What To Do With Your Dog When You Book A Whitsunday Tour
We all know dogs make the most wonderful travel companions. However, travelling with a furry friend can sometimes be a little challenging. We are here to help you find the best options to make sure you have the best trip possible in Airlie Beach, without having to leave your dog at home.
For those eager to let their furry friends stretch their legs into the tropical sand, make sure to check out our locals' guide to dog off-leash beaches on the Whitsundays mainland. There sure is a slice of paradise for everyone, including your dog, in the Whitsundays!
Whilst domestic animals aren't permitted in the Whitsunday National Park Islands, there are plenty of dog-friendly accommodation options in the Whitsundays for you and your four-legged friend to enjoy!
Please note, this article is intended as a handy guide only. Please confirm with your accommodation before booking whether it is pet-friendly, and if any conditions need to be met or fees paid.
Dog-Friendly Accommodation In The Whitsundays
NRMA Airlie Beach Holiday Park
Located in an ideal location, directly opposite Cannonvale Beach and only 2km from Airlie Beach’s town centre, NRMA Airlie Beach Holiday Park offers pet-friendly powered and unpowered sites, as well as selected cabins in the heart of the lush tropics. You and your furry friend can enjoy a stroll along the Bicentennial Walkway to the heart of Airlie Beach, or visit the off-leash exercise area at Bicentennial Park, only a 5-minute walk away.
Big 4 Whitsundays Tropical Eco Resort
Nestled in 7 acres of tropical foliage next to Conway National Park, this resort offers pet-friendly powered and unpowered sites, and selected cabins. Dogs are welcome on application and at the manager's discretion.
Wildlife Hideaway Holiday Home
This pet-friendly vacation home is perfect for you and your pooch to run around in, as it offers a private yard! At this vacation home, you will be within a 20-minute walk of Conway National Park and 2.8 km from Airlie Beach Lagoon. Highlights at this vacation home include an outdoor swimming pool, in-room kitchens and a balcony or patio. Owners will be required to put down a refundable deposit.
Kipara Tropical Rainforest Retreat
Kipara Tropical Rainforest Retreat in Jubilee Pocket offers pet-friendly private cabins complete with a secure fenced yard, making it easy to bring your furry companion along. Each air-conditioned cabin sleeps up to four guests and includes a double bed, bunk beds, a private ensuite, and a fully equipped kitchenette with fridge, microwave, kettle, toaster, cutlery and crockery. You'll also find a flat-screen TV, Wi-Fi, indoor and outdoor dining areas, and a dedicated parking space right outside. With easy access to nearby walking trails and just minutes from Airlie Beach, Kipara is an ideal pet-friendly base in the Whitsundays.
Airlie Oasis
Located in Airlie Beach, Airlie Oasis is a 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom holiday home accommodating up to 8 guests. The property features air-conditioning, a lounge, and a fully equipped kitchen with a coffee machine, microwave, dishwasher, and toaster. Guests can relax by the outdoor swimming pool and enjoy free WiFi throughout the property. Pets are welcome for an additional fee, and cats may also be allowed by request, but all pets must be approved in advance.
Coastal Cottage
Situated in Cannonvale, Coastal Cottage is a charming New England-style, pet-friendly Cape Cod house with a beach/coastal feel. The property features a large fenced yard, unlimited WiFi, and is fully air-conditioned. Located within walking distance to Cannonvale Beach, Coles, and local cafes, it's central to everything. Dogs of any size are allowed for an additional fee per day. Cats may also be allowed by request. Pets are not allowed on the furniture and cannot be left unattended.
Sunset Escape - Cannonvale
Sunset Escape in Cannonvale is a 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom house accommodating up to 6 guests. The property offers free self-parking, a fully equipped kitchen, laundry facilities, and outdoor furniture. Pets are allowed at this property, and they stay free.
Curlew Cottage
Located in Riordanvale, Curlew Cottage is a clean and comfortable air-conditioned standalone cottage set in a quiet tropical garden on 7 acres of land. Situated 5.2 km from Cannonvale Central and 11 km from Airlie Beach, it's a peaceful retreat. The cottage is pet-friendly, allowing dogs of any size for no additional fee. Cats may also be allowed by request.
Pet Minding Services in Airlie Beach
When visiting the Whitsundays, you enter the World Heritage-protected Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, which is home to thousands of species of fish, birds, animals and marine life. To protect our pristine marine area, domestic animals are not permitted in the marine park, the six Queensland National Parks or the four National Parks on the mainland.
Unfortunately, this means you are not able to take your furry friend on your Whitsundays boat tour. If your pet-friendly accommodation provider requests that you do not leave your dog unsupervised, we have included dog minding options so that you can book a Whitsundays tour with the peace of mind that your pet or pets are being well cared for.
Whitsunday Pet Resort
Located just outside Airlie Beach in Mount Marlow, Whitsunday Pet Resort offers premium pet boarding with an array of packages to fit you and your furry friend's needs. Pets enjoy spacious, shaded exercise yards, super-premium food, and a range of care packages, including tailored options for nervous or senior pets. With experienced staff and optional luxury upgrades like grooming and enrichment activities, it's the region’s most comprehensive pet resort — perfect for peace of mind while you’re out on a Whitsundays adventure. Dog and cat boarding start from $45 per day in off-peak periods, with upgrade options and peak season prices applying.
Mad Paws
Located across Australia and accessible to Airlie Beach travellers, Mad Paws connects pet owners with trusted local sitters for home-based care that feels more like a holiday than a kennel. Whether you’re after in-home pet sitting, dog walking, day care, or overnight hosting, Mad Paws offers flexible services tailored to your pet’s routine. Each sitter is verified, reviewed, and backed by public liability insurance for total peace of mind. With affordable rates, a user-friendly booking system, and loving sitters who genuinely care, Mad Paws is a great option while you're off exploring the Whitsundays. Services typically start from $30 to $50 per day, depending on location, sitter experience, and inclusions.
Now the pets are sorted, let's get you out to the Whitsunday Islands for a holiday to remember!
Pets in the Whitsundays FAQs
Is Hamilton Island dog-friendly?
While Hamilton Island is a dream destination for many, it’s unfortunately not one for your fluffy critters. Due to local regulations and environmental protections, pets aren’t allowed on the island unless you’re a permanent resident with a pre-approved permit. So if you’re planning a holiday with your pup, we recommend sticking to the Whitsundays mainland, where there are plenty of fantastic pet-friendly stays listed above, closer to the off-leash beaches that you can enjoy together.
Is Airlie Beach Lagoon dog-friendly?
Unfortunately, no: dogs are not permitted at Airlie Beach Lagoon. This popular swimming spot is a pet-free zone, so you'll need to leave your doggo behind when you visit. However, there are several nearby dog-friendly beaches where your pup can enjoy the outdoors.
