Discovery Parks - Alice Springs

Discovery Parks - Alice Springs sits at Heavitree Gap on the eastern bank of the Todd River, about six minutes' drive south of the town centre via the A87, and it is one of the few bases in the immediate area that properly caters to travelling dogs. Powered sites, campsites and a limited run of pet-friendly cabins make it work for rigs and road-trippers alike.

Dogs at the Discovery Parks

Dogs stay on designated powered sites, including concrete-slab and grassy sites, and in a small number of specifically designated pet-friendly cabins. Not every cabin takes dogs, so confirm the correct cabin type when you book and clear the pet with the park at reservation time rather than on arrival.

Leashes apply everywhere within the park grounds, and dogs are kept out of communal facilities such as the camp kitchen and the pool area. A pet fee may apply, so ask for the current rate when booking.

The vibe

This is a full-service family park rather than a bare bush camp: a water slide, jumping pillow, camp kitchen and a rotating lineup of food vans in season. The Todd River redgum country at the doorstep gives the dog a proper sniff at the end of the day.

Pepsi: book the pet-friendly cabin type by name, not just a cabin. The front desk is straight about which ones take dogs.

Getting there and parking

The park sits at 25 Palm Place, Ross, just inside Heavitree Gap where the highway enters town. Drive-through and large sites handle big rigs, and town is close enough for supplies without unhitching.

While you're out there

In town, Gillen Dog Park and Rotaract Park Fenced Dog Park give the dog off-lead time, and Page 27 Cafe handles the morning coffee. If the park is full, Heritage Caravan Park is the other dog-welcoming caravan option.

More dog-friendly beds are on the Northern Territory stays guide and the Alice Springs destination page.