Coolalinga Tourist Park

Coolalinga Tourist Park is a dog-friendly caravan park on the Stuart Highway at Coolalinga, roughly 25 minutes south of Darwin, with a large fully fenced off-lead dog exercise area on site. It takes dogs on caravan and camping sites and in some cabin accommodation, but manager approval at the time of booking comes first, whatever you are staying in.

The dog setup

Pets are allowed with prior approval from the park manager, so mention the dog when you book. The first dog stays free and a second dog costs $2 per day. Sites are the straightforward option, and a one dog per site policy is generally noted, though management may be flexible if you ask ahead.

The fenced exercise yard is the draw: an enclosed space where dogs can run off-lead, with guests expected to keep dogs on lead everywhere else in the park. Written pet conditions are handed over at check-in, so read them before you unhitch.

Before you book

Fees for dogs in cabins have drawn conflicting reports over time, so confirm the total pet cost for your exact site or cabin directly with management. If cabin pets are approved, expect conditions around cleaning and where the dog is allowed inside.

Max: ring the park rather than emailing and get the pet fee for your specific booking confirmed out loud. It takes two minutes and it is the difference between a smooth check-in and a negotiation at the gate.

Worth knowing

This is an older-style tourist park that has been through an overhaul: shaded grassy powered sites, a big camp kitchen and a swimming pool, with amenities cleaned daily although guests describe them as dated. Security gets a good word from long-term guests, and the Coolalinga shopping centre is close enough to walk to for supplies.

Getting there

The park fronts the Stuart Highway at 420 Stuart Hwy, Coolalinga, an easy turn-off for vans coming from Darwin or the airport. It also works as a base for day trips to Litchfield National Park without crossing the city twice.

Close by with the dogs

For a change of run, the fenced yard at Bakewell Fenced Dog Park and Temple Terrace Dog Park are both in the Palmerston suburbs a short drive south. If you need a serviced-apartment option instead, Quest Palmerston takes dogs for a nightly fee.

More options are on the Northern Territory dog friendly stays guide and the Coolalinga destination page.