Your Pet-Friendly Northern Rivers Holiday: Where to Stay, Eat and Explore
Their favourite toy is already packed. Their bed is taking up more boot space than your suitcase. And somehow, they’ve been sitting by the front door ready to leave since breakfast.
To some, they are the babies of the family. To others, an inseparable best friend or a steadfast companion. However you see them, one thing is certain: they are family.
At a Glance:
Where to Stay: Curated pet-friendly sanctuaries across the coastline from private pools and enclosed garden cottages to relaxed riverfront lawns.
Where to Run: A directory of wide off-leash ocean beaches, calm river coves, and open parkland reserves.
Where to Dine: Morning espresso stops, casual coastal eateries, and outdoor breweries welcoming dogs on lead.
Care & Essentials: Local DIY warm dog wash stations, natural food stockists, and mobile grooming contacts.
Peace of Mind: Essential veterinary clinics,Local vet contacts and after-hours assistance, and regional safety reminders.
Before You Pack: Our complete coastal packing checklist and guest guidelines for an effortless stay.
We all know that sinking feeling of packing the car while they watch you from the hallway, knowing they aren't coming. It is heartbreaking leaving them behind just because a holiday rental said "no." But taking your dog on holiday doesn’t have to be difficult. At Oceanstays, we believe holidays are meant to be shared.
Watching them discover a fresh stretch of coastal sand, feeling the sea breeze, and falling asleep at your feet after a day spent together makes every moment of extra planning worth it.
If you are planning a getaway to the Northern Rivers, the secret to a seamless trip is simple: choose a home where everyone feels welcome, map out the best off-leash shores, and leave plenty of time for relaxed café mornings.
Here is your complete guide to holidaying with your dog across Yamba, Angourie, and our surrounding coastal villages.
Find an Oceanstays home for the whole family
You know the little rituals that help your dog settle in: a familiar blanket laid out, a sunlit spot on the deck, and the comfort of having you close by. Choosing the right accommodation turns those everyday habits into a natural part of your time away.
From riverfront retreats to coastal cottages, here are just a few of our welcoming homes:
Booking Tip: Before finalising your reservation, review each home’s specific pet policy including permitted numbers, size guidelines, indoor access rules, and any associated fees. If a fully enclosed yard is essential for your dog, connect with our local team to verify fencing height and layout details.
Pet Etiquette & Holiday Guidelines
Everything you need to know to ensure a safe, comfortable stay for everyone.
Are there size or weight restrictions for pets?
While we welcome dogs of many sizes, every home is individually designed. Some properties are ideal for smaller companions, while others offer generous, securely fenced yards suited for larger breeds. Review the specific property listing details or get in touch with our team to match your dog with the right layout.
Are dogs allowed inside the holiday homes?
Indoor access varies across each of our properties. Before booking, take a moment to review your chosen home’s individual pet policy including any guidelines around furniture, bedrooms, or dedicated outdoor-only spaces so you can find the layout that suits your companion best.
Can we leave our dog alone at the property?
Please check your home’s pet policy before heading out on your own. Unfamiliar surroundings can be unsettling, and several of our homes do not permit pets to be left unattended at any time. Designing an itinerary filled with beach walks, scenic trails, and pet-welcoming café stops means they can enjoy the holiday right beside you.
What local coastal hazards should we be aware of?
Paralysis Ticks: Common in coastal scrub and bushland across the Northern Rivers year-round. Please ensure your dog’s tick and flea prevention is up to date before departing.
Hot Sand & Asphalt: Coastal sunshine heats surfaces quickly. Test the sand or road with the back of your hand or bare feet; if it is uncomfortable for you, it is too hot for their paws.
Fishing Tackle & Bait: When walking along riverbanks, breakwalls, or popular fishing spots, keep a close watch to prevent curious companions from investigating discarded hooks, lines, or bait.
Unsure if a home suits your pet?
Every dog has different habits, and every home has its own layout. If you need details on boundary fence heights, yard security, or pet suitability, our local team is here to help you find the right match.
Pet Friendly
Beaches & Coastal Walks
The first walk of the holiday rarely happens quickly. There are new ocean breezes to catch, tracks to investigate, and plenty of reasons to paws and explore. Choose a designated dog-friendly area and follow its on-leash or off-leash rules.
A little sand between the paws
Off leash · South of Dolphin Park only
Yamba
Pippi Beach
Room to explore together in the designated
off-leash area south of Dolphin Park.
Read our beach guide →
On leash · Western section only
Yamba
Whiting Beach
From the access track at the western end of
Hickey Island carpark, walk west to the navigation
marker with your dog on leash.
Read our beach guide →
Off leash on designated grass · Cove on leash
Angourie
Green Point
Explore off leash on the grass north of the
carpark. Keep your dog on leash at Green Point
Cove. Dogs are prohibited at Spooky Beach.
View Council details ↗
Off leash · North of Lake Cakora only
Brooms Head
Brooms Head Beach
Head north of Lake Cakora for the designated
off-leash beach. Brooms Head Back Beach is
a separate on-leash option.
View Council details ↗
Photos show each destination, not the exact dog-access boundaries. Stay within designated areas, follow local signs, pick up after your dog and keep them under control. Check current Council access information ↗
Important Local Note: Dogs are strictly prohibited on Yamba Main Beach, Turners Beach, Convent Beach, northern Pippi Beach, and Spooky Beach. Always observe local Council signage before stepping onto the sand.
With your dog coming too
Somewhere to Eat
A flat white in the morning sun, salt air in the breeze, and your dog resting happily by your chair. Coastal holidays are at their best when there is no rush to head back, and your mate can join you for the whole morning.
Somewhere to eat, with your dog coming too
Yamba
Caperberry Café
Pets welcome. Ask the team where to settle.
Visit website ↗
Townsend, near Maclean
Sanctus Brewing Co
Well-socialised dogs on leash. Outdoor area only.
Plan your visit ↗
Iluka
Iluka Golf Club
Check dog-friendly seating and dining hours before visiting.
Explore dining ↗
Clarence Street, Yamba
Gather Yamba
Pet friendly by enquiry. Arrange suitable seating ahead.
Visit website ↗
Yamba
Yamba’s Fisho
Fish and chips with your dog welcome in the outdoor seating area.
Visit Facebook page ↗
Let the venue know your dog is coming and confirm permitted areas, seating and opening hours before visiting.
Quick Dining Reminders:
Always keep your dog on a leash while dining.
Keep them tucked comfortably under or beside your table out of walkways.
We highly recommend calling venues ahead of time to confirm outdoor seating availability, especially if the weather is turning.
Pet Care
Pet Supplies &
Post-Beach Washes
A quick stop at a local DIY warm dog wash easily takes care of the sand and salt after a big beach run. If you left the treats on the counter or need extra food, local shops have everything you need to keep your dog happy and settled.
Pet supplies, grooming and post-beach washes
Supplies & DIY dog wash
Yamba
Pets Domain
Pet supplies, a DIY dog wash and pet-tag engraving
at 20 Treelands Drive. Pets welcome in-store.
View store services ↗
Pet supplies
Yamba
Scratch and Sniff
Pet supplies and Canine Country food at
1A/4 Treelands Drive. Ask the shop about current stock.
Visit Facebook page ↗
Pet supplies
Maclean
Bubble & Squeak
Pick up pet supplies at 4 Church Street.
A handy stop when your day takes you through Maclean.
Visit Facebook page ↗
Dog grooming
Appointments with Gayle
Doggy Diva Grooming
Time for a freshen-up? Call Gayle to discuss your
dog’s grooming needs and book an appointment.
Call Gayle to book0419 322 799
Confirm opening hours, stock and grooming appointments directly with each business.
In case of emergency
Local Vet Clinics
Real peace of mind comes from being prepared. Saving these local vet and emergency numbers into your phone takes thirty seconds, so you are ready just in case and can truly switch off and relax.
Local vets, should you need them
Veterinary care
Yamba
Angourie Road Vet Surgery
14 Angourie Road, Yamba
02 6646 9966
For after-hours assistance,
call the same number.
Veterinary care
Maclean
Maclean Veterinary Hospital
62 River Street, Maclean
02 6645 2864
After-hours emergencies:
0408 662 753
Call before travelling to the clinic, particularly for after-hours assistance.
The Coastal Dog Packing Checklist
Bringing their own bed, everyday bowls, and a favourite toy helps your dog settle in from the moment you arrive. Check off this quick list before hitting the road so you can unpack and head straight to the beach without missing a thing.
Bring Them Along
The morning walk still happens. The favourite toy still gets carried from room to room. They still want to be wherever you are.
Only now, you have all the time in the world to enjoy it.
oceanstays.com.au/stay/pet-friendly
Holidays shared together
What guests say about bringing their dogs on holiday.
Clare & Cliffy
Sea Breeze Cottage · Yamba
“We stayed with 4 children and our dog and it was perfect for us! Beautifully furnished inside - the master bed was so comfortable with gorgeous linen! Easy walk into town. Would definitely return.”
Guest review · Airbnb
Tania
Sea Breeze Cottage · Yamba
“We absolutely loved our stay! The house was beautiful, super comfortable and had everything we needed for a relaxing family holiday. The location was fantastic and made it so easy to enjoy everything Yamba has to offer.”
“It was also such a bonus that we could bring our dog, Sadie, along with us - it really made it feel like a proper family getaway. We had an amazing time and honestly couldn’t fault a thing. Everything was perfect and we would absolutely stay here again. Highly recommend!”
Guest review · Airbnb
Leah
Bimbajong · Yamba
“Great location and house for our family of 6, plus a dog. House was clean, and had everything we needed. Highly recommend.”
Guest review · Airbnb
Karen
Shadows Suite · Yamba
“We loved this accommodation. The ocean view was spectacular and it was within walking distance of everything. There was so much room, we stayed with our adult children and our dog, there was ample room for everyone. We’ll definitely be back.”
Guest review · Airbnb
More holidays. More stories.
Discover what other guests and their companions have shared about their Oceanstays experience.
Read All Reviews on Airbnb →