Never leave your dog unattended in a vehicle during ANZAC long weekend travel. Car temperatures can become dangerous within minutes.
Check that your dog's flea and tick protection is current before travelling, as April weather in eastern Australia still supports parasites that cause serious diseases.
Why ANZAC Long Weekend Works for Dog Travel
The ANZAC long weekend in late April gives you four to five days without burning all your annual leave. Your dog gets a proper break from the routine instead of a rushed day trip. The weather across most of Australia sits between 15 and 22 degrees Celsius, which means your pup won't overheat on walks or in the car.
I took my border collie, Bess, on an ANZAC trip to the Dandenong Ranges last year and she slept through most of the drive down from Melbourne. The cooler autumn temperatures meant we could actually walk around shops and through towns without worrying about her paws burning on hot pavement. You get enough time to really settle into a place instead of rushing from one scenic lookout to another.
The Blue Mountains, New South Wales: Scenic Walks and Small Towns
The Blue Mountains sit about 90 minutes west of Sydney, and they're designed for dogs. Towns like Leura and Katoomba have dozens of dog-friendly cafes where your pup can sit at outdoor tables while you drink coffee. Echo Point walk from Katoomba is only 10 kilometres return and gives you those famous Three Sisters views without needing to climb rock faces.
Wentworth Falls is another gem. The walk down to the falls is 2.6 kilometres and mostly shaded by eucalyptus trees, so Bess stayed cool even in warm pockets. You'll find plenty of water on the track for dogs to drink. Most carparks in the Blue Mountains are free or charge a few dollars, and nearly every cafe has a water bowl ready. Book your accommodation in Leura early because pet-friendly cottages fill up during the long weekend, but you'll find places that welcome dogs for the same price as standard rooms.
Wilsons Promontory, Victoria: Beaches and Wilderness
Wilsons Prom sits about 230 kilometres south of Melbourne and is Australia's southernmost national park. The park allows dogs on most beaches and has over 80 kilometres of dog-friendly walking tracks. Squeaky Beach is famous, and your dog can run on sand without restrictions during the long weekend period.
Stay in Tidal River within the park itself or in nearby towns like Foster. Most accommodation providers allow dogs here because they understand visitors travel as a family. The walks range from 45 minutes to all day, so you can match the track to your dog's fitness. I watched a labrador cross a creek on the Norman Beach walk while her owners took photos. The scenery changes from beach to rainforest to granite peaks all within a few kilometres. April weather means early mornings are cool enough for longer walks without your dog getting exhausted.
Coffs Harbour, New South Wales: Coastal Town Atmosphere
Coffs Harbour sits 570 kilometres north of Sydney and gives you a proper beach town feel. Dogs can run on Pet Beach every day of the year, and it's one of the few Australian beaches with zero restrictions for dogs. The beach itself is 500 metres long with plenty of space even when it's busy.
The town centre is walkable with your dog, and most restaurants have outdoor seating where dogs can sit beside tables. Muttonbird Island is a great walk, about 1.5 kilometres loop, and your dog stays on lead but gets wonderful ocean views. Book accommodation in suburbs like Sawtell or Coffs Harbour itself, both about 10 minutes from Pet Beach. The accommodation prices stay reasonable during ANZAC because it's technically autumn. You'll get cleaner beaches and fewer crowds than summer holidays, which makes for a more relaxing experience with a dog.
Preparation Before You Leave Home
Before the long weekend, book accommodation using pet-friendly platforms that specifically show which places welcome dogs. Check that your dog's flea and tick protection is current because April weather in eastern Australia still supports parasites. Get your vet to confirm your dog's health before a drive longer than three hours.
Make a list of veterinary clinics in each destination. Write down their phone numbers and hours. This took me 20 minutes to do for my Bess, but it saved stress when she limped slightly on day two of our trip. Ring ahead to restaurants and attractions you want to visit. Some places will tell you dogs are welcome outside but not inside, while others will surprise you with a specific dog menu or bed. Pack a travel document folder with vaccination records, microchip details, and a recent photo of your dog. Border stations between states don't usually check for pets, but you need this paperwork if your dog gets sick or lost while travelling.
Gear we would pack
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PAW by Blackmores Complete Calm Multivitamins for Dogs
Travel and unfamiliar environments can stress your dog. These multivitamins include ingredients to keep your dog calm during car journeys and new situations. Start giving them a week before your ANZAC trip so your dog arrives already settled.
What to Pack for Your Dog During the Long Weekend
Bring at least twice as much food as you think you'll need. I always pack extra because I've been caught when my preferred dog food wasn't stocked at the local pet shop. Carry food in airtight containers, not open bags, because car travel and varied temperatures affect fresh kibble. Include treats your dog already eats, not new ones that might upset their digestion while travelling.
Pack a portable bed or mat so your dog has a familiar spot wherever you stay. Bring all medications if your dog takes them. Pack a collar, lead, and harness even if your dog usually walks off-lead at home. You're in unfamiliar places with unfamiliar dogs around. Include grooming supplies because your dog will roll in stuff, guaranteed. A towel, brush, and dog shampoo take up minimal space. I learned the hard way when Bess got covered in mud near Coffs Harbour and I had nothing to clean her with. Carry water bowls, both for your car and for walks. A collapsible bowl weighs almost nothing and saves you from using your hands as a water cup for your pup at scenic stops.
Blackdog Chicken Breast 1KG
Pack high-quality protein treats for training moments and rewards during your ANZAC adventure. These freeze-dried chicken breasts store well in car temperatures and most dogs find them irresistible at rest stops.
Seresto Flea & Tick Collar for Large Dogs Over 8kgs
Protect your dog from fleas and ticks during your ANZAC long weekend travel across different regions. This collar provides eight months of protection, so you can travel with confidence knowing your dog is covered.
Managing Your Dog in the Car and at Rest Stops
Stop every two hours so your dog can toilet and stretch. This means a three-hour drive becomes a four-hour trip, but your dog will be happier and you'll actually enjoy the journey. Find rest stops that have grassed areas. Motorway service stations usually have small parks nearby. Walk your dog on-lead before you let them toilet because unfamiliar territory makes dogs unpredictable.
Keep your dog secure while driving. A harness clipped to a seatbelt works better than a carrier for larger dogs. I use a barrier in my car that gives Bess a secure spot in the back. Never leave your dog in a parked car, even for five minutes in April. The temperature inside a car rises quickly, and your dog can overheat. If you need to stop for food or to visit a shop, one person stays with the dog or you skip the stop. Your long weekend will be better if you make this decision now rather than figuring it out when you're hungry and frustrated on the highway.
PitPat Dog GPS Tracker
Travelling means unfamiliar areas where your dog could wander off. This GPS tracker works without ongoing subscriptions and lets you know exactly where your dog is at all times during your ANZAC adventure.
After Your Trip: Recovery and Settling Back Home
Your dog will be tired and stimulated after four days of new smells, new people, and travel. Give them a few days of quiet time before expecting normal behaviour. Bess was grumpy and clingy for two days after each long weekend trip until she adjusted back to routine.
Bathe your dog when you arrive home to remove dirt and any parasites they picked up. Check their paws for injuries between the toes because walking on unfamiliar ground can cause rubs. Book a vet appointment if your dog seems limpy or uncomfortable. Most importantly, take photos during the trip because these memories become your dog's history. I have a folder on my phone called 'Bess Travels' with hundreds of photos from our ANZAC weekends. Your dog's face on a new beach or in a mountain town becomes something you'll treasure when they're older.
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