Australia Pet Friendly HotelsAustralia Pet Friendly Hotels

Australia is pet-friendly in regards to dogs, cats and horses. Smaller caged animals, fish and birds, not so much. Your vet can give you all the information about the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) rules, but in general pets must be microchipped and have current veterinary certificate saying they are healthy and up to date on their shots. The amount of quarantine time varies, depending on the country of origin. There are quarantine facilities in both Sydney and Melbourne.

Sydney has some excellent pet-friendly hotels with low cost rooms. This harbor city is modern and happening, but venture into the Rock and find markets, cafes and shops along cobbled streets. Cruise the harbor, especially at night when the famous Opera House and the Harbour Bridge are splashed with lights. Take the ferry across to the explore beaches along the ocean shore. Or shop the trendy boutiques in Paddington.

Melbourne is further down under, just a short ferry ride from Tasmania. Tour Chinatown, and the Queen Victoria Market on Saturdays brimming with the freshest foods around. Tour Federation Square or head for the chic bars and shops along Brunswick Street, to shop, dine and dance into the night.

Brisbane is located on the river inland form the coast. But, you can ferry to the ocean beaches. Not too far south is Fingal Head Beach in Kingscliffe with an off-leash section. Cafe owners along the shore have been known to offer them bowls of water and a pat on the head. Brisbane offers culture, shopping and lots of sporting fun from bungee jumping to snorkeling in the reefs on Moreton Island or kayaking along the river banks. Tour the Queensland Museum and the botanical gardens. Trek over to the Lone Pine Sanctuary to see Australian animals up close.