As the weather remains chilly, we’re craving the cozy things in life! This is the perfect time of year to go off-grid and enjoy some of the incredible retreats and farm-stays Australia has to offer. It’s cold enough that you will love kicking back by the wood-fire, but not so cold you can’t explore the great outdoors with family, friends and fur-babies in tow.
We’ve pulled together some of our top picks for pet-friendly retreats across the country. Whether you’re looking for a luxury B&B, a kid-friendly cottage or an authentic farm-stay, we’ve got you covered!
VICTORIA:
Merricks Cottage
Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway, outdoor adventure or ultimate foodies weekend, this boutique accommodation has it all. The property features two bedrooms and can comfortably sleep 5 adults. Dogs are welcome inside and outside and the yard is fully fenced for your fur baby. Food and water bowls are also provided. With beaches, wineries, cafes and restaurants right on your doorstep, this is a gorgeous getaway that will give you a chance to recharge.
Sunday House – Maldon
Sunday House is an ode to the most relaxing day of the week. This stylish 1865 architecturally converted Welsh Baptist church is luxury holiday rental at its finest – right in the heart of Maldon’s historic township. Sleeping 8, Sunday House has 3 queen bedrooms, 1 master king room and 2 bathrooms with large glass walk-in showers.
Sunday House LOVE dogs and are proudly pet friendly, with secure fencing. They also supply dog beds, bowls, towels, blankets and fresh bones in the freezer!
Snow Brainer
Apart from the fantastic pun, Snow Brainer also has a huge amount to offer as a winter holiday destination. Located in the Alpine Village of Dinner Plain in the Victorian High Country, this dog-friendly chalet welcomes your four-legged family member just as much as you.
The chalet is toasty warm in winter with heaters in all bedrooms and a gas log fire in the central lounge room. All bedding and towels are supplied. The accommodation has three bedrooms and two bathrooms and can sleep up to 7. It’s recently been refitted and renovated for your comfort, so you can enjoy a little bit of winter luxury.
The village of Dinner Plain is very dog-friendly and features lots of scenic walking trails for you to enjoy together. Plus, the surrounding location is fantastic – you can visit Mount Hotham and the Alpine National Park with ease.
Golden Beach Cabins
Golden Beach Cabins is the place to go when you need a sea breeze change from city life. Less than 3 hours from the Melbourne CBD and right across the road from 90 Mile Beach, this pet-friendly accommodation is ideal for a budget family holiday.
You can choose from 2x self-contained cabins and both allow pets inside. With the beach only a stones throw away, it’s a great spot for daily doggie exercise too.
Must Love Dogs B & B
The 2014 winner of top 25 B&Bs in Australia, Must Love Dogs B&B is a pet-friendly accommodation located within the North East wine region of Rutherglen. Your fur-babies are 100% welcome, with large and small dogs allowed inside, fences to ensure security and homemade treats. Charlie and Chris are even self-confessed specialists when it comes to custom-made dog coats, simply notify them of your needs on arrival!
NEW SOUTH WALES:
Bay Escapes
Located in the pristine Port Stephens Area, this is a go-to destination when you have kids and pets in tow. Consisting of two luxury villas that are completely pet-friendly with your dogs welcome inside and throughout the fenced backyards.
Byron Beach Retreats
A generous floor plan features a king size master bedroom and blissfully beautiful bathroom with bath. The fully equipped kitchen and an open plan living and dining space opens up onto the deck overlooking private lush tropical gardens.
The fully fenced lawn and garden is pet-friendly and perfect for your fur baby to roam.
Dryridge Estate, Sunrise Lodge
Soak up mountain life and get away from the grind with a visit to Dryridge Estate Sunrise Lodge. With stunning escarpment views across the Megalong Valley, this self-catered, pet-friendly accommodation is nestled on a boutique vineyard. Set on a working farm, half the estate is covered in conservation-protected Megalong Granite Forest. You can enjoy the abundance of native flora and wildlife and picnic along the crystal clear Megalong Creek.
With two bedrooms, two bathrooms with under-floor heating, a spa bath and an open log fire, you and your family will have plentiful space to relax over the winter months. Not only that, but the pet-friendly lodge is kitted out with exceptional Dryridge wine and the cellar is available to guests for additional purchases.
You can be assured that your dogs will be absolutely welcome, both inside and outside the property. All backyard space is fully fenced, especially given that the farming nature of the property. There is plenty of space for your pets to romp around and ample opportunity for you both to explore around the property.
QUEENSLAND:
Sunshine Coast Holiday House
Come and experience the Sunshine Coast’s best kept secret; the pristine Mudjimba Beach.
Sleeping up to six people, our two-storey home is a 10-minute lazy walk to the beach. Alternatively, you can dive into the private swimming pool or spend your days lazing away in the hammock.
You’ll love the tropical breezes in this beautifully decorated home, which has everything you need to make your stay enjoyable.
The best part is your furry family member is welcome to come along too!
Alure Stanthorpe
Alure is located in the heart of Queensland’s high country in the Granite Belt, central to some of the region’s most outstanding cellar doors and set amongst stunning scenery. This is a fantastic luxury accommodation for a couples’ retreat, complete with a heated outdoor spa and fire. Your privacy is assured, with the only prying eyes being the local kangaroos dropping by! Whether you want to take a leisurely drive or enjoy a pre-organised local tour, you’re guaranteed to be well fed and watered, as this region is bursting with paddock to plate produce. Dine out at one of the Granite Belt’s restaurants or savour a home cooked dining option, hand-delivered to your villa.
And how could your fur-baby miss out on this fun – if you can’t bear to leave them out of your indulgent weekend away, Alure welcomes them with open arms. Not only can they stay inside, but they will also receive their very own bathrobe, plush cocoon bed, food and water bowls and a goodie bag of toiletries and gourmet treats. Better still, you’ll be equipped with a list of pet-friendly attractions and activities so you can maximise your retreat.
WESTERN AUSTRALIA:
Caves Road Chalets
Imagine 64 acres of your own back garden to roam around in, just ten minutes from town.
Caves Road Chalets is the perfect spot to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Nestled in the picturesque bush land of Margaret River, the chalets have everything you and your pooch need for a relaxing holiday.
Soak up allll that tranquility and enjoy your stay at Che Sara Sara Chalets in Walpole, WA. This pet-friendly retreat is nestled amongst 180 acres of forest and only minutes away from Walpole-Nornalup National Park, the Valley of the Giants and Treetop Walk. There are 4x self-contained accommodation options on offer, including 2x 3 bedroom and 2x 2 bedroom Western Red Cedar chalets. Each contain a separate kitchen, toilet, bathroom/laundry and sitting room.
Pets are more than welcome to stay inside the chalets at no extra charge (just bring your own bedding). If you’d like to go out exploring in a National Park where your fur-baby has to stay behind, there are kennels on-site where they can be minded in comfort while you hit the road.
TASMANIA:
On the beach at Connellys
Come and unwind with your fur babies at the beautiful Connellys Marsh beach near Hobart, Tasmania. The location is perfect for relaxation, nestled among a Mediterranean-style garden with alfresco dining and a separate yoga studio for meditation and exercise. The stunning water views will greet you, and the beachfront is only meters away from the door. It’s the perfect place to recharge and spend quality time with those closest to you. The beach is your fur babies backyard and the front area is fully enclosed with a high fence.