White-sand beaches, coastal national parks, and seaside towns have long made the NSW South-Coast a destination for family holidays. Now, NRMA Parks and Resorts is highlighting four parks that welcome dogs, helping families plan a coastal break without leaving their pets behind.
The company’s refreshed pet policy responds to households that want beach walks, outdoor activities, and time together to include their four-legged companions.
The parks range in driving distances from Sydney, from around three and a half hours to Batemans Bay to approximately five and a half hours to Tathra and Merimbula.
A Growing Appetite for Camping
In 2025, domestic caravan and camping reached a record high, with NSW welcoming more caravan and camping visitors than any other Australian state. For working families choosing holidays on the road, accommodation that welcomes dogs makes it easier to keep the household together.
NRMA Parks and Resorts CEO Paul Davies said the refreshed policy reflected the organisation’s commitment to family and pet-friendly holidays.
“Pets are an integral part of Australian family life, and we want to make it as simple and stress-free as possible for guests to bring them along on holiday,” Mr Davies said.
“We’ve removed seasonal restrictions and confusion around when and where pets are welcome, and expanded our pet-friendly cabins and sites so families and regional travellers have more choice, all year round.”
Beach Walks at Batemans Bay and Broulee
At NRMA Batemans Bay Holiday Resort, pet-friendly powered and non-powered sites sit near Corrigans Beach, where dogs can run off-leash. The Batemans Bay foreshore path offers another walking option along the Clyde River, while a lagoon-style pool, mini golf course, and adventure playground provide activities for the family back at the resort.
Further along the coast, NRMA Broulee Holiday Park, the newest addition to the portfolio, sits behind the dunes of South Broulee Beach. Its powered and unpowered camping and caravan sites come with access to a pool, games room, and jumping pillow.
Broulee is roughly four hours from Sydney, offering a quieter town setting with private beach access just beyond the park.
For dog owners, Broulee’s dedicated off-leash zone and dog wash station make time back at camp easier. Nearby Broulee and Bengello beaches allow dogs off-leash 24 hours a day and are within walking distance.
Some local cafes also cater to canine visitors with puppaccinos, extending the pet-friendly experience beyond just the park and the beach.
Accommodation Choices at Tathra and Merimbula
With 550 metres of beach frontage, NRMA Tathra Beachfront Holiday Park offers pet-friendly cabins and a DIY dog wash. Tathra welcomes pets throughout the year except for a short exclusion period over the Christmas fortnight. A heated pool, water park, and communal campfire complement easy access to the village’s cafes and galleries.
The park’s broader accommodation choices include glamping tents, ensuite caravan sites, and a peaceful camping area.
At NRMA Merimbula Beach Holiday Resort, the headland setting brings ocean views, while a resort pool, water park, and pizza oven provide reasons to linger. Pets are welcome on Merimbula‘s caravan and camping sites, with cabins currently excluded.
From roughly September to November, guests can also watch for whales from the point, adding another reason to spend time by the ocean.
Those differences help you choose accommodation and dates that suit your family. Across the four parks, the broader benefit is straightforward: coastal holidays can include shared walks, relaxed afternoons, and every member of the family, including the dog.
