Our Touring Past

Hi, We would like to spend some time away now the kids have left but we have a problem with our dog, a Lab. Has anyone had experience with dog friendly parks? We have googled and found there are a fare few but what are they really like. Thanks.

We have a dog and never had any trouble, usually the parks just like you to have them tethered.

JD.

OK thanks, sounds fare enough.

Have to agree with JD.
We used to travel with our Jess and it was never a problem as long as the dogs were on a lead. I also think it a common thing these days as people are travelling more and alot more people are free camping and have a dog as a bit of security.

Sounds good, 2 replies and both positive. Need to find a van for the dog trips, would be easier than a camper.

Hi

I think there has been a majór increase in acceptance of pets at van parks since the boom in grey nomads hitting the road and taking their critters with em.
Not just dogs... have seen cats that are tethered on leads walking with their owners in the parks. Cockatoos, budgies, rabbits... yeeeeessss... all of the above and nnnnoooooo.. i hadnt been drinking at the time.

Obviously dogs are banned from National parks and that is a shame because there is some magnificent camping grounds in these areas.

I have organised many vintage van tours over the years and have been disappointed more than once when told that the park i had earmarked for an overnight stay dont allow dogs.

The management dont realise that they are loosing a lot of business due to this ruling.

One of the best dog friendly parks i have come across in my travels is at a tiny little town called Tooraweenah.. which is just North of Gilgandra off the main highway. The park has a designated well fenced exercise area with big triangle shade tarps and water bowls for the dogs to all have a drink.. cool off .. and socialise in.

If a tiny little park like that can go the extra yards to create a great environment for the dogs to play in , it wouldnt take much for other parks to take a lesson and set aside maybe even one or 2 campsites and fence the off for the hounds to romp in... a cool drink and a well shaded area for the mutts to rest in.

After that ... its all up to the owners to be responsible pet owners. Keep the animals tethered. clean up after them.. and prevent the dog from mindless yapping all day and night at anything that moves.
If the owners dont do those things it wouldnt take much for the parks to reverse their decisions and not accept dogs.
Oh... and dont forget to pack the "Schmackos" to reward the dog for being well behaved

Just my two bobs worth.
Reddo

Sounds better with each reply, although I can't match Reddo's blurb. We haven't been away for decades and its time to venture out.