Cedar Creek Retreat Cottages

Cedar Creek Retreat Cottages is a self-contained farm stay at 438 Blackbutt Road, Herons Creek, in the Hastings Valley about 25 minutes south-west of Port Macquarie. The reason to book it with a dog is simple: dogs are allowed inside the self-contained Cedar View Cottage, so the dog stays with you rather than in the car or a kennel, with wide-open rural space and a fenced yard area outside.

Dogs at Cedar Creek Retreat

The two-storey cedar cottage takes pets by arrangement, and listings report a large fenced area where the dog can be outside unsupervised while you are on the veranda. Bring your own bedding, food and water bowls, and expect to clean up after your dog as part of the deal. A pet fee may apply and no amount is published, so confirm it with the hosts before booking, on 0409 597 898 or via the listing message. This is a working mini farm, so a reliable recall or a firm lead around the animals is not optional.

Max: Keep your dog controlled around the livestock, especially at afternoon feeding time when the sheep, goats and alpacas are moving and everyone is distracted.

The place

Cedar View Cottage sleeps six to eight across two bedrooms, with Hastings Valley views and a rustic fit-out. Guests hold it at a 5.0 average across its reviews, with the peace, the animals and the hosts called out most. In the afternoons you can join the owners to hand-feed the resident sheep, goats and alpacas, which is the signature experience here and a good reason to keep the dog settled elsewhere while it happens.

Close by with the dogs

The turnoff from the Pacific Highway is near Kew and Lakewood, and Lakewood Shopping Centre about 15 minutes away covers supplies and fuel. For walks, Foley Reserve Dog Off Leash Area at Kew gives a proper off-lead run, and Willo Cafe is the local coffee stop. Port Macquarie's beaches are 25 to 30 minutes away, including Nobbys Beach, and if the cottage is booked out, NRMA Port Macquarie Breakwall Holiday Park is the fallback pet option in town.

Best for owners of steady, well-mannered dogs who want a genuine rural stay where the dog is allowed indoors, with farm animals as the trade-off that demands control.