Caravanning and camping remain popular travel options in Australia, particularly for those seeking affordable ways to explore the country.
With more travelers choosing to bring pets along, caravan parks are responding with services that address the challenges of managing animals while on the road.
A traveler on a three-month holiday recently highlighted a feature at West Wyalong Caravan Park, located over 500 kilometers inland from Sydney. The park offers free pet enclosures that allow guests to leave their animals safely while exploring nearby attractions.
Sue Cohen, who travels with her two small dogs, said that the enclosures provided her with more flexibility during her trip.
“It allows me to go out to dinner or visit a national park without worrying about their safety,” she told Yahoo! News. “I haven’t seen this before. More places should think about this as more are travelling with pets these days.”
The initiative has drawn positive feedback from other travelers. Park owner Krystal Moore explained that the pens were installed six years ago by the previous operators and remain available at no charge.
“They are free to use for all guests, and we can provide locks and keys if wanted,” she said. The enclosures come equipped with kennels, water troughs, and dinner bowls.
Moore added that the facilities have been used by a variety of animals. “We have had dogs, cats, birds, snakes, and lizards. We were even asked about goats and horses,” she noted.
Other caravan parks across the country have implemented similar strategies to attract pet-owning travelers.
In Victoria, a visitor praised a park in Ararat last year for offering fenced sites where pets could roam freely.
At Big 4 Windmill Holiday Park in Ballarat, pet-friendly sections have become “extremely popular,” according to manager Sam Smith, who said they are often the first sites to book out.
While pet-friendly services can be a drawcard, Moore pointed out that they also require consistent management.
“As long as the pet owners keep their pets leashed and clean up after them, we are happy to have them stay,” she said. Staff at West Wyalong remain vigilant to ensure compliance, as roaming pets can create challenges for other guests.
For the outdoor hospitality sector, such initiatives highlight an area of opportunity. With pet ownership continuing to rise in Australia, caravan parks that adopt pet-inclusive policies and infrastructure may be better positioned to attract and retain guests.
However, operators must also balance pet-friendly offerings with clear rules and maintenance to avoid potential issues.