A dog-friendly guide to North West Queensland

Adventures are always more fun when you can bring along your four-legged best friend, however, this is sometimes difficult to navigate. National Parks are a no-go for your dogs and not everywhere is as tolerable for your furry friends.

So we roamed around North West Queensland on a road trip to find where dogs are considered as essential as rain and no campfire under the stars could be complete without a canine companion. So
cancel the kennel and give your pet an adventure they won’t ever forget with this pet-friendly guide to North West Queensland.

Whether you’re a local Queenslander or visiting the state with man’s best friend, these are just some of the many dog-friendly holiday options in North West Queensland.

Accommodation

Julia Creek Caravan Park, Julia Creek

Julia Creek Caravan Park has something to suit all creatures great and small. Hosts Jason and Cathy will find you and your pup a shaded, grassy spot to camp, a powered site for the RV or if your dog doesn’t mind sleeping outside your door, you can enjoy a comfortable air-conditioned cabin. There’s plenty of space to roam and while it’s asked that dogs be kept on a leash at all times, your four-legged friends will adore the genuine outback hospitality and a chance to meet some new doggy friends.

Walkabout Creek Hotel, McKinlay

Put on the map by its famous feature in the blockbuster film Crocodile Dundee, the north-west Queensland pub has made a name for itself as much more than Mick Dundee’s prized watering hole. Decorated in memorabilia, cheeky jokes and faded photos, the walls of the Walkabout Creek Hotel are alive with 121 years of history, and a must-see during your North West Queensland adventure. While ties to the film have put the pub on the map, the loyalty of patrons and locals is at the heart of the Walkabout’s success, including cheeky visits from our favourite four-legged friends (sorry, no crocs allowed).

Hughenden Allen Terry Caravan Park, Hughenden

Located on Overlander’s Way halfway between Townsville and Mount Isa, ‘Hughie’ as its affectionately known by the locals is hub of natural wonders, and home to an impressive fossil collection – and of course, the Hughenden Allen Terry Caravan Park. Pets are welcome in the campgrounds and caravan sites. Who knows, your pooch could be the lucky one that digs up a dinosaur bone!

Things to do

Grab a bite to eat at the Blue Heeler Hotel: The region’s most dog-friendly pub

The name might’ve already given it away, but if not, the big blue heeler dog sitting on the roof certainly will. The Blue Heeler Hotel pays homage to the hard-working dogs of the land and their thirsty masters who regularly pop by to prop up the bar. You’ll find dogs in all descriptions waiting patiently outside, and the resident blue heelers keeping them in line if they stray. Grab a souvenir dog coat (all the popular pups have them), and a singlet for yourself. This one is a true blue Aussie pub experience right in the heart of Waltzing Matilda Country that you’ll want to brag about to your mates back home.

Visit the Flinders Discovery Centre

The best place to go hunting for dinosaurs in Australia is Outback Queensland, specifically the area between Winton, Richmond and Hughenden. The Flinders Discovery Centre in Hughenden showcases both fossils from the Hughenden area and around the world, from 1865 to the present day. Hughenden’s local celebrity is ‘Hughie’, the seven-metre tall Muttaburrasaurus replica found inside the museum. Best of all the small local museum welcomes dogs to join you inside, with a wall of photos of four-legged visitors. 

Hunt for Dinosaurs at one of Richmond’s pet-friendly Fossil Hunting Sites: Kronosaurus Korner

Unlock your inner palaeontologist and explore Australia’s ancient marine past at Richmond’s Free Fossil Hunting Sites, Kronosaurus Korner, with man’s best friend. The ancient treasures of the Fossil Hunting Sites were deposited around 100 million years ago when Richmond was covered by a shallow inland sea. The Fossil Hunting Sites are located 12 kilometres North of Richmond, North West Queensland and are accessible to all vehicles via fully sealed roads. Please note, a fossil hunting permit is required to access these sites. These permits (along with map & guide) are available online.