Tuesday, Feb 15, 2011 at 19:38
Hi there Ian.
Travelling with dogs is not as easy as travelling without, saying that, travelling with kids is more hassle than travelling with just a pack of blokes! So I guess it's all compromise.
We started this trek with my 10 year old kelpie cross, and my wifes 3 month old border collie, so 2 active dogs. We couldn't think of a better way to bring up a
young dog, though I'd understand if some thought we were crazy. Our dogs were our family befoer our kids came around, and they still are, so leaving them with someone else would have been to give my dog away for good.
We do, obviously, have dramas with national parks, we simply can not
camp in these areas. However to be told that the only
places worth camping are in national parks is pretty ignorant.
As to Van parks, we prefere bush camping, however thats not always possible. Therefore camping in van parks does require a bit of time and effort into research them. I can't really recomend a website as such, but we just do a few different searches, and end up finding something. I also try to make sure that even if it's a dog friendly park, that there is enough room for us to be a bit away from people, 2 dogs and 2 kids does get a bit full on for some people.
Our dogs are
well trained, but at night they are always on a lead. Our dogs don't wander off, but I don't sleep too
well if I'm not sure where they are. Bush camping there is always the
dingo around, and my dog is sure to sniff them out and say hi, just peace of mind I guess knowing they are always safe.
As for camps, once we know enough people and sure not to offend anyone, we'll let them off most of the day, but are very aware of who is keen and not so to have our mutts sniffing around.
I can't really recomend any GREAT sites to do with dogs and camping, I think the best way is to get a few quides, such as Camps Aus wide, and also Camping in Aus (by explore OZ i think) and usually they tell you where dogs can go. I personally found 'bush camping with dogs' to be a waste of time once you have these 2 books.
Basically heaps of research makes you better informed, and don't give up at once if you think dogs are a no go. One of our best camps, the Camps book said was 'no dogs' but the council did allow them. So glad I rang the council to
check it out.
Anyway, if youre after any more info, please do ask. As much as it made it more effort to travell, we'd have it no other way.
Good luck, live your dream!
Troy
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