Lavender Farm

Lavender Farm is a three-bedroom timber farmhouse on 13 acres at 100 Pine Avenue, Badger Creek, five minutes from Healesville, where pets stay on request with no pet fee listed. You get the whole house to yourselves, wide verandas on three sides, and lavender gardens with the Yarra Valley spread out below.

The pet policy. Pets are allowed on request, so message the host before you book rather than after. No extra pet charges are listed, and no size limit is stated, so confirm your dog's size and where it can go inside when you make contact. Listings simply ask that pets be friendly. A quick message via Stayz or Booking.com sorts it.

The place. The farmhouse sleeps a family or small group across three bedrooms, with a homely, quiet feel that dominates its reviews - the hosts' home-baked bread and cake come up again and again. The three-sided veranda is the spot for morning coffee with the dog while parrots work the gardens, and sunsets over the valley are the house specialty. A shared pool may be available by arrangement. With 13 acres there is walking space on the property itself; keep the dog on lead near garden beds and farm areas unless the hosts say otherwise.

Location and nearby. The farm is roughly an hour from Melbourne, just off the road to Healesville Sanctuary, with free parking on site. Dogs are not allowed at the Sanctuary, so point the lead elsewhere: the Healesville Showgrounds off-leash area handles the daily run, and Healesville's cafes and cellar doors, including Cherry Tree Cafe and Boat O'Craigo, take dogs at outdoor tables.

When to go. Late spring to early summer catches the lavender in flower; autumn brings quieter roads and better walking weather. Whatever the season, lock in the pet approval first - this is a request-only property, and the approval is the booking. Good for families or two couples with an easygoing dog.

Sources

• Lavender Farm Yarra Valley · lavenderfarmyarravalley.com.au
• Lavender Farm Yarra Valley - Stayz · stayz.com.au
• Dog friendly parks in Victoria - Parks Victoria · parks.vic.gov.au

Compiled from public sources and verified listings. Always confirm current rules with the venue or council before you travel.