River Retreat Home & Holiday Park

River Retreat Home & Holiday Park sits on the banks of the Tweed River at 8 Philp Parade, Tweed Heads South, a quiet, community-focused park with dog-friendly cabins and sites a short drive from both the Gold Coast and the Tweed Coast beaches.

The dog setup

Dogs are permitted in the designated Dog Friendly Standard Cabins and on powered sites, including the large drive-through sites suited to big rigs and 5th-wheelers, with pets welcome year round. Most onsite accommodation stays pet-free, so you must confirm a pet-friendly cabin or site at the time of booking.

The on-lead rule applies everywhere inside the park, including the roadways and the riverfront, and dogs are not allowed in the facilities or amenities blocks. Dogs cannot be left unattended at any time, waste must be picked up immediately, and management can restrict very large dogs if they may unsettle other guests. Save the off-lead time for the beach.

The vibe

The park mixes short-term tourist sites with long-term residents, which gives it a settled neighbourhood feel rather than a resort buzz. Guests point to the direct river frontage, clean toilet and shower blocks, and managers with a reputation for being helpful and accommodating.

Getting there

Turn off the Pacific Motorway into Minjungbal Drive and follow it to Philp Parade in Tweed Heads South, with Coolangatta and the southern Gold Coast only minutes north. Riverfront walkways around the Tweed Heads area make easy on-lead strolls straight from the gate.

Make a day of it

For a fenced run close to the park, the John Baker Reserve Fenced Dog Park and the Banora Point Dog Park are both nearby, and the Tweed Shire's off-leash stretches at South Kingscliff and Fingal Head reward a longer drive down the coast.

Coffee with the dog is easy at Dulcie and Edna in Banora Point or Dayo Cafe in Tweed Heads.

More options are on the New South Wales stays guide and the Tweed Heads South destination page.