Leddicott Cottage

Leddicott Cottage is a restored 1902 cottage at 11 Cards Lane, Olinda, set in 1.5 acres of gardens and native bushland in the Dandenong Ranges. It is one of the genuinely dog-first stays in the hills: dogs are welcomed inside the cottage, not left in the car or the shed.

Dogs at Leddicott Cottage

The pet policy is generous: dogs share the cottage, with treats and dog towels supplied and blankets laid on for them. A $70 fee per pet applies per stay, and there is no stated size limit, though it is worth confirming how many dogs are welcome when you book.

Outside, a large landscaped and grassed enclosure gives dogs room to run off-lead on-site. If your dog is an escape artist, ask management directly how the boundary is secured before you rely on it, since much of the acreage is open woodland garden.

Pepsi: treats on arrival, my own towel after the muddy track, and a fire to dry off in front of. The bar for every cottage since.

The place

Inside it is a cosy, clean self-contained cottage with a fireplace, a comfortable bed and a quiet position away from the Tourist Road traffic. It suits couples or solo travellers who want a fireside base with the dog in the room.

Getting there and out with the dog

Olinda village is minutes away on the Mount Dandenong Tourist Road. The Old Olinda Golf Course Dog Off Leash Area is the big morning run, and the on-lead Mathias Walking Track handles the forest walk.

Olinda Tea House and Ranges at Olinda both seat dogs in outdoor areas. Other pet-friendly stays nearby include Botanica Retreat. More on the Victoria pet stays guide and the Olinda destination page.