Overview
Gone are the days of choosing between man's best friend and man's perfect holiday - there are more dog-friendly hotels, spas and getaway cottages in Queensland to pick from than ever before.
And it's not just the big cities that are catering to pet parents and fur babies. You and your pooch can pack your bags and hit the road for surf beaches, dog-friendly wine tours, idyllic hinterland serenity and eco-friendly retreats to soothe the soul.
Check out the best of what's on offer for you and Fido throughout the Sunshine State at these pet-friendly accommodations.
Recommended reads:
The Best Hotels in Brisbane
The Best Glamping Sites Near Brisbane
The Best Dog-Friendly Cafes, Bars and Restaurants in Brisbane
SPICERS, VARIOUS QUEENSLAND LOCATIONS
The Spicers group offers a series of luxury pet-friendly stays across Queensland for travellers hitting town and country. Stay in the urban heart of New Farm at Balfour, a stone's throw from parks, bars and the winding River Walk. Head to the Sunshine Coast Hinterland and Tamarind Retreat for rainforest luxury stays in a South-East-Asian-influenced wellness hotel. Enjoy French-inspired luxury at Clovelly Estate in Montville in the lavish guest house suites or private, self-contained cottage. Or stay in the historic Chinese Cottage near Hidden Vale homestead, set among 12,000 acres of serene bush at Grandchester - and don't miss the famed paddock-to-plate dining at Homage Restaurant. Wherever your next escape might be, the Spicer's Pooch Package includes bedding, bowls and little treats, and a warm welcome and tummy rubs (for the pup, of course).
SALTWATER VILLAS, MOOLOOLABA
Make your next Sunshine Coast weekend a little more 'extra'. Saltwater Villas offers the best of both worlds: canal-side accommodation tucked away from the main street high-rises but with all the cafes, bars and restaurants of the Esplanade just a wander away. All villas are pet-friendly with private enclosed courtyards, and they offer dog-minding and dog-walking by prior appointment. You'll find this service invaluable if you're booking one of their in-house massages, pedicures, facials and spa treatments. If you'd prefer some soothing beach-therapy, head into town with the pooch and walk along the rock wall and water's edge, watching the waves roll in. Stop for lunch at a cafe, grab a drink at The Good Bar or make the most of the famous Mooloolaba seafood by cooking up a storm in the villa kitchen - with your best friend by your side.
LILLYPILLY'S, MALENY
An easy drive from Brisbane brings you to Lillypilly's spa getaway. It's your perfect escape from the hustle and bustle in the charm of a private country cottage - without sacrificing all the modern conveniences of air con, coffee machine and wifi, plus spa treatments, gourmet additions or a full 'spoil yourself' package. Relax on the verandah or daybed with tranquil views over the lake and rolling hills. If you and the pup get restless, head out and about to explore the towns and nature walks of the Sunshine Coast hinterland before you return for the night. Massage for you, fresh air for the pooch and a cosy living room with a crackling fire that everyone can snuggle up in front of. Pawfect.
MT COTTON RETREAT, MOUNT COTTON
Fancy a green getaway for you and your furry friend? Mt Cotton Retreat has Advanced Eco Certified status and a 20-hectare nature reserve and koala conservation program. The rustic 'treetop' cabin is the perfect place to unplug and unwind. It's all about the simple pleasures of you and your pup together. Wander through woodland, spot wildlife in the trees, listen for the creek after the rains, enjoy utter peace and quiet. For an elegant touch to your bush retreat, you can arrange a gourmet picnic hamper for the humans - but you'll need to BYO canine catering. There are lovely spots nearby for easy day trips, including a local winery. Best of all, this pet-friendly stay in Queensland is only a 30-minute drive from Brisbane.
OVOLO, THE VALLEY, BRISBANE
All creatures deserve the Ovolo creature comforts, and now your four-legged friend can enjoy them thanks to its V.I.Pooch package. Your pets will get a special bed, mat and bowl plus a goodie bag with toys and treats. And humans get complimentary breakfast, snacks, a 24-hour gym and your own loot bag (with different treats, of course). If you want to get out and explore The Valley nightlife - after your hotel sundowner drinks during 'social hour' - you can arrange dog-sitting via the pup-loving Ovolo staff. The Ovolo is more than a stylish getaway: it wants to be known as Queensland's best dog-friendly hotel - let them try to prove it to you.
BRIAR ROSE COTTAGES, STANTHORPE
All aboard a dog-friendly wine tour of the Granite Belt. Set up a luxe base camp at Briar Rose Cottages, just 1km outside of Stanthorpe (which happens to be one our favourite day trip destinations from Brisbane). These three darling little cottages are straight out of a picture book. Think, 'aspirational country chic'. Crackling woodfire heating, white wicker chairs on the verandah and heritage elegance with a welcoming, homey feel. They're self-contained, for 2, 4 or 6 people, but as there's no fence on the property, you'll just have to keep the doggo on a leash when you're outside. When you've settled in, head out to one of the numerous dog-friendly wineries, including Ridgemill Estate, Robert Cannon Wines, Summit Estate and the trendy Symphony Hill Wines. A tasting for you, some head-pats for the pup, then return to your cosy country abode.
W BRISBANE, NORTH QUAY
Fantastic news: your doggo can now enjoy the Marriott luxury, too. The five-star W Hotel in South Bank welcomes well-behaved pooches to join its pet-parents for an indulgent city getaway. Admittedly, your fur baby probably won't appreciate the fun, quirky, Aussie-inspired design choices of the W, and they might not think much of the view over the river, Mt Coot-tha and the suburbs beyond. That's all for your enjoyment. And you'll need to leave them with a sitter when you dine at the restaurant and hit up the sun-drenched rooftop pool. But together you can take in the city sights. Jump on a ferry, wander along the river, explore the vibrant West End and Southbank arts district, and stop in at one of the many pooch-friendly pubs and cafes.
NOOSA HINTERLAND RETREATS, NOOSA
There's no reason why your pooch has to miss out on a sunny surf holiday at Noosa. Head into the hinterland for a bit of R&R in a completely private and self-contained apartment just 20 minutes' drive from the main beach. The Hinterland Suite on the ground floor has a fenced private yard with an enviable view of Mt Cooroy. A queen size bed and spacious living area provides ample room to relax, and there's a bushwalk trail nearby when you need to stretch your legs. Drive down and explore Noosa at your leisure, pick up local gourmet provisions or stop in at one of the many dog-friendly cafes, such as Aromas at Noosa Heads.
WONGARI ECO RETREAT, SCENIC RIM
Because pets are family too, Wongari Eco Retreat welcomes well-behaved doggos with open arms — so you and your pup can reconnect with nature together. The house rules are simple: don't make a mess, don't worry the wildlife and don't leave the pooch alone in the cabin. You can take them with you on your adventures along nearby bushwalks or let them run freely through wide open spaces. Serenity cabin is tucked away in a secluded pocket of forest, while Bimbul cabin — which runs on renewable hydropower — has open views across the Hoop Pines. Bowls are provided, but BYO food and bedding. Live your idyllic rustic dream around the Scenic Rim as you bake bread in the woodfired oven, watch the sunset over the hills and enjoy the simple pleasures of rural life with your pup. Absolute bliss.
TREETOPS RETREAT, CAIRNS
Craving the tropical heat and clear blue seas of beautiful Far North Queensland? Make a road trip north with a few pals and rent out this spacious treehouse getaway. Set amongst the heritage-listed Crystal Cascade rainforest, Treetops Retreat has space for nine people — and your pup. This luxury retreat has everything you need to recharge and replenish your energy in style: wooden sauna, pool, tranquil garden and an outdoor Bali daybed. Fling open the wide doors and let the sounds and scents of the rainforest wash over you. You're just a short drive from Cairns or the foodie hotspot of Port Douglas, but if you'd rather stay in and have fun, you can gather around the pool table for a game, or book a private nature experience via the host. When it gets too hot, just lie back in a hammock while your pup plays on the deck - just keep them off the leather couches and you'll be as golden as the FNQ sunshine.
Feeling inspired to book a truly unique getaway? Head to Concrete Playground Trips to explore a range of holidays curated by our editorial team. We've teamed up with all the best providers of flights, stays and experiences to bring you a series of unforgettable trips in destinations all over the world.
Top image: W Brisbane