12 dog-friendly holiday homes in Australia

If you love your pooch - and who doesn't? - you’ll know just how hard it can be to find a great holiday home that welcomes your mate as much as it welcomes you. Here are 12 holiday homes that will.

By Carolyn Tate

If you’re tired of having to leave someone behind when you go on holidays, we’ve pulled together some of the best dog-friendly holiday homes around Australia - from beachside retreats to farmstays. 

Whether you're looking for a quick weekend getaway or a longer, more relaxed vacation, we've got the perfect spot for you and your pup. So, let’s start planning your next dog-friendly adventure!

Hillview Dairy, Mt Tallebudgera, Queensland

If you’re after some spectacular photo opportunities with your pooch and you don’t mind spending a bit of cash, historic Hillview Dairy could be the one for you. Built in 1893, the property overlooks the escarpment of Mt Tallebudgera, Currumbin Creek and the farming valley landscape. Featured in Qantas Travel Insider, Country Magazine, and Marie Claire - to name a few - this magical guesthouse was a finalist in Airbnb’s Unique Stays 2021. 

Dog-friendly facilities: The pet concierge team (okay, it’s three dogs, but CUTE) will greet you ‘with open paws’. The deck and dairy garden is fully fenced and you’ll need to confirm your special friends when booking. A small fee applies. 

Things to do: Bushwalk and visit the waterfalls in heritage-listed Springbrook National Park (minus pup for that one, sorry), visit the quaint local coffee shops and bakeries, as well as the artisan breweries and old world surf shops. Or head to nearby Currumbin Beach.

More info: Airbnb

Salty Dog Cottage, Kings Beach, Queensland

Salty Dog Cottage is a bright and cheery home with everything you need for a quick getaway or longer stay with your furry friends. It’s close to the popular holiday spot Kings Beach, with its restaurants, bars, and white sandy beach. Just five minutes walk away is the dog-friendly Shelly Beach, where your mate can run around and chase the seagulls. 

Dog-friendly facilities: Pets are very welcome, as long as you let the hosts know, with a fenced courtyard area and grassed yard. 

Things to do: Head to the beach or the oceanfront pool, follow the beachside walking track along the headland, visit the local surf club, tavern, or restaurants. 

More info: Stayz

Creek Side Tiny House, Foxground, New South Wales

Located beside a creek set in a rainforest this off-grid escape pod (tiny house), you’d never know you were only 10 minutes drive from Berry or the beaches of Gerringong. 

This is a great spot if you and your dog want to get away from it all and enjoy some serenity.   

Dog-friendly facilities: The cabin is dog-friendly and is set up to welcome your furry friend, but only one dog is allowed, unless you have special permission from the host. The property is not fully fenced so you’ll need to keep a watchful eye.

Things to do: Go hiking, explore the local beaches, shops, cafés and eateries, or simply sit by the fire or in the outdoor bath with a good book and some puppy treats. 

More info: Airbnb

‍90 Mile Beach House, Golden Beach, Victoria

Surrounded by the Gippsland Lakes to one side, and Golden Beach on the other, 90 Mile Beach House is a holiday dream - for you and your little mate. Just a 3 hour drive from Melbourne, Golden Beach boasts spectacular secluded beach as far as the eye can see (you might have gleaned from the name - there’s 90 miles of it!). There is plenty of parking for cars, buses, caravans, boats and trailers. 

Dog-friendly facilities: Each villa is slightly different but Villa 1 has a big fenced off undercover area, designed for dogs; and the three-bedroom house is entirely pet-friendly as well. 

Things to do: Head to the beach (only 200 metres away), go fishing, play golf or lawn bowls, go on bushwalks, or visit the local cafes. The Trinculo Shipwreck is just 6km away, and can be seen at low tide. 

More info: 90 Mile Beachhouse

Manta Ray One, Skenes Creek, Victoria

Manta Ray One is a premium property with magnificent beach views and access, located straight across the road from the beach - so you can enjoy your morning coffee while you check the surf. The subtle sting-ray like design of the home nestles into the landscape while looking out over Skenes Creek beach and the emerald hills of Apollo Bay. So you can enjoy the vibe of Apollo Bay, without the crowds. 

Dog-friendly facilities: Fully fenced yard, with a comfy kennel. 

Things to do: The Skenes Creek beach is great for surfing, fishing, beach combing and strolling. At low tide, you can walk all along the beach from Skenes Creek to Apollo Bay.

More info: Airbnb

Aloha Beach House Retreat, Rosebud, Victoria

Aloha is a massive renovated beach home that has everything you need for a group or family holiday in Rosebud, on the Mornington Peninsula. The entire property can sleep up to 21 people (there is a three-bedroom main house which sleeps 13, and an optional separate unit on the property which sleeps eight). Just a 10-minute walk away from Rosebud Pier, Aloha provides champagne and chocolates on arrival for you, but what makes Aloha really special is how much its hosts care for their doggy guests (see below). 

Dog-friendly facilities: Dogs are welcome inside, and there’s also a kennel provided in the fully fenced yard. All dogs receive a bag of treats on arrival and there are life jackets provided for dogs to help keep them safe at the beach. They really have thought of everything!

Things to do: Head to the beach or explore the markets in the town of Rosebud, play a round of golf, or walk up the 304-metre hill of Arthurs Seat.

More info: Dogs on Holidays

Tally-Ho Tiny Home, Hawson, South Australia

This cosy tiny home is hidden away amongst the gum trees, just 10 minutes from Port Lincoln. The sweet little house enables you to enjoy the peaceful Australian bushland, completely off-grid, on a hobby farm overlooking grazing horses and heaps of wide open spaces. 

Dog-friendly facilities: Dogs are welcome, but you’ll need to supervise them to ensure they don’t bother the farm livestock. Note: an extra $50 cleaning fee is charged for dogs. (We know yours is well-behaved, but sometimes they can add to the cleaner’s workload.)

Things to do: Drive into town for some of Eyre Peninsula's famous produce, or stoke the adorable little indoor fire and nestle up inside with a delicious local wine. You can also spot a multitude of bird life, and possibly a koala or two.

More info: Airbnb

Ultra Dog Friendly Accommodation, Adelaide Hills, South Australia

With a name like that, how can we resist? This home overlooks a gum tree valley where your pets are welcome, both in and outside, with securely fenced garden and deck areas. The home sleeps two, and is perfect for a quiety escape, reconnecting with nature, and relaxing on the large deck, complete with hydrotherapy spa. It’s a fabulous base to explore the Adelaide Hills, and relax with your pooch pal.

Dog-friendly facilities: There’s no limit on dog numbers here, and they’re free to roam inside and out. Dog throws are provided to cover the furniture and bed, and there’s half an acre of fenced garden to explore. And when they’re tired, your pups can enjoy a variety of dog lounges, inside dog beds, and a selection of dog bowls and a dog toy box.

Things to do: Explore the cafes, pubs and wineries of the Adelaide Hills, with great dog walking options nearby.

More info: Stayz

Rustic Retreat, Toodyay, Western Australia

This rustic retreat was hit by the fires before Christmas, but it’s back better than ever. That means 20 acres of peace and tranquility, with an outdoor couples bath area and deck off the main bedroom, and a dog-friendly brand new fence. The home itself is a charming log cabin less than an hour from Perth, with open spaces and beautiful starry skies. This is a great spot to relax and unwind. Bonus: for the romantics among us, you can upgrade your package to include extras like roses, champagne, and heart-shaped chocolates - or even a massage. Awwww!

Dog-friendly facilities: Fully fenced, and dogs are welcome outside only.

Things to do: Clear night skies here are famous for their stargazing, and you can also catch a spectacular sunset at Pelham Reserve (or just stay on your deck). Toodyay has plenty of places to eat, and you can also visit historic Newcastle Gaol. 

More info: Airbnb

Roaring Beach Retreat, Roaring Bay Beach, Tasmania

With stunning views overlooking the white sandy beach, as well as the natural country charm of green rolling hills to the back, Roaring Beach Retreat is everything you want in a picturesque escape. And while Fido may not appreciate the view, he’ll certainly still have a great time. Located a short 10 minute drive from Dover, you can grab supplies from town and settle in to soak up the views and the sound of the rolling waves.  

Dog-friendly facilities: Dogs are welcome inside and out, with a dog door allowing them to choose, and a fully fenced yard to run amok.

Things to do: Venture into Dover for some great restaurant dining, or stay at home, visit the beach and relax by the log fire. 

More info: Stayz

‍Jugiong Old Hall bed and breakfast, Jugiong, New South Wales

Close to the highway is this perfect pitstop for anyone driving a dog between Canberra, Sydney and Melbourne and needing an overnight stay. The town of Jugiong is a quiet village with rolling hills, people riding horseback and the mighty Murrumbidgee River running through it. The old hall is a generously large studio space that’s tastefully decorated and has yummy breakfast supplies in the kitchen (including locally baked sourdough bread and farm fresh eggs).

Dog-friendly facilities: There’s a fenced side area suitable for small dogs, but your pooch will love going on walks around the village and accompanying you to the nearby Sir George Hotel for a beautiful meal.

Things to do: This is a chillaxed place for those who want to get away from it all. Light the outdoor fireplace or get some action taking out the mountain bikes that are supplied with the property.

More info: Airbnb

Double Nut Chalets, Dayelsford, Victoria

There are 4 different chalets on offer in this rambling property on the main street of Victoria’s spa capital, Daylesford. 

Our chalets offer a choice of four private self-contained Chalets right in the heart of the Spa Capital of Victoria, Daylesford. Each set in a rambling cottage garden and are a home away from home. Perfect for couples wanting a romantic getaway or travelers wanting that solo break away from their crazy city lives. Whether you want to watch a movie from your bed or couch, enjoy your breakfast, coffee, wine or port from the deck to enjoy the peace and quiet that Daylesford offers then Double Nut Chalets are for you. On your arrival you will be welcomed with a complimentary bottle of wine, port and chocolates. Your Chalet will be toasty and warm in winter, cooled down in summer.

Dog-friendly facilities: Best for small dogs and you must mention that you have a dog at the time of booking (and pay a small dog fee) but you can amble around the gardens, enjoy walks to the natural springs and stroll to the local dog-friendly cafes and restaurants.

Things to do: Visit the local lake, take in a spa treatment, head to the wineries or be in awe of Hanging Rock (yes, the very same rock that starred in Picnic at Hanging Rock).

More info: Trip Advisor

‍90 Mile Beach House, Golden Beach, Victoria

Surrounded by the Gippsland Lakes to one side, and Golden Beach on the other, 90 Mile Beach House is a holiday dream - for you and your little mate. Just a 3 hour drive from Melbourne, Golden Beach boasts spectacular secluded beach as far as the eye can see (you might have gleaned from the name - there’s 90 miles of it!). There is plenty of parking for cars, buses, caravans, boats and trailers. 

Dog-friendly facilities: Each villa is slightly different but Villa 1 has a big fenced off undercover area, designed for dogs; and the three-bedroom house is entirely pet-friendly as well. 

Things to do: Head to the beach (only 200 metres away), go fishing, play golf or lawn bowls, go on bushwalks, or visit the local cafes. The Trinculo Shipwreck is just 6km away, and can be seen at low tide. 

More info: 90 Mile Beachhouse

The Hideout, Howard Springs, Northern Territory

This private tropical retreat is set on one acre of lush tropical gardens, with a modern two bedroom studio perfect for your Northern Territory getaway. Located just 25 minutes drive from Darwin, and a short stroll to the Howard Springs shops, pub and bakery, you’ll be close to everything you need. 

Dog-friendly facilities: Your dog is welcome outside only, but the yard is fully fenced, and you’ll need to notify the host when booking. You can also bring your horse, if you’re that way inclined.

Things to do: We are also on the way to the breathtaking Kakadu and Litchfield National parks.

More info: Airbnb