Kookawood

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

The pet policy. Kookawood allows a maximum of one small to medium dog as standard, 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 have run of a fully fenced backyard of roughly 250 square metres. They are also allowed onto the front balcony via its own doggie door. Dogs are kept off the furniture, must not be left alone in the cottage or garden, and need to be leashed around the property's farm animals and kept out of the front garden pond.

Fees and fine print. There is no standard flat pet fee, but the property offers a paid pet-minding service if you need to leave your dog while you head out (day and overnight rates apply), plus a bond that covers general cleaning and any damage. If your dog sheds, you are expected to vacuum before you leave. Water on site comes from tank supply, with filtered water available in the kitchen or a boil-first option, so it is worth bringing your dog's usual water if they are fussy.

The place. The property has 200 acres behind it, including access to a private pine forest with a lookout over the dam, a fireplace for cold nights, and an outdoor bath. Wildlife around the property includes kangaroos, wombats and eagles, so recall training matters before you let a dog off leash outside the fenced yard.

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. On-site parking is provided.

Nearby with the dogs. Lake Lyell Recreation Area is around five minutes away and suits a swim or a fish with your dog in tow. Rydal itself is a small historic village worth a wander, and it hosts the seasonal Rydal Daffodil Festival if your visit lines up with it.

Kookawood suits owners after a quiet, self-contained rural stay where the dog can be off leash in a fenced yard and inside the house, rather than a polished resort setup. Confirm the current pet-minding rates and any seasonal booking conditions directly with Kookawood before you lock in dates.

Sources

• PETS - Kookawood · kookawood.com
• Terms & Conditions - Kookawood Rural Retreat · kookawood.com
• kookawood Views, firepit, outdoor bath - Farm stays for Rent in Rydal · airbnb.com.au
• Kookawood | Accommodation · lithgow-tourism.com

Compiled from public sources and verified listings. Always confirm current rules with the venue or council before you travel.