Abington Farm B&B

Abington Farm B&B is a working farm stay on Coghlans Lane just outside Heyfield, and it has one of the most relaxed pet policies in Gippsland: dogs of any size are welcome to stay, usually with no extra fee at all. The property runs to about 36 acres of paddocks with views to the northern hills, and the resident animals include camels.

Dogs at Abington Farm

Booking.com and Tripadvisor both list the property as dog-friendly with no additional charges, and there is no published size or breed restriction, though hosts Bernie and Diana expect a well-behaved dog. Tell them you are bringing a pet when you book so they can plan for it in your cottage. The grounds are shared with farm animals, so keep your dog under control around the livestock, and remember the resident dogs also roam the property. Bring your own bowls, bedding and food; this is a working farm, not a pet-stocked resort.

The vibe

Accommodation is self-contained cottage and villa style, with spa baths, air conditioning and generous breakfast provisions, think bacon and eggs, fresh bread and cereal, left for you to work through at your own pace. Guests consistently rate the place highly and the atmosphere is homely rather than resort-polished. Feeding the camels is the novelty most visitors talk about, and there is open space to walk a dog on lead.

Getting there and parking

The farm is at 56 Coghlans Lane, a couple of hours and a half to two and a half hours east of Melbourne depending on your route. Free self-parking is on site, and Heyfield's town centre with cafes and supplies is a few minutes away. Lake Glenmaggie is a short drive for water views and a walk.

Close by with the dogs

In town, Motel 3858 and Heyfield RV Park are the alternatives if the farm is booked out.

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

Pepsi: camels are not something every dog has an opinion about until they meet one. Keep the lead on until you know how yours reacts, then enjoy the best story of your trip.