Blue Shades Motel

Blue Shades Motel is a refurbished 4-star motel on Ferry Street in Maryborough, a block back from the Mary River, and one of the Southern Cross Motel Group's designated dog-friendly properties. It is a straightforward overnight base for travellers moving along the Bruce Highway or exploring the Fraser Coast, with the dog allowed inside designated rooms for a nightly surcharge.

Dogs at the Blue Shades Motel

The group's terms are clear: dogs only, no other animals, and a $30 surcharge per day. Service dogs are exempt from the fee. Pets are restricted to designated dog-friendly rooms, so you must explicitly book a pet room rather than assuming any room qualifies, as unauthorised animals in standard rooms breach the group's conditions. Dogs should not be left unattended in the rooms. Check-in is from 2pm and check-out by 10am, and reception can be reached on (07) 4122 2777.

Guests regularly call out the spacious refurbished rooms, comfortable beds, large bathrooms and modern decor, with family rooms among the options. Bring your own dog bedding and bowls.

Worth knowing

The motel sits on Ferry Street among Maryborough's cluster of pet-tolerant motels, a short walk from the riverside walks along the Mary River. For an off-leash run, the Rambo Dog Park is the handy fenced option on the town side, and Street Feast Cafe does coffee in town before you hit the road.

Max: dog-friendly rooms are a defined subset here, so ring ahead and lock in a pet room at booking rather than arriving and hoping.

Getting there and parking

The motel is at 35-39 Ferry Street, Maryborough, with off-street parking at the door, which makes unloading a dog and gear easy. It is a sensible stop between Bundaberg and Hervey Bay, and a good overnight split for travellers breaking the drive north.

While you're out there

Maryborough's heritage streets and the Wook-Koo Park riverfront precinct suit a leashed wander, and the region's beaches at Hervey Bay are an easy drive for a morning. A tidy, comfortable stop rather than a destination stay, and it earns its keep by simply letting the dog in without drama.