The Mid-North Coast of NSW is one of our favourite dog friendly regions. Known for it’s plentiful national parks, lush lakes and coastal eucalyptus and rainforest, this is a nature-lover’s paradise. It’s perfect for family holidays, as you can easily road-trip from beach towns to coastal campsites.
The big towns include Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour. While they’re filled with shops, restaurants and cafes, they still manage to retain a very relaxed atmosphere and a languid pace of life. Whether you’re a keen fisherman, want to try your hand at surfing or water-skiing or love a long hike, there’s activities to suit everyone.
We’ve scoped out some dog friendly finds, with camping, caravan and holiday house accommodation. Venture from Diamond Beach to Shoal Bay to Port Macquarie, stop in at Coffs Harbour or head up the coast towards Forster. With plenty of pet-friendly spaces, walks, beaches and cafes to boot, we promise the entire family will enjoy the experience.
Sea Horse Diamond Beach
Sea Horse Diamond Beach is an absolute gem of the Mid-North Coast. Located near Forster NSW and only 800m from the gorgeous Diamond Beach, this mini resort is the perfect summer getaway. It sleeps up to 10 people (plus your four-legged family members!). Choose from the master suite with ocean views, a queen bedroom overlooking the treetops or the lush double bedroom set amongst the garden. Sea Horse Diamond Beach is the ideal spot for entertaining, with a huge pool, sunny deck, wide verandahs, BBQ and handcrafted stone fireplace.
You’ll feel like you’re in your own tropical oasis, with plenty for you and your pooch to explore. Take them for a walk to the private rainforest creek, stroll the 6 acres around the paddocks and gardens or head to the local dog friendly beaches and cafes. When outside, your pet will be totally secure in the huge fenced yard or doggie day pen, or they can recline by the fireplace with you inside. There’s also dog sitting available on request and bowls, blankets and toys provided. Not only has this resort won the 5 Paws Award for Dog Friendly Accommodation, they can even play host to horses, with 3x airy stables and a 2x acre grassy paddock.
Reflections Holiday Parks North Haven
Refections Holiday Parks North Haven is set on 12 acres of shady bushland along NSW’s Mid-North Coast. Boasting tons of space and a peaceful tranquility, this is a nature-lover’s utopia that will suit families and couples alike. The accommodation is an easy drive from Port Macquarie, located between the Camden Haven Inlet and Grants Beach. Whether you’re fishing at the river, exploring the adjacent Dooragan National Park or trekking up North Brother Mountain, there’s so much to do and see. Families can soak up the sun surfing, swimming or kayaking or hit the bike paths for some pedal-powered sight-seeing.
This holiday park incorporates powered and unpowered camping and caravan sites, plus well-appointed (and dog-friendly) cabins to suit every budget. The enormous camp kitchen is a highlight for groups and you can make great use of the BBQs, onsite golf course and kids facilities. There’s even special school holiday activities to keep the little people occupied as you enjoy some deserved R&R by the water. The park is dog-friendly during off-peak and shoulder seasons and there’s plenty of local cafes, exercise areas and off-leash zones on offer. Just call the park directly to book your dog-friendly space!
Bay Escapes Pet Friendly Villas and Cottages
Looking for a beach holiday perfect for the whole family? You’ll love Bay Escapes Pet Friendly Villas and Cottages. Located in the pristine Port Stephens Area, this is a go-to destination when you have kids and pets in tow. The dog friendly, self-contained accommodation options include Shearwater Cottages at Shoal Bay and Echoes at Fingal Bay. Echoes is perfect for large groups, with 2x coastal villas comprising of 3x bedrooms each. Each villa has everything you need for a comfy stay; laundry facilities, TV and Netflix, free wifi, BBQ facilities, a spacious deck and fenced backyard.
Shearwater Cottages is set on a quiet street of fisherman’s cottages and holiday homes. Choose between two cottages; one with 2x queen rooms and one with 1x queen and 1x twin room. With a fully equipped kitchen, sun-drenched living areas, BBQ and tropical outdoor settings, they’re perfect for entertaining the whole family, after a day exploring or at the beach.
Both accommodation options are completely pet-friendly and your dogs are welcome inside and throughout the fenced backyards. Just BYO bedding and bowls! You can explore local dog beaches, try your hand at water-skiing, fishing or snorkelling or take advantage of the region’s dolphin and whale watching expeditions. With pet-friendly walking tracks and exercise areas, golf courses and Hunter Wine Country on your doorstep, there’s no shortage of activities on offer.
Discovery Parks Forster
This pet-friendly caravan park is the ideal destination for your next family road trip. Set on the tranquil shores of the Wallamba River, Discovery Parks Forster is a hidden treasure of the Mid-North Coast region. Choose from powered and unpowered caravan and camping sites or upgrade to a family-friendly, riverfront cabin. With something to suit every budget and family size, Discovery Parks even has deluxe and superior cabin options, with secure deck areas and outdoor seating on offer.
The site facilities are absolutely set up for pets, including the K9 dog-wash, pet-friendly cafe, laundry and off-leash area. Kids will have the time of their lives, running from the swimming pool to the playground to the activity room, and you can enjoy extra amenities like the boat ramp, BBQs and camp kitchen. Discovery Parks is situated right near dog-friendly beaches and exercise areas and Wallamba River offers fishing, kayaking and water-skiing by day and amazing sunsets at night. There’s plenty of coastal and hinterland national parks to explore, plus kids will love a day trip to Big Buzz Fun Park.
Reflections Holiday Parks Bonny Hills
Overlooking the beautiful Rainbow Beach, Reflections Holiday Parks Bonny Hills is a family favourite year round. Located near Port Macquarie, you can soak up relaxed coastal vibes and stunning surrounds. Choose from luxury beach tents, caravan sites or comfy cabins. Some even boast fun ocean views! The site is spacious, with all the amenities you need for your family holiday. Enjoying casual entertaining over the BBQ or make the most of the first-rate fishing options.
The surrounding area is the perfect place to spot migrating whales and is known as an ultimate surf spot. You’re also close to the beachside cafes and restaurants of Port Macquarie and conveniently located to explore the rest of the region. The site is pet-friendly in the off-peak and shoulder seasons. Your dog is allowed inside selected cabins and they’ll love being a stone’s-throw away from pup-friendly beaches and parks.
Maggie’s Dog Cafe, Shop and Salon
Maggie’s Dog Cafe, Shop and Salon is situated in Coffs Harbour NSW at the gorgeous Moonee Beach. It’s your perfect one-stop shop, where you can kick back and enjoy a coffee, pick up some new pet supplies or get your pooch the ultimate pamper package.
Not only are there yummy cakes and sweet treats for you, but there’s a fully fledged dog menu – all homemade goodies that are 100% nutritious for pets! Browse Maggie’s products, from luxury dog beds to stylish collars and leashes. And while you shop, treat your pet to a mini spa package or fresh new haircut at the salon right there in store!
Taree Boarding Kennels and Cattery
What if you’re exploring NSW’s Mid-North Coast and can’t take your pets along? If you need quality pet boarding services, you can’t go past Taree Boarding Kennels and Cattery. This family-run business was established in 1972 and the current owners have operated in for 20+ years! Your cat can enjoy brand new facilities that have recently been restored, with lots of fresh air, light and even air conditioning. There’s also plenty of boxes and hiding holes for them to play with.
Your dogs will love the large grassed runs and brightly coloured pens. Not only can the owner easily administer any pet medications on your behalf, she was a trained vet nurse in Sydney and the UK. Rest easy knowing your pets are in the best care possible, while you enjoy exploring the surrounding coastal towns.