Five of Our Favourite Pet Friendly Accommodations in Australia
Every year we do quite a bit of travelling, and are always looking at ways to bring our little King Charles Cavalier (Lady) along with us. Look at her, how could you not want to bring her? 😍
Finding accommodation that happily welcomes our furry family member can often feel like searching for a needle in a haystack, and I know so many of you face the same challenge. But, we've been really lucky to discover some fantastic places that truly made travelling with Lady a joy. We thought it was only right to share these finds with you all.
Wildes Boutique Hotel - Kangaroo Valley
Wildes has absolutely earned its spot as one of our top accommodation picks, especially when Lady's in tow. The rooms here aren't just a decent size; they feel genuinely spacious and well-appointed, giving everyone plenty of room to settle in comfortably. The central courtyard is a real highlight – it's beautifully landscaped and becomes truly magical in the evening with the lighting, creating a lovely atmosphere to relax in. And let's not forget the food! We had both breakfast and dinner at the hotel restaurant, and both menus were excellent, with really well-prepared dishes.
Location-wise, it couldn't be better positioned, sitting right on the main street of Kangaroo Valley. This makes it super easy to wander around the charming village or just enjoy the peaceful surroundings. It genuinely is the perfect setting for a quiet, relaxing weekend escape with your pet. A big plus for dog owners is that all their dedicated pet-friendly rooms are conveniently located on the ground floor. What makes them stand out is that each one has its own private, enclosed small courtyard directly accessible from the room. This was incredibly convenient for Lady to pop outside whenever she needed to, without needing a leash or a walk through the hotel.
Having secure underground parking was another little bonus that added to the ease of our stay. It meant we didn't have to worry about parking on the street and could just access our car whenever needed.
The staff at Wildes were consistently friendly, professional, and incredibly welcoming towards dogs. You could tell they have a lot of experience with four-legged guests, which made us feel completely at ease. We had such a positive experience that we're already planning our next stay here.
Photos from Booking.com
Ovolo in South Yarra is situated in a fantastic spot right near the buzz of Chapel Street in Melbourne. The hotel itself has a distinctively cool and slightly moody design aesthetic, which is quite different and fun. A definite highlight for me was the free candy available in the lobby – a simple thing, but a big win! For Lady, the star of the show was the incredibly generous doggy gift pack we received on arrival. It was packed with high-quality treats, a couple of fun new toys she absolutely loved, essential things like wipes, and a few other thoughtful bits and pieces. It made her feel instantly welcome and spoiled!
While the rooms weren't the largest we've ever stayed in, they were really well laid out and stylishly furnished, making the most of the space. Honestly though, given the hotel's prime location, you're unlikely to spend a huge amount of time in the room anyway. You're right on the doorstep of Chapel Street's amazing shops, cafes, and restaurants. Plus, it’s an easy and pleasant walk down to the Yarra River, which is great for getting some steps in and letting your dog explore.
One thing to consider, depending on your dog's preferences, is finding suitable spots for toilet breaks. Being on a main road means easy access to grassy areas isn't as readily available as in some other locations. However, Lady has become less reliant on grass specifically, so we managed fine. Overall, the fantastic location and the effort Ovolo puts into making dogs feel welcome make it a great option for a city stay.
The recent renovation at The Isla Motel in Batemans Bay has given it a really appealing retro look, and the location is simply unbeatable. This pet-friendly motel is positioned literally just across the road from the beach and a public park, both of which are also dog friendly!
We booked a pet-friendly room, which was located on the ground floor and was also wheelchair accessible, offering plenty of space. The nightly rate for the room was $250, which felt reasonable considering the motel's fresh new look and its proximity to the beach. However, there was an additional pet surcharge of $100 added to this, which did feel a bit on the steeper side, especially compared to other places we've stayed. Unlike some other pet-friendly accommodations, there wasn't a specific pet goodie bag or any extra amenities provided for Lady to justify that additional fee.
Despite the surcharge, the ease of being able to just walk across the road for beach strolls and park visits with Lady was incredibly convenient and a major plus for this location. If being right by the coast is a priority and you appreciate a stylish, retro feel, The Isla is a solid choice for a pet-friendly getaway, just be prepared for the extra pet cost.
Telegraph Retreat - Cooperabung
Telegraph Retreat is definitely one of those places you stumble upon, being quite tucked away in the Cooperabung area – it's certainly not on a main tourist trail! Getting there felt like a bit of an adventure itself. However, upon arrival, you find yourself at a truly beautiful and tranquil cottage that offers a real sense of getting away from it all. A highlight was the outdoor spa located on the front deck, perfect for unwinding in the peaceful surroundings.
The cottage interior was well-equipped and comfortable, featuring a proper full kitchen which is always a bonus for longer stays, a cozy living area complete with a fireplace which would be lovely in cooler weather, and a good-sized bathroom and bedroom. It had everything we needed for a comfortable and self-sufficient stay.
As much as we enjoyed the peaceful setting and the cottage itself, the main reason we probably won't return is simply its remote location. It's quite far off our usual travel routes, and the chances of us passing through Cooperabung again are relatively slim. However, if your travels do take you through that part of the country and you're looking for a secluded, peaceful, and well-appointed place to stay with your dog, Telegraph Retreat is absolutely worth considering for a relaxing break. It's a lovely spot, just a little off the beaten path!
Finding hotels in Canberra that genuinely welcome pets can be challenging, so discovering Abode Hotel in Belconnen was great. They are one of the more accommodating options in the capital for pet owners, which is a big advantage. The location of this particular Abode hotel is incredibly convenient, with pretty much everything you might need right on your doorstep.
Across the road, you'll find a small but well-stocked Woolworths supermarket, several coffee shops perfect for your morning brew, a laundromat which is useful for longer trips, and a variety of restaurants offering different cuisines. If you're looking for a slightly longer walk or need some retail therapy, the large Belconnen Westfield Shopping Mall is also just a short distance away.
The Abode Belconnen is also right near Lake Ginninderra which has a beautiful track to walk around (we frequent this lake often).
The ease of having so many amenities within easy walking distance makes staying here with a dog very practical. Whether you need to grab supplies, find a quick meal, or just want to take your dog for a walk around the neighbourhood or to the nearby mall area, everything is easily accessible. It's a straightforward and convenient choice for anyone travelling to Canberra with their dog.