Holidaying with pets has become the norm. In fact, now there are plenty of places where you can take the family for a holiday and include your four-legged friend.Planning a pet-friendly holiday doesn’t need to be stressful – you just need to make sure you understand the rules and regulations before you book. Here are some pet-friendly campsites near Brisbane.

Minjerribah Camping, North Stradbroke Island

This is the perfect beach getaway for the whole family, including your four-legged friends. North Stradbroke Island offers a huge range of camping sites at Amity Point, Adder Rock, Cylinder Beach, Home Beach, Bradbury’s Beach, however Flinders Beach and Main Beach are the only two which are dog friendly.

• Travel time from Brisbane: three hours (including ferry)
• Campsite: Beach camping (Main Beach or Flinders Beach)
• Max dogs per campsite: two
• Dog rules: Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead at all times.

Murphy’s Creek Escape, Murphy’s Creek

Located in the Upper Lockyer Valley, just outside of Toowoomba, Murphy’s Creek Escape is a great camping spot on the banks of Murphy’s Creek. It’s surround by natural bushland and offers a range of activities for the whole family including archery, a flying fox, abseiling, mountain bike tracks and more. Best of all, there is now a new off-leash area available for pets to burn off their excess energy on their holiday.

• Travel time from Brisbane: one-and-a-half hours
• Campsite: Bush camping
• Max dogs per campsite: two
• Dog rules: Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead at all times. Off leash dog area available.

Neurum Creek Bush Retreat, Neurum

This pet-friendly campsite is close to Lake Somerset and is the perfect place to switch off from a busy city lifestyle. There’s plenty of activities for the family including canoeing, bike tracks, waterholes and 4WDing tracks.

• Travel time from Brisbane: one hour
• Campsite: Bush camping
• Dog rules: Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead at all times.

Camping on the River, Kenilworth 

Kenilworth is the perfect spot for the family to pitch up a tent, build a campfire and relax with their family pet. The campsites are beside picturesque water holes suitable for swimming, canoeing and kayaking. The dairy farm offers great bike tracks, so don’t forget to bring your own bike.

• Travel time from Brisbane: two hours
• Campsite: Bush camping
• Dog rules: Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead at all times.

Gordon Country Campgrounds, Goomburra

The Gordon Country is in the Goomburra Valley and offers camping, cabin and caravan stay. There are more than 3000 acres of sites to choose from with powered sites and Heritage Cabins available. Dogs are welcome however rules do apply if they are staying in a cabin with you. There are plenty of activities including swimming in the creek and 4WDing on medium-level tracks. Those interested can get a map of the tracks available on arrival.

• Travel time from Brisbane: two hours
• Campsite: Bush camping
• Dog rules: Dogs are welcome but must be controlled sensibly.

Top 10 things to consider before taking your dog camping

1. Ensure their flea and tick medication is up to date.
2. Pack a leash, tether and stake. This is so you don’t have to constantly hold the leash and it gives them a bit of freedom on a longer rope.
3. Disposable bags to pick up after your dog.
4. Pack portable water and food bowls.
5. Pack dog shampoo to clean the dog before making the trip home in the car.
6. Be considerate to other campers and ensure your dog is not barking.
7. Bring a first aid kit.
8. Ensure they get downtime as they could suffer from heatstroke or stress.
9. Consider temperatures – if it’s summer, keep them cool and if it’s winter, keep them warm.
10. Don’t forget to have fun with them! Pack their favourite toy for play time.