Pets are such fun-loving, adventurous and loyal members of the family, so it's hard to imagine waving goodbye to them as you head off on a holiday without your best bud. Luckily the Shoalhaven is recognised as one of Australia’s leading pet-friendly destinations. Our unique mix of off-leash nature areas, on-leash adventure trails, pet-friendly restaurants and unique accommodation to offer visitors the ultimate #petfriendlyhaven. Download our free guide below to seek out your doggo itinerary for your stay in the Shoalhaven and use our trip builder to help pre-plan your paw-some vacation!
Pet Friendly Playground
Looking to seek out the 24-hour off-leash beaches? We have plenty of places for your doggo to run wild and free. At Shoalhaven Heads, there is a 24-hour off-leash area on Seven Mile Beach, where your pet can find lots of other friends to run around with. You can bring your pet when dining at Bangalay Dining and Coolangatta Estate Winery. A short drive to Nowra will lead you to Bens Walk an on-leash easy walk with an insta-worthy suspension bridge!
In Ulladulla, Collers Beach and Ulladulla Harbour North Beach are 24 hour off-leash beaches. There are plenty of places around Mollymook and Ulladulla to stay including the luxury accommodation Bannisters by the Sea, the adorable Donavan's Cottage or the nearby campsite at Kings Point Retreat. Bring your pet to Cupitt's Winery and Restaurant to sip on delicious local wine, stretch out on the lawn and enjoy the view over the vineyards.
Interludes by Willinga Park in Bawley Point offers pet friendly luxury villas in a bush setting, with a sun-filled verandah for lazy afternoons with your doggo. Cormorant Beach nearby is a 24-hour off-leash. Head to the pet friendly Bawley Vale Estate on Sundays to sample their award-winning wines!
Meeting New Friends
We offer a large selection of pet-friendly accommodation options including cottages, cabins, units, and tourist caravan and camping parks.
If your pet needs to stay somewhere else, consider dog and cat boarding kennels where they can enjoy their own relaxed getaway and meet some new friend along the way. If your pooch likes a little luxury, check out Petcharm Lodge at Jaspers Brush offering a Doggy Day Spa. If you're travelling via the Valley, The Valley Kennels and Cattery in Kangaroo Valley has a unique delivery service for pet parents.
Your pet a little bigger than a doggo with a luscious mane? The newly renovated Terara Park Equine Centre is a charming farm stay for both of you.
Sharing the Shore
We have some of the most picturesque off-leash areas in New South Wales, you can find out off-leash area information here. Some are designated off-leash all day whilst others are just in the morning and late afternoons, download the Shoalhaven City Council guide here to know more about prohibited areas to help you plan.
Our home is shared with endangered shorebirds who nest along our pristine beaches. Disturbances by unleashed dogs are a threat to their survival we ask that you simply follow a few leash guidelines with your pet you can have a huge impact. You and your pet can help by:
- Respecting 'Dog Prohibited' zones
- Making use of Council's numerous off-leash dog beaches
- Keeping your dogs on a leash on permitted beaches
- Look out for temporary signs that alert you to the presence of nesting birds or chicks
- If you see little birds running swiftly, give them space
Check out our South Coast Shorebird Recovery Program.
Whilst we hope this is never the case, here are the steps to take if you lose your pet on holidays. The main collection point for lost animals is Shoalhaven Animal Shelter, located in Nowra.
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Set on 100 acres of private rain forest with stunning views over the Wattamolla Valley.
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