Cancel the kennel and book one of these pet-friendly NSW Airbnbs

When booking a pet-friendly Airbnb, look for functional security and comfort beyond the “pets allowed” tag. Prioritise properties with fully fenced perimeters and durable, easy-to-clean flooring like tiles or floorboards to minimise stress over cleaning fees. Carefully check the house rules for “outdoor-only” restrictions, as well as any specific pet surcharges.

Finally, verify the property’s proximity to off-leash areas or dog-friendly beaches, keeping in mind that bordering national parks may have strict “no dog” policies that can limit your walking options.

In NSW, the 180-day rule limits “non-hosted” short-term rentals (where the owner isn’t on-site) to 180 nights per year in Greater Sydney and select regional hubs, while “hosted” stays and many other regional areas remain unlimited.

Notable exceptions include bookings of 21+ consecutive days, which don’t count toward the cap, and the Byron Shire, which enforces a stricter 60-day limit for most non-hosted properties. To stay compliant in 2026, all hosts must register their property on the NSW Planning Portal, pay an annual fee, and adhere to mandatory fire safety standards and the state-wide Code of Conduct.

The cost-benefit of an Airbnb over a hotel in NSW largely depends on the length of your stay and the “pet tax.” While Sydney hotels like the Kimpton Margot or Ovolo have streamlined the process with inclusive pet packages, Airbnbs can carry separate pet surcharges and higher cleaning fees, bumping up the price of a short weekend trip.

That said, for longer regional getaways, Airbnbs are still the more economical choice; the ability to cook your own meals and the inclusion of private, fenced yards save you from the compounding costs of dining out and professional pet-sitting.

Yes, there is! Hipcamp is the main “Airbnb for camping,” letting private landowners in regional areas list secluded sites on farms, vineyards and bushland. While Airbnb’s “Camping” category focuses on curated glamping and tiny houses, Hipcamp specialises in “land sharing” for those bringing their own gear to off-grid locations.

Hipcamp has a dedicated “Pets allowed” filter that makes it easy to find spots where you can bring your dog. Since Hipcamp listings are usually on private land — like working farms or secluded bush blocks — the rules for pets can vary significantly between properties.

If you’re looking on Airbnb, you’re likely paying for a “ready-made” experience. Almost everything you find in the “Camping” or “Tents” categories is pre-set. You are paying for the convenience of arriving at a site with a camping tent or vintage caravan already set up — usually complete with a real mattress, linens and even outdoor baths.

You’ll also often get portable power stations and sometimes even portable fridges. If you’re on Hipcamp or WikiCamps, you should double-check the listing, as most hosts are just providing land, not the camping gear.