Saturday, 27 June 2020

Getting back to the great outdoors – the ultimate camping, hiking and swimming getaway for dogs

As COVID-19 restrictions begin to lift across the country, Aussie pet parents are itching to get back to the great outdoors and enjoy some well-deserved fresh air with their dog. 

As of June 1, all states and territories begin to welcome eager campers and their dogs to enjoy the beautiful surroundings their home states or territories have to offer. 

PETstock is reminding owners that camping really is the perfect holiday for your canine friend, so there’s no excuse not to load up the camping trailer and prepare for your first trip since lockdown, PETstock VET Dr Marjorie Au says the greatest gift you can give your dog is quality time with their pack (you!) and providing them with new stimulus. 

“Dogs explore their environment through smell, so taking them to a new destination is like Christmas for their senses,” Dr Marjorie Au says. “With so many great dog-friendly campsites around Australia that both you and your dog will love, it’s never been easier to incorporate your pooch into weekend plans.” 

Research shows the connection between dogs and humans provides incredible health and wellbeing benefits. 

Not only physical, from increased outdoor and physical activity, but also mental, from seeing our dog’s enjoyment, our interaction with them and the love received. 

According to the most recent report by Animal Medicines Australia1, more than a quarter of Aussie pet owners take their pets on holidays, and 71 per cent of owners believe their pets have a very positive impact on their lives. 

About a fifth of dog owners admit to spending at least six hours with their pets each day. 

“With an increasing number of pet owners treating pets as family members and adopting behaviours that are all inclusive, being able to share in activities such as camping, hiking and swimming with our dogs enhances quality time spent together, improving both their health and happiness, and ours,” says Dr Marjorie Au. 

Top spots to ‘canine camp’ in your home state or territory as of June 1 Victoria Visit – Kurth Kiln Regional Park and Campsite in Gembrook. Just a short one-hour drive from Melbourne’s CBD, it’s the perfect getaway for city slickers. 

Do – Take a hike with your pooch through the park and enjoy the loop walks of Tomahawk Creek Track and Thornton Track with beautiful native surroundings and a creek for your pooch to cool off. Northern Territory Visit – Robin Falls Rest Area a beautiful, quiet and dog friendly campsite and waterfall located just outside Litchfield National Park. 

Do – Hike around the falls, explore the beautiful bushland or take a dip with your pup. 1 Animal Medicines Australia: Pet Ownership in Australia in 2019 New South Wales Visit – Turon River and stay at Turon Gates. 

Do – Kayak with your pup down Turon River and camp or ‘glamp’ together in style. Drive through the Blue Mountains on your way back to Sydney and take in the sights. Queensland Visit – Amamoor State Forest and stay at Amamoor Creek Camping Area. 

Do – Take a stroll on the Amama Walk or venture through the Amamoor Creek hiking trail to admire the beautiful rainforests. Although dogs are not permitted in national parks, the Amama Walk is the next best thing! 

Western Australia Visit – Esperance and stay at Esperance Bay Holiday Park. Do – With beautiful turquoise water and white sand, Blue Haven Beach is a pet friendly paradise! South Australia Visit – Marion Bay and stay at Hillocks Drive campgrounds. Although just over three hours from Adelaide, the beautiful coastal location is worth the drive! 

Do – There are several off-leash dog friendly beaches around Marion Bay including Butler’s Beach, Meteor Bay and Marion Bay beach. ACT Visit – Uriarra Forest and stay at Blue Range Hut Camping Ground. Dogs are not permitted to wonder around the national park. However, they are welcome at the campground meaning you can still enjoy parts of the reserve with your pooch by your side. 

Do – Take a day trip to the Murrumbidgee River. Dogs can swim and play in selected reserves along the river. These include Uriarra Crossing East and West, Swamp Creek and Point Hut Crossing recreational area.

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