Stratford Caravan Park

Stratford Caravan Park, also known as Stratford on the River Caravan Park, sits on the banks of the Avon River on the Princes Highway at the edge of town, and it is a pet-friendly, riverside stop with powered sites, cabins and camp kitchen facilities about fifteen minutes from Sale.

Dogs at the park

Dogs are welcome on the powered and camping sites, and some cabins accept pets too, though not all, so confirm pet-friendly cabin availability with the park before you book. Dogs must be leashed and under control throughout the grounds, and owners are expected to manage barking so it does not disturb neighbouring campers overnight. No size limit is published, so flag your dog's size at booking if you have a large breed and ask whether any pet fee applies.

The vibe

Sites are shaded and grassy, running down toward the riverbank, with a camp kitchen, fire pits and clean heated amenities blocks. The riverside grass right at your site is what makes it work for dogs: you get an on-lead stretch of water every day without driving anywhere. Taps around the park cover water, but bring your own bowls and bedding.

Getting there and parking

The park sits on the Princes Highway at the Stratford end of town, an easy walk from the town centre and the river paths that start at Apex Park, where the Gippsland Plains Rail Trail finishes. Sale and the Gippsland Lakes are about fifteen minutes' drive for a day trip.

Close by with the dogs

The flat gravel fenced dog park in Sale is the secure off-lead option for a proper sprint, with water facilities on site. On-lead, the Gippsland Plains Rail Trail from Stratford toward Maffra runs through farmland with livestock, so keep the lead on and carry water. In town, Sipping Duck Coffee Roasters is the local coffee stop and the Barron River Hotel does dinner. If the river park is booked out, Sale Showgrounds Caravan and Motorhome Park is the fallback base.

More options are in the Victoria pet friendly stays guide and the Stratford destination guide.

Pepsi: the grassy riverside sites are the whole point here. Nab one near the water and your morning walk starts the second you clip the lead on.