Gold Star Stays

McKillop Geelong by Gold Star Stays is a self-contained, apartment-style stay in central Geelong. It takes dogs, but on tighter terms than most properties, so measure your dog against the policy before you book rather than after you arrive.

Dogs at the Gold Star Stays

Dogs only, no cats. A maximum of two dogs per booking, with a 10kg weight limit per dog, so this is a small-dog property rather than a labrador one. A fee of $45 per pet per night applies, service animals are exempt from the fee, and pets cannot be left unattended in the rooms at any time. Pet-friendly units are designated rooms only, so request one directly when booking, because booking sites carry conflicting pet information and the property's own terms are the ones that count.

Pepsi: the no-unattended-dogs rule is the real commitment here. Either your dog comes to breakfast, or you eat in shifts, so a relaxed dog that travels well matters as much as the 10kg limit.

The rooms

Comfortable, self-contained units with modern decor, each with a private balcony or patio so the dog gets some outdoor access without leaving the property. Free Wi-Fi comes standard, on-site parking takes the car, and the guest feedback leans on the quiet setting and helpful staff. It is a practical base rather than a resort, with the city on foot and the coast in the car.

Getting there and parking

The property sits on McKillop Street in central Geelong, roughly an eight-minute walk from South Geelong Station and about nine minutes from Kardinia Park. Kardinia Park itself is a leafy on-leash walking option close by, and the waterfront and the CBD's dog-friendly cafes are a short drive or a longer stroll away.

Close by with the dogs

For a proper run, the Wilsonson Heights Dog Park at Newtown is the closest fenced option. The Barwon River trail gives you an on-lead riverside walk, and Pavilion covers the waterfront cafe stop.

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