The Convent

The Convent is a restored 1867 stone building in the village of O'Connell, about twenty minutes south of Bathurst on the road to Oberon. It is a small, characterful stay aimed squarely at couples: gardens, an open fire and a cosy feel that guests consistently single out, along with a nearby coffee shop for mornings out. It is also one of the few local stays with a clearly spelled-out pet policy, which makes it a genuine pick for a countryside weekend with the dog.

Dogs at The Convent

Small to medium dogs are welcome overnight, but only by prior arrangement with the host, so get approval before you book rather than after. Inside, dogs are permitted on the timber flooring and in designated areas, never on carpeted areas or furniture. A doggy bed is provided indoors, and outdoors there is a kennel and a dog bed if your dog prefers to sleep outside. A pooper scooper is supplied and cleaning up is strictly on you. Fees are not stated in the listing, so confirm any charge with the host when you request approval.

Pepsi: Ask for the outdoor kennel and bed to be set up before you arrive if your dog is an outside sleeper, because the indoor rule is timber floors only, no carpet or furniture.

While you're out there

O'Connell is a village stop on the Jenolan Caves side of Bathurst, and the local wins are simple: the garden around the building itself, a walkable cafe, and country roads for an on-lead sniff. The Renzaglia Wines cellar door is the other O'Connell fixture, and it is close enough to pair with a stay. For an off-lead run, Kefford St Off-Leash Dog Park in Bathurst is fully fenced with separate small and large dog sections, roughly twenty minutes north. Moubar Vintage in the Bathurst CBD has a courtyard with dog-friendly outdoor seating if you head into town for coffee.

More options in the district are on the Bathurst destination page, and the full list is in the NSW stays index.