Blue Pelican Motel

Blue Pelican Motel is a 21-unit budget motel at 115 Wharf Street, Tweed Heads, close to the Tweed River and a short walk from Twin Towns Services Club. It takes dogs on request for an extra nightly fee, which makes it one of the more straightforward overnight options in the twin-towns strip at the NSW-Queensland border.

Dogs at the Blue Pelican

Dogs are allowed on request, with reports of up to two dogs per room and an extra charge of about $25 a night that covers more than one pet. Pet-friendly rooms are limited, so confirm directly with the motel when booking and ask for a ground floor unit, which makes coming and going with a dog far easier. Pets should not be left unattended in the room. The rooms are basic rather than pet-equipped, so bring your own bed, bowls and waste bags.

Max: ring ahead and lock in a ground floor pet room. Only a slice of the 21 units take dogs, and the beachside weekends fill them first.

Worth knowing

This is a no-frills room with air-conditioning and basic kitchen facilities, plus an outdoor pool and spa for the humans, and a ground-floor disabled unit among the mix. It suits a practical overnight or short stay with one or two dogs, not a resort-style pet holiday. Free on-site parking is included, which matters if you are towing a trailer of beach gear.

Getting there and parking

Wharf Street runs through the Tweed Heads town centre, about five minutes' drive from Gold Coast Airport, so the motel works well for early or late flights. Twin Towns and the river walks are within walking distance, and Coolangatta's beaches are just over the border.

While you're out there

John Baker Reserve fenced dog park at Banora Point is the closest proper off-lead run, and the river paths through Tweed Heads cover morning walks. For coffee, Dayo Cafe is in town and Cafe Kirra sits right by the beach. If this motel books out, Kennedy Drive Boutique Motel is the pet-friendly alternative nearby.

More options are on the NSW pet-friendly stays guide and the Tweed Heads destination page.