Lochiel Luxury Accommodation

Lochiel Luxury Accommodation runs cottage and treehouse stays in the forest at Olinda, in the Dandenong Ranges east of Melbourne. It takes dogs in its designated pet-friendly cottages, which makes it one of the few fireside-style escapes in the Ranges where the dog comes along rather than waiting at home.

Dogs at the cottages

Dogs of all sizes are welcome, but only in the designated pet-friendly cottages, so confirm you have booked one of those rather than a standard cottage or the treehouse. A fee of about AU$60 per pet, per stay applies, and pets need to be arranged when you book. The house rules are clear: no dogs on the furniture, and owners clean up after their dogs. Cats are generally not accepted. If you have a large dog or more than one, confirm the arrangements directly with the property when booking, since rules can vary between cottages and booking conditions.

Max: $60 a pet for the stay, off the furniture, and only in the pet-friendly cottages. Ask for one by name when you book and save yourself an awkward check-in.

The place itself

Expect cosy cottage and treehouse accommodation with fireplaces and balconies set into the mountain forest, a short walk from Olinda village. Reviews lean warm on the setting and the accommodating host, with the odd grumble about damp and cobwebs, so it leans rustic-in-the-trees rather than hotel-polished. For a winter weekend with the fire going and a dog at your feet, that is the point. Bring your own dog bed and towels, since the forest tracks can be muddy after rain.

Getting there and nearby

Olinda sits along the Mount Dandenong Tourist Road about an hour from Melbourne. The village cafes and the Olinda Tea House are minutes away, and the Old Olinda Golf Course Dog Off Leash Area gives your dog a proper off-lead run. The Mathias Walking Track starts close by for a forest walk, though dogs need to stay leashed on park tracks.

Other stays in the village include Leddicott Cottage, Billabong Falls and Valley Ranges Getaways. More options are on the Victoria pet friendly stays guide and the Olinda destination page.