The Best Pet-Friendly Hotels in Australia for 2026
From Sydney's boutique harbourside retreats to Melbourne's dog-welcoming design hotels. The definitive guide to travelling Australia with your pet.
Australia's hotel industry has undergone a quiet revolution when it comes to pets. A decade ago, finding a hotel that welcomed your dog beyond a budget motel on a highway was a challenge. Today, some of the country's finest properties have developed dedicated pet programmes, complete with dog beds, welcome treats, in-room pet menus, and pet-sitter referrals.
Always confirm the hotel's specific pet policy before booking — weight limits, breed restrictions, and room surcharges vary significantly between properties and can change seasonally.
Sydney
Ovolo Woolloomooloo
Ovolo's Woolloomooloo property sits on Sydney's historic Finger Wharf, with floor-to-ceiling water views and a genuinely enthusiastic pet welcome. Dogs receive their own amenity kit on arrival, including a bowl, bed, and treats, and the waterfront promenade is ideal for early morning walks. The hotel is steps from the Domain and a short walk to off-leash areas in Centennial Park.
The Langham, Sydney
Five-star luxury at The Rocks, with a formal pet programme for dogs up to 20kg. Expect turndown treats, a dedicated pet menu, and a pet-friendly concierge who can arrange grooming, dog-sitting, and veterinary referrals. The hotel's position near the Royal Botanic Garden makes for easy walking access.
Melbourne
Novotel Melbourne South Wharf
Well-positioned along the Yarra River, the South Wharf Novotel has pet-friendly rooms with direct access to the Riverside Promenade. The off-leash Southbank parklands are a short walk, and the hotel is well-equipped for travelling pet owners with families.
The Olsen, South Yarra
An apartment-style hotel in Melbourne's leafy South Yarra neighbourhood, The Olsen welcomes small pets with a relaxed attitude. Fawkner Park, one of Melbourne's best off-leash areas, is a five-minute walk.
Brisbane
QT Brisbane
QT's Brisbane property is one of the most dog-friendly design hotels in the city. Small dogs are welcomed with a treat bag and in-room pet bed. The hotel is close to the City Botanic Gardens and the riverside walkway along the Brisbane River.
Regional Escapes
RACV Cape Schanck Resort (Mornington Peninsula)
For Melbourne day-trippers wanting a longer escape, RACV Cape Schanck welcomes dogs in select accommodation. The resort sits on Victoria's stunning Mornington Peninsula, with bush trails, coastal walks and vineyard drives all accessible from the property.
- Always book directly and confirm the pet policy in writing
- Request ground-floor or garden-access rooms for easier pet management
- Ask about nearby off-leash parks and walking trails when you book
- Pack your pet's own bedding — familiar smells reduce anxiety in hotel rooms
Planning to fly to Australia with your pet? Skye Pets operates in-cabin charter flights connecting New Zealand, the UK, and the UAE to Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, with your pet beside you, not below. View available routes or contact our team.
Further Reading
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