The Waterfront Cottages

The Waterfront Cottages line the shore of the Crookhaven River at 112 Greenwell Point Road, a strip of four recently refurbished holiday cottages with absolute water frontage and a private jetty of their own. Two of the four cottages sit just five metres from the water's edge, and the property advertises itself as pet friendly accommodation, which is the reason most dog owners end up here rather than anywhere else in the village.

Dogs at the Waterfront Cottages

Well behaved, loved pets are welcome to stay overnight, and that policy is stated plainly on the property's own website. The catch is the yard, or the lack of one: there is no enclosed outdoor area at the cottages, so your dog has to go with you whenever you leave. That makes this a stay for owners who plan their days around the dog rather than leaving it behind for a long lunch in Nowra. No size limit or pet fee is published, so mention your dog when you book and confirm any charges directly with management on (02) 4447 1199.

What the dog gets out of it is water at every turn. You can walk the river's edge together, sit out on the verandah watching boats go past, and there is fishing off the private jetty if you like the idea of casting a line with a dog at your feet.

Max: no enclosed yard means the dog comes everywhere with you, which on absolute waterfrontage is barely a punishment at all.

Worth knowing

The four cottages range from accommodation for four people up to eight, so the property stretches from a solo retreat to a fishing club weekend of about twenty guests across the whole site. Every cottage has water views from the verandah and the master bedroom, and the interiors have all been renovated recently with a relaxed coastal feel. Given the river setting, a towel for wet paws and a check of your dog after swims are worth packing for.

Getting there and parking

Greenwell Point is about fifteen minutes south east of Nowra on the NSW South Coast, and the cottages are on Greenwell Point Road in the village itself, an easy base for day trips to Culburra Beach and the Jervis Bay side of the Shoalhaven. Parking is at the door, which helps when you are hauling crates, beds and a dog who has decided the car trip was enough for one day.

Close by with the dogs

For a proper off lead run, Greenwell Point Fenced Dog Park is in the village, and Nowra Fenced Dog Park covers you if you are heading through town. Both South Coast Retreat and Benny's Cafe Culburra Beach NSW are dog friendly options within a short drive if you want to compare stays or find a coffee on the water.

Shoulder season is the quieter time here, well clear of summer fishing crowds, and the village keeps its peaceful feel either way. More dog friendly stays in NSW if you are still weighing up the South Coast, or see Greenwell Point for the full local list.