Doggy Day Trips: The Best Weekend Getaways for You and Your Pup

Want to escape the city for a weekend but don’t want to leave your dog behind? Good news - there are plenty of dog-friendly getaways where you and your pup can explore, relax, and have the ultimate bonding adventure together!

From beachside escapes to bush retreats, we’ve rounded up the best dog-friendly day trips and weekend getaways that will leave tails wagging and paws happily exhausted. Pack the car, grab the leash, and let’s hit the road!

1. Noosa & the Sunshine Coast – Beach Bliss & Scenic Walks

🐾 Perfect for: Beach-loving pups who love the sand, surf, and café culture.
🚗 Drive time from Brisbane: ~1.5–2 hours

Noosa is a dog-friendly paradise, with off-leash beaches, scenic coastal walks, and dog-friendly cafés. Let your pup splash in the waves at Sunshine Beach or Castaways Beach, then enjoy a coffee at one of Noosa’s pet-friendly spots like Bean Drop Café.

✔️ Must-Do: Walk the Noosa River Foreshore for stunning water views.
✔️ Stay the Night: Pet-friendly cabins at Habitat Noosa Everglades EcoCamp.

2. Tamborine Mountain – Bushwalks & Dog-Friendly Wineries

🐾 Perfect for: Scenic drives, forest walks, and relaxing vineyard visits.
🚗 Drive time from Brisbane: ~1 hour

If your pup prefers shady trails and fresh mountain air, Tamborine Mountain is a great escape. Many hiking trails are dog-friendly, including Eagle Heights Park. Afterwards, enjoy a lazy afternoon at Witches Falls Winery, which welcomes dogs in their outdoor tasting area.

✔️ Must-Do: Explore Curtis Falls Track (dogs allowed on-leash).
✔️ Stay the Night: Dog-friendly Cedar Creek Lodges for a cosy retreat.

3. Redcliffe & Moreton Bay – Coastal Vibes & Waterfront Walks

🐾 Perfect for: Scenic walks, ocean breezes, and seafood lunch stops.
🚗 Drive time from Brisbane: ~40 minutes

Redcliffe is home to some of Brisbane’s best dog-friendly waterfront spots. Start your day with a walk along Scarborough Beach, let your pup run wild at Clontarf’s off-leash park, then finish with a seafood feast at a dog-friendly café like Preece’s on the Park.

✔️ Must-Do: Check out the Redcliffe Jetty Markets on Sundays.
✔️ Stay the Night: Pet-friendly Airbnbs with ocean views!

4. Stanthorpe – Wine, Cottages & Cosy Fireplaces

🐾 Perfect for: Winter getaways, wine tasting, and country charm.
🚗 Drive time from Brisbane: ~2.5–3 hours

For a dog-friendly escape with country charm, Stanthorpe is hard to beat. Your pup can explore farm stays, enjoy winery picnics, and snuggle by the fireplace in a pet-friendly cottage. Many wineries, like Ballandean Estate, welcome dogs in their outdoor areas.

✔️ Must-Do: Take a scenic walk through Quart Pot Creek.
✔️ Stay the Night: Pet-friendly Granite Belt Retreat & Brewery.

5. Bribie Island – Beachside Fun & 4WD Adventures

🐾 Perfect for: Dogs who love the beach, off-leash runs, and scenic drives.
🚗 Drive time from Brisbane: ~1 hour

Bribie Island is a doggy paradise, with dog-friendly beaches, walking tracks, and even a 4WD-accessible beach for adventure lovers. Let your pup splash around at Red Beach, an off-leash dog beach where they can run free in the sand and waves.

✔️ Must-Do: Take a scenic coastal drive and stop for fish & chips at a dog-friendly café.
✔️ Stay the Night: Dog-friendly beach houses on Airbnb.

6. Toowoomba – Gardens, Parks & Country Air

🐾 Perfect for: Relaxing walks, fresh air, and weekend markets.
🚗 Drive time from Brisbane: ~1.5–2 hours

Toowoomba is surprisingly dog-friendly, with gorgeous parks and scenic walks. Stroll through Queens Park Botanic Gardens, where your pup can explore the lush grounds on-leash. On weekends, head to the Toowoomba Farmers Markets, where many stalls welcome dogs.

✔️ Must-Do: Check out Picnic Point Lookout for breathtaking views.
✔️ Stay the Night: Pet-friendly B&Bs or cosy cottages in the countryside.

7. North Stradbroke Island – Beachy Bliss & Coastal Adventures

🐾 Perfect for: Beach runs, ferry rides, and island vibes.
🚗 Drive time from Brisbane: 1 hour + ferry ride

If your dog loves sandy paws and salty air, take them on a dog-friendly ferry to North Stradbroke Island. Cylinder Beach has off-leash areas, and the coastal trails offer incredible ocean views.

✔️ Must-Do: Try to spot dolphins while walking the Gorge Walk.
✔️ Stay the Night: Pet-friendly beachside stays on Airbnb.

Final Thoughts: Time for an Adventure!

Dog-friendly getaways are not just fun for your pup—they’re great for you too! Whether it’s a beach day, mountain retreat, or a foodie escape, there’s something for every adventure-loving dog.