Best Pet-Friendly Hotels in Australia for Travelling With Your Dog or Cat

Traveloka Team
11 min read
Dog carrier

Australia is one of the most pet-loving countries on earth, and its accommodation scene has caught up with that reality. Across Sydney, Melbourne, Cairns, the Gold Coast, and even Tasmania, a growing number of hotels roll out genuine welcome mats for four-legged guests — think dedicated pet menus, custom bedding, welcome treats, and staff trained to make animals feel right at home. Whether you are planning a long weekend in the city or a coastal road trip with your dog in tow, there is a property here to match your style and budget.

Planning ahead makes all the difference. Most pet-friendly hotels in Australia require advance notice, have weight limits, and charge an additional pet fee that can range from a one-off cleaning surcharge to a nightly rate. Knowing the fine print before you book means no surprises at check-in — and more time spent exploring with your companion. The eight properties below cover a wide spread of locations, price points, and pet policies to help you find the right fit.

Browsing for the right stay is easiest when you can filter by destination and compare rates side by side. If you are ready to lock in your accommodation, you can search pet-friendly hotels across every Australian city on Traveloka and filter by your travel dates to see live pricing.

1. The Langham, Sydney — A Luxury Stay With a Dedicated Pet Programme

Tucked into the western edge of Sydney's CBD at 89–113 Kent Street, The Langham Sydney is one of Australia's most polished addresses for travelling with a dog. The hotel operates a dedicated Pampered Pets Programme that covers a personalised pet menu delivered to your room, a plush sleeping bed, signature Langham water bowls, and complimentary arrival treats. Pet-sitting and dog-walking services can be arranged through the concierge when you need time to explore on your own.

Rooms are priced from around AU$354 per night, placing this firmly in the luxury tier, though the pet programme's inclusions offset what other hotels charge separately as add-ons. Note that pets are welcome in guest rooms but are not permitted in the hotel's restaurants, lounge, spa, or pool area — a standard restriction at most five-star properties. The hotel scores 8.8 out of 10 on major booking platforms, reflecting consistently strong guest satisfaction.

The location works particularly well for dog owners: Hyde Park and the open lawns of Barangaroo Reserve are both within easy walking distance, giving you and your dog easy access to morning grass runs before the city fills up. The Rocks neighbourhood and the harbourfront are equally close for longer evening walks with harbour views as your backdrop.

Australia

The Langham, Sydney

9.5/10

•

Sydney CBD

AU$841

2. Four Seasons Hotel Sydney — Harbour Views and Organic Pet Treats

At 199 George Street in Sydney's CBD, the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney welcomes one dog per room, with a weight limit of 11.5 kilograms and a pet fee of AU$150 per stay. What sets this property apart is the level of care packed into that arrangement: dogs receive organic arrival treats, a custom-fitted pet bed, and a selection of dog toys waiting in the room. The harbour views from upper-floor rooms are genuinely spectacular, with the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House filling the skyline to the north-east.

Priced from AU$434 per night, this is not the cheapest option on the list, but the combination of location, facilities, and genuine pet-welcome infrastructure makes it a strong choice for travellers treating themselves. The one firm rule is that dogs may not be left unattended in rooms at any time — if you need to step out for dinner, the concierge can arrange pet-sitting services. The hotel rates 8.8 out of 10 across guest reviews.

George Street puts you minutes from the Royal Botanic Garden, where dogs are welcome on leads throughout the grounds, and a short stroll from a number of off-leash areas in The Domain. For morning exercise, few hotel positions in Sydney are better suited for dog owners who want open green space without needing a car to reach it.

Australia

Four Seasons Hotel Sydney

9.5/10

•

Sydney CBD

AU$587

3. Crystalbrook Bailey, Cairns — Tropical Pet-Friendly Living on the Esplanade

Pet Policy and Inclusions

Located at 163 Abbott Street in Cairns City, Crystalbrook Bailey is a five-star property that has built a genuine dog-friendly programme rather than simply tolerating pets. One dog is permitted per residence, specifically in first-floor rooms with either a private courtyard or direct balcony access to the outside. The hotel provides complimentary pet amenities including a custom bed, water bowl, and welcome treats, and the broader hotel team are known for going out of their way to make canine guests feel properly settled from the moment they arrive.

Pricing and Nearby Spaces

Rates start at AU$346 per night, reduced from a rack rate of around AU$376, making this a reasonably accessible five-star option in regional Queensland. Goomboora Park, one of Cairns' best off-leash dog parks, sits close to the property and makes an ideal morning or evening outing. The Cairns Esplanade is also within easy walking distance, offering a long, flat promenade with harbour views that dogs and owners tend to enjoy in equal measure.

Getting the Most Out of Your Stay

If you are combining a Cairns stay with some reef or rainforest exploration, plan around the times your dog will need company — leaving a dog alone in a hotel room for extended periods can be stressful for the animal and create noise issues for neighbouring guests. The concierge at Crystalbrook Bailey can advise on pet-friendly walking routes around the city and help arrange additional services during your stay. Cairns' warm winter climate makes it an especially appealing destination for travelling with dogs who struggle in cooler southern temperatures.

Australia

Crystalbrook Bailey

9.2/10

•

Cairns City

AU$195

4. Quest Robina, Gold Coast — Apartment-Style Space for Pets and Families

What Makes It Pet-Friendly

Quest Robina sits at 3 Centreline Place in Robina on the Gold Coast, and it distinguishes itself from other pet-welcoming properties by offering the kind of apartment-style layout that genuinely suits travelling with animals. Rooms come equipped with a dedicated pet bed, food and water bowls, and a patch of synthetic grass on the balcony — a small but practical touch that dog owners with early-rising pets will particularly appreciate. The spacious layout means your dog is not confined to the narrow footprint of a standard hotel room, which makes a real difference during longer stays.

Rates and Facilities

Rooms are priced from AU$171 per night, down from around AU$175 at rack rate, and most configurations include a kitchenette — useful for preparing pet meals or storing food without relying on room service. The property holds a four-star rating and represents excellent value for families travelling with a dog who need more space than a single hotel bedroom provides. Robina Town Centre and nearby parklands offer ample walking routes and green space during your stay.

Location and Access

The Gold Coast hinterland and beach strip are both within easy driving distance of Robina, which sits inland from the main tourist strip. Dogs are permitted on many sections of Gold Coast beach before 8am and after 4pm, so an early morning beach run followed by breakfast back at the apartment is a genuinely achievable start to the day. The area around Robina also has several off-leash parks within a short drive for afternoon exercise.

5. Quest Penrith, Sydney — Budget-Friendly Western Sydney Option

For travellers based in Western Sydney or using the area as a gateway to the Blue Mountains, Quest Penrith at 83 Lord Sheffield Circuit offers a practical and affordable pet-friendly base. The property accepts up to two pets per room as long as each animal weighs under 20 kilograms, which covers most medium-sized dogs. An additional pet fee of AU$39 per night applies, which is on the lower end compared to city-centre properties. Room rates start from AU$198 per night, down from around AU$216.

The four-star apartment-style rooms provide enough space for dogs to settle comfortably, and the Penrith Lakes precinct nearby offers walking trails, open parkland, and water access that dogs will enjoy enormously. The Blue Mountains are only a short drive west, making Quest Penrith a logical staging point for a nature-focused road trip with your pet. It is one of the more practical and affordable options on this list for multi-night stays away from the city centre.

Australia

Quest Penrith

8.9/10

•

Penrith

AU$196

Since you are in Western Sydney, getting around with a dog is much easier with your own transport. Booking a car rental for the duration of your stay gives you the flexibility to reach off-leash parks, pet-friendly beaches, and mountain trailheads without being tied to public transport, which does not permit dogs outside of carriers in most cases.

6. InterContinental Sydney Double Bay — Boutique Luxury for Cats and Dogs

The InterContinental Sydney Double Bay at 33 Cross Street is one of Australia's most genuinely inclusive luxury hotels for pet owners, welcoming two pets of any size per room — a notably generous policy compared to the weight restrictions common at other five-star properties. The hotel designates specific pet-friendly rooms to ensure both guest comfort and appropriate housekeeping, and the pet fee is AU$200 per pet per night, reflecting the premium service on offer. Room rates start from around AU$328 per night.

Double Bay is one of Sydney's most elegant eastern suburbs, with boutique shopping, quality dining, and harbour parklands all within a short walk of the hotel. The foreshore reserve along New South Head Road and the off-leash areas of Steyne Park are both close by, giving dogs easy access to open green space at any hour. Cat owners will particularly appreciate the quieter, more residential feel of Double Bay compared to the noise and foot traffic of the CBD.

Australia

InterContinental Hotels SYDNEY DOUBLE BAY by IHG, an IHG Hotel

9.0/10

•

Woollahra

AU$399

If you are flying into Sydney with your pet, planning your ground transport in advance removes a layer of stress on arrival day. An airport transfer booked ahead of time ensures you have a vehicle ready to take you and your pet directly from the terminal to Double Bay without having to manage luggage and a travel-weary animal simultaneously.

7. Best Western Melbourne City — Affordable Inner-City Pet Stays in Melbourne

Located at 16 Spencer Street in Docklands, Best Western Melbourne City is one of Melbourne's most accessible pet-friendly options in a genuinely central location. Dogs are accepted in designated rooms at an additional charge of AU$30 per pet per night, which is among the most affordable pet surcharges on this list. Note that cats are not accepted at this property — it is a dogs-only option. Room rates start from AU$102 per night, making it the most budget-friendly entry on this list by a considerable margin.

Australia

Best Western Melbourne City

8.2/10

•

Docklands

AU$234

The hotel scores 8.9 out of 10 on guest review platforms, which is impressive for a property at this price point and reflects well-maintained rooms and consistently helpful staff. The Docklands precinct offers open waterfront promenades ideal for dog walks, and Melbourne's extensive network of off-leash parks is within easy reach. Melbourne Central Shopping Centre and the SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium are nearby for the humans in your travel group who want their own outings.

Melbourne's café culture extends warmly to dogs, with many Docklands and South Wharf venues welcoming well-behaved dogs in outdoor seating areas. The proximity to the CBD means you can explore the city on foot with your dog during the cooler morning hours, then return to a comfortable and well-priced room at a property that genuinely welcomes you both.

8. Hawley House, Tasmania — Boutique Coastal Stays on the North-West Coast

For something genuinely off the beaten track, Hawley House at 68 Hawley Esplanade in Latrobe, Tasmania, offers a boutique coastal experience that welcomes dogs of any size at no additional pet fee — one of the few properties on this list with a zero-surcharge policy for animals. Pets are welcome in designated rooms only, with house rules asking that dogs are not left unattended and do not use the furniture — straightforward conditions that most experienced dog owners manage without any difficulty.

The setting is exceptional: the property sits on the banks of the Rubicon Estuary with water views, extensive garden grounds, and direct access to the Hawley Beach area — a quiet stretch of sand where you can walk your dog without the crowds of Tasmania's more famous southern beaches. The North-West Coast of Tasmania is a region of rolling farmland, coastal cliffs, and heritage townships, and Hawley House is a wonderful base for exploring it at an unhurried pace.

Tasmania's relatively cool temperatures year-round suit dogs well, and the island's national parks and reserves offer extraordinary hiking opportunities in environments largely free of the heat stress that affects dogs during mainland Australia's summer months. If you are planning a longer trip through Tasmania with your pet, this property pairs beautifully with a self-drive itinerary through the Cradle Mountain region and the wild Tarkine coast to the south-west.

Australia offers a remarkable range of experiences to enjoy alongside your hotel stay. Whether you and your dog prefer coastal boat tours, wildlife encounters, or city sightseeing, you can browse and book activities across every Australian destination through Traveloka — with real-time availability so nothing sells out before you arrive.

Tips for Travelling to Australia With a Pet

Always Confirm the Pet Policy Directly

Hotel pet policies change more frequently than almost any other accommodation detail — a property that accepted pets previously may have updated its terms, weight limits, or room designations since then. Always call or email the hotel directly before booking to confirm current policies, fees, and pet-friendly room availability for your specific dates. Do this even if the hotel is listed as pet-friendly on a booking platform, as third-party listings can be slow to reflect recent policy updates.

Pack a Pet Travel Kit

Travelling with a dog or cat is considerably smoother when you bring the essentials rather than relying on the hotel to supply them. A collapsible water bowl, portable food container, a familiar blanket or toy, waste bags, and a copy of your pet's vaccination records should all go into your bag before you leave home. Many pet-friendly hotels in Australia will ask for proof of current vaccinations on arrival, and some require a health certificate issued within a specified timeframe of the stay date. Having these documents ready avoids any awkward check-in conversations.

Plan Your Days Around Your Pet's Schedule

Dogs in particular do best when their routine stays reasonably consistent, even while travelling. Build your days around morning and evening walks, factor in off-leash exercise time near your accommodation, and avoid leaving your pet unattended in the room for longer than necessary. A well-exercised dog is a calm hotel guest; a bored one is considerably less so. Most pet-friendly hotels in Australia specifically request that animals are not left alone for extended periods, so plan any longer outings around arranged pet-sitting.

Know Australia's State-by-State Regulations

Australia's rules around dogs in public spaces vary significantly between states and between local council areas. Off-leash beach access hours, designated park areas, and rules around dogs in national park reserves all differ from Sydney to Melbourne to Queensland and Tasmania. Check the relevant local council website for the area you are visiting before you arrive so you know exactly where your dog is welcome and when — it avoids any fines and makes the experience more relaxed for everyone.

Getting to your destination is the first step, and locking in affordable flights early gives you more budget to spend on premium pet-friendly accommodation once you arrive. Search fares across Australian routes on Traveloka and set fare alerts so you are notified when prices drop for your preferred travel window.

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Book Your Trip with Traveloka

Traveloka is Southeast Asia's leading travel platform, trusted by over 100 million users across the region to plan and book every element of a trip. The platform brings together flights, hotels, activities, car rental, eSIM, and travel insurance in one place — so whether you are flying interstate with your dog or planning an extended self-drive through regional Australia, you can manage every booking without switching between apps or websites.

Checking Traveloka promotions before you confirm your travel plans is a smart habit — the platform regularly surfaces discounted rates across accommodation, flights, and experiences, and combining a promotional hotel rate with a discounted flight can make a meaningful difference to the total cost of a pet-friendly trip. The app also shows real-time availability, which matters more for pet-friendly stays since the designated rooms at most properties are limited in number.

Download the Traveloka app to browse pet-friendly hotels across every Australian state, compare rates across dates, and add flights, a car rental, or a curated set of activities to your trip — all from the one platform. With live pricing, flexible cancellation options on many listings, and dedicated customer support, Traveloka makes travelling to Australia with your pet as straightforward and enjoyable as travelling without one.

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