We wrote up the best destinations for dog friendly holidays within Northern Territory and dog friendly camping NT.
2021 has been a year that many people would love to forget; bush fires, floods, economic upheaval, mental health issues, daily statistics, loss of family cohesiveness, job losses, working from home for others, business closures, lockdowns, social distancing, restrictions on gatherings, home schooling, isolation, masks, pandemic, deaths, protests, travel restrictions and we still have some of the year to go at the time of writing this introduction.
None of this is a criticism aimed at anyone; more a reminder of just how much has impacted on people everywhere in the world.
Even now it is thought that some restrictions will be ongoing well into 2021 and the economic impact will likely be for several years.
Prior to the pandemic tourism was a major part of the economy in all states and territories within Australia.
There was a domestic market as well as an inbound market from overseas travelers as well as an outbound market for Australians traveling abroad who also contributed to that industry.
After the 2020 bushfire season there was a push to focus on “holidays at home” as a way of stimulating recovery for fire ravaged areas.
The pandemic pretty much put a hold on that. However, we will eventually see travel restrictions lifted and that is where a guide such as this comes in; all states, territories with a selection of different types of dog-friendly properties, holidays, accommodation houses and road trips.
These are our suggested 10 dog friendly holidays within the Northern Territory.
Pet friendly accommodation NT
Here are our ideas for 10 dog friendly holidays within Northern Territory:
- dog friendly camping NT
- dog friendly caravan parks NT
- dog-friendly resorts
- dog friendly road trips NT
- dog-friendly holiday ideas
- dog friendly hotels NT
- luxury dog friendly accommodation NT
- dog friendly weekend getaways
- dog-friendly accommodation NT
- dog friendly accommodation with pool
Northern Territory is a destination that is on a lot of people’s “wish list” to visit one day.
Distance to get there and distance between stopovers are huge.
The impact of those things is big enough for ourselves, but if wanting to take a dog with you that can cause concern for some travelers.
That is why we wanted to include it in our guide; a way of doing some of that research for our readers so that you have a resource to use on that journey.
There are a few important differences in the Northern Territory when you compare it with most other states and territories and these need to be factored in with your travel planning.
Climate is vastly different to southern states; essentially 2 seasons with November to April being the Wet Season (also called the Green Season) and May to October being the Dry Season.
Both have plusses and minuses as rain, flooding, heat and humidity as well as cyclones can put off travelers in the Wet Season and at the same time it creates a whole different look and scenery with the flora and fauna that season brings.
Many accommodation properties are closed in the Wet season.
The Dry Season is the busiest with travelers which can put off some people; it can also get surprisingly cold at night; something the unsuspecting traveler can sometimes overlook with their clothes packing.
There are many signed areas that warn of dangers; not just flooding. In particular, snakes, spiders, crocodiles, jellyfish that all have the potential for loss of human life or your dog’s life.
Read the signage and take note of the warnings.
This is how we have broken down the various regions in the Northern Territory for this guide;
- Darwin & beyond
includes Howard Springs, Batchelor, Berry Springs, Litchfield Park, Adelaide River, Cox Peninsula & Dundee Beach
- Arnhem Land, Katherine & surrounds
includes Daly River, Top Springs, Pine Creek, Kakadu, Nitmiluk, Mataranka, Nhulunbuy & East Arnhem
- Tennant Creek, Central Desert, Alice Springs & Uluru
includes Ooramina, Kings Creek, Kings Canyon, Yulara & Ghan
We hope this guide helps you with your travel planning.
Have a great experience with your ‘holiday at home.’
A detailed look at 10 dog-friendly holiday ideas
Dog friendly camping NT
Darwin & beyond
(includes Howard Springs, Batchelor, Berry Springs, Litchfield Park, Adelaide River, Cox Peninsula & Dundee Beach)
Discovery Parks Darwin Holiday & Caravan Park – Winnellie
Winnellie is a northern suburb of Darwin, around 8.3KM from the Darwin CBD.
This holiday park has their camping sites (& caravan sites) as their dog friendly accommodation option.
Approval is on application and subject to the managers discretion and availability.
Here is a link to their current terms and conditions, including Pet Policy; so that you can read it prior to making your application and booking; https://www.discoveryholidayparks.com.au/terms_and_conditions
Other facilities at the park include a Camp Kitchen, BBQ’s, laundry, bouncing pillow, swimming pool and free WIFI.
PH: 08 8984 3330 or 1800 662 253
Enquiries by phone or email at
Bookings online through https://www.discoveryholidayparks.com.au/caravan-parks/northern-territory/darwin-darwin
11 Farrell Crescent, Winnellie, NT 0820
Dundee Beach Holiday Park – SW of Darwin
Dundee Beach is around 140KM SW of Darwin by road (59KM by sea) at the end of a small peninsula.
The area was developed in the 1990’s and is widely used as a weekend escape for Darwin residents.
However, it also makes an interesting holiday destination.
Although off the beaten track Fog Bay Road; accessed off the B34 is an all-weather sealed road all the way to Dundee Beach.
This park has their camping (& caravan) sites as their dog friendly camping NT options.
Dogs are not permitted in any of the accommodation areas or park buildings.
You will need to make an application for your dog; approval is at the managers discretion, subject to availability and subject to you completing their Terms and Conditions document.
Here is a link to those conditions, including Pet Policy to read prior to contacting the park to make your booking.
https://www.dundeebeachholidaypark.com.au/terms-and-conditions
Other facilities include BBQ’s, coin-operated laundry, and swimming pool.
Mobile phone coverage is limited to Telstra at the time of writing and there is no WIFI. There is a bar, restaurant and boat ramp all close to the park.
PH: 1800 DUNDEE option 2
Enquiries and bookings by phone or email to
20 Dundee Place, Dundee Beach, NT 0840
Arnhem Land, Katherine & surrounds
(includes Daly River, Top Springs, Pine Creek, Kakadu, Nitmiluk, Mataranka, Nhulunbuy & East Arnhem)
Riverview Tourist Village – Katherine
The town of Katherine is on the Katherine River, around 320KM SE of Darwin.
It is also on what is known as the “Savannah Way” that runs for 715KM from Cairns in QLD to Broome in WA and passes through Katherine forming a major inland road link.
The military has a strong presence in the area with RAAF Base Tindal close by.
Tourism is also a major part of the local economy due to its position close to National Parks, thermal springs and important indigenous sites, etc.
This park has their powered and unpowered camping (and caravan) sites as their pet friendly accommodation. We would suggest contacting the park prior to making your booking to make sure your dog will be accepted.
Other facilities include a Camp Kitchen, BBQ’s, laundry and swimming pool.
The Hot Springs, the Low-Level Nature Reserve and the Katherine Museum are all very close to the park.
It is also a good base while you explore other attractions in the area on day trips.
PH: 08 8972 1011
Enquiries by phone or email to
Bookings online through https://www.riverviewtouristvillage.com.au/
440 Victoria Highway, Katherine, NT 0850
Bitter Springs Cabins & Camping – Mataranka area
This park is just inland from the Mataranka Roadhouse on the Stuart Highway.
It is next door to the Bitter Springs Thermal Pools; there are additional thermal springs and pools a short drive away in Mataranka.
It is also close to the Elsey National Park (dogs not permitted).
Bitter Springs Cabins & Camping is dog friendly; dogs are not permitted inside the cabins which won’t be an issue if camping or caravanning. Hence making it a great option for dog friendly camping NT Australia.
Other facilities include a Camp Kitchen and laundry.
From their website there is a detailed map for you to find the property.
PH: 08 89754838
Enquiries by above phone number or email to
Bookings online though https://bitterspringscabins.com.au/
255 Martin Road, Bitter Springs, Mataranka, NT 0852
Tennant Creek, Central Desert, Alice Springs & Uluru
(includes Ooramina, Kings Creek, Kings Canyon, Yulara & Ghan)
Tennant Creek Caravan Park
Tennant Creek is an inland town on the Stuart Highway and not far from the Barkly Highway.
It is around 1,000KM south of Darwin and 500KM north of Alice Springs. It has a strong indigenous history that includes a cultural centre in town, featuring history, the arts and culture.
They advertise as pet friendly and have camping and caravan sites along with cabins.
Other facilities include a Camp Kitchen, BBQ’s, and a coin-operated laundry.
PH: 08 8962 2325
Enquiries or bookings by phone or email to
208 Paterson Street, Tennant Creek, NT 0860
Ayers Rock Campground
Yulara is a small town around 18KM from the UNESCO World Heritage site of Uluru (Ayers Rock) and around 55KM from Kata Tjuta (The Olgas).
It has a dry and arid desert climate. Indigenous culture, history and the arts are a huge part of the experience for this destination and region.
The campground is dog friendly; no dogs are permitted in the National Parks. There are unpowered and powered sites; bookings are essential.
Other facilities include a Camp Kitchen, BBQ’s, laundry, WIFI and a swimming pool.
There is detailed information on the campground and resort on their website; https://www.ayersrockresort.com.au/accommodation/ayers-rock-campground
PH: 1300 134 044
Enquiries and bookings by phone or email to
Yulara Dr, Yulara NT 0872
Thanks for dropping by. If you are travelling around australian be sure to read our posts on dog friendly accommodation NSW and dog friendly accommodation QLD.