From Beach Runs to Cellar Doors: Australia’s Best Pet-Friendly Stays, rated by the Real Experts (Dogs)
If you’re reading this, we know that your looking for pet friendly Australian getaways because your fur babies simply MUST be part of any adventure no matter what! Afterall, it’s not a holiday if you haven’t got your bestie beside you, eh? And what better way to get the inside scoop than from our furry friends?
Join us as we sniff out six incredible pet-friendly Aussie getaways, each paw-printed with the approval of their dog guests. From vineyard views to beach strolls, here’s what these paw-some pups had to say about their stays!
Daisy at Winmark Wines, Broke NSW – Bichon Frisé with Flair
“Oh my paws, where do I even start? Winmark Winery, darling, is just fantastisk! My humans stayed at Villa Vino, and I had the run of the place — vineyards, gardens, and the sculpture trail. I even popped into the gift shop and admired the artworks (on my best behaviour, of course). It’s lavish here with the gourmet restaurant, tennis court and pool, but everyone made me feel so welcome.
I lost a Pandora charm at the pet-friendly cellar door during a tasting — imagine my relief when one of the lovely staff found it and returned it with a wink. Plenty of pats, vineyard views, and even a couple of new dog mates.
We’re following each other on Insta now. Four decorated paws up!”
Accommodates: 2 guests at Villa Vino
Pet Policy: Dogs are not just allowed — they’re encouraged at Winmark! Pets are welcome in the accommodation and at the cellar door. A small cleaning fee applies for pets. Winmark also has larger, pet-friendly accommodation like Mio Monte, which sleeps 14, and in total, the estate can host up to 24 guests.
Rusty at Yurt by Sea, Mullaway NSW – Kelpie, Beach Lover.
“Strewth, Yurt by Sea’s a dog’s dream! I ran like the wind, made new mates, and had a blast on the leash-free, dog-friendly beach down the road. My humans even had a BBQ on the verandah, and I scored some snags. The local hamburger joint tossed me some chips — proper crispy ones! And don’t get me started on the pub. It’s the friendliest one on the East Coast, no doubt. Everyone gave me a pat and a scratch. Best part? No extra charge for dogs of any size — do they think I’m cheap? The yard’s not fenced, so I had to keep my wits about me, but with all the fresh air and freedom, I couldn’t complain.
Four sandy paws up!”
Accommodates: 5 guests
Pet Policy: Yurt by Sea is a welcoming paradise for dogs of any size, with no additional fee! Cats may also be allowed by request. And just be sure to clean up after your pet and do a bit of extra vacuuming before departure to keep it in tip-top shape for the next guests.
Mellow at Sutherland Downs Retreat, Coomba Bay – Golden Retriever, chilled ex surfer.
“Well, now, Sutherland Downs, that’s a place to chillax, my friends. With 28 acres of peaceful land, I took it all in — slow strolls under the big sky, a few bursts of excitement here and there, but mostly just taking it easy, like a true Zen master. The humans fed Blackie and Zorro, the donkeys, who are total characters. We even had a BBQ on the verandah — snags, good vibes, and even better company. It’s the sort of place where you can unwind with a sunset, listen to the crackle of the firepit, and let the world drift by at its own pace.
Now, don’t get me wrong, my humans were off doing their thing – surfing lessons at Boomerang Beach and yoga retreats. I saw a lot of Downward Dogs, but for me, I’m all about that slow life. The occasional game of fetch or a roll around on the 28 acres of lush grass kept me entertained and everyone knew I knew where the best sunning spots were. Lovin’ the chilled, relaxed vibe here.
I did think about sliding into the hot tub myself, cause, hey, how would I have got out? And as for the lily pond, well, those pads looked a bit iffy for a girl my size. But you bet I had my fill of lounging around listening to good times.
The best part? The awesome folks here made sure we had everything we wanted…to the games and great food – yep, humans organised a special celebration. It’s a place I could easily call home.
I give it four paws up…slowly”
Accommodates: Up to 21 guests (plus plenty of space for my lazy naps!)
Pet Policy: Allows 1 dog under 10 kg for an additional fee of AU$50 per stay. For larger dogs like me, there’s an extra fee, so the humans just had to fork out a bit more for my big self. Sorry, no cats.
Archie at Skillogalee Winery, Clare Valley SA – Aussie Shepherd, food obsessed.
“Well g’day! Archie here — your classic small Aussie Shepherd, with a big nose for good taste. I had myself a beaut time at Skillogalee in the Clare Valley. Wide-open lawns, vineyard views, and gardens made for proper sniffing. The humans? Off sampling the good stuff, enjoying the award-winning Shiraz and Riesling wines – the signature variety of the region, but Skillogalee’s Cab Sav is bringing smiles too.
I trotted into the brand new Barrel House on a lead (rules are rules), and I wasn’t going anywhere with all those paws-itively scrumptious aromas waftin’ around – Oh the brisket, the baked bread, a hint of shiraz… fair dinkum! I found a shady spot, copped a few pats, and even the kids had their games out on the lawn. Relaxed as.
Skillogalee’s got a great vibe. They’re proud dog lovers and owners themselves and well- behaved dogs (like me) are always welcome. My humans got the VIP treatment while I got to chill.
Four paws up from me, and my tail’s still waggin’.”
Accommodates: For up to 24 guests. There’s Skillogalee House and Owl Cottage – up to 6 guests each, Wren Cottage – up to 4 guests, and Willow Glen House – up to 8 guests.
Pet Policy: Well-behaved dogs are welcome with their humans for an extra fee. Water bowls are provided. Dogs under 30 kg are good to go (lucky Archie’s a lean lil’ legend), and larger pups can be approved by prior arrangement. Dogs are welcome on-lead in the lawn areas – weather permitting – and even in the new Barrel House. Just no pups in the bedrooms or on the furniture, and paws off the human crockery and linen, thanks.
Berrie at Coromandel Homestead, Berrima, NSW – Cockapoo, cute & spunky.
“Och aye! It’s Berrie here — a bonnie wee Cockapoo wi’ curls for days and a nose for luxury. I’ve just returned fae the stylish Coromandel Homestead in the Southern Highlands and let me tell ye, it’s the bee’s knees for pups like me.
The homestead itself is a stunner — all classy-like wi’ crackin’ fireplaces for toasty naps, soft sofas (don’t fash, I brought me own blankie), and views over rolling paddocks. There’s even a wee cottage out the back if yer bringing the clan. There’s a proper verandah for keeping watch (aka snoozing in the sun), and bonnie green grass outside was perfect for a scamper, that go on forever. I ran myself silly doing zoomies till I looked like a little grass ball – worth it while the humans sipped their wine and nattered away.
We took the lead into historic Berrima village, just a stone’s throw away, grabbed a puppuccino at one of the cafés, and explored the walking tracks down by the river. I sniffed every stick in the Southern Highlands, did a cheeky strut past the market stalls, and gave a knowing nod to other Highlands hounds.
Now listen up – not every pup gets the VIP invite. Only small, house-trained legends like me are welcome, and only if the humans ask nicely (it’s on a request basis). Bring yer own bed, stay off the posh furnishings, and dinnae go wandering — it’s not fully fenced. But if yer a good lass (or lad), got good manners and a waggy tail, you’re golden. They’ll roll out the welcome mat and then some.
So aye, Coromandel? Stylish, scenic, and snuggle-approved. Between the fresh air, the toastie fires, open skies, and all that Highland charm, what’s not to love?
Four grassy paws up from me!”
Accommodates: 8 guests
Pet Fee: $50 per dog per stay (max 2 small dogs, by request)
Donato at The Winemakers House De Iuliis, Hunter Valley, NSW –Dachshund, vertically challenged vineyard explorer
“Pulled up, hopped out, and caught a breeze of something spectacular — vineyards, sunshine, and just maybe… cheese? I knew I’d landed somewhere special. Quick lap of the house: sunny napping zones, a crackling stone fireplace, and views so pretty they almost distracted me from snack patrol.
I arrived on request – per richiesta, as they say – but, who could resist questa faccina carina (this cute little face)? One look and I was practically on the guest list.
The best bit? The De Iuliis family had a water bowl and treat waiting because they knew I was coming.
The Winemakers House is molto elegante: three stylish bedrooms, a stone fireplace perfect for curling up after vineyard strolls, and views across the vines that go on forever. I took one look around, did a tactical roll in the grass, and declared it mine. It’s called establishing territory – or as Nonna would say, fare la bella figura.
While my humans swirled superb Shiraz and Semillon, and pondered tannins at the cellar door, I stood guard in the sunshine, channelling my inner Carabiniere and sniffing out prosciutto breezes, then later (with impressive subtlety) I lured them to the Smelly Cheese Shop. Strong contenders in both the stinky and snacky departments. (My nose knows dairy). They stocked up.
And speaking of taste… the De Iuliis story? It’s all about family, heritage, and grapes. Originally from the hills of Abruzzo to the vines of the Hunter, their passion runs deep and you can taste it in every drop.
Staying with my human girls was bellissima but The De Iuliis family makes you feel like part of their own as well. Even us four leggers. A true taste of famiglia! Molto bene!
I give it four paws up with great gesticulation!”
Accommodation: 6 guests
Pet Friendly: Small dogs welcome on request.
Final Paws…
If you ask us, De Iuliis Wines is just the beginning. Across the Hunter Valley, South Australia, and beyond, there are other brilliant stays where the vino flows, the views roll on, the waves beckon…and dogs like these are treated like family.
Winery weekends, coastal escapes, even the occasional yurt… Travellarks has sniffed out the good ones, so all you have to do is pack the treats.
Ready to roam? Find your next pet friendly Aussie Getaways here.
