Werndee

Max: Fenced can mean different things to different owners. Before you let your dog off lead on that patio, ask the host about fence height and any gaps. A quick message saves a nasty surprise.

Werndee is a self-contained apartment stay set in the grounds of a historic Federation mansion in Mount Stuart, a hillside suburb about five minutes' drive north of central Hobart. The single fact that matters for dog owners: dogs are welcome, but only in the Griffon apartment. Book the wrong unit and the dog stays home.

Dogs at Werndee

The Griffon apartment is a ground-floor unit in the turreted Folly cottage on the estate, and it comes with a fully fenced, enclosed outdoor area, which is rare for city-fringe accommodation and the main reason dog owners pick it. When you book, tell the owner the size and number of pets you are bringing; no size limit is published, and no pet fee is listed either, so confirm both directly. The Grace apartment does not accept pets, and other cottages on the property have their own arrangements, so name the Griffon specifically in your booking request.

The vibe

Reviews of Werndee are glowing if brief, with guests calling out a wonderful host, thoughtful touches, spotless presentation and a home-away-from-home feel. It is a quiet residential hillside setting rather than a hotel strip, which suits a settled dog and owners who want calm evenings.

Getting there and around

Mount Stuart sits between West Hobart, Lenah Valley and North Hobart, so the city is close without being at the door. The CBD and the Queens Domain are a few minutes' drive, and the suburb's streets themselves are quiet for evening walks.

Close by with the dogs

The John Turnbull Park Fenced Dog Park in Lenah Valley is the nearest secure off-lead option, and for coffee Smolt Kitchen in West Hobart and Abercrombie Coffee in North Hobart are both close.

More pet friendly stays in Tasmania and the Mount Stuart dog guide are on PawScapes.