{"id":15530,"date":"2023-03-08T09:30:00","date_gmt":"2023-03-07T23:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.travelnuity.com\/?p=15530"},"modified":"2024-04-15T10:57:14","modified_gmt":"2024-04-15T00:57:14","slug":"dog-friendly-northern-territory","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.travelnuity.com\/dog-friendly-northern-territory\/","title":{"rendered":"Dog-Friendly Northern Territory: Travelling with a Dog"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Northern Territory is one of the most spectacular regions of Australia<\/a> to visit, from the wetlands of Kakadu to the desert monolith of Uluru. But what’s is like to travel in the Northern Territory with a dog? While it isn’t the most dog-friendly region of Australia, it’s still possible to see the sights and travel with your dog with some adjustments.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Note: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive commission if you make a purchase using the links.<\/em> See my full disclaimer<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dog-Friendly Holiday Ideas for Northern Territory<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While many of the top sights of the Northern Territory are located within national parks, there’s still some impressive places that it’s possible to visit along with your dog. Make sure you add these to your Northern Territory bucket list when travelling with a dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Gaze Upon Uluru<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Uluru, previously known as Ayers Rock, is located within the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, where dogs are strictly not allowed. However, it’s still possible to visit the vicinity with your dog, with pets permitted on campsites at the Ayers Rock Campground<\/a> at the nearby resort township of Yulara. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While you’ll likely want to organise some local pet sitting (see more below) to explore this wonder up close, including the sunrise and sunset lookouts, the walk around the base of Uluru and a road trip to nearby Kata Tjuta, make time to enjoy a sunset with your dog at your side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There’s a couple of lookouts around Yulara outside of the national park, that you can visit with your dog. On the hill at the centre of Yulura is Imalung Lookout, or alternatively head slightly further out to Ewing Lookout. While the views aren’t as spectacular as from closer in, they’re still magnificent spots to watch the sun set over Uluru with your dog by your side. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Visit the Devils Marbles (Karlu Karlu)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Uluru isn’t the only impressive rock formation in the Northern Territory. Further north in the centre of the Territory, about 400km north of Alice Springs<\/a>, are the Devils Marbles, or Karlu Karlu. Located just off the Stuart Highway, which runs the length of the Territory, it’s a must-stop destination on road trip along the Stuart Highway<\/a>.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The granitic boulders are located in the Karlu Karlu \/ Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve, which has limited access for dogs. Dogs are permitted within the carpark and the day-use areas, but not on the walking trails or at the campsite. Luckily, some boulders are located right next to the carpark and day-use area, meaning that you can see them and take some photos with your dog still at your side. <\/p>\n\n\n

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Checking out the Devils Marbles from the carpark area<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Ideally, if you’re travelling with someone else, take turns to stay at the carpark and walk one or two of the short walks starting from the main carpark (only 10-20 minutes per walk). There’s a sheltered picnic table and an information shelter (even with limited wifi) for the person staying behind.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Dogs aren’t allowed on the walks at the Devils Marbles<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n
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The interesting formations at Devils Marbles (Karlu Karlu)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

As the adjacent campsite doesn’t permit dogs, instead head 10km south to the Devils Marbles Hotel<\/a> in Wauchope. While dogs are not permitted inside the motel rooms, they are allowed in the caravan park and beer garden. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Stop at the Daly Waters Pub<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Another iconic place to stop on a road trip through the Northern Territory<\/a> is the Daly Waters Pub<\/a>, about 600km south of Darwin. One of the most colourful and well-known pubs in the Australian outback, its exterior and interior are decorated with colourful paraphernalia and souvenirs from past visitors.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n

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Outside the iconic Daly Waters Pub<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

We didn’t find the pub as dog-friendly as expected, with dogs not permitted in the beer garden, only at the tables out the front (nearly all occupied by dogs and their owners during the lunchtime we visited!) We were however impressed with the quality and prices of their burgers and beers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s also possible to spend the night at the Daly Waters Pub, with dogs permitted in the adjacent caravan park, plus also in three of the motel rooms and one cabin for an extra fee (just keep them off the bed). For camping during the peak season, it’s advisable to arrive by lunchtime to have a chance to grab a site, at least for powered sites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As well as a beautiful looking pool that we didn’t sample, there’s also some historic sites to check out around Daly Waters. The aviation complex is home to the oldest airport hangar in the NT, with no restrictions on dogs joining you for a wander through the site. Also nearby is the historic Stuart Tree. <\/p>\n\n\n

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The historic airport hangar at Daly Waters<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

4. Stroll Through the Darwin Botanic Gardens<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The northernmost destination of a Northern Territory road trip is Darwin<\/a>, a small city that I found surprisingly dog-friendly, with some great dog-friendly sightseeing options and off-leash parks. One of our favourite spots that we visited with our dog were the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Exploring the George Darwin Botanic Gardens with our dog<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Located just outside of the city centre and not far from Mindil Beach (which permits dogs except in the park during the famous food markets), dogs are incredibly allowed off-leash in the Darwin Botanic Gardens. Just make sure you keep your dog under control and it doesn’t disturb other visitors, so this privilege isn’t taken away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The gardens are a wonderful spot to escape the harsh tropical sun and go for a shady walk, particularly along the Rainforest Loop and in the adjacent Shade Forest. Other highlights include the Cycad Garden and Dinosaur Trail. <\/p>\n\n\n

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The Rainforest Loop is beautifully shady and cool<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

If you want to stay longer, stop in at Eva’s Cafe<\/strong> in the gardens, open daily for breakfast, lunch or just a coffee or cold drink. There’s two huge outdoor dining areas, both in front and behind the cafe, with dogs welcome to join you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Visit Marlow Lagoon Dog Park<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

After visiting every mainland state and territory with my dog, I’m convinced that the Marlow Lagoon Dog Park is one of the best dog parks in Australia, not just in the Northern Territory. Make sure you visit this dog park during your time in the Top End!<\/p>\n\n\n

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The excellent Marlow Lagoon Dog Park in Palmerston<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Located in Palmerston City, south of Darwin proper, the huge dog park is located on the northern side of Marlow Lagoon. When driving in, turn right and head towards the BMX track.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite its size, the Marlow Lagoon Dog Park is still fully fenced. There’s also not just one fenced area, with three smaller fenced areas for smaller and quiet dogs, alongside the huge area along one side of the lagoon. There’s also a range of agility equipment, plus a BBQ and picnic table in the main area, and plenty of shade and water. <\/p>\n\n\n

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Just some of the agility equipment at Marlow Lagoon Dog Park<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

During my visit in 2021, there was a sign warning of the possibility of an estuarine crocodile in the lagoon. Locals said to disregard this, however, following recent reports of a crocodile nest near Palmerston, I would be wary of allowing your dog to swim in the lagoon, at least before checking the latest signs and with other local dog owners. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check out more of my recommendations for the best fenced dog parks in the NT.<\/a> <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dog-Friendly Regional Guides<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For more ideas on dog-friendly sightseeing, parks, dining and accommodation, check out my additional dog-friendly guides for the Northern Territory:<\/p>\n\n\n\n