Ratho Farm

Ratho Farm is a working heritage property on the Highland Lakes Road at Bothwell, in Tasmania's central highlands. The farm dates back to the 1820s and the accommodation is a scatter of historic cottages, including a convict built cottage, set on grounds that also carry one of Australia's oldest golf layouts.

It suits travellers breaking the Hobart to Launceston or west coast drives, history minded guests, and anyone who wants space, quiet and a fire in the evening rather than a motel room off the highway.

Dogs at Ratho Farm

Pet listings report dogs are welcome for an additional fee of 40 dollars per accommodation per stay, dogs only with no cats, and food and water bowls provided, with service animals exempt. Booking.com lists pets as allowed on request with charges possible.

The farm's own website does not state a written pet policy, so treat this as reported practice: enquire when booking and confirm the fee and which cottages take dogs before you commit.

The farm has quietly built real dog infrastructure: a small on-site agility area, hydration stations and welcome treats, and the team places dog guests in the converted buildings closest to the grass when you give them a heads up on size and temperament.

This is a working property with sheep and cattle, and the golf course shares the grounds, so the dog stays leashed or under close control around stock and fairways. Historic buildings mean no escape proof yards, and the homestead's seated dinners are a people-only affair.

Bothwell sits high enough that mornings plunge near zero well outside deep winter, so pack a proper dog coat for dawn walks along the Clyde River edge.

The vibe

Guests come for the history as much as the beds: the convict cottage, the farm's story through generations of the same family, and a quirky golf course where sheep may hold up your round. The property's outlook over the highlands is the kind you sit on the cottage step and look at rather than photograph.

Weddings run here too, so book around event dates if you want a quiet stay.

While you're out there

Bothwell claims Australia's oldest golf course and has a solid country pub for dinner, with verandahs that run friendly to well behaved dogs. The Highland Lakes Road runs north into serious trout fishing country, and the drive south to Hobart takes about an hour through the Derwent Valley, with the heritage town of Richmond a worthwhile detour on the way.

For a stop on the drive south, Richmond Reading Room does coffee and the town's Hatchers Manor is an alternative stay. More dog friendly stays in Tasmania are listed for the rest of the loop.