Dog friendlybackground image
Dog friendly image

Bring Your Fur Friend

 

 

WHAT WE OFFER

 

 

Four paws are part of the family too

 

When the dog comes on holidays, choosing where to stay can get a little more complicated.

 

 

At Austin, dogs are welcome on our powered and unpowered sites, so you can settle in together and use Tamworth as your base for your next adventure.
 

We know travelling with a dog changes how you explore, too. Ask our team about places to walk, dog-friendly places to eat and adventures where your four-legged traveller can come along.

 

Dogs can't go inside our cabins, but talk to us. Where availability allows, we can arrange a cabin with a verandah so your family has somewhere outside to sit together.

 

 

 

Why stay at Austin?

 

 

Dogs are genuinely welcome


We just ask everyone to follow our pet guidelines so the park works for two-legged and four-legged guests alike.

 

Powered and unpowered options


Bring the caravan, motorhome, camper or tent and settle in together.

 

 

Cabin travellers can talk to us too

 

Ask about a cabin with a verandah where you can spend time outside with your dog.

 

Plenty to explore together

 

Dog-friendly walks, outdoor attractions, country drives and places around the region where everyone can come along.

 

A run isn't far away

 

Ask us about nearby places for some proper four-legged exercise.

 

Local recommendations

 

Looking for somewhere to eat with your dog or somewhere to explore? Ask the team and we'll point you in the right direction.

 

 

 

 

Four paws. One family. Plenty of adventure.

If the dog is part of the family, they're part of the holiday too. We get it.

 

For plenty of travellers, leaving the four-legged family member behind isn't really an option. They're there for the road trip, the walks, the stops along the way and — judging by some dogs we've met — a significant proportion of whatever you're eating.

 

At Austin Tourist Park, dogs are welcome when you're staying on our powered and unpowered caravan and camping sites, making Austin a pet-friendly base for exploring Tamworth and the surrounding region.

 

Bring the lead. Bring the water bowl. Bring your best mate. We'll help with the adventure.

 

 

Contact our Team to Book your next Fur-Family Adventure

 

 

 

 

Staying at Austin with your dog

 

Dogs are welcome on our powered and unpowered sites, subject to our usual pet guidelines. We just ask everyone to play their part in making Austin a happy and safe place for all our guests — including the furry ones.

 

Keep your dog appropriately contained or on a lead around the park, clean up after them, keep barking and other noise under control, and please don't leave them unattended. Our cabins aren't pet-friendly, so dogs can't stay inside our cabins. But that doesn't necessarily mean cabin travellers need to miss out on time with their four-legged family member.

 

Let us know you're travelling with a dog when you book. Where availability allows, we can arrange a cabin with a verandah, giving you and your family somewhere outside to sit together.

 

Not sure whether your setup will work?

Have a chat with us. We'll do our best to find an option that works for everyone.

 

 

ACCOMMODATIONS

 

 

Cabins, Cottages, Camping

 

 

A bed for everyone, and space to play.

FACILITIES

 

 

Park essentials

 

 

Everything you need for a comfortable stay

 

Amenities image
Amenities
Amenities

Amenities

Nobody wants to trek halfway across a caravan park when nature calls. With four amenities areas located around Austin Tourist Park, nowhere in the park is more than approximately 50 metres from an amenities block.

 

Our main amenities area includes separate men's and ladies' toilets and showers, as well as a family bathroom and our laundry. Around the park you'll also find additional men's and ladies' amenities and a small ensuite-style block with four individual bathrooms. Some facilities may not always be open, depending on park operations and works underway.

 

If you've got particular accessibility or bathroom requirements, have a chat with us before you arrive so we can help identify the most suitable accommodation or site location for you.

Camp Kitchen image
Camp Kitchen
Camp Kitchen

Camp Kitchen & BBQs

 

Sometimes dinner needs to be an event.
Other times it needs to be sausages on the BBQ and done.

 

Our camp kitchen gives caravan and camping guests a handy place to prepare a meal without having to unpack half the van. You'll find a fridge, freezer and microwave, along with an assortment of crockery and cutlery and two picnic tables for sitting down together. The camp kitchen is also home to one of the park's three BBQs, with two more BBQs located elsewhere around Austin.

 

So whether you're cooking breakfast before heading out for the day or finishing an adventure with a relaxed BBQ dinner, there are options around the park.

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Laundry
Laundry

BECAUSE ADVENTURES GET MESSY

 

Road trips have a remarkable ability to generate washing.  Our guest laundry has three washing machines and two gas dryers, along with an iron, ironing board and nearby clotheslines.

 

The gas dryers are worth knowing about too...they heat quickly and can get the washing dry faster, which is rather useful when you don't want tomorrow's adventure to involve waiting for socks.

 

Laundry powder is available from the office if you've run out or forgotten to pack it. And the laundry is accessible 24 hours a day. Because sometimes you're staying with us for a week and doing the sensible holiday washing. And sometimes you're a parent dealing with a spectacular mess at 2am. We've got you.

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Pool
Pool

A Dip in the Pool

 

After a day exploring Tamworth — or instead of exploring Tamworth — there's always the pool.

 

Our fenced outdoor swimming pool has seating and some shade around the pool area, plus a separate children's wading pool for our smaller swimmers.

 

There are also pool games available for a little extra fun.

 

There's no rigid “everybody out, the pool is closed” time. Guests can enjoy the pool when it suits, provided everyone is considerate of the people staying and living around them.

 

So yes, an evening swim is perfectly fine.

 

And if you decide to skinny dip at midnight, just try not to wake the residents. What happens on holidays stays on holidays!

Playground image
Playground
Playground

Playground & space to play

Sometimes adventures happen without leaving Austin.

 

Our playground gives younger guests somewhere to climb, play and make new friends, while our pedal carts have a habit of becoming popular with considerably more than one age group.

 

There's also open space around the park to enjoy between adventures.

 

Our Village Green is developing into a gathering and events space and is already used for some of the activities and special events we hold throughout the year.

 

Keep an eye on what's happening while you're staying. You never quite know what might be going on at Austin.

Powered Sites image
Powered Sites
Powered Sites

Powered sites

 

Every one of our powered caravan and camping sites has access to power, water and sullage, making it easy to settle in and get your setup sorted.

 

A small number of sites also have concrete slabs.

 

Site sizes and layouts vary, so if you've got a larger rig, a particular setup or something specific you need from your site, tell us when you're booking.

 

Knowing what you're travelling in helps us find the best fit.

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Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi

Stay connected... mostly

Let's talk about Wi-Fi. Because we'd rather tell you how it actually is. We currently have two areas within Austin Tourist Park where we're confident of a good Wi-Fi signal.

 

Beyond those areas, reception varies depending on where you're staying in the park. Sometimes it's good. Sometimes it's not. Sometimes technology apparently has other ideas.

 

If reliable Wi-Fi is particularly important during your stay, tell us when you're booking. We can explain where our strongest coverage is and help you choose accordingly where availability allows. And yes — improving connectivity around the park remains on our list.

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EV Charging
EV Charging

Charge up for the next adventure

Travelling electric? Austin Tourist Park has two operational EV charging points, so you can recharge your electric vehicle while you're staying with us.

 

Ask our team about using the chargers when you arrive, or let us know you're travelling with an EV when you book. One less thing to organise while you're on the road.

The Practical Stuff image
The Practical Stuff
The Practical Stuff

The practical stuff

There are a few facilities nobody gets particularly excited about until they need them. We have those too. There's an onsite dump point for caravan and motorhome travellers, and LPG Swap'n'Go is available when the gas bottle is getting suspiciously light.

 

You'll also find clotheslines around the laundry area, BBQs around the park and our team in the office when you need some local information, directions or help working something out.

 

Practical? Absolutely. But practical makes travelling easier.

Accessibility image
Accessibility
Accessibility

Accessibility & individual needs

No two travellers need exactly the same thing.

 

Rather than making broad promises about accessibility that may not suit your individual circumstances, we'd prefer to have a conversation. If you have mobility, accessibility or other specific requirements, contact our team before booking.

 

Tell us what you need — access, bathroom facilities, parking, distances, site location or something else — and we'll give you honest information about what's available so you can decide whether Austin will work for you. If we can help, we will.

Little Things image
Little Things
Little Things

Little things that make a difference

We reckon travelling and caring for the places we live and visit can go hand in hand. Around Austin, we separate waste through our four-bin system, helping divert recycling and eligible containers from general waste.

 

Used guest soaps don't simply head for landfill either. Through Soap Aid, they can be collected and recycled into new soap, supporting better hygiene while reducing waste.

 

We also find new homes for useful things wherever we can. Glass jars, sauce bottles, clothing and other items left behind can be passed through local community connections rather than simply being thrown away. They're not enormous gestures. They're lots of little ones. And over time, little things add up.

ATTRACTIONS

 

First things first.

Stretch four legs

 

After a few hours on the road, your dog probably doesn't care about Tamworth's tourism highlights. They want out of the car. Fair enough. Tamworth has designated off-leash areas where dogs can have a proper run, sniff and play.

 

 

Explore Tamworth together

 

Travelling with a dog doesn't mean sitting at the caravan while everyone else explores.

Some of Tamworth's easiest adventures are outdoors.

Powerhouse Park

Powerhouse Park

Powerhouse Park in Carthage Street is a great option when someone has energy to burn.

 

There's a fenced dog activity area with agility equipment, giving dogs somewhere to run and explore off lead.

 

Whether your dog actually uses the agility equipment as intended is another question entirely.

Riverside Fields

Riverside Fields

If your dog's preferred sport is less agility champion and more throw the ball again, ask us about the Riverside Fields.

 

There's plenty of room for a good stretch of the legs and some ball chasing.

 

And once everybody has burnt off the first burst of travel energy, you can start thinking about exploring.

Try your hand at Hands of Fame image
Try your hand at Hands of Fame

Try your hand at Hands of Fame

Take the lead and wander through Hands of Fame Park in the Tamworth CBD.

 

This outdoor tribute to Australian country music features the handprints of well-known artists set into concrete, so you can literally try your hand at matching theirs.

 

It's free, it's uniquely Tamworth and it's an easy stop to add to a wander through town with your dog on lead.

Go for a wander image
Go for a wander

Go for a wander

Sometimes the simplest adventure is the best one.

 

Explore Tamworth's outdoor spaces, take a walk, find some public art, pack a picnic or simply choose somewhere new for a sniff.

 

If you're looking for somewhere particular to explore with your dog, ask us.

 

We'll point you towards the places we know work well for four-legged adventurers.

Make a day of it — Nundle & Hanging Rock image
Make a day of it — Nundle & Hanging Rock

Make a day of it — Nundle & Hanging Rock

This is a cracker of a day out with a dog.

 

Head southeast from Tamworth towards Chaffey Dam, where dogs are permitted on lead. Stop to take in the scenery, stretch the legs and have a look around before continuing towards Nundle.

 

Once you reach Nundle, park the car and explore on foot.

 

Wander along the main street, browse the village and take your dog along the Nundle Riverside Walk, a sealed walk beside the Peel River with shady places to stop along the way.

 

Find somewhere outside for coffee or lunch, then decide how adventurous you're feeling.

 

Continue towards Hanging Rock and the surrounding mountain country. There's local history hiding up there too — including the grave of Mary Ashton, of Ashton circus fame. Every now and then, you'll apparently even find fresh flowers left there.

 

Depending on your plans and current pet access, Sheba Dams and the surrounding recreation areas can give you even more to explore.

 

And if you're heading up on a weekend, ask us about Coffee on the Rock @ Connies Cafe at Hanging Rock. It's a lovely little country café and worth checking the current opening days before making it part of the plan.

 

There's no need to rush this adventure.

 

Take some water, take the lead and make a day of it.

Or head north west — Manilla, Split Rock & Barraba image
Or head north west — Manilla, Split Rock & Barraba

Or head north west — Manilla, Split Rock & Barraba

Want another direction?

 

Head towards Manilla, where you can explore the town and surrounding countryside before continuing towards Split Rock Dam.

 

Then keep going to Barraba.

 

You won't miss The Water Diviner, the enormous silo artwork overlooking town, but don't photograph the silos and immediately turn around.

 

There's some fantastic street and public art around Barraba, so park the car, put the dog on the lead and have a wander together.

 

This is a particularly good adventure if you enjoy country drives, photography and stopping whenever something interesting catches your eye.

 

And with a four-legged passenger, stopping regularly isn't exactly optional anyway.

 

 

 

Eat together

 

One of the most useful things to know when you're travelling with a dog is where everyone can stop for coffee, lunch or dinner.

 

Tamworth has cafés, pubs and other places with outdoor areas where dogs can join you, and we're putting together some of our favourites. Because pet policies, outdoor seating and opening hours can change, have a chat with us before you head out. Tell us whether you're after morning coffee, a long lunch, somewhere casual for dinner or simply somewhere you can sit outside with the dog beside you. We'll help point you towards somewhere that suits.

 

And if you find a particularly good dog-friendly spot while you're exploring? Tell us.

The next Dog Family staying at Austin might appreciate the recommendation.

 

 

 

When the humans want an adventure too

 

Here's the tricky bit about travelling with a dog. Not every museum, gallery, shop, national park or attraction allows them.

 

Before setting off, check the current pet policy of anywhere you're planning to visit rather than assuming your dog can come along. And please don't leave your dog unattended back at Austin while you go sightseeing. Instead, think about how you can build the day differently. Perhaps one person visits an attraction while another takes the dog for a walk. Maybe you choose an outdoor alternative. Or perhaps that museum can wait until another trip and today becomes a country-drive-and-picnic kind of day.

 

We can offer pet-sitting options, just give us a call. Better than the museum can wait?

 

If there's somewhere you particularly want to visit, come and have a chat. We'll help with ideas where we can.

PARK MAP

 

Discover what's where in the Park

 

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FAQs

Questions

Most visitors ask the same things. We've answered them here for you.

Is Austin Tourist Park dog friendly?

Yes. Dogs are welcome when staying on our powered and unpowered caravan and camping sites, subject to Austin Tourist Park's pet guidelines.


We ask that dogs are appropriately contained or kept on lead, aren't left unattended, and don't disturb other guests.

Can my dog stay inside a cabin?

No. Our cabins aren't pet-friendly, so dogs aren't permitted inside.

 

However, let us know you're travelling with your dog when you book. Where availability allows, we can arrange a cabin with a verandah so you and your four-legged family member have somewhere outside to sit together. 

 

Have a chat with our team before booking and we'll help you work out the best option for your stay.

Can I leave my dog at my site while I go sightseeing?

No. Dogs shouldn't be left unattended at your site.

 

If there's an attraction you'd particularly like to visit that doesn't allow dogs, talk to us. We may be able to help you plan a day that works for everyone.

Where can my dog have a run in Tamworth?

Tamworth has designated off-leash areas, including the fenced dog activity area at Powerhouse Park in Carthage Street, which also has agility equipment.


Ask our team about Riverside Fields and other good options when you arrive.

What can I do with my dog in Tamworth?

Plenty.

 

Explore outdoor spaces such as Hands of Fame Park, find somewhere for a walk, visit an off-leash area, discover public art or make a picnic part of the day.

 

You can also use Tamworth as your base for dog-friendly regional drives towards places such as Nundle, Chaffey Dam, Manilla, Split Rock Dam and Barraba.

 

Are there dog-friendly cafés and places to eat in Tamworth?

Yes, there are places around Tamworth where dogs can join you in outdoor dining areas.

 

Because individual pet policies and opening hours can change, ask us for our current recommendations when you arrive.

 

Can I take my dog to Chaffey Dam?

Yes. Dogs are permitted at Chaffey Dam but need to be kept on lead.

 

It's a good addition to a Nundle day trip and gives everyone a chance to get out of the car and enjoy some country scenery.

What should I take when exploring with my dog?

The usual road-trip essentials make life much easier: a lead, water and bowl, waste bags, food or treats and anything else your dog needs to travel comfortably.

 

Tamworth can get very hot during summer, so plan outdoor adventures around the weather and make sure your dog always has access to water and shade.

More to ask?

 

Send us a message using the form linked below.

 

Contact form

Their kind of adventure

 

 

Your dog probably doesn't care whether you've ticked every attraction off the list.
They don't know they've visited somewhere famous. They don't care whether you took the scenic route.

 

They're interested in the new smells, the walks, the person who dropped a bit of sausage at lunch and whether you're going to throw that ball again. And maybe that's not such a bad way to travel.

 

Stay at Austin. Explore Tamworth together. Take a country drive. Find somewhere good for lunch. Stop because the view looks nice.

 

And tomorrow? Find somewhere new to sniff.

Happy and Safe Travels!

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Your bed is waiting

 

The road brought you here.
Let us handle the rest while you rest.

 

 

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