Kolan River Retreat

Kolan River Retreat is a quiet, grassed campground on the eastern bank of the Kolan River at 96 Scotneys Road, Moorland, roughly 25km north of Bundaberg. With about 2km of saltwater river frontage, a private boat ramp and a strict one-dog-per-site policy, it draws self-contained campers and caravanners who want a proper river stay without leaving the dog behind.

Dogs at the Kolan River Retreat

Dogs are welcome at the campsites, one per site, and the rules are written down and enforced. Your dog stays on a lead or in a secure enclosure at all times, and stays contained within your own campsite. After dark, dogs must be tethered. Dogs are never left unattended: if you leave the property, your dog goes with you.

Dogs are not permitted inside the communal building, which covers the showers, toilets and lounge area, and they must not enter other campers' sites or the neighbouring properties. Barking needs to be kept down, aggressive behaviour toward people or the agisted cattle on the grounds means being asked to leave with no return, and you are responsible for picking up after your dog and for any damage it causes. Children under 10 cannot be left in sole charge of a dog. Fees are charged per person rather than per site, so confirm current rates when you book.

The place

The large grassed camping area suits caravans, motorhomes and tents, with hot showers, flushing toilets, drinking water, free WiFi and a communal building with a pool table. Entry is through a combination-lock boom gate, and if you want to launch a boat on the private ramp, a 4WD is recommended. Reviewers rate the clean amenities, spacious sites and the quiet, the friendly cows and wallabies around the property are part of the appeal, and it is a genuine change of pace from the big caravan parks along the coast.

Worth knowing

This is a stay-put-with-your-dog kind of place. There is no off-lead exercise area on site, so if your dog needs a hard run, the Daph Geddes fenced dog park in Bundaberg East is the closest fully enclosed option, about half an hour's drive south. Fishing from the riverbank and slow walks along the frontage are the on-site agenda.

For supplies and a coffee stop, Bundaberg Central is the go, where Cafe 1928 welcomes dogs alongside you. If you would rather be closer to town, the Bundaberg East Cabin and Tourist Park is another dog-friendly base in the region.

More river and coastal options are in the Queensland pet friendly stays guide and the Moorland destination guide.