Stone Keepers Run

Stone Keepers Run is a historic riverfront homestead at 200 Tooram Road in Allansford, perched on the banks of the Hopkins River on about 4 acres, just minutes east of Warrnambool. It is a seven-bedroom holiday house that sleeps up to 14 across a Federation home and an original bluestone dairy, and it takes dogs, which makes it a rare thing: a genuinely large group house where the dog comes too.

Dogs at Stone Keepers Run

Dogs are welcome, and a pet fee is typically charged per pet, payable directly to the property. The exact amount varies between platforms and with the number of animals, so confirm it with the host when you book rather than assuming. Let the host know you are bringing a dog before you arrive, and ask about any indoor rules around furniture or bedding. The upside of a whole-property booking is that the policy covers the house and grounds, not a single room.

The vibe

This is old-school country grandeur rather than a styled weekend box: a full kitchen, seven bathrooms and river frontage, pitched at big family gatherings and group trips. For a dog, the draw is the 4 acres of grounds and the river flat to roam, with the Hopkins running right past the back door.

Close by with the dogs

The river banks around the property make an easy on-lead walk, and Warrnambool's dog parks are a short drive away for a fenced run at Victoria Park Community Dog Park. On the river itself in Warrnambool, Proudfoots By The River is a straightforward meal stop. If your group needs a second property, BIG4 Tasman Holiday Parks - Warrnambool has pet-friendly cabins and sites, and Lanaud Farm Stay is the other Allansford option.

Max: With 14 beds and one pet fee, split the dog among the group. Everyone pays a share and nobody leaves the dog home alone.

Getting there and parking

Allansford sits on the Princes Highway about 12 minutes east of central Warrnambool. Tooram Road runs off the highway towards the river, with on-site parking at the property for several cars, which a 14-guest group will need.

More western district bases are on the Allansford destination page, and the wider list is in the VIC pet friendly stays guide.