Every year, the same small scene plays out in households across Perth as the holidays approach: bags by the door, a list half-finished, and a dog who has already decided the suitcase is for him. For one Labrador we know — Max — the packing for a Pemberton Christmas was simply an invitation to redistribute the ribbon and wrapping paper across the living room. By the time the car pulled out, he was at the window, nose pressed to the glass, ready for the karri forests and cool rivers ahead.
If you are imagining a festive escape where your dog is genuinely part of the trip rather than an afterthought, Pemberton is a quietly perfect choice. Set among towering karri trees and clear rivers a few hours south of Perth, it trades coastal glare for forest shade — a calmer kind of Australian summer, and an easy one to share with a dog.
Why Pemberton suits a dog-friendly Christmas\n\n\n Pemberton rewards slow days. Forest trails begin where the driveway ends, the rivers stay cool through the warmest weeks, and there is space to let a dog simply be a dog. For families who would rather not leave a member of the household in a kennel over the holidays, that combination is hard to beat.
Protecting paws in the summer heat
Western Australian summers are deceptive. When the air sits at 30°C, asphalt can climb past 55°C — hot enough to hurt a dog's paws within a minute. The simplest test is the back of your hand: if you cannot hold it against the ground for five seconds, it is too hot to walk on. Keep to shaded forest paths and grassed areas, and save longer walks for early morning or evening.
Keep the routine familiar
Dogs settle faster when their days look familiar. Hold to the usual feeding and exercise times where you can, and bring a few touches of home — a known bed, a favourite toy, perhaps a dog-safe treat to mark the occasion. Familiarity is what lets a dog relax somewhere new.
A simple essentials kit
A little planning avoids most holiday hiccups. Worth packing:
- Plenty of fresh water for warm days
- Food and treats to last the stay
- Familiar bedding and toys
- Lead, harness and current ID tags
- Sunscreen for sensitive spots such as the nose and ears
Gentle outdoor days
Pemberton is built for unhurried adventures. Shaded trails, a cool swim at Big Brook Dam, or a quiet picnic beneath the karris while your dog dozes nearby — none of it demands much, which is rather the point. Keep dogs on lead near wildlife; the forests are home to kangaroos, emus and native birds that deserve their space.
Travelling safely
Make the drive as comfortable as the destination. Secure your dog with a harness or travel crate, keep the cabin cool, and stop regularly for water and a short stretch. A calm journey sets the tone for the whole trip.
How we think about pet-friendly stays
At Special Stays, we treat a dog as part of the family, because for most of our guests it is. Homes like our Pemberton retreat are chosen and prepared with that in mind — space to roam, easy-care interiors, and thoughtful touches that make arriving feel effortless. You can see the kind of homes we look after across our collection.
Max's first Pemberton Christmas ended exactly as it should: tired, content, new chew toy in tow, curled up beside his people under the forest canopy. If you would like your dog to share in the holiday this year, we are glad to help you plan it — start a conversation and we will point you toward the right home.