BIG4 Howard Springs Holiday Park

BIG4 Howard Springs Holiday Park is a big tropical caravan park about 25 to 30 minutes from Darwin, with three resort-style pools, a kids' water park and shaded grass. It takes dogs, but only on caravan and camping sites, not in the cabins, which is the first thing to check before booking.

Bringing the dog

Dogs are welcome on caravan and camping sites at management's discretion, and you need to call ahead to book with a dog rather than book online. During peak season from May to September dogs must be under 15kg. A pet policy form is signed at check-in, dogs stay off the furniture, cannot be left unattended on site, and leads must be no longer than 2 metres outside the van or tent.

Worth knowing

The park runs a fenced, leash-free dog run on site, a genuine drawcard if your dog needs a proper off-lead stretch away from the family pools. Sites are large, flat and palm-shaded, good for big rigs as well as tents. Pools, the camp kitchen, amenities blocks and reception are dog-free zones, and waste goes straight into the provided bins.

Max: watch the water. Ticks and, near any natural waterway in the Top End, crocodiles are a real consideration, so keep an eye on where the dog run and any walks near water actually lead.

Getting there

The park sits in a quiet rural pocket of Howard Springs, reached via the Stuart Highway and Howard Springs Road, but it is still an easy run into Darwin or Palmerston. Howard Springs Tavern nearby will seat a well-behaved dog in its outdoor beer garden, and Howard Springs Nature Park is close for an on-lead walk.

More options are on the NT dog friendly stays guide and the Howard Springs destination page.