Red Dog Retreat

Red Dog Retreat is a pair of self-contained cottages set in rainforest on the range above Kangaroo Valley, near Beaumont on the NSW South Coast hinterland. Dogs are welcome to stay, and the defining fact to know before you book is that the property is not fenced, so it suits a dog you trust to stay close on a lead or under close watch rather than one who tests boundaries.

The pet policy. Dogs are welcome at both Red Dog Cottage and The Fernery, each sleeping four across two bedrooms. An additional fee of $50 per dog applies, and you need to disclose your dog when you book rather than turning up with one unannounced. There is no stated size limit, but supervision is the house rule: the grounds are not fully fenced, so dogs need to be watched at all times rather than let out to roam.

The place. Both cottages are rustic and self-contained, with wood-burning stoves for cool nights and a verandah that looks over the surrounding bush, a good, low-key spot to sit with a dog rather than a manicured lawn. Wildlife sightings, wombats, wallabies and birdlife, are common right at the doorstep, which is part of the appeal and also a reason to keep a dog on a lead until you know how it reacts.

Location and nearby. The address is 269b Tourist Road, Beaumont NSW 2577, on-site parking is available, and the drive up the range is scenic in its own right. Kangaroo Valley village and Berry, both with pet-friendly cafes and outdoor dining, are about fifteen minutes away, and Seven Mile Beach at Gerroa, which has off-leash sections, is roughly twenty five minutes further. Fitzroy Falls and its walking tracks are also within reach for a day out.

Who it suits. Good for a couple or small group after a quiet, self-contained base with a calm or well-trained dog. Less suited to a dog that bolts, digs under fences or needs a securely enclosed yard to be let off lead, since there isn't one here.

When to go: any time of year suits the rainforest setting, though winter brings out the wood stove's appeal and cooler walking weather for the drive to Kangaroo Valley or Seven Mile Beach. Confirm the current pet fee and disclose your dog at the time of booking, since availability for pet-friendly cottages is limited to the two on offer.

Sources

• Red Dog Retreat - Berry, South Coast NSW · berry.org.au
• Red Dog Retreat - Kangaroo Valley - South Coast NSW · visitkangaroovalley.com.au
• The Fernery @ Red Dog Retreat - Beaumont - Stayz · stayz.com.au
• The Fernery at Red Dog Retreat - Beaumont - Booking.com · booking.com

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