Thomas Hill House

A former ForestrySA farmhouse turned budget group accommodation, set high in Cudlee Creek Forest with panoramic views over the Adelaide Hills and out to the Gulf of St Vincent. It sleeps up to seventeen to twenty across bunk-style rooms, sits right beside the Fox Creek Bike Park, and dogs are welcome through the house and grounds provided they stay under control.

The pet policy. Dogs are permitted at Thomas Hill House, indoors and out, as long as they are kept under control at all times. They need to stay off the bunks and furniture, or you risk a cleaning fee. Bring your own dog bedding, bowls and food, since none of that is supplied. Confirm current terms with ForestrySA at booking, as a farmhouse let this size is often booked as a whole-of-house group stay rather than a straightforward room booking.

What's there. A large outdoor area with a fire pit and picnic tables suits dogs under supervision. Water on site comes from bore and rainwater tanks and is not suitable for drinking, so bring your own drinking water for the dog as well as yourselves. The property is only open for bookings between April and November.

Watch-outs. Fox baiting occurs in the surrounding forest, so keep dogs on a lead when walking anywhere near the bike trails or forest paths. The property gate must be kept locked at all times, and vehicles are not permitted to drive into the forest itself.

Getting there. On Croft Road, Cudlee Creek. From Adelaide, take the South Eastern Freeway to the Hahndorf exit, follow Onkaparinga Valley Road through Verdun to Woodside, turn onto Tiers Road to Lenswood, follow Coldstore Road for about three kilometres, then turn onto Croft Road. Parking is on site.

Nearby with the dogs. Fox Creek Bike Park next door has mapped walking trails, though dogs need to stay clear of active bike runs. The Heysen and Mawson Trails are both accessible from this base for longer hikes. For a coffee stop with the dog, Emma & Ivy in nearby Lobethal is a good detour, and Bottle Shock in Gumeracha covers the wine side of the day.

Who it suits. Best for larger groups after a hiking or mountain-biking base with the dog along for the ride, rather than a quiet couple's retreat. The seasonal window and drinking-water workaround are worth planning around before you commit.

When to go. Book well ahead for the April-to-November window, especially weekends when the bike park crowd is out in force. Bring everything the dog needs, since the site itself supplies none of it.

Sources

• Thomas Hill House - ForestrySA · forestrysa.com.au
• Thomas Hill House | Visit Adelaide Hills · visitadelaidehills.com.au
• Thomas Hill House | ForestrySA · forestrysa.com.au
• WALKING AND RUNNING - Fox Creek Bike Park · foxcreekbikepark.com.au
• Thomas Hill House - Cudlee Creek, Accommodation · southaustralia.com

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