Dog-friendly Tasmania

Pack the leash and treats – no holiday is complete without your four-legged friend.

Doggos. Puppers. Fur babies. They've earned a rep as humankind's best friend – and for good reason.

These days, canine companions are part of the family, so bringing them along for your family holiday makes plenty of sense.

Have you ever wondered, "can I take my dog to Tasmania?"

Well, fret no more. Here's everything you need to know about exploring the little island with your favourite four-legged friend.

Before you travel

Most doggos are A-OK to travel to Tasmania, with a few exceptions.

Here are the key considerations before booking the plane or boat bound for pet-friendly Tasmania:

• Worming treatment – You’ll need to provide a veterinary certificate or statutory declaration proving treatment for hydatid tapeworm within 14 days prior to travel.
• Comfy in close quarters – Whether you come by air or sea, your doggo will need to be at ease when confined in a crate or kennel.

Remember, airports and ports are busy places, so your pup will need to cope well with different environments, noises, and smells.

Getting there

Here's how to get to the island state.

Spirit of Tasmania

The current Spirit of Tasmania boat ride between mainland Australia and Tasmania offers large or small kennels. Your pet will be well hydrated and looked after during the sail by the pet attendant, but bring your own bedding and comfort items for a nicer trip.

Spirit of Tasmania's new ships are set to sail soon with game-changing pet-friendly facilities featuring:

• climate controlled kennels – positioned separately from the vehicle decks
• a designated outdoor area – for dogs on-lead
• CCTV video surveillance and smart lock technology – for the safety of furry passengers; and
• the option for owners to visit their pets – keeping their dogs company during the journey.

Prefer to keep your loyal companion by your side for the voyage? Pamper your pooch with your own pet-friendly cabin. Tasmania is just a cosy boat ride away.

Air travel

If air is your preferred mode of transport, Virgin and Qantas cater to canine companions on their commercial flights to Tasmania. Venturing offshore from Tasmania's main island to King Island or Flinders Island? Rex Airlines and Sharp Airlines can take you there with your pooch in tow.

Check with the airlines for details and specific requirements.

Dog-friendly accommodation in Tasmania

Want a laidback stay in dog-friendly Tasmania? Or is your pooch more accustomed to luxury travel?

Whatever your preference, we've rounded up a list of the best dog-friendly accommodation in Tasmania – faster than a kelpie can round up sheep.

Dog-friendly camping in Tasmania

Love getting into the great outdoors with your greatest mate? Here are some top dog-friendly campsites:

RIVERS EDGE WILDERNESS CAMPING

Your doggo will love this grassy retreat at Lonnavale by the cool Russell River. Find Rivers Edge Wilderness Camping 30min from Huonville, and about an hour from Hobart in southern Tasmania.

NORTH EAST RIVER CAMPING GROUND

Make your way to an even smaller island: find peaceful pastures and natural splendour on Flinders Island off Tasmania's north-east coast. Camp here with your canine at North East River Camping Ground.

ZEEHAN BUSH CAMP

Head to the rugged west coast and unwind among the wildlife and wetlands at Zeehan Bush Camp. The dog-friendly glamping tents and cabins are a 4min walk from the Zeehan town centre, with regal retro architecture lining its old roads.

YE OLDE BUCKLAND INN CAMPGROUND

Dogs are welcome at Ye Old Buckland Inn Campground on Tasmania’s sunny east coast. While you’re there, enjoy an old-fashioned counter meal at the early-1800s-built pub.

CRADLE MOUNTAIN FISHERY AND CAMPING

Want dog-friendly accommodation just a stone’s throw from one of Tasmania's most mesmerising natural landscapes? Cradle Mountain Fishery and Camping is a 10min drive from the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre in north-west Tasmania. Plan to leave your pooch at camp, as pets aren’t permitted in national parks.

RAVENS NEST TASMANIA

Camp beneath the stars with your doggo at Ravens Nest (just over 2hrs from Launceston) and soak up the heritage beauty of the Central Highlands.

RIVERVIEW AT ROSS

Walk your dog along the charming Georgian streetscape of Ross in Tasmania's Central Midlands, then relax at the canine-friendly Riverview at Ross: a quaint stay within this historical village.

Dog-friendly caravan parks in Tasmania

Embrace simple pleasures at a Tasmanian caravan park:

Longford Riverside Caravan Park

Play fetch on the riverbanks and cast a line into the picturesque Macquarie River at this idyllic site in Longford.

Latrobe Mersey River Caravan Park

Kick back with your dog at this north-west caravan park, not far from the Spirit of Tasmania dock.

Cygnet Cloudbreak Farm

This rustic working farm in the artsy hamlet of Cygnet caters to one group of campers at a time.

Big4 Stanley Holiday Park

Enjoy powered and unpowered pet-friendly sites with a striking view of geological marvel the Nut in Stanley.

Big4 Stanley co-owner Tanya Robinson says being dog-friendly is about "including the whole family".

The park takes a mindful approach to living in harmony with the local colony of little penguins. This means keeping your dog on a leash and under supervision at the park. Puppers can stretch their legs at the off-lead area across the road on Godfreys Beach.

"We want to create a family environment at Big4 Stanley – and that includes the four-legged family members," Tanya says.

Luxury dog-friendly accommodation in Tasmania

Up the indulgence with these elegant places for pets:

FAIR WINDS TASMANIA

Relish a luxurious three-bedroom home on the edge of the Huon River in southern Tasmania.

BOHEMIAN BEACH RETREAT TINY HOUSE

Cosy-up in rustic luxury with your furry friend at the east-coast hamlet of Falmouth.

ARTHUR RIVER SPA COTTAGE

This tranquil west-coast beach house has a private boat ramp for seafaring doggos.

BADGERS VIEW FARMSTAY

A traditional sheep farm and B&B, this north-west haven offers all the creature comforts for you and your pupper.

THALIA HAVEN

This luxe ocean-front stay sleeps 10 humans + the family dog – in style. Pooches are provided with engraved brass dog tags that read, "Guests of Thalia Haven".

Owner Susan West says she's hosted every kind of dog at this east-coast property – from prize-winning Weimaraners to rescue dogs.

"Pets are like members of the family and you wouldn't want to travel without them," says Susan. "At Thalia Haven, dogs are given the freedom to roam and explore and be part of your holiday."

The 160-acre private peninsula is unfenced but Susan says they've never lost a pup. Perhaps the complimentary treats on offer for furry guests have something to do with it.

Dog-friendly pubs, wineries and breweries

There’s perhaps nothing better than enjoying a quiet bevvy with your best mate by your side. Here’s where you can do exactly that in dog-friendly Tasmania.

Craigie Knowe Vineyard

Craigie Knowe Vineyard's dog policy is less ‘dog-friendly’ and more ‘dog-affirming’.

“Dogs are very welcome at Craigie Knowe,” says owner Alex Travers. “Just call ahead if you’re bringing your dogs so we can organise a positive meeting with our four, who free-roam the property.

“Tassie’s best kept secret is that we also offer dog-friendly camping for $20 a night.”

At this east-coast property, you’ll meet Travers’ four dogs:

• April and Poppy, the border collie x kelpies
• Lulu, the sassy purebred kelpie; and
• Milo, the nine-month-old German shepherd x teddy bear.

Wobbly Boot Vineyard

Wobbly Boot Vineyard’s ‘animals first’ philosophy is all about “working in harmony with nature” – and that ethos extends to doggos. The cellar door in the lush Coal River Valley has three large, fully fenced off-leash areas for your dog to run wild in while you enjoy a vegan-friendly wine.

Vélo Wines

Just 15min from Launceston in the famed Tamar Valley, you'll find Vélo Wines, where on-leash dogs are welcome. The site is home to the acclaimed Timbre Kitchen, which allows dogs at outdoor tables.

Every Man and his Dog Vineyard

You couldn't name your vineyard 'Every Man and his Dog' without including furry friends on the guest list, now, could you? So yes, dogs are welcome at this cellar door in the Coal River Valley.

Hobart Brewing Co.

Hobart Brewing Co is a popular haunt for CBD locals and their dogs. The outdoor area has a vast beer garden and is home to a range of tantalising food trucks.

Or leave your hound to relax at your accommodation while you meet more cuddly creatures at the Truffle Farm, hunting alongside the skilled sniffers for delicious Tasmanian truffles.

Dog-friendly beaches in Tasmania

Ok, so this bit does come with a disclaimer: different local councils have different beach rules for dogs.

Some councils only allow dogs at certain times of day – and these rules change seasonally. Others only allow dogs off-leash in designated areas. Some beaches will also close during shorebird nesting season. Remember, these rules are often in place to protect endangered birds, and fines may apply if you break them.

When planning your beach walk, be sure to check beach times and areas with the local council, and read the signage at local beaches.

Here are five dog-friendly Tasmanian beaches for furry-friend frolics:

taypalaka / Green Point

Along the dramatic coastline of Marrawah sits this large, dog-friendly stretch of beach with a small, protected bay. Just keep your pooches on the wet sand away from shorebird nests.

East Beach – Low Head

With its lighthouse and dunes, East Beach at Low Head has really nailed the wow-factor. Dogs must be on-leash to enjoy the sand. If you're keen to stay the night, East Beach Tourist Park is also dog-friendly.

Sandpiper Beach

You'll mostly find the Coles Bay locals and their dogs roaming Sandpiper Beach on Tasmania's turquoise-water-lined east coast. Check entrance signs for seasonal pet information.

Kingston Beach

Arguably one of Hobart's best beaches, Kingston Beach is home to a pup-friendly off-lead area. The dog zone is up the northern end of the beach at the entrance to Browns River – away from the boutiques and eateries.

Denison Beach

Denison Beach is a 10km stretch of perfect white sand slightly north of dreamy Bicheno. The designated off-leash area is just south of the river mouth.

Pup-friendly walks around Tasmania

One of Tasmania's biggest calling cards is its beautiful walks. Lucky for dog-lovers, some of the best island trails can be enjoyed with your four-legged friend.

While dogs aren't allowed in national parks (with the exception of dog guides), many of Tasmania's state reserves are dog friendly. These reserves are on-leash only to protect Tasmania's precious flora and fauna, as well as people using the trails.

Here are some rejuvenating spots for a four-legged trot:

Montezuma Falls

3hrs / 11.5km return. Suitable for most walkers.
One of Tasmania's 60 Great Short Walks, Montezuma Falls (104m) on Tasmania's west coast is a perfect outing for your canine companion. Pack water for humans and doggos, as drinking from creeks is not recommended due to heavy metals from historic mining.

Evercreech Forest

10min / 400m return. 20 min / 1km circuit. Suitable for most walkers.
Inland from St Helens, Evercreech Forest Reserve is another of Tasmania's 60 Great Short Walks. Hike an easy track amidst giant east-coast eucalypts with your dog on lead.

Hollybank Forest Reserve

15–40 min / 2km circuit. No walking experience required.
Just 20min from Launceston is the fairytale land of Hollybank Forest. It's a popular picnic spot so pack the treats. Allow time for the easy forest track – another of Tassie's 60 Great Short Walks.

Recherche Bay Nature Recreation Area

Near the southernmost tip of Tasmania, Recherche is the starting point for several pup-friendly walks. Dogs are welcome at Finns Beach, Gillams Beach and Jones Beach. The free campsite is dog-friendly too.

Snug Falls walk

1 hour / 4km return. Moderate-to-intermediate walk.
Ever dreamed of standing beneath a fern-edged 25m waterfall with your pupper? Snug Falls is where it's at – and it's only a 40min drive from Hobart.

For more info on these walks, check out the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife website.

There you have it – your ultimate guide to planning a holiday in dog-friendly Tasmania.

With clean air and wide-open spaces, it’ll be as much of a holiday for your dog as it will be for you.