Restrictions on travel, and financial uncertainty will influence our choices for some time to come. But many of us will be chomping at the bit to get away and have a change of scene. Putting your dog in kennels could add a fair whack to the cost of a trip away so what are the options for local holidays with your dog?
State forests offer beautiful, and often free, camping spots across the country. In most of Australia, except Queensland, you can take your dog to State Forests and walk off-lead.
State forest is land managed for timber production, water catchment management and recreation, including hunting. Access is generally open, but can be restricted during fire seasons or when timber is being harvested, for example.
Don’t confuse State Forests with State Parks, Conservation Areas or National Parks. State Parks, Conservation Areas or National Parks tend not to allow dogs off-lead, or forbid them entirely for the protection of flora and fauna.
For NT, check this site for good information on where you can take your dog off-lead: http://ed.gr/bz8rh. And in ACT, http://ed.gr/bz8rg
In WA, check out this site http://ed.gr/bz8rf – you can select state forests where you can take your dog.
Victoria and NSW are spoilt for State Forests and they offer some of the best walks and outdoor experiences in the country. Probably!
Victoria’s ‘More To Explore’ app is a great tool I recommend for exploring the State Forests. It’s packed with useful information, detailed and downloadable maps for use when you have no signal and tools for selecting locations based on your favourite activities. For NSW, download the “Forests” app – it’s not quite at user-friendly, in my opinion, but handy to have on your phone too.
Make sure you come prepared with our outdoor adventure essentials for your dog. Gentle Suncream and Bug Me Not (great for humans too!) are our top picks for keeping your dog comfy and safe outdoors!
Click here for the full range.
Happy camping!