The Vale Penrose

The Vale Penrose is a five acre estate at 80 Kareela Road in Penrose, in the Southern Highlands of NSW, backing directly onto Penrose State Forest. It offers self contained studio, villa and private pavilion accommodation on three acres of landscaped gardens, and dogs are welcomed across all of it, which makes it a genuine rural base for a dog-first Highlands trip.

Dogs at The Vale

The pet terms are unusually generous for the region. Dogs and cats of any size stay free with no additional pet fee according to third party listings, and up to four pets are permitted. Well behaved, house trained pets are expected, and food and water bowls are supplied in the room. The estate asks you to close all gates behind you and keep pets out of private accommodation zones, and dogs should stay away from the alpaca paddocks that sit within the grounds. Confirm house rules for your specific dog when you book, since the alpacas and unfenced water are the two supervision points.

The place

The grounds are the draw: fenced gardens and lawns for dogs settled in a new place, shared gardens and orchards to wander, and an on site lake that is not fenced, so keep an eye on dogs near the water. The studio has separate front and back entrances, which makes letting a dog in and out easy without walking them through the main living space. Private off street parking is on site, and the drive from Sydney or Canberra runs roughly ninety minutes to two hours.

Getting out from the gate

The forest at the back fence gives immediate access to fire trails for on lead walking. Two things to know about the wider area: Morton National Park, which surrounds Bundanoon, is closed to dogs entirely, so plan forest and reserve walks instead. The Bundanoon fenced off leash dog park and Jordans Crossing cover proper off lead time, and the village of Bundanoon is a short drive for coffee at Potter's Pantry or DeliLicious. The pet friendly Scribbly Cottage is the other stay option in Penrose itself.

Browse more dog friendly stays in NSW or the Penrose guide.

Max: The garden fence, the gate habit and the alpaca line are the whole job here. Close gates behind you and keep him off the paddocks, and this is about as good as country stays get for dogs.