Sandalwood Van & Leisure Park

Sandalwood Van & Leisure Park is 21 acres of pasture and bushland on the edge of Wardell, a historic Richmond River village a short hop south of Ballina in the NSW Northern Rivers. It is a quiet travellers park that is genuinely set up for dogs, with space to walk them and an easy off leash beach run five minutes away at Patches Beach.

Dogs at the Sandalwood Van & Leisure Park

Dogs are welcome on the powered and camping sites, and in some cabins, though which cabins accept pets and whether a fee applies is not spelled out publicly, so call the park on (02) 6683 4221 before booking. Dogs stay on lead around the grounds, and usual caravan park pet conditions apply. This is a rural-style park, so pack your own bowls and bedding rather than expecting pet amenities. The property's sheer size is the compensation: more than enough room for a proper on lead leg stretch between the van and the river town.

Max: Confirm the pet friendly cabins and any fee directly with the park before you book. The conditions are not published and they can shift with availability.

The place

Large, level powered sites suit vans and motorhomes, with shady unpowered spots for tents. A swimming pool and clean amenities blocks cover the basics, and guests consistently mention the friendly managers and quiet setting. Wardell village, with its wharf and boat ramp on the Richmond River, is about a kilometre's stroll.

Getting there and parking

The park is at 978 Pimlico Road, Wardell NSW 2477, just off the Pacific Highway about 12 kilometres south of Ballina, so pulling in with a full rig is straightforward. Wardell is roughly 40 minutes south of Byron Bay.

Out and about nearby

Patches Beach is the five-minute drive highlight, with room for dogs to run on the sand, and Seven Mile Beach Dog Beach Car Park (Lennox Head) is an easy trip up the coast for a longer session. In Ballina, Missingham Park Off Leash Area sits on the river beside the town, and Reflections Ballina - Holiday Park is the coastal alternative if you want to be closer to the water.

More pet friendly stays in New South Wales and the Wardell guide are below.