Murray Bridge Central Olympic Motel & Cottages

Murray Bridge Central Olympic Motel & Cottages is a practical, pet-ready base a hundred metres from the Murray Bridge CBD, run by an owner with a reputation for looking after travelling dogs. Rather than a blanket pets-considered policy, the property has set accommodation aside for animals: two dedicated pet-friendly units, three of the self-contained cottages, and free on-site kennels.

Dogs at the Central Olympic

Small dogs and cats are welcome on their own bedding, and the property's own information is clear that pets stay off the furniture and out of non-pet rooms. The free kennels are the interesting third option: if you are passing through with a dog that prefers to travel secured, or you want a hand while you duck out, ask what the kennel setup involves when you book. A small pet fee applies to in-room stays, so confirm the current rate and lock in a designated pet unit or cottage at reservation time, because the dog-friendly stock is limited and the rest of the motel is kept animal-free.

Max: bring the bedding your dog already sleeps on. The policy exists so the room stays clean for the next guest, and a familiar blanket settles a dog in a strange room faster than anything else.

The vibe

Guests consistently point at the same things: comfortable beds, a welcoming atmosphere and an owner who goes out of the way to help. Rooms have tea and coffee facilities, fridges, microwaves, Netflix-capable TVs and free NBN wifi, with park-at-your-door parking and a guest laundry. There is a BBQ area on site, and the cottages suit families or longer stays. It is affordable, quiet, and unpretentious, which is exactly what most road-tripping dog owners want.

Getting there and out with the dog

The motel sits at 38 Standen Street, an easy turn off the main route into town and close enough to the CBD to walk to restaurants and takeaways. For off-leash time, Johnstone Park Fenced Dog Park and White Park Fenced Dog Park are both short drives, and the Murray River riverfront makes an easy leashed leg-stretch. St George's Bakehouse is a dog-friendly coffee stop in town.

More options are on the South Australia pet friendly stays guide and the Murray Bridge destination page.