Why South Australia deserves more attention from dog owners
South Australia is consistently underrated as a dog travel destination. The Adelaide Hills are among the most dog friendly regions in Australia. Hahndorf is ranked as one of Australia's top destinations for pet friendliness by multiple independent assessments. Belair National Park is one of the few national parks in the country that permits dogs on walking trails. And McLaren Vale has Wirra Wirra winery where dogs can come inside the cellar door.
The distances are manageable. The weather is good for most of the year. And the crowds are significantly smaller than Queensland or NSW equivalents.
Adelaide Hills: the centrepiece
The Adelaide Hills are the best starting point for any SA dog trip. Hahndorf is about forty minutes from Adelaide and the drive through the Hills is beautiful. The main street is long, heritage-listed, lined with outdoor dining and boutique shops, and genuinely welcoming to dogs throughout.
Belair National Park is thirteen kilometres south of Adelaide and one of the few national parks in Australia that permits dogs on leash on walking trails. A $12.50 vehicle entry fee applies. The Waterfall Hike passes through native bushland with wildlife including emus, koalas, and kangaroos.
Simon Tolley Cellar Door in Woodside runs Pinot and Pooch Days on the third Sunday of every month. One of the best dog specific winery events in Australia. Nepenthe and Petaluma both welcome dogs with water bowls and treats.
McLaren Vale and the Fleurieu Peninsula
McLaren Vale is about forty minutes south of Adelaide and is one of the most dog friendly wine regions in South Australia. Wirra Wirra winery is regularly described as the most genuinely dog friendly winery in the state. A large notice board at the entrance announces that dogs are welcome. Dogs can go inside the cellar door. Grassed areas throughout the property for wandering.
The Fleurieu Peninsula has good dog friendly beaches at Port Elliot, Middleton, and Victor Harbor. The coastline is beautiful and significantly less crowded than the better-known Queensland and NSW beaches.
Normanville and Aldinga Beach on the Gulf St Vincent side of the Fleurieu are good options with calmer water and a relaxed pace.
The Murray River
The Murray River region around Renmark and Paringa offers one of the more unusual dog friendly travel experiences in Australia. Multiple companies offer pet friendly houseboat hire on the Murray. A few days drifting down one of Australia's great rivers with your dog is genuinely memorable.
The Murray is flat, the pace is slow, and the bird life is extraordinary. Dogs settle well on houseboats once they get used to the movement. Book early as pet friendly houseboats are in high demand.
Kangaroo Island and regional SA
Kangaroo Island is accessible with a dog via the Sealink ferry from Cape Jervis. Dogs are permitted on the ferry and on the island but specific steps are required if you intend to visit national park areas. Check with Kangaroo Island Council before visiting as dog access rules on the island are more complex than the mainland.
Coober Pedy in the outback is one of the more unusual dog friendly destinations in SA. The underground town, the opal mines, and the extraordinary desert landscape make it worth the long drive north. Drive in cooler months only, the summer heat in the outback is genuinely extreme.
South Australia is one of the great underrated states for dog travel. Hahndorf alone is worth the trip. Write to us at hello@pawtrips.com.au with your SA recommendations.
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