Lakes Edge Cottage

Lakes Edge Cottage is a two-bedroom, self-contained holiday rental sitting directly on the waterfront of Lake Macquarie at Nords Wharf, on the lake's southern shore between Swansea and Catherine Hill Bay. It sleeps up to five, and the defining factor for dog owners is the outdoor-only policy: dogs are welcome to stay on the property overnight, but they are not permitted inside the main cottage.

Dogs at Lakes Edge Cottage

The rules are stricter here than at most pet-friendly listings, so read them before you book:

Max: this is an outside-dogs property, full stop. If your dog cannot sleep on a deck through the night, book the boathouse or look elsewhere rather than hoping the rule bends.

The setup

The double-storey cottage sits right on the water's edge with a large balcony and BBQ over the lake, and a private boathouse about a metre from the waterline. A driveway and garage let you park at the entrance, which helps when you are unloading crates and bedding. The exact street address in Nords Wharf is confirmed only at booking through Stayz.

Close by with the dogs

The quiet residential streets of Nords Wharf give you direct lakeside walking from the front door, and Swansea Dog Exercise Area is a short drive north for an off-lead run. Boffee Café at Caves Beach is the local dog-friendly coffee stop, and if you want alternatives in the same pocket, Salty Paws and Selby Lakeside Cottage are both pet-friendly stays nearby.

Best for owners with a dog that is happy outdoors overnight and a household that wants the water at the doorstep. It is reached easily off the Pacific Highway from Sydney or Newcastle. More options are on the NSW pet friendly stays guide and the Nords Wharf destination page.