Stoney Park

Stoney Park is a caravan and cabin park at Telegraph Point, fifteen minutes north of Port Macquarie, with a difference: it wraps around the Stoney Aqua Park, a water obstacle course that pulls families from all over the mid north coast in summer. The park runs cabins, powered sites and the usual caravan park kit, bbq areas included, and it doubles as a stop for travellers who want the kids entertained rather than just a overnight pad. Dog owners are welcome too, which is rarer than it should be at a park this family-focused.

Dogs at Stoney Park

Per the park's own pet policy, pets are welcome for day visits and accommodation, except in dorm rooms. Dogs stay on leash within the park but there is an off lead area at the back of the park for a proper run. In cabins, pets are permitted with their own bedding and are not allowed on furniture, and there is a 15 dollar pet cleaning fee per animal. Owners are liable for their dog and clean up is required. That is a clearly spelled-out policy, and the on-site off lead area is the practical bonus.

The park's FAQ sets out the rest of the deal: dogs are welcome in all accommodation types rather than being pushed onto campsites only, waste must be picked up immediately, chasing wildlife is banned and an aggressive dog is asked to leave.

Guests are expected to sweep out excess hair in cabins before departure. In summer, the aqua park brings day visitors, kids and noise, so if your dog is reactive to crowds, book the quieter months or ask for a site away from the aqua park side.

Kangaroos and wallabies move through the open grounds, so high-prey-drive dogs need active watching. For a dog swim, the aqua park lake is out; locals head to the Wilson River access points near Log Wharf Reserve instead, where dogs can paddle away from the skiers.

Worth knowing

The aqua park is the headline attraction and the park earns strong guest feedback for it, along with the jumping castles and bbq areas. In summer expect noise and crowds, with the aqua park running to its season schedule; quieter months suit dog owners better. Telegraph Point itself is small, so stock up in Port Macquarie before you arrive.

Close by with the dogs

Port Macquarie is the draw when you leave the park: the dog friendly park off Lake Cathie way handles morning exercise, and The Beach House does a relaxed meal. If you are working the coast southward, Reflections Bonny Hills Holiday Park and the My People cafe in Laurieton both make good dog-owning stops.