Dog-friendly holidays in the Barrington Coast

Ok I admit it, my two mini schnauzers are spoilt. They have run of the house and the backyard, they love walks on the beach and they sleep indoors. So it’s no surprise I look for dog-friendly destinations when considering my local holidays.

Yes, there are rules but these are for the benefit of all: your dog, other dogs, other people, other animals, plants, waterways, beaches and parks. So play by the rules and you'll find Barrington Coast is a pretty good place for people and their dogs.

Here’s how to enjoy time with your own fur kids in the Barrington Coast.

1. Parks and beaches

Our region is famous for nature and our outdoor spaces so you’ll discover an extensive selection of dog-friendly parks and beaches here.

How about a walk along Harrington breakwall, a tumble down the sand dune at Forster’s One Mile Beach, a foreshore frolic at Smiths Lake, a paddle on the Myall River or a splash on the shady banks of the Gloucester River?

There's also a dedicated dog agility park in Tuncurry with slalom posts, tunnels, ramps and jumps to challenge their best Muster Dogs instincts. It's in Beach Street Reserve just behind dog-friendly Nine Mile Beach.

Hot tips:

• Dogs are permitted in state forests but not in national parks, so be careful when planning your daytrip.
• Rules for dog-friendly beaches in MidCoast LGA vary by location, so always check the Council website or beach signage for time-of-day restrictions or non-permitted zones near surf clubs, swimming areas and nature zones.
• Keep your dog on-leash except in designated off-leash areas. And if your dog doesn’t respond to your voice commands then you really shouldn’t have them off leash at all. Safer for them, safer for others.
• Keep a travel bowl in your car with a bottle of water.
• It’s your responsibility to pick up after your dog poops. Always.
• Take your own poop bags as the free bags from the local park dispensers can often be empty. I like the Oh Crap brand, as much for their great name as for their award-winning compostable bags made from cornstarch.

2. Cafes

In a nation of coffee drinkers it’s no surprise that puppycinos are a big thing. Council guidance for allowing dogs in outdoor seating areas are simple, so everyone can enjoy their coffee: keep the dog on-leash, on the ground only and don’t feed it.

Here are some suggestions for dog-friendly cafes around the Barrington Coast.

And don’t forget that cafes also only accept well-behaved humans too, so here’s a great chance to impress others with your perfect dog-with-owner manners.

Hot tips:

• Ask for permission to sit outside with your dog before sitting down.
• Keep your dog on-leash and out of traffic flow, as no-one likes their paws trodden on.

3. Accommodation

In the Barrington Coast we're lucky to have accommodation providers who also love their dogs, so there’s a good selection of pet friendly accommodation. Check the booking conditions and be a good guest and ensure no-one ruins the furniture.

Holiday parks often provide impressive resort-style facilities: how about an onsite dog wash facility with a warm blow dry, pet-friendly cabins and off-leash play areas?

There are also plenty of holiday homes available with secure backyards or big grassy paddocks that welcome well-behaved dogs.

Special mention for Sea Horse and Seafarers at Diamond Beach which are both dog-friendly self-contained holiday homes and are accessible for guests with disabilities and their families, so every member of your family is welcome. And of course your dogs will love Diamond Beach with its long expanse of sandy shore and rocky coves.

Hot tips:

• Book ahead and always advise property owners/managers that you are bringing your dog and confirm they’re welcome to stay.
• Check booking conditions as ‘pet-friendly’ can vary widely: some only allow small dogs, or only one, or only if your dog is the ‘sleep outside’ kind.
• Leave it as you’d like to find it… do a final poo patrol of the yard before check-out and remove all traces of your dog’s visit.

4. Camping

Across the Barrington Coast there are plenty of options where your dog can join you in your tent or caravan.

The simplest (and cheapest) is at any of the State Forests run by NSW Forestry Corp where well-behaved dogs are welcome and camping is free! These campgrounds are often remote and have few facilities but that’s often the reason for their appeal… you can enjoy some wilderness and have your best pal with you.

Try Manning River Campground in Barrington Tops State Forest, Coopernook Forest HQ, Bulahdelah State Forest or Swans Crossing in Kerewong State Forest.

Moving up a notch in camping accommodation quality, you’ll find many holiday parks welcome dogs, often with cabins if you need a break from your tent.

Some of the very best are Tiona Holiday Park, Big4 River Myall Holiday Resort at Bulahdelah, Discovery Parks Forster, Lani’s Holiday Island at Forster, Hallidays Point Caravan Park or Reflections Holidays Parks at Jimmys Beach at Hawks Nest.

Special mention for Riverwood Downs Resort at Monkerai with 300 hectares to play, swim and explore, grassy lawns, walking trails, and dine out with your dog on the bistro verandah.

Hot tips:

• Don’t forget to pack your dog’s favourite treats, bed, towels, toys and all-weather gear, so they can relax into their holiday as fast as you will.