There’s something about a winter road trip that feels better with a dog in the back seat. Slower mornings, more stops, less of a plan. Just open roads and somewhere new to explore together.
But not every route is built for it.
New research analysing 22 of Australia’s most iconic drives has revealed which road trips actually deliver for travellers with dogs, balancing scenery with the things that matter, like space to run, places to stay and access to care when you need it.
Where to hit the road
Western Australia’s Cape to Cape track takes the top spot, and it’s easy to see why.
Running through the Margaret River region, this stretch is packed with dog-friendly beaches, parks and accommodation, making it one of the easiest places in the country to travel with a pet. It’s the kind of trip where you rarely have to think twice about whether your dog is welcome.
Close behind is New South Wales’ Grand Pacific Drive. This is a road trip built on variety. Coastal views, short walks, cafés and constant places to pull over. It’s less about ticking off distance and more about enjoying the ride.
Then there’s the Legendary Pacific Coast, stretching from NSW into Queensland. Longer, looser and incredibly well supported, it stands out for its access to towns, services and veterinary care, making it one of the safest options for a bigger journey.
It’s not just about the drive
What separates these routes isn’t just how they look, it’s how they work.
Dog-friendly cafés where you don’t have to ask. Beaches where your dog can run free. Accommodation that doesn’t feel like a compromise. These small details shape the experience and turn a simple drive into something far more memorable.
Places like Margaret River and the NSW South Coast are leading that shift, where travelling with a dog feels normal, not like an exception.
Planning for the unexpected
Travelling with a dog also changes how you think about safety.
Routes like the Legendary Pacific Coast stand out for their access to veterinary clinics, meaning help is never far away if something goes wrong.
Other regions require a bit more awareness. Wildlife risks, longer distances between towns and fewer services all play a role, especially on more remote routes. Preparation becomes part of the journey.
A slower way to travel
Road tripping with a dog forces you to slow down, and that’s part of the appeal.
You stop more often. You notice more. You spend less time chasing destinations and more time being in them.
And in winter, when the crowds thin out and the air feels sharper, that kind of travel makes even more sense.
Because sometimes the best trips aren’t the fastest or the furthest. They’re the ones where you take your time.
