Travelling Australia with a Dog: Life on the Road with Remi the Kelpie
Our Behind the Dog series puts the spotlight on the real humans (and pups) living Australia's greatest road trip. This month, we caught up with Charlie, Julia, and Remi — their five-year-old Red Kelpie who’s clocked more beaches than most of us will see in a lifetime. Follow their adventures at @touringinblue on Instagram.
The Trio Who Traded a Fixed Address for the Open Road
If you’ve ever dreamed about travelling Australia with a dog, meet the trio actually doing it every single day.
Originally from Newcastle, Charlie and Julia traded a fixed address for a life on the road and haven’t looked back. Charlie grew up on a farm with working dogs, so a Kelpie felt like the obvious co-pilot for their adventure. What they didn’t quite expect? Just how laid-back Remi would turn out to be.
“He’s adapted incredibly well to life on the road and just goes with the flow.”
That is, until the fishing rods come out. Then all bets are off.
A Dog Who Absolutely Refuses to Miss Out
Remi’s funniest trait? The moment Charlie and Julia pull out the fishing rods, he goes absolutely feral trying to chase down the lures. And near the ocean? He comes completely alive — frolicking through waves, wandering solo down to the shallows, and just living his best life.
On one dive trip, they left Remi chilling on the beach — only to turn around and spot him swimming 30 metres offshore to find them.
“Safe to say he doesn’t like missing out on an adventure.”
Honestly, same Remi. Same.
Julia also reckons Remi and Charlie share a striking resemblance — not just in looks, but in their mannerisms too. We’re not going to argue with that. 🐾
Their Top 3 Dog-Friendly Spots in Australia
When you’re travelling Australia with a dog full-time, you clock a lot of kilometres — and a lot of coastline. Here are Charlie and Julia’s absolute standouts:
1. Ningaloo Marine Park, WA
The beach camping spots at South Lefroy, North Lefroy, Point Billie, and Winderabandi are pure paradise for travelling with a dog. Dogs are permitted on leash, sites sit right on the beach, and the water is unreal. Easy beach access, beautiful swimming spots, and loads of space to roam.
⚠️ Pro tip: Bookings are essential via Explore Parks WA. Also note that 1080 baiting is active inland — keep your pup on lead away from bush areas.
2. Margaret River Region, WA
Dog-friendly beaches, wineries, cafés, and even shops — the Margaret River region is seriously easy to explore with a pup. Off-leash beach time at Prevelly Beach and Gnarabup Beach, a coffee at the White Elephant Café right on the sand, and cellar doors like Brown Hill Estate and Swings & Roundabouts that genuinely welcome dogs. Remi is a very big fan.
3. Newcastle, NSW
Their hometown earns its spot every single time. Walk the iconic dog-friendly Bathers Way coastal path with your pup (Nobbys Beach to Merewether, dogs welcome on leash), then let them loose at Horseshoe Beach — Newcastle’s beloved off-leash dog beach. Grab a coffee at Swell at Bar Beach or Sunnyboy Kiosk at Merewether, and end the day with a sunset drink at Queens Wharf Hotel with harbour views. Dog at every table. You’ll fit right in. View Bathers Way on AllTrails →
Hidden Gem: Wharton Beach, Esperance WA
About an hour east of Esperance, Wharton Beach is one of those rare spots that lives up to every photo — squeaky white sand, crystal clear water, and wide open space perfect for dogs to run free. It sits outside the national park so dogs are welcome, and it’s been voted one of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Remi has personally verified this. Camp nearby at the Duke of Orleans Bay Caravan Park.
The Hike That Had Them in Absolute Stitches
Of all the adventures they’ve shared, one moment sticks out above the rest. A hike to Stevenson’s Falls in the Otways, just off the Great Ocean Road in Victoria — one of the few waterfalls in the region that’s dog-friendly and accessible for all abilities.
It’s a short 1.5km return trail through lush forest, and Remi got to come for every single step — including crossing grated bridges for the very first time.
“Watching him carefully figure out how to walk across them had us laughing the entire way.”
That’s exactly what dog adventures are all about — the unexpected, the ridiculous, the moments you’ll still be telling people about years later. Dogs on lead required, and there’s a free campsite nearby if you want to make a night of it. View Stevenson’s Falls on AllTrails →
Remi’s Favourite Swimming Spots (A Very Important List 🐾)
Yallingup, Margaret River, Point Impossible in Torquay, Blue Haven, Wharton’s Beach in Esperance, and Rapid Bay in South Australia.
The dog has taste. We’ll give him that.
The Gear That Makes It All Work
When you’re on the road every single day, your gear has to earn its place. Charlie and Julia actually met our founder Nelly while travelling the Great Ocean Road — and from that moment on, they were hooked.
Remi is now fully kitted out with the Wet Dog & Co. collar, lead, poncho and travel dog mat — and every piece gets used daily.
“Every product we’ve used has been incredible quality and so practical for our lifestyle on the road.”
The poncho is their absolute non-negotiable. After beach swims, they slip it straight onto Remi before he gets back in the car — no sandy seats, no wet fur everywhere.
“It makes travelling with a beach-loving dog so much easier.”
That’s exactly what we built it for. 🐾
3 Tips for Adventuring Safely With Your Dog
1. Keep a close eye, always. Especially in new environments. Reliable recall is everything if your dog is spending time off-lead.
2. Stay on top of vaccinations and worming. Carry copies of certificates when you’re on the road — some campgrounds and parks will ask.
3. Watch for bait warning signs. 1080 baiting is active in many parts of regional WA and beyond. Be proactive, read the signs, and always keep your dog on lead in unfamiliar bush areas.
Inspired to hit the road with your own adventure pup? Check out our full range of eco-friendly dog gear — built tough for Australian adventures, just like Remi’s.
Already part of the crew? Tag us @wetdogandco — we love seeing your dogs living their best lives out there. 🐾
