Banyanda

Banyanda is a beachside holiday house at 2B Raywood Avenue in Cowes, a ten minute walk from Cowes Beach, and the reason dog owners book it is the fully fenced private yard. Pets are welcome both inside and out, which makes it a rare setup for a group holiday with a dog.

The dog setup

Dogs and cats are allowed, generally with a limit of one pet in total, so confirm during booking if you are travelling with two. Pets are typically not permitted on furniture or beds, and you must declare the pet, including type and breed, at the time of booking.

The yard is fully fenced and secure, so the dog can be outside off lead within the property boundary. No pet surcharge is advertised, but any pet-related terms are set out when you book, so read them rather than assume.

The place

The house sleeps up to eight across three bedrooms with two bathrooms, and has open-plan living that opens onto a decked outdoor area with a BBQ and a spa. Guests single out the artwork, comfort and the host, and the location works well: close to the Cowes shops and cafes as well as the foreshore.

Out and about with the dog

Cowes Beach allows on-lead walking, and off-lead areas nearby follow seasonal Bass Coast Shire signage, so check the signs before unclipping anywhere. The Ventnor Dog Beach is a short drive west if you want a proper off-lead swim.

Before you book

Confirm the one-pet limit and note your dog's details on the booking, and expect standard check-in from 2pm with a 10am checkout. If Banyanda is taken, Holmwood Guest House and Spa Cottages and the NRMA Phillip Island Beachfront Holiday Park are other pet-friendly Cowes options, and Phillip Island Winery makes an easy dog-friendly outing between beach walks.

More options are on the Victoria pet friendly stays guide and the Cowes destination page.