From dog-friendly beaches to the most amazing dog-friendly accommodation South Australia has to offer, there’s a whole world of pawsome fun waiting for you and your pups. If you’re looking for the lowdown, this comprehensive dog-friendly guide to South Australia will help you create the most memorable trip.
Plus, if you're looking for house sitting opportunities in South Australia or need a reliable South Australia pet sitter, read on to find out more!
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Dog-friendly parks in South Australia
Here are some of the best dog-friendly parks in South Australia to let your dogs run free while you enjoy the refreshing breeze.
Semapaw Dog Park
Placed in Semaphore, this fenced paradise features agility equipment, shady seating for pet parents, and plenty of space for your dog to make new fur-iends!
Location: Military Road & Edwin St, Semaphore Park SA
Hazelmere Road Reserve Dog Park
Tucked away in Glengowrie, this park has separate areas for big and small dogs, water stations, and ample running space.
Location: Hazelmere Rd & Oaklands Road, Glengowrie SA
Clonlea Reserve Dog Park
This huge open space offers agility equipment, picnic areas, and a friendly pup community in Gawler.
Location: Murray Rd, Gawler SA
Dog-friendly restaurants in South Australia
Looking for meals with your doggos? Here are some of the best dog-friendly places in South Australia to grab a bite together:
Fare and Square
A friendly eatery in the heart of Adelaide, this restaurant offers a dedicated dog menu alongside human delicacies.
Location: 6/8 Wellington Square, North Adelaide SA
Bloom
This Torrensville restaurant features a leafy courtyard where pups can lounge while owners indulge in fresh, locally sourced dishes.
Location: 38 Winwood St, Thebarton SA
Pixie and The Hawk
A warm restaurant with a chilled atmosphere in Adelaide where the brunch is legendary, and dogs are always welcome!
Location: 144 Henley Beach Rd, Torrensville SA
Fun dog-friendly activities in South Australia
There’s no shortage of awesome dog-friendly activities in South Australia. You and your canine companions can spend time together to:
Visit Hahndorf German Village
Located just 25 minutes from Adelaide, take a stroll through this charming Bavarian-inspired town, where many shops welcome dogs.
Cost: Free
Date and time: Open year round
Location: Hahndorf SA
Explore Flinders Ranges
In the Flinders Ranges, you can take an epic dog-friendly walk through the breathtaking rugged landscapes and historic outback towns, all while soaking in the beauty of South Australia’s vast wilderness.
Cost: Free
Date and time: Open year round
Location: South Australia
Stay at Point Turton Caravan Park
A relaxing seaside getaway with pet-friendly accommodation, stunning coastal views, and cabins that have the panoramic views of Hardwicke Bay.
Cost: Varies ($40 to $50)
Date and time: Open daily
Location: 3982+HH, Bayview Rd, Point Turton SA
Best dog-friendly walking trails in South Australia
Lace up your walking shoes and grab the leash for these stunning dog-friendly trails in South Australia:
Grand Belair Loop
A beautiful hike through Belair National Park with breathtaking views, natural bushland, and numerous picnic areas.
Location: Upper Sturt Rd, Belair SA
Length: 6 km
Marino Conservation Park
Offers breathtaking coastal views with well-maintained walking paths ideal for active pups.
Location: Nimboya Rd, Marino SA
Length: 3 km
Blackwood Forest Recreation Park
An enchanting woodland trail with off-leash areas and shady areas for a relaxing walk.
Location: Hawthorndene SA
Length: 5 km
The best dog-friendly cafes in South Australia
Nothing beats a coffee date with your dog. These dog-friendly cafes in South Australia are a must-visit!
My Kingdom for a Horse Cafe
A trendy café in Adelaide offering fresh, ethically sourced coffee and a spacious dog-friendly patio.
Location: 191 Wright St, Adelaide SA
Cafe Komodo
A retro-inspired hidden cafe in Prospect with an outdoor area for pups and available function space without a hire fee.
Location: 118 Prospect Rd, Prospect SA
Pavé Cafe
Located in Clarence Park, this cosy dog-friendly café provides water bowls and dog treats while you sip on artisanal coffee.
Location: 138b The Parade, Norwood SA
Annual dog events in South Australia
Celebrate your love for dogs by attending these exciting events:
The Pet Show Adelaide
A fun expo featuring pet products, demonstrations, and activities for dogs and other pets as well.
Cost: $15 per person
Date and time: Annually in May
Location: Adelaide Showgrounds
Australian Cattle Dog Club of SA
A gathering of cattle dog enthusiasts featuring competitions and social events.
Cost: Free
Date and time: Annually in March
Location: David Roche Park
Groomarama
An exciting grooming competition to showcase the skills of local groomers and promote the art of pet grooming.
Cost: Free
Date and time: Annually in June
Location: Wayville, South Australia
The best dog-friendly bars in South Australia
Sip on something nice while your pup enjoys the social scene at these dog-friendly bars in South Australia!
Cumbia Bar & Kitchen
A lively Latin-inspired bar in Adelaide serving delicious tapas and cocktails in a pet-friendly setting.
Location: GR Central Market, 43 Grote St, Adelaide SA
Good Gilbert Wine Bar
A popular wine bar in Goodwood with an inviting outdoor space for an evening with your dogs.
Location: 135B Goodwood Rd, Goodwood SA
The Duke of Brunswick Hotel
One of the most famous dog-friendly pubs in South Australia, or Adelaide to be precise. This bar serves gluten-free fare, cocktails, & a luxurious wine list.
Location: 207 Gilbert St, Adelaide SA
Dog-friendly wineries in South Australia
These are several wineries where you can sip wine while being accompanied by your dogs in South Australia!
DogRidge Winery
A boutique McLaren Vale winery that’s also a majestic art gallery where dogs can roam freely while their humans enjoy a tasting.
Location: 129 Bagshaws Rd, McLaren Flat SA
South Coast Brewing Co.
A micro-brewery with craft beers and a laid-back industrial feel, that’s also pet-friendly.
Location: 1/11 Jay Dr, Willunga SA
Shapeshifter Brewing Co.
An exciting brewery in Findon known for its experimental brews, live performances, and dog-friendly beer garden.
Location: Unit 2/54 Crittenden Rd, Findon SA
Dog-friendly beaches in South Australia
Beach days are better with your pup in tow! Check out these dog-friendly beaches, South Australia, perfect for a splash:
West Beach
A spacious stretch of sand where dogs can run leash-free in designated areas.
Location: West Beach, South Australia
O’Sullivan Beach
Located in the seaside suburb of the southern Adelaide metropolitan area. This is a fully off-leash beach with calm waters, ideal for doggy paddling.
Location: O’Sullivan Beach, South Australia
Hallett Cove Beach
A picturesque, dog-friendly destination in South Australia with stunning coastal views, calming colors, and plenty of space for furry babies to explore.
Location: Hallett Cove Beach, South Australia
Tips for pet parents
Let’s face it, following this dog-friendly guide to South Australia is bound to create unforgettable memories with your beloved pup. Here are some bonus tips to keep your time in South Australia hassle-free:
Tip 1. Meet up with your pet sitter first
Sometimes, exploring South Australia calls for a pet sitter, especially when certain activities require you to leave your furry friend behind. Make sure to meet your pet sitter in person first, and let your pet meet them in a calm setting before leaving to ease your pup’s anxiety. Give them time to build trust through treats and gentle interactions.
Tip 2. Be aware of local wildlife & weather
South Australia is home to native wildlife like snakes and kangaroos, especially near national parks and bushwalking trails. Hot summers can be extreme, so avoid walks during peak heat and keep your dogs hydrated!
Tip 3. Prepare for emergencies
Make a list of useful contacts in case something goes wrong, including vet and nearest emergency clinic details. If you’ve a pet sitter, pass on this information to them and make sure they know where to find carriers, leashes, and first-aid supplies.
Tip 4. Find dog-friendly accommodation in South Australia
There are numerous options for dog-friendly accommodation in South Australia, from pet-friendly hotels to vacation villas your pet companion will love.
But what about when the time comes for you to go on vacation without your furry friend? Pets are happiest at home, and vets agree–so why not consider welcoming an in-home pet sitter to keep your home and pets safe while you're away? To find out more, click below:
Finding a pet sitter
Tips for pet sitters
You’ve seen how dog-friendly South Australia is. It provides tons of options to engage in calming or adventurous pet sitting sessions. However, being a great sitter isn’t just about keeping a dog entertained! Here’s how to do it right:
Tip 1. Always learn each venue’s rules
Whether visiting various dog-friendly places or booking pet-friendly accommodation in South Australia, always confirm pet policies beforehand to avoid disappointment. Some places may have leash requirements or restricted areas.
Tip 2. Understand the dog’s daily needs
Every dog has their own feeding, exercise, and sleep schedule. Ask the owner about their pet’s habits and any quirks or anxieties (such as fear of loud noises or separation issues).
Tip 3. Learn nearby emergency vets
Know the location of the nearest vets in case of an unexpected issue. Having a list of pet stores and 24-hour vets can be a lifesaver during longer stays or dog-friendly road trips.
