Yama Ki

Yama Ki is a farm stay on 22 hectares at 1284 Don Road in Healesville, at the quieter end of the Yarra Valley, with private country cottages set among fern gullies and rural land. It accepts dogs by prior arrangement, which makes it one of the few cottage-style stays in the valley where a dog can come along rather than wait at home.

Dogs at Yama Ki

Dogs are allowed inside the cottages but are kept off the furniture and out of the bedrooms, and the property is generally described as having a secure outdoor area for exercise. That is about as far as the published detail goes: there is no public pet fee schedule or written dog policy, and terms appear to be set per booking. Flag your dog when you first enquire and confirm the current rules and any per-night charge directly with the property on +61 408 616 878 before you commit, since policies at small farm stays change more often than hotel chains.

The place

The cottages are self-contained with fully equipped kitchens, laundry facilities, wood fireplaces and double spa baths, and the front decks look out over the fern gullies and the surrounding ranges. Guest reviews consistently call out the views, the fireplaces and responsive hosts, and some stays include optional shiatsu sessions. It reads as a couples-and-small-groups retreat rather than a family resort, so set expectations accordingly.

Out with the dog

The Healesville Showgrounds Dog Off Leash Area is the town's designated off-leash ground for a proper run, and the Maroondah Highway side of Healesville puts dog-tolerant cafes and the Boat O'Craigo cellar door within a short drive. Note that most cellar doors keep dogs outside on leads, so plan tastings around the patio rather than the bar. If Yama Ki is booked out with a dog in tow, the Enclave at Healesville Holiday Park at Badger Creek offers dog-friendly cabins.

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