Take off with your four-legged friend and this pet-friendly Scenic Rim guide to accommodation, activities, parks and eateries and forget the dog sitter!
Every dog owner knows that holidays and day trips are better when everyone can travel, and that includes your favourite fur person. Just an hour from Brisbane and 30 minutes from the heart of the Gold Coast, the Scenic Rim is very pet friendly. Read on to discover 22 pet friendly Scenic Rim accommodation stays and 14 places where you can eat with your dog.
This region stretches from Canungra to The Lost World, Beaudesert to Boonah, Tamborine Mountain and Kalbar. It is home to ancient World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests, six historic national parks, charming towns and villages, adventure parks, farm stays, craft breweries, boutique wineries, and ecolodges. Expect to find tantalising gourmet experiences, world-class camping and glamping and breathtaking spaces in between.
Bonus – The Scenic Rim was named by global travel authority Lonely Planet as one of the hottest destinations to visit in 2022! Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2022 names the top 10 countries, cities and regions to visit, with the Scenic Rim the only Australian inclusion.
Scenic Rim pet friendly accommodation
Cedar Creek Lodges
Give your dog a well-deserved break from city life by booking at Cedar Creek Lodges on Tamborine Mountain. Pups are welcome to stay with you inside the self-contained, two-bedroom creek lodges. There’s everything you need for your home away from home and private balconies with magnificent views overlooking Cedar Creek. Owners can also explore the surrounding bushwalking tracks with their dogs as long as they are on a lead at all times, and the restaurant and outdoor dining area also welcome dogs.
639 Tamborine Mountain Road (Cnr Cedar Creek Falls Rd & Tamborine Mountain Rd), Tamborine Mountain
Tall Trees Motel
Whether you’re travelling as a couple, with the kids, or with a larger group, there is plenty of room for humans and canines at Tall Trees Motel at North Tamborine. There’s an off-leash dog park nearby so your dog can have a ball and run itself tired meeting some new playmates.
9 Eagle Heights Rd, North Tamborine
Hanoob Views
Sometimes dogs need to ‘paws’ for a while, so let them soak up the fresh country air with a visit to Hanoob Views, a private retreat just out of Boonah. Sprawled out on a 10-acre property, there are two pet-friendly houses to rent – The Villa and The Cottage – which are private from each other and have fenced yards so your dog can do some exploring on its own.
2278 Carney’s Creek Road, Carney’s Creek
The Grove Cottage, B&B
Let your pets enjoy the lush green grass of the olive grove at The Grove Cottage Boonah. On arrival, your dog will be treated like royalty with healthy doggie treats, a washtub for muddy paws, and they’re even welcome to take a dip in the pool!
58 Kulgun Road, Kulgun
The Old Church Bed and Breakfast
The Old Church Bed and Breakfast self-contained studio features a queen bed, fireplace and a separate sitting/kitchen area, which is located next to the Old Church in the original picnic shed. Lake Moogerah is also a great place for walks just a short drive away.
438 Milford Road, Boonah
The Cottages on Tamborine Mountain
These quaint little cottages all feature names of Australian birds, each offering a unique experience. The Cottages on Tamborine Mountain owners are happy to accommodate your four-legged friend. Still, they appreciate a message in advance so they can prepare your cottage for your arrival.
23 Kootenai Drive, Tamborine Mountain, Gold Coast
Wongari Eco Retreat
When you escape to one of Wongari Eco Retreat self-contained cabins, the owners will happily provide pet bowls and mats as a little extra courtesy and a doggie welcome gift pack which includes a toy and dental chews. The cabins offer bathrobes, linen, towels, kitchen spices, toiletries and more. You’re free to take your dog for a nice long walk or head to one of the nearby pet-friendly cafes and pubs.
3191 Christmas Creek Road, Lamington
Scenic Rim Adventure Park
If you enjoy roughing it with your doggo, pets are welcome to camp with you when you pitch your tent at the Scenic Rim Adventure Park in Tamrookum Creek. Of course, pets must be kept on a lead at all times, but they will enjoy lots of pats and cuddles from not only you but plenty of other guests who can’t refuse those puppy dog eyes.
636 Tamrookum Creek Road, Tamrookum Creek
Tamborine Retreat
Treat your puppy to its own private sanctuary at the Tamborine Retreat. The house offers two ensuite bedrooms, an open plan lounge and dining room, with French doors opening onto the rainforest on one side and glass doors opening onto the covered verandah and a view of the coastline. All you need to do is enter your pet’s details in the special requirements portion of the reservation request form.
29-33 Alpine Terrace, Tamborine Mountain
Beaudesert Caravan and Tourist Park
Suppose you’re after some extended rest and relaxation. In that case, you’ll be glad to hear the owners of Beaudesert Caravan and Tourist Park allow pets and their owners to stay for two weeks so you can catch up on some rest and stretch your legs. The park features several cabins, onsite vans, powered sites and unpowered sites.
57-63 Albert Street, Beaudesert
Hammermeister House
Located on a third of an acre in Boonah, Hammermeister House offers plenty of space for your pets to play and unleash some of their extra energy. This historic Queenslander provides accommodation for up to six guests in three bedrooms, two with direct access to the wrap-around verandahs.
22 Mountview Close, Boonah
Moogerah Lake Houses
Pick from two pet-friendly houses at Moogerah Lake Houses. Both sleep up to nine people and come fully furnished so you can feel at home during your stay, with a large, fenced yard with plenty of space for the pups, youngsters and young at heart to play in.
11, 5, 7 & 15 Greville Street, 49 Fritz Road, Lake Moogerah
Sharp Park Riverbend Country Bush Camping
The owners at Sharp Park River Bend Bush Camping are happy for you to bring along your fur baby, provided they are on a leash at all times. It’s also a great spot to do some fishing, swimming and nature walks.
3095 Beechmont Road, Witheren
Worendo Bed and Breakfast Cottages
Overlooking the mountains of the Lamington National Park in Darlington, Worendo Bed and Breakfast Cottages has several cottages to suit every need and every budget. Some of the cabins are fully fenced, meaning your dog will be happy and safe during your getaway. The owners can also provide you with some suggested itineraries so you can make the most of your time away.
97 Cedar Glen Road, Darlington,
Barney Creek Vineyard Cottages
Situated on the doorstep of the World Heritage-listed Mount Barney National Park, Barney Creek Vineyard Cottages offers five accommodation options, ranging from bungalows to cottages and even a camping cabin. The houses are dog-friendly, so you can sit back and relax or explore the countryside with your dog.
198 Seidenspinner Rd, Mt Barney
Hilly Ridge
This beautifully renovated Queenslander is located high on Green Hills Road, outside Boonah. Enjoy the sunset and a night of stargazing from the deck as you happily pat your best mate, who will be sitting next to you, enjoying the ambience. Dogs are allowed by prior arrangement at Hilly Ridge, and there are plenty of walks nearby.
Cannon Creek
Yarramalong Outdoor Recreation Centre
This 160-acre property close to Lake Moogerah offers cabin accommodation and plenty of space to pitch your tent or park your camper trailer. There is lots to see and do during your visit at Yarramalong Outdoor Recreation Centre, including paddling, swimming, fishing and exploring the nearby bushwalking trails.
688 Lake Moogerah Road, Kalbar
Tamborine Mountain Caravan and Camping
Tamborine Mountain Caravan and Camping is situated within the grounds of Thunderbird Park on Cedar Creek Falls Rd, and guests can enjoy plenty of activities onsite. Pets are allowed on both the powered and unpowered sites, but not in the safari tent accommodation.
Tamborine Mountain Road, Tamborine Mountain
Lake Maroon Holiday Park
The popular Lake Maroon Holiday Park offers many accommodation options, from camping to self-contained houses. So you and your pet will enjoy the simple life as you spend a weekend away playing endless games of fetch.
535 Burnett Creek Rd, Maroon
Cedar Glen Farmstay
Cedar Glen Farmstay sits at the foothills of the ‘Lost World’ section of Lamington National Park. It’s a real working farm and has been a farm stay for over 30 years. Pets must be kept on a leash at all times.
3338 Kerry Rd, Beaudesert
Kath Rose takes her pup on a big day out in the Scenic Rim.
Pet friendly Scenic Rim eateries and businesses
Where can you go from your Scenic Rim pet friendly accommodation and explore with your dog?
North Stores
An environmentally sustainable and architecturally designed food, art and nature precinct in the heart of Tamborine Mountain, high in the Gold Coast hinterland, with an eatery, art gallery and a ceramics studio. Picnic Real Food Bar offers takeaway, take-home and eat-in food, natural wine, craft beer and speciality coffee. Take a seat on the deck, or take a picnic box, so you enjoy the view from one of the many scenic spots across the mountain. For breakfast or lunch, North Stores is a good stop to stock up on provisions or browse the artworks.
46 Main Street, North Tamborine
Kooroomba Vineyard
Take in the aromas and vistas of the lavender fields while sipping on estate wine and award-winning dishes at Kooroomba Vineyard Restaurant in Boonah. The six-hectare vineyard boasts a cellar door, restaurant, lavender shop as well as a wedding and function venue.
Arthur Clives Bakery in Boonah
Get your bakery fix and order traditional homemade pies at Arthur Clives Bakery in Boonah.
Valley Kitchen Kooralbyn
Soak up the atmosphere of the Kooralbyn Valley and enjoy the rolling hills and wildlife while you enjoy the all-day breakfast, lunch, coffee or a slice of cake.
The Shed Café at Rathlogan Olive Grove
True to its name, this café can be found in a rural shed but is well known for its country hospitality, amazing views, hot pies, sandwiches and sweet treats.
Scenic Rim Farm Shop and Café
This glorious hyper-local flavour hub is nestled under towering 120-year-old Jacarandas and is surrounded by working farms. Enjoy local coffee and fresh local food prepared by regional food ambassador Kate Raymont, and shop fresh produce and specialty items. It’s also home to Elderflower Farm’s garden shop for fresh cut flowers (grown on-site) and the acclaimed Scenic Rim Farm Box. Pets on leash, please.
VK Everyday Beaudesert
Enjoy brunch or a late lunch in Beaudesert’s main street.
Bean To
Enjoy the sunshine with your pet as you watch the busy township of Beaudesert at Bean To. Their cabinet features an array of homemade treats to try.
Beaudesert Café
Try a range of international cuisines and favourites such as croissants, cakes, sandwiches, and more at Beaudesert Café.
Café Metz
Drop by Café Metz in Canungra to enjoy their all-day breakfast menu, which includes pancakes, egg and bacon rolls, omelettes, French toast and more.
The Gallery Café
Start your day off with a Devonshire tea, treat yourself to a loaded shake, and a variety of slices and cakes at the Gallery Café in Tamborine Mountain.
The Outpost Café
Whether you’re after a pie, sausage roll, spinach, fetta and ricotta wrap, or something a little heartier, you can find all that and more at The Outpost Café in Canungra.
The Flying Bean Café
Have your smashed avo on toast with money left over for a coffee at the Flying Bean Café in Beechmont. They also offer an extensive lunch and drinks menu.
My Country Escape
This clothing and homewares store in Canungra welcomes dogs and has water bowls and resting seats at the front and rear of the business.
Off-leash dog parks
If your pet needs a stretch or to let out all its zoomies, head to one of the local off-leash dog parks: Youngman Family Park on Geissman Drive on Tamborine Mountain; Staffsmith Park on the corner of Southport Avenue and Central Ave, Tamborine Mountain; and Moriarty Park on Coburg Road, Canungra.
More things to do in the Scenic Rim
Now you’ve found Scenic Rim pet friendly accommodation, here’s what you can do in the region.
