Holly Lodge

Holly Lodge is a self-contained cottage retreat at 7 Erith Lane in Kalorama, in the Dandenong Ranges, with garden surrounds, a spa on the balcony and a large comfortable bed as its signature touches. It reads as a couples' hills getaway first, but it takes dogs in designated accommodation, and the backyard gives a dog real ground to explore while you are there.

Dogs at Holly Lodge

Dogs are allowed in designated pet-friendly rooms, with the Garden Suite the one flagged for pets on the lodge's own site. The policy is one pet only at $20 per night, and the owner asks to be contacted before arrival so a pet-friendly room gets assigned. Guests consistently describe the place as very dog friendly and single out the backyard as the highlight for a dog. Weight limits and other specifics are not published, so confirm the details for your dog when you book rather than assume.

Worth knowing

This is a quiet, garden-oriented property rather than a rustic dog camp: guests talk up the big shower, the spa and the breakfast. It suits a well-mannered dog settling in for a calm stay, and couples or solo travellers more than groups with multiple dogs. Bring your own dog bed and bowls to be safe, and expect the hills chill in the evenings, which the spa takes care of.

Getting there

Kalorama sits on the Mt Dandenong Tourist Road ridge between Olinda and Montrose, about an hour from central Melbourne. You will want the car for food and supplies, since the lane is residential and the nearest cafes are a short drive away.

While you're out there

The big local off-lead space is Kalorama Reserve dog off leash area, minutes away on the tourist road. For a forest walk, Mathias Walking Track at Olinda is close, and if you want to compare stays, Fernglen Forest Retreat at Mount Dandenong is the other dog-friendly cottage option on the ridge.

For more options, browse pet friendly stays in Victoria or plan from Kalorama.