Casuarina Cabins

Casuarina Cabins is a row of ten self-contained ensuite cabins on two acres of native gardens in Nelson, in Victoria's far south west, a short walk from the Glenelg River mouth. It is a quiet, bird-heavy kind of base for anglers and hikers, and dogs are welcome in a designated set of the cabins.

The pet policy

Pets are restricted to the standard cabins only, so book the right room type rather than assuming any cabin takes dogs. Fees and conditions apply and the surcharge is not published online, so call the hosts on (08) 8738 4105 before booking to confirm a pet-friendly cabin is free and what it costs. That matters more here than at most parks, because the pet-friendly stock is a small slice of the ten cabins and the next dog-friendly options are back towards Portland.

The place

Each cabin has a kitchenette, private ensuite, reverse-cycle air conditioning and parking right alongside, with room for boats and trailers. Shared facilities include a sheltered electric BBQ area, an outdoor fire pit and a guest laundry. Bring your own dog bed and bowls, keep dogs off the furniture, and think twice about leaving a barky dog alone, since the cabins sit close together.

Pepsi: ring ahead and get the pet-friendly cabin and the fee confirmed before you drive out here, not every cabin on the property takes dogs.

While you're out there

The Glenelg River is about 400 metres away and Simson's Landing with its boat ramp is 800 metres, with Nelson's general store, pub and river cruises a ten-minute walk. The River-Vu Park caravan park sits nearby if you are travelling with a bigger rig. Expect on-lead walking: the Great South West Track and the river reserves are leash territory, so this is not an off-leash base.

Getting there and parking

Nelson sits on the Victoria and South Australia border, roughly a four and a half hour drive from Melbourne or Adelaide. Parking is at your cabin door, which makes unloading a dog and gear easy.

Book early for peak fishing season and school holidays, when the dog-friendly cabins go first. More options are in the Victoria stays guide and the Nelson destination page.