Real advice on travelling with dogs from a couple who caravan full-time. Jacqui shares set-up hacks, fencing tips and the beaches Georgie and Bella love.
If your dogs love the beach as much as Jacqui and Rob Woods do, you’re in luck - there are so many great spots to explore.
The couple, who are semi-retired and love being able to work on the road from their 2023 On The Move Traxx Series 4 couples van, have loved travelling with their two dogs, Georgie and Bella.
They’ve loved visiting Corindi Beach, Bonny Hills, Crescent Head, and South West Rocks in NSW. In Queensland, Rules Beach, Rainbow Beach, Yeppoon, Mission Beach, and Port Douglas are all favourites, along with Daintree Beach Resort.
They also regularly stop at Evans Head and Yamba when heading south from the Sunshine Coast - both are great, easy stopovers. One thing to remember if you’re heading up to Far North Queensland, always keep an eye out for crocodiles.
Travelling with your dogs sounds like a dream, and it is, but it comes with a bit of planning. After plenty of time on the road with Georgie and Bella, Jacqui and her husband have found a few simple things that make all the difference.
1. Stop More Than You Think You Need To
Regular stops are key. Jacqui makes sure Georgie and Bella get out often for a walk, a drink, a stretch and a toilet break. It keeps them comfortable and helps them settle much quicker when you arrive.
2. Have a Set-Up Plan for Arrival
When the Woods’ pull into a site, they’re ready. They use long ropes tied to the van or car and set the dogs up straight away in a shady spot with water and something to keep them busy - usually a pig’s hoof. If it’s raining, they go straight into the van while they set everything up.
3. Make Fencing Easy and Accessible
Jacqui and Rob use Pet Barn fencing because it’s flexible and can be shaped to suit each site. “One thing we always do is position the van, so the dogs have access to grass - especially important for those late-night toilet runs,” she said.
4. Plan Ahead (Especially for No-Dog Areas)
Not everywhere is dog-friendly and National Parks can be tricky, said Jacqui. A little planning goes a long way.
“If we want to go somewhere the dogs can’t, we organise a dog sitter to come to the van or book them into doggy day care (which we prefer).”
5. Never Leave Them Unattended
“This is a non-negotiable for us. We never leave Georgie and Bella alone in the car or van,” she said.
They’re also out of their comfort zone when travelling, so patience is important. Giving them time to settle into a routine makes a huge difference.
