This genius idea is revolutionising Aussie caravan parks—travellers say it's ‘brilliant’!
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The Australian spirit of adventure is alive and well, especially among the over-60s who have the time and often the inclination to explore the vast beauty of our country.
Caravan and camping trips have become a staple of the Aussie travel experience, and now, there's a new trend that's making these getaways even more appealing.
As more parks adopt the concept, it’s quickly becoming a standout feature for those exploring the great outdoors, sparking excitement and praise from the local community.
Gone are the days when bringing your furry friend along on a family holiday meant a logistical headache.
Caravan parks across Australia are now introducing pet-friendly enclosures, and travellers are hailing this innovation as a game-changer.
Imagine pulling up to a picturesque spot, like the Acacia Caravan Park in Ararat, Victoria, and finding a dedicated space for your pet to enjoy the holiday as much as you do.
This is exactly what one Queensland traveller—who often travels with his dog—discovered, remarking, ‘they're a great idea’.
‘I can see them being really popular,’ the man said.
While visiting the Acacia Caravan Park, the traveller discovered the pet-friendly enclosure for the first time; however, he admitted that he wasn't aware such options were available, so he was unable to book one.
A photo shared online shows a caravan and vehicle parked on a grassy lot, surrounded by a fenced area with a gate.
Many others have praised the concept as ‘brilliant’ and ‘fantastic’, calling for more of these enclosures at caravan parks.
A few people pointed out that ‘there are a few parks that have started doing this now’. Until recently, most holiday or caravan parks did not permit pets on their premises.
‘About time, caravan park owners thinking about what the travellers need. Good on them,’ another commented.
One example is Big 4 Windmill Holiday Park in Ballarat, Victoria, which features a dedicated pet-friendly area for travellers with their furry friends, with many online reviewers praising their recent experience.
‘We stayed over the weekend, it's great. Plus, they have an enclosed run with a pond for dogs and dog wash,’ one shared.
‘It’s amazing, our dog loved the freedom,’ someone else added.
Sam Smith, a Manager at the family-run Windmill Park, stated that the pet-friendly sites are ‘extremely popular’ and frequently get booked out first.
So much so that the owners—his parents-in-law—plan to add more within the next year. Currently, there are 12 fenced sites available.
‘There's such a market for them, it's crazy. Everybody's travelling with their dogs now, so it just makes sense,’ Mr Smith said.
‘They'll be our most popular sites in the park and not only for people travelling with pets but for kids too. We get a lot of young families booking them.’
‘They're perfect for making sure your kids don't walk out anywhere. Not that caravan parks are unsafe, but you just know where they are if they're locked in. They can't go anywhere,’ he added.
Since the park became pet-friendly a few years ago and introduced these sites, Mr Smith said they've observed that ‘99 per cent of dogs act completely different’ when not ‘chained up’ on a leash.
More importantly, it has encouraged more Australians to travel with their pets.
‘It's such a better environment for the pets and the families because everyone's so much more relaxed. You've got more space,’ he mentioned.
‘And it makes it easier for people to take better care of their sites, too.’
Mr Smith also said that the enclosed sites are ‘kept a lot tidier’ than other areas, likely because visitors are accountable for everything within the fenced boundaries.
Some social media users also pointed out that it could help ‘keep people out of your camp as well’, as it's not unusual for fellow guests to wander into campsites.
Unlike some other pet-friendly parks, Big 4 Windmill Holiday Park has chosen astroturf over natural grass for the sites, with granite rock for parking.
The regular grass would turn to mud in winter, making it uncomfortable for guests, and the new setup also ‘makes it easier to clean up after dogs’, according to Mr Smith.
The enclosed sites are part of a dedicated pet zone featuring pet-friendly cabins and an off-leash grassy area.
There's also a creek and two large pools where dogs can swim, giving pet owners more ‘bang for their buck’.
‘Everyone loves it. It's really rewarding to see people who don't normally travel with pets because they're so restricted now have more freedom to travel,’ he shared.
While the introduction of pet-friendly areas in Australian caravan parks is being celebrated by travellers and pet owners, it's important to remember that not all destinations are as accommodating.
In fact, one couple has faced hefty fines for simply walking their dogs in areas where pets are not permitted.
As more travellers embrace the idea of taking their pets along, knowing where pets are welcome—and where they aren't—can make all the difference when planning a holiday.
We'd love to hear about your experiences with pet-friendly caravan parks. Have you visited one of these innovative sites? How did it change your travel experience? Share your stories with us, and let's celebrate the parks that are making a difference for pet-loving travellers!
Caravan and camping trips have become a staple of the Aussie travel experience, and now, there's a new trend that's making these getaways even more appealing.
As more parks adopt the concept, it’s quickly becoming a standout feature for those exploring the great outdoors, sparking excitement and praise from the local community.
Gone are the days when bringing your furry friend along on a family holiday meant a logistical headache.
Caravan parks across Australia are now introducing pet-friendly enclosures, and travellers are hailing this innovation as a game-changer.
Imagine pulling up to a picturesque spot, like the Acacia Caravan Park in Ararat, Victoria, and finding a dedicated space for your pet to enjoy the holiday as much as you do.
Caravan parks across Australia are increasingly offering pet-friendly enclosures, improving the travel experience for pet owners. Credit: Facebook / BIG4 Ballarat Windmill Holiday Park
This is exactly what one Queensland traveller—who often travels with his dog—discovered, remarking, ‘they're a great idea’.
‘I can see them being really popular,’ the man said.
While visiting the Acacia Caravan Park, the traveller discovered the pet-friendly enclosure for the first time; however, he admitted that he wasn't aware such options were available, so he was unable to book one.
A photo shared online shows a caravan and vehicle parked on a grassy lot, surrounded by a fenced area with a gate.
Many others have praised the concept as ‘brilliant’ and ‘fantastic’, calling for more of these enclosures at caravan parks.
A few people pointed out that ‘there are a few parks that have started doing this now’. Until recently, most holiday or caravan parks did not permit pets on their premises.
‘About time, caravan park owners thinking about what the travellers need. Good on them,’ another commented.
One example is Big 4 Windmill Holiday Park in Ballarat, Victoria, which features a dedicated pet-friendly area for travellers with their furry friends, with many online reviewers praising their recent experience.
‘We stayed over the weekend, it's great. Plus, they have an enclosed run with a pond for dogs and dog wash,’ one shared.
‘It’s amazing, our dog loved the freedom,’ someone else added.
Sam Smith, a Manager at the family-run Windmill Park, stated that the pet-friendly sites are ‘extremely popular’ and frequently get booked out first.
So much so that the owners—his parents-in-law—plan to add more within the next year. Currently, there are 12 fenced sites available.
‘There's such a market for them, it's crazy. Everybody's travelling with their dogs now, so it just makes sense,’ Mr Smith said.
‘They'll be our most popular sites in the park and not only for people travelling with pets but for kids too. We get a lot of young families booking them.’
‘They're perfect for making sure your kids don't walk out anywhere. Not that caravan parks are unsafe, but you just know where they are if they're locked in. They can't go anywhere,’ he added.
Since the park became pet-friendly a few years ago and introduced these sites, Mr Smith said they've observed that ‘99 per cent of dogs act completely different’ when not ‘chained up’ on a leash.
More importantly, it has encouraged more Australians to travel with their pets.
‘It's such a better environment for the pets and the families because everyone's so much more relaxed. You've got more space,’ he mentioned.
‘And it makes it easier for people to take better care of their sites, too.’
Mr Smith also said that the enclosed sites are ‘kept a lot tidier’ than other areas, likely because visitors are accountable for everything within the fenced boundaries.
Some social media users also pointed out that it could help ‘keep people out of your camp as well’, as it's not unusual for fellow guests to wander into campsites.
Unlike some other pet-friendly parks, Big 4 Windmill Holiday Park has chosen astroturf over natural grass for the sites, with granite rock for parking.
The regular grass would turn to mud in winter, making it uncomfortable for guests, and the new setup also ‘makes it easier to clean up after dogs’, according to Mr Smith.
The enclosed sites are part of a dedicated pet zone featuring pet-friendly cabins and an off-leash grassy area.
There's also a creek and two large pools where dogs can swim, giving pet owners more ‘bang for their buck’.
‘Everyone loves it. It's really rewarding to see people who don't normally travel with pets because they're so restricted now have more freedom to travel,’ he shared.
While the introduction of pet-friendly areas in Australian caravan parks is being celebrated by travellers and pet owners, it's important to remember that not all destinations are as accommodating.
In fact, one couple has faced hefty fines for simply walking their dogs in areas where pets are not permitted.
As more travellers embrace the idea of taking their pets along, knowing where pets are welcome—and where they aren't—can make all the difference when planning a holiday.
