Lilydale Campsite

Lilydale Campsite, officially the Lilydale Falls Reserve Campground, is a council-run reserve on Golconda Road about 25 minutes north of Launceston, and for dog owners it fills a rare gap: free or low-cost Tasmanian camping that openly takes dogs overnight. Sites are grass, powered and unpowered, pitched for tents, campervans and caravans, and the falls themselves are a short walk away, though there is one important catch on where your dog can go.

Dogs at the Lilydale Campsite

Dogs are permitted in the camping area, on leash at all times, with no advertised pet fees or size restrictions. The boundary that matters is the walking track: under the City of Launceston's rules for the reserve, dogs are not allowed on the Lilydale Falls track or in the waterfall area, a restriction aimed at protecting native wildlife along the creek. Some sources claim track access is allowed, so check the signage at the trailhead rather than trusting a listing. Waste bins and bags are provided on site, and council signage limits overnight stays, so treat it as a short stop rather than a week-long base.

Max: on-leash camping with a creek nearby suited him fine, and we saved the falls walk for a morning without the dog.

Worth knowing

The reserve keeps things simple but covered: flushing toilets, coin showers, laundry, BBQs, fire pits, picnic tables and a small playground. Potable tank water is on tap but treat it before drinking, and pack a water container for your dog since there are no pet-washing facilities. The town of Lilydale is a short drive for supplies.

Getting there and parking

The campground sits at 228 Golconda Road on the B81, just north of the Lilydale town centre, about half an hour from Launceston. Parking is free and ample, and the site handles anything from a small tent to a motorhome.

Close by with the dogs

Because the falls track is off limits, give your dog a proper run at the Exeter Fenced Dog Park or Beaconsfield Fenced Dog Park on the West Tamar instead. For a meal out, Lilydale Tavern is back in town, and if the reserve is full, Cherry Top Farmstay ~ Boutique Eco Village is another dog-considering option nearby.