds

Age? Eddie is 13 and Lulu is six

How long have you been travelling with dogs? For many years, but only this year for an extended period in a caravan.

Why do it? “We couldn’t imagine life without them,” says Jane. “We’re travelling for six months and the thought of leaving them behind is just heartbreaking.

“They’re not just pets, they are part of our family.”

Positives? “They have to be walked and exercised, so that means we have to get out and walk and exercise too,” says Jane.

“They’re a natural conversation starter when we arrive in caravan parks, so that helps with meeting new people on the road, especially other dog owners.

“They are both very good travellers. They love the car and they sleep right through the night – they don’t need a 3am wee, unlike Bruce!

“In fact, a Dachshunds favourite activity is sleeping and that helps a lot on the road.”

Negatives? “The obvious one is National Parks,” explains Jane. “We’ve missed seeing some sights because we chose to bring the dogs along, and we understood from the start that would happen.

“For some places like Kings Canyon, Kakadu and whale sharks at Exmouth we had dog sitters organised, but some places are just too remote for that.

“At some point we think we’ll come back to the north-west WA without them … maybe.

“I guess the other thing is they have become very Velcro. If we go somewhere they want to know about it. At home they got used to spending their own time in the backyard when we went out or were away. But we’re with them all the time now and they’ve become more dependent and clinging.

“I’m sure that will dissipate when we get home.

“Lulu weighs 10kg and can make quite the impact when she unexpectedly leaps up on to your lap. She’s a big baby, especially when other dogs scare her.

“Ed’s inclined to wander because he’s a bit blind, deaf and demented, so we have to keep an eye on him.

A tip to make the experience better? “Make sure your dogs have a place they can regard as their own space in the van, in the car and when you’re camped,” says Jane. “We have pet-safe booster seats so they can see out the car window, which they love.

“We bought two small beach chairs that are low enough for them to hop into and doze in the sun. Then when we go to the beach we kick them out and use them ourselves!