Kookawood

Kookawood is a rustic two-bedroom farmhouse on a five-acre property near Lake Lyell, about ten minutes from the historic village of Rydal, and it is set up properly for dogs rather than just tolerating them.

The dog setup

One small to medium dog is the standard allowance, with up to two small dogs considered on request at booking. Dogs are welcome inside the house through fitted doggie doors at the front and rear, and they get the run of a fully fenced backyard of roughly 250 square metres, plus the front balcony via its own doggie door.

The rules: dogs stay off the furniture, are never left alone in the cottage or garden, must be leashed around the property's farm animals and kept out of the front garden pond.

There is no standard flat pet fee, but a paid pet-minding service is available for day or overnight care, plus a bond covering cleaning and damage. If your dog sheds, you are expected to vacuum before you leave.

Worth knowing

The property has 200 acres behind it, including a private pine forest with a lookout over the dam, a fireplace for cold nights and an outdoor bath. Kangaroos, wombats and eagles move through, so recall training matters before any off-leash time outside the fenced yard.

Max: the fenced yard is good but not guaranteed dig or jump proof, so if your dog is an escape artist, keep an eye on them rather than assuming the fence does all the work.

Getting there

Kookawood is reached via about a kilometre of unsealed dirt and gravel road, fine for a normal car but not for anything low-slung, with on-site parking provided. Water comes from a tank supply, so bring your dog's usual water if they are fussy.

While you're out there

Lake Lyell Recreation Area is around five minutes away for a swim with the dog, and Lithgow Dog Park and Recreation Area is the easy fenced option in town.

For a longer stay circuit, Lake Wallace Camping at Wallerawang and Bowenfels Off Leash Dog Park both sit within an easy drive.

Find more pet friendly stays in NSW or our guide to Rydal with the dogs.