My son is all grown and has moved out. One of the unexpected benefits is the ease with which we can now plan holidays. No trying to track down family-friendly accommodation, activities for kids and finding somewhere to feed picky eaters.

It’s all very easy. Where’s the fun in that? So for our last mini-break we decided to take the five-month-old, not quite toilet-trained puppy that we’d only had for six weeks along for the ride. Now that’s the challenge we’ve been craving. 

And it all went off without a hitch. Turns out Huskisson and the surrounding villages are absolutely brimming with dog-friendly options. Here’s where we stayed, played and ate to help you plan your next getaway.

Play

Huskisson is not only chock full of stunning beaches but many of them are pooch friendly. 

There are exceptions, such as the Booderee National Park being strictly no pets, and some beaches are off-leash during restricted hours so check before you go.

Abrahams Bosom Beach, Currarong

Family-friendly beach and dogs are welcome on leash. There’s a tea-stained creek, beautiful rock formations and some lovely walks around the reserve.

Huskisson Beach

Dogs are allowed on leash at all times and off-leash here at restricted times. Expect lots of frolicking doggos and dolphins!

Nelsons Beach, Vincentia  

A bit of a hidden gem, this beach is the lesser known cousin of the world famous Hyams Beach. Equally blinding soft, white sand and turquoise water, dogs are allowed on-leash at all times and off-leash from 4pm. We had this place to ourselves (aside from a couple of dolphins that cruised by).

Hyams Beach 

Think: breathtaking white sandy beaches and sparkling, crystal clear waters. Dogs are welcome here on leash but honestly this beach gets crazy busy and the parking can be a nightmare. We much preferred the equally beautiful Nelsons Beach. 

Calling all salty sea dogs: did you know Jervis Bay Wild allows pups on some of their dolphin watch cruises? We ran out of time to do this, but I am desperate to see my four-legged friend acquire her sea legs.

Stay

We stayed in a dog-friendly cabin at the fabulous Huskisson Beach Holiday Haven Caravan Park. The park is lovely and clean, an easy stroll into town. It is surrounded by a fantastic bike track that takes you around the bay and looks out over Huskisson Beach. Dogs are only allowed in certain sites and not during school holidays so be sure to call ahead.

Eat

Jervis Bay Brewing Co

Beers, gins, cocktails and delicious food, what more could you ask for? We raised a glass here after visiting the stingrays at the Woollamia Boat Ramp around the corner. They’ve even got a hive of native sugar bag bees that are super fun to watch (and stingless!)

Huskisson Pub

A tradition for us to drop in here but pooches are confined to the lower patio area so make sure you get in early to grab a seat. Loads of great food here, with a wide selection of vego and vegan options.

Serotonin on Currambene

We celebrated our anniversary at this gorgeous restaurant. Right in the heart of Husky we were told that dining with dogs was only on the verandah. Little did we realise just how beautiful the space was! With loads of heaters, fabulous food including delicious vegetarian and vegan options and some incredible – and sparkling – cocktails, this was my favourite meal of our trip. 

So there you have it. We survived our mini break and left with our tummies full, our hearts happy and one very exhausted puppy.