Astley Cottage

Astley Cottage is a self-contained country spa cottage at 28 Hepburn Road, Daylesford, in a secluded spot between Daylesford and Hepburn Springs near Doctors Gully. It is set up for two: a king bedroom (convertible to singles), a combined living space, a small kitchen, an indoor double spa bath and a fireplace. Hosts Kevin and Ellie add Nespresso coffee, Twinings teas and, for bookings of two nights or more, freshly baked muffins.

Dogs at the Astley Cottage

Dogs are welcome on request, so approval comes before booking rather than with it. A pet charge may apply and no size limit is advertised, so ask the hosts directly and confirm the fee when you request approval. The good news for dog owners is the containment: a covered, secure fenced veranda overlooks the established gardens, giving your dog a safe outdoor spot while you use the spa or the Weber BBQ.

Pepsi: they baked muffins for the humans and fenced a whole veranda for me. acceptable humans

Worth knowing

This is a couples-and-cottage place rather than a family base, best for one or two people with a settled dog. Guests consistently rate the decor, cleanliness and hosts highly, and it books as a romantic weekend getaway. Because pets are on request and pre-payment is usually required, plan ahead rather than booking last minute. Policies can change, so reconfirm at booking.

Getting there

Hepburn Road runs out of Daylesford towards Hepburn Springs, about 90 minutes north west of Melbourne. The cottage is close to town amenities yet quiet and private, with walking tracks near Doctors Gully at the doorstep and Hepburn Springs village a few minutes away.

Close by with the dogs

Note that Daylesford's local reserves are strictly on-leash; the formal off-leash parks sit further out at Trentham and Clunes. The Three Lost Children Walk and the Tipperary Spring via Blowhole Circuit are both good on-lead walks nearby, and The Farmers Arms Daylesford is a dog-friendly pub in town. More options are on the Victoria stays page and in the Daylesford destination guide.