Port Bayou Cottage

Port Bayou Cottage is a rustic timber and tin cabin at 52 Lord Street, Port Campbell, up the back of the property and away from the main house. It is a two bedroom, self-contained retreat on the Great Ocean Road, about five minutes on foot from Port Campbell Beach and the town's main street, and it takes dogs.

Dogs at the Port Bayou Cottage

Dogs are welcome inside the cabin, which sleeps up to four with a fully equipped kitchen, reverse cycle heating and cooling and an outdoor patio. The catch is outside: there is no enclosed yard, so your dog stays leashed or under direct supervision whenever you step out the door. Pet fees may also apply depending on which booking channel you use, so confirm the charge and the ground rules with the property before you commit.

Max: no fence means no free-range zoomies here, but the beach is five minutes away so nobody suffered.

The vibe

This is a simple, private cabin among the trees rather than a polished resort room. Native birds are regular visitors and koalas turn up in the area now and then, so a dog with a strong prey drive needs a watchful hand on the lead. The walk into town doubles as the morning toilet run.

Getting there and parking

Port Campbell sits on the Great Ocean Road between the Twelve Apostles and London Bridge, and Lord Street is a quiet street a short walk back from the foreshore. You park at the door, and the town's bakery, pub and boat ramp are all within an easy stroll.

While you're out there

Wild Dog Cove at Peterborough is the dog-friendly beach option along the road, and the start of the Timboon-Camperdown Rail Trail makes a good leashed leg stretch if you are heading inland for the day.

More options are on the VIC pet friendly stays guide and the Port Campbell destination page.