As spring becomes summer, caravans, campers and boats emerge from winter hibernation, with Tasmanians ready to hit the road for weekend escapes. For many of us, a family adventure is not complete without our four-legged companions in tow.
Before you set off, though, make sure your towing set-up is tip top with our checklist.
Towing essentials
How to make sure you're ready to tow
Is your tow vehicle rated for the load of your caravan or boat?
Have you done a safety check? Check brakes, lights, chains and weight distribution.
Are you aware of legal towing limits and speed restrictions?
Want to learn more? Check out our article on how to safely tow your caravan, which includes a helpful two-minute video (perfect to watch with your pre-drive cuppa).
How to safely travel with your pet
Restrain your dog in the car using a harness, crate or cargo barrier. (To learn more, check out our guide to how to buckle up your pet.)
Pack familiar bedding, food and water to make your pet comfortable.
Check that your caravan park or campground is pet-friendly.
Never leave your pet unattended in a hot vehicle or caravan.
How to cover all your travel bases
Make sure your car, trailer and/or boat are all adequately insured (and listed on your policy).
Ensure your pet is microchipped and registered, in case they wander off.
Guarantee you have pet-friendly accommodation booked in advance.
Consider roadside assistance if you're towing larger loads.
Locked, loaded and ready to roll? Great! Are you more of a beach-lover or a farm-stay fiend? Our team have scoured the state with their pooches to gather the best sites for your next adventure. Whether you're heading for the coast or keen to find a quiet lakeside spot, here are our top pet-friendly camping spots to explore as the weather warms up, broken down by region.
Best pet-friendly camping spots on Tasmania's East Coast
BIG4 Tasman Holiday Park, St Helens: This waterfront location is close to Bay of Fires and offers powered caravan and camping sites. It's very popular with dog owners because of its beach access and the nearby dog-friendly waterfall trails.
Scamander Sanctuary Holiday Park: Located between Bicheno and Bay of Fires, this comprehensive campground has easy walking access to Steels Beach, an ideal stretch for those who fishing; a new camp kitchen; and plenty of dusk bird-spotting opportunities.
Bicheno Holiday Park: Close to the beach and all of the eateries in sunny Bicheno, this location is a great place to make the most of coastal walks with your pups. If you're lucky, you'll spot penguins on your jaunt. We love refuelling with a flat white (and puppacino) at Peggy's.
Need some pitstop advice for your next drove? Check out the best beaches, cafes and vineyards to visit along the way.
Pooches welcome: best overnight stays with pets in Tasmania's south
Snug Beach Cabin & Caravan Park: A short drive from Hobart, Snug Beach Cabin & Caravan Park is the perfect getaway for city dwellers. Snug Falls is close by, which makes for a lovely walk with an exceptional destination at its end. If your pup is on lead, they're welcome to join.
Rivers Edge Wilderness Camping: Settle in at this secluded and spacious campsite along the Russell River in Lonnavale, where trout fishing is welcome. There's activities for everyone to enjoy here, including two enclosed exercise areas for dogs.
Semaphore Farm Camp: Enjoy a forest escape and great walking tracks at this spot on the Tasman Peninsula. These campsites are spacious, with a bounty of activities (such as the Port Arthur Historic site or the kayak-able Carnarvon Bay) a short drive away.
The top dog-friendly caravan parks and camp sites in Tasmania's north
Crayfish Creek Van & Cabin Park: Located near Stanley in Tasmania's North-West, Crayfish Creek Van & Cabin Park is a choose-your-own-adventure experience. Stay in a luxury spa cabin or tree-house (selected are pet friendly) or opt for a secluded serviced or unserviced camp site.
BIG4 Low Head Tourist Park: Located at the top of the Tamar Valley, this tourist park is perfectly positioned for you to enjoy penguin tours, the Tamar Valley wine trail, Pilot Station & Maritime Museum and the Low Head Lighthouse. Pets are welcome at Low Head Lighthouse if they're on lead and at East Beach year-round.
Lakeside Tourist Caravan Park: This park enjoys a peaceful, riverside bush setting in Devonport. Nearby Prickly Mo vineyard is pet-friendly and has a roster of live music. The rivers and streams around the park are home to platypus, so be sure to keep a look out (and your pet on leash!) at sunset.
Why take your dog camping or travelling?
More travellers are choosing to include their pets in road trips and camping holidays. Tasmania offers stunning dog-friendly caravan parks, campgrounds and off-leash beach zones, making it easier to plan trips that involve the whole crew.
Plus, taking your dog with you means you save on sitter costs, you're reducing separation stress for your pet, and you can keep the whole family together.
Before buying insurance issued by RACT Insurance Pty Ltd (ABN 96 068 167 804, AFS licence 229 076), you should read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) which you can find along with the Target Market Determination (TMD) on our Insurance Documents page.