Whichever winter getaway you are pining for - whether it's a beach house, a quiet country retreat or a ski lodge - it is difficult to find genuinely pet-friendly accommodation that ticks all our boxes.
So we teamed up with the specialist team at Holidaying with Dogs to uncover ten unique properties around Australia who care for the wellbeing and enjoyment of our four-legged companions as much as their human guests...
NEW SOUTH WALES
#1. TROPICAL COAST RETREAT - Kingscliffe (NSW)
This property is situated in the Tweed Valley overlooking Kingscliff, only a short drive to dog-friendly beaches and restaurants, Byron Bay, Murwillumbah, the Gold Coast, Coolangatta and many hinterland areas.
Emerald Beach House is set up above the street offering fabulous panoramic views and the coast and hinterland and it’s very close to the surfing beach.
This property is a real "doggy heaven" with a fully-fenced grassy backyard, close proximity to an off-leash beach and your dogs (up to two, with no restriction on size) are also allowed inside. There is an outside shower for washing off sand and saltwater beforehand!
This pet-friendly accommodation is on one level with a main bedroom furnished with a queen-size bed and a second bedroom with twin beds and a foldout ottoman. The living area has a reverse cycle air-conditioner and there is a ceiling fan in each bedroom.
Find out more here...
#3. TOP OF THE RANGE, Jindabyne (NSW)
Is your dog also dreaming of a white Christmas in July? Well now, you can enjoy your family ski holiday without having to leave your beloved pooch behind! This property is only 2 hours drive from Canberra, 5 from Sydney and 6 from Melbourne.
Top of the Range in Jindabyne is a 2-bedroom self-contained loft house with views to Mt Kosciuszko. It is only a 30 min drive to the ski resorts of Thredbo and Perisher, 20 min to the National Park Entry or 15 min down to Lake Jindabyne.
Set on 86 acres within a wider farm environment, you can venture outside from long walks or stay warm and cosy with your dogs by the fire (firewood is supplied)! Pack clothes for all weather conditions because it can snow and become windy in any season! There are views everywhere you look and the most common times for snow views are from April to October. The fence line ensures that farm animals and wildlife cannot get onto the property to interact with your dogs!
Find out more here...
QUEENSLAND
#4. SALTWATER VILLAS WATERFRONT HOUSE, Mooloolaba (QLD)
If you’re craving an escape from the cold and miserable weather down South, where else but Queensland and its beaches?
Saltwater Villas Waterfront House is a large property which can welcome up to ten guests and they will accept up to three dogs.
You can spread out in this spacious North facing house with 3 separate bedrooms, a large lounge media room and outdoor entertainment area so why not get the whole family or a group of dog loving friends together?
Make sure your dog(s) can swim or pack some life jackets as you will have your own private pool and pontoon. You can easily hire SUP Boards, kayaks or a motorised boat to enjoy an action-packed holiday with your pooch!
Find out more here...
#5. DUK 'N' WILLA BEACH COTTAGE - Hervey Bay (QLD)
Duk 'n' Willa Beach Cottage is an idyllic quintessential Queenslander positioned only 600m from the beach and in close proximity to cafes and restaurants. Pialba is only a short 8 min drive to Hervey Bay, famous for its whale watching cruises between April and October each year or you could visit nearby Fraser Island.
The property itself delivers a light and airy beach feel through the use of hardwood timber floors and high ceilings, capturing the timeless era in which it was built. The beach cottage offers an open plan living space and modern kitchen and two bedrooms.
You can bring up to 3 dogs who are allowed inside and there is plenty of space to spread out with a large, fully fenced backyard complete with a hammock to relax and unwind. The oversized covered entertainment area is perfect for BBQs, there is also a lockup garage and yard access for boats and jet skis.
Find out more here …
VICTORIA
#6. CAPE COTTAGES - OLLIES VIEW (VIC)
Cape Cottages is set on 8 acres of magnificent land in Skenes Creek with uninterrupted views of the Southern Ocean, 10 min to Apollo Bay with its superb beach, cafes, restaurants and Shops. A short drive to the Great Otway National Park, it is also an ideal base to visit the world renowned Twelve Apostles.
Within short proximity, you will find local breweries, wineries, berry farms and restaurants. With activities such as bushwalking, cycling, mountain biking within easy reach and the Great Ocean Road right on our door step you will not be disappointed.
Find out more here...
#9. YESTERYEAR COTTAGE, Inverloch (VIC)
#1. TROPICAL COAST RETREAT - Kingscliffe (NSW)
This property is situated in the Tweed Valley overlooking Kingscliff, only a short drive to dog-friendly beaches and restaurants, Byron Bay, Murwillumbah, the Gold Coast, Coolangatta and many hinterland areas.
Tropical Coast Retreat is a 35-acre property allowing plenty of walks, there’s also a tropical and exotic fruit orchard, a 4-hole golf course adjacent to a sub-tropical rainforest grove and virgin tea tree forest teaming with bird life!
The three luxury self-contained spa units, each with their own pergola and BBQ area, afford magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean and the Springbrook and Lamington Mountain ranges to the West.
This pet-friendly accommodation will accept up to 2 dogs (any size) inside and the property is also fully fenced.
Human guests can enjoy the authentic Swedish western red cedar Sauna and the 15 metre swimming pool with a heated spa whilst your dogs will enjoy swimming in the dam. To make your dog’s stay as relaxed as yours, they even have a special pet groomer and carer available!
Find out more here...
#2. EMERALD BEACH HOUSE, Emerald Beach (NSW)
Emerald Beach itself is a small village with restaurants, general store, café, hairdresser and bottle shop. Supermarkets and larger shops are close by at Woolgoolga and Moonee, with Coffs Harbour only about 20km to the South.
The three luxury self-contained spa units, each with their own pergola and BBQ area, afford magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean and the Springbrook and Lamington Mountain ranges to the West.
This pet-friendly accommodation will accept up to 2 dogs (any size) inside and the property is also fully fenced.
Human guests can enjoy the authentic Swedish western red cedar Sauna and the 15 metre swimming pool with a heated spa whilst your dogs will enjoy swimming in the dam. To make your dog’s stay as relaxed as yours, they even have a special pet groomer and carer available!
Find out more here...
#2. EMERALD BEACH HOUSE, Emerald Beach (NSW)
Emerald Beach itself is a small village with restaurants, general store, café, hairdresser and bottle shop. Supermarkets and larger shops are close by at Woolgoolga and Moonee, with Coffs Harbour only about 20km to the South.
This property is a real "doggy heaven" with a fully-fenced grassy backyard, close proximity to an off-leash beach and your dogs (up to two, with no restriction on size) are also allowed inside. There is an outside shower for washing off sand and saltwater beforehand!
This pet-friendly accommodation is on one level with a main bedroom furnished with a queen-size bed and a second bedroom with twin beds and a foldout ottoman. The living area has a reverse cycle air-conditioner and there is a ceiling fan in each bedroom.
Find out more here...
#3. TOP OF THE RANGE, Jindabyne (NSW)
Is your dog also dreaming of a white Christmas in July? Well now, you can enjoy your family ski holiday without having to leave your beloved pooch behind! This property is only 2 hours drive from Canberra, 5 from Sydney and 6 from Melbourne.
Top of the Range in Jindabyne is a 2-bedroom self-contained loft house with views to Mt Kosciuszko. It is only a 30 min drive to the ski resorts of Thredbo and Perisher, 20 min to the National Park Entry or 15 min down to Lake Jindabyne.
Set on 86 acres within a wider farm environment, you can venture outside from long walks or stay warm and cosy with your dogs by the fire (firewood is supplied)! Pack clothes for all weather conditions because it can snow and become windy in any season! There are views everywhere you look and the most common times for snow views are from April to October. The fence line ensures that farm animals and wildlife cannot get onto the property to interact with your dogs!
Find out more here...
QUEENSLAND
#4. SALTWATER VILLAS WATERFRONT HOUSE, Mooloolaba (QLD)
If you’re craving an escape from the cold and miserable weather down South, where else but Queensland and its beaches?
Saltwater Villas Waterfront House is a large property which can welcome up to ten guests and they will accept up to three dogs.
You can spread out in this spacious North facing house with 3 separate bedrooms, a large lounge media room and outdoor entertainment area so why not get the whole family or a group of dog loving friends together?
Make sure your dog(s) can swim or pack some life jackets as you will have your own private pool and pontoon. You can easily hire SUP Boards, kayaks or a motorised boat to enjoy an action-packed holiday with your pooch!
Find out more here...
#5. DUK 'N' WILLA BEACH COTTAGE - Hervey Bay (QLD)
Duk 'n' Willa Beach Cottage is an idyllic quintessential Queenslander positioned only 600m from the beach and in close proximity to cafes and restaurants. Pialba is only a short 8 min drive to Hervey Bay, famous for its whale watching cruises between April and October each year or you could visit nearby Fraser Island.
The property itself delivers a light and airy beach feel through the use of hardwood timber floors and high ceilings, capturing the timeless era in which it was built. The beach cottage offers an open plan living space and modern kitchen and two bedrooms.
You can bring up to 3 dogs who are allowed inside and there is plenty of space to spread out with a large, fully fenced backyard complete with a hammock to relax and unwind. The oversized covered entertainment area is perfect for BBQs, there is also a lockup garage and yard access for boats and jet skis.
Find out more here …
VICTORIA
#6. CAPE COTTAGES - OLLIES VIEW (VIC)
Cape Cottages is set on 8 acres of magnificent land in Skenes Creek with uninterrupted views of the Southern Ocean, 10 min to Apollo Bay with its superb beach, cafes, restaurants and Shops. A short drive to the Great Otway National Park, it is also an ideal base to visit the world renowned Twelve Apostles.
Cape Cottages comprises of two dog-friendly cottages. They accept up to 2 dogs (small/medium size) who are allowed inside but they can not be left without owner supervision inside or out as the property is not fully fenced.
Within short proximity, you will find local breweries, wineries, berry farms and restaurants. With activities such as bushwalking, cycling, mountain biking within easy reach and the Great Ocean Road right on our door step you will not be disappointed.
#7. BESPOKE HOLIDAY HOUSE, Bright (VIC)
Bright is close to the Victorian Alps and various alpine national parks including the Mount Buffalo National Park and Alpine National Park (Falls Creek). Local attractions include farms, wineries, historic sites, fruit orchards, restaurants, touring the beautiful natural landscape, surrounding mountains (bike trails) and more.
Bright is close to the Victorian Alps and various alpine national parks including the Mount Buffalo National Park and Alpine National Park (Falls Creek). Local attractions include farms, wineries, historic sites, fruit orchards, restaurants, touring the beautiful natural landscape, surrounding mountains (bike trails) and more.
Bespoke Holiday House is a fully restored 1950's weatherboard house in Bright's famous Delany Avenue so close to town you can park your car and then walk or ride everywhere.
The house is on quite a large piece of land with beautiful front and rear gardens as well as a separate fenced dog-friendly yard.
The owners are dog lovers themselves and will be happy for you to have your dogs inside (up to 4 with no restriction on size) as long as they are kept off the furniture and bedding and are never left unattended in the house. This property has had a major restoration and the house is filled with vintage restored furniture and original artworks.
Find out more here...
#8. HOWARD'S HILL, Boneo (VIC)
Nestled among Manna Gums, ancient grass trees and 30 acres of blissful bush, the converted barn of Howard's Hill is only a 1.5 hr drive from Melbroune and the perfect intimate retreat or base to explore the surrounding Mornington Peninsula. Greens Bush - part of the Nepean National Park - is ideal for bushwalking and is practically at the back door!
The house is on quite a large piece of land with beautiful front and rear gardens as well as a separate fenced dog-friendly yard.
The owners are dog lovers themselves and will be happy for you to have your dogs inside (up to 4 with no restriction on size) as long as they are kept off the furniture and bedding and are never left unattended in the house. This property has had a major restoration and the house is filled with vintage restored furniture and original artworks.
Find out more here...
#8. HOWARD'S HILL, Boneo (VIC)
Nestled among Manna Gums, ancient grass trees and 30 acres of blissful bush, the converted barn of Howard's Hill is only a 1.5 hr drive from Melbroune and the perfect intimate retreat or base to explore the surrounding Mornington Peninsula. Greens Bush - part of the Nepean National Park - is ideal for bushwalking and is practically at the back door!
This fully renovated barn has everything you need to unwind from the moment you arrive. With 3 bedrooms, the property will accommodate up to 8 guests and allows up to 2 dogs (any size) including inside.
The property is fully fenced and the picturesque dam provides a great swimming spot!
The property is fully fenced and the picturesque dam provides a great swimming spot!
For guests that would like to trail ride the area, the property will accommodate your own horses, or trail rides can be arranged. Golf courses are just minutes away as are many of the Peninsula's wineries and beautiful beaches for surfing, fishing or swimming are all within a short drive.
#9. YESTERYEAR COTTAGE, Inverloch (VIC)
Inverloch is a seaside town, situated at the mouth of Anderson Inlet, 143 km south east of Melbourne. Popular for surfing beaches and bay fishing, the town welcomes a Farmers Market showcasing the best local produce from the South Gippsland region (the third Sunday of each month).
Yesteryear is a century old miner's cottage located only a 5 minute stroll to the local beach and shops.
The property's garden is fully fenced and your dogs (up to 2, any size) are of course welcome inside.
This rustic cottage has some rooms lined with the original baltic pine timber and an open plan living area. The split system air conditioner makes it very comfortable with a wood burning heater for a touch of romance. There are three charming bedrooms, all decorated in the "olde worlde" style.
Find out more here…
TASMANIA
#10. SALEM BAY BEACH HOUSE, Tasman Peninsula (TAS)
This secluded property is situated next to the Saltwater River on the Tasman Peninsula, a 1h45 min drive from Hobart and 25 min from historic Port Arthur. You are minutes from the beach and a boat ramp and minutes away from the convict ruins of the Coal Mines historic site.
Find out more here…
TASMANIA
#10. SALEM BAY BEACH HOUSE, Tasman Peninsula (TAS)
This secluded property is situated next to the Saltwater River on the Tasman Peninsula, a 1h45 min drive from Hobart and 25 min from historic Port Arthur. You are minutes from the beach and a boat ramp and minutes away from the convict ruins of the Coal Mines historic site.
This is a waterfront self-contained beach house on a quiet bush block where you can watch the sunrise over the water from your bedroom window, with your dogs! How romantic...
This property will accept up to two dogs with no restriction on size and they are allowed inside. The property is not fenced however the deck is fully enclosed.
Find out more here...
Too many providers loosely use the "pet-friendly" tag as a marketing ploy whilst secretly hoping you won't bring your dogs or will leave them outside overnight! May this list grow longer and encourage other providers to start treating our pets as real family members!
Too many providers loosely use the "pet-friendly" tag as a marketing ploy whilst secretly hoping you won't bring your dogs or will leave them outside overnight! May this list grow longer and encourage other providers to start treating our pets as real family members!
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