Whether you live or just dropping by in the Southern Highlands, make sure you consider the wellbeing of your fur-ever companion.
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You see, your dog does a lot for you - welcome you when you get home from work, accompany you during your ups and downs, snuggle beside you when you're having a bad day, and so much more.
Their great, sweet deeds certainly deserve a weekend trip outside. And if you're worried about finding dog-friendly spots around the area, it is not necessary.
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In this article, I will share a few tips before going out with your four-legged best friend, as well as dog-friendly spots wherein you can make great memories together.
What to prepare before a trip?
Before going out, make sure all of your dog's needs are packed. Here's a rundown of a dog's travel necessities:
- Collar and leash
- Crate or travel carrier
- Old familiar bed or blanket
- Wipes
- Poop bags
- Grooming supplies
- Dog food, especially if your pup is a picky eater
- Pet first aid kit
- Food and water bowls
- Water
- Vaccination records
When taking a long road trip, it's essential to make frequent stops. You may be able to tolerate more than five hours of driving without stopping, but it's unlikely that your furry friend can. So make time for bathroom breaks, breathing fresh air, and stretching.
As such, when you arrive at your destination, make sure that your pet is wearing their IDs and have photos of them kept on your phone so that your pet will easily be found and identified if lost during your trip.
Pet-friendly spots in Southern Highlands
Raw & Wild Market Café
A café and grocer in one? Count us in! The Raw & Wild Market Café in Bowral is a total standout. I highly advise you to book ahead because the place is almost always jam-packed with humans and their furry companions. Their food selection is one of the best around Bowral. If you ever find yourself overwhelmed by the number of food choices, I suggest going for their famous eggs benny! The best part? Dogs have their own menu, which includes Dogacinos and Doggie Pasta.
Centennial Park
If you're wandering around Bowral, make sure to stop at Centennial Park, an off-leash dog park wherein your dog can run around and meet other pups in the area. This area features a cricket pitch, playground, grassed sports area, and toilet areas. Make sure to give your pup some dog treats after a tiring day!
Also, please familiarise yourself with the rules in off-leash areas. You may read the whole list on Wingecarribee Shire Council's website.
Cherry Tree Walk
The Cherry Tree Walk stretches just more than one kilometre from the Bowral Swimming Centre to Boolwey Street near Bradman Oval. This place is where you can appreciate more than 500 cherry trees. The Cherry Tree Walk is best enjoyed from August to September, just when the trees are blooming. This is not an off-leash area, so make sure to keep your furry companion on a leash.
Alexandra Square Park, Mittagong
Alexandra Square Park is also a fantastic place where your dog can run and play off-leash. This fully fenced park is perfect if you're wary about your dog running off and if you just want to take a relaxing seat while your four-legged companion makes friends with other dogs and the people around. There's enough space so you that you can throw a ball or frisbee, and it is a great place to meet new dog-loving people too! As with other off-leash areas, remember to keep a significant distance from others to curb the spread of COVID-19. Enjoy the outdoors while staying safe!
Seymour Park, Moss Vale
Here's an inspiring fact about Seymour Park, a dog-friendly area that boasts nine acres: its development was made possible by the council and the NSW Government's "Everyone Can Play" grant program. Located on Spencer Street, Seymour Park is now a beautiful park ready to welcome you and your playful, sociable furry friend.
There are a lot of amenities waiting to be enjoyed, including a kids' playground wherein your children can play with others and picnic tables to make memorable moments over great food. And the best part? There's an off-leash area inside, meaning your dogs are allowed to run, jump, and wander to their heart's content!
Therefore, if you're planning to have an exciting and active weekend with your family without having the need to leave your four-legged companion alone at home, spending quality time in Seymour Park may be the best way to do it. When you think about it, your children can have fun in the playground, your dog can play with other dogs, the whole family can enjoy sumptuous food at a picnic table, and you can take satisfaction in these wonderful sights! It's a win-win situation for everyone!
The takeaway
Nothing's more exciting than going out with your four-legged friend. With these tips and information in mind, you and your dog are bound to have the best adventure in the Southern Highlands.
About the author
Mike Powell is a dog enthusiast who loves traveling around the world with his furry companions. He's the author of Dog Embassy, a website that provides everything you need to know about dogs, from nutritional needs to the best dog gears.
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