Shawlands Caravan Park

Shawlands Caravan Park sits on the South Gippsland Highway in Dandenong South, a quiet, budget-friendly base for short or long-term caravan and cabin stays on the edge of Melbourne's south-east industrial belt. It takes dogs, but the fine print on sites versus cabins is worth nailing down before you book.

The pet policy. Pets need approval from management ahead of arrival, and dogs are generally accepted on powered caravan and RV sites. Whether a dog can stay in one of the onsite hire cabins is less clear cut and needs confirming directly with the park, as does any pet fee, which appears to vary with length of stay. Dogs must stay on a lead around the park and owners are expected to clean up straight away.

The place. It is aimed at short and long-term hire rather than a holiday-park experience, with a quiet, semi-rural feel despite the industrial surrounds.

Getting there. Right on the South Gippsland Highway (M420), with on-site parking for cars and caravans. The highway gets busy at peak times given the surrounding industrial traffic.

Nearby with the dogs. The Dandenong Creek Trail is close by for a proper walk, and there are small leash-required reserves scattered through Dandenong South and Dandenong itself. A few cafes in Dandenong and Keysborough have outdoor seating for dogs if you want a coffee run.

Before you book. Call ahead to lock in pet approval, the exact site or cabin, and any fee, rather than assuming from the general pet-friendly listing.

Sources

• Shawlands Caravan Park · shawlandscaravanpark.com.au

Compiled from public sources and verified listings. Always confirm current rules with the venue or council before you travel.