Camping with Dogs in Australia: Essential Gear

Travelling with your closest friend is unmatched. Pack up the vehicle, leave the city, and go for a weekend in the country or by the beach as Australia's weather warms up.

As any experienced camper knows, a good vacation involves some planning, and packing for your dog is just as vital as packing for yourself! Beautiful but harsh, the Australian outback is unpredictable.

Our straightforward, fluff-free guide to the required camping items for a safe and stress-free dog vacation will help you get organised.

1. A Safe and Secure Travel Carrier

Before arriving at the campground, consider the travel. Giving your dog full rein in the car may be entertaining, but it's not safe.

A strong, well-ventilated portable dog carrier is important. It keeps your dog safe while you drive and provides them a comfortable, pleasant spot to rest at the campground. Choose a carrier that folds easily to save space in the boot.

2. Portable Hydration and Nutrition

Exploring the great outdoors is thirsty work, especially under the Aussie sun. You need a reliable way to keep your dog hydrated while hiking or lounging by the tent.

Auto-fill water bottles: Skip the big bowls. Smart, portable pet water bottles compress water into drinking cups. Water readily flows back into the bottle, preventing waste on lengthy treks.

Collapsible travel bowls: These are great for feeding. They fold flat to fit in your backpack and pop up when needed.

Airtight food storage: Wildlife in the jungle wants your dog's supper. Keep premium kibble fresh and ant- and possum-free in sealed, travel-friendly containers.

3. Cosy Sleeping Arrangements

Even in the summer, Australian nights may be cold, especially if you camp south or inland. The ground is too chilly for your dog to lie on.

Using a soft travel mat or dog sleeping sack in the tent with your dog is ideal. If kids sleep in the annexe, consider a raised camping bed. Air circulates below these beds, keeping your dog cool throughout the day and out of drafts and wet ground at night.

4. Outdoor Safety and Adventure Gear

Once the tent is pitched, it’s time to explore! But keeping your dog safe in unfamiliar territory is your top priority.

A sturdy harness and long lead: Camping areas frequently demand leashed dogs. A comfortable harness is preferable to a collar for daily use. Pair it with a long rope to let your dog smell and rest without entering the neighbour's tent.

LED collars or attachments: When the sun sets, the jungle gets quite black. You can always find them around the campfire with an LED collar or harness light.

Flea, tick, and worming prevention: Paralysis ticks are abundant in coastal and rural parts of Australia, making this crucial. Check your dog's coat every night and update their preventive medication before leaving home.

5. Clean-Up and First Aid

Let’s be honest, camping is messy. Dogs love mud, sand, and rolling in things they shouldn't.

Pet-friendly wipes: A pack of heavy-duty grooming wipes is a lifesaver for cleaning muddy paws before they jump into your clean tent or back into the car.

Eco-friendly poop bags: Leave no trace! Always pack more bags than you think you’ll need.

A pet first aid kit: Minor scrapes and cuts can happen. Pack a small kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes, and tweezers (essential for removing splinters or ticks).

6. Campsite Entertainment and Enrichment

You may be content to relax with a nice drink and watch the campfire, but your dog may need more activity. Bored dogs might become boisterous or roam, which isn't good with campsite neighbours!

A relaxing journey requires keeping your dog active while you pitch the tent, make supper, or rest.

Long-lasting chews: Give your partner a rough chew or natural dental stick. After a day of exploration, a long-lasting treat will keep dogs' jaws active and let them relax on their mat.

Durable rubber toys: Squeaky and soft toys will get damaged in dirt, so leave them at home. Instead, bring heavy-duty rubber retrieved toys that you can wash under the water.

Interactive puzzle toys: Camping with stuffable toys is great. Fill them with wet food or dog-safe peanut butter and chill in your camping esky. They'll be entertained as you rest with this refreshing treat and mental workout.

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Ready for Your Next Adventure?

Camping with your dog is a great weekend activity. The appropriate gear may make packing stress-free so you can make great memories together.

Share Your Camping Adventures!

We absolutely love seeing your furry mates enjoying the great outdoors. Snap a photo of your dog’s camping setup and tag us on Instagram or Facebook. Use the hashtag #PetsoAdventures so we can share your gorgeous holiday snaps with our community!