Banksia Park Cottages

Banksia Park Cottages is a self-contained cottage stay on 114 Radiata Road in Kangaroo Valley, set on manicured grounds with a large billabong pool and spa, fire pits, bush walks and a resident cast of farm animals plus wild wombats, kangaroos and wallabies that graze the property at dusk. Pets are welcome at management's discretion, so the booking starts with a conversation.

Dogs at Banksia Park Cottages

Dogs of any size are generally welcome, but approval comes from the owners before you book rather than on arrival. There is no set pet fee, though an additional housekeeping charge of about $50 can apply if a cottage needs more than the usual clean. Contact management ahead of time so they can steer you to the cottage and outdoor space that works best for you and your dog, and keep the dog leashed outside your own area with farm animals on the grounds.

Pepsi: the dusk wildlife walk is the highlight, wombats and all. Keep the lead on though, wombats and dogs are a bad pairing when they meet on the lawn.

The vibe

Cottages come with modern comforts, private outdoor areas and fire pits with timber supplied, and there are communal spots like the Roo Bar around the pool. Feeding the pigs and donkeys is part of the routine, and the grounds back onto bush for on-lead walking. It suits families and couples who want a country base with space rather than a luxury lock-and-leave.

Getting there

Radiata Road sits in the Kangaroo Valley area, an easy drive to the village for cafes and the historic Hampden Bridge, and about two hours from Sydney either through the Southern Highlands or via Nowra.

While you're out there

The Friendly Inn Hotel takes dogs in its outdoor areas for a village lunch, and for a different stay style, The Big Bell Farm offers pet-friendly cabins with animals to feed, or Glenmack Park puts you by the river with dog-friendly sites.

More options are on the New South Wales pet friendly stays guide and the Kangaroo Valley destination page.