Sundown Villas

Sundown Villas is a self-contained tourist park on 22 acres at 311 Canberra Avenue, Symonston, under ten minutes from Canberra's CBD and the airport. Dogs are welcome in selected villas for a nightly surcharge, which makes it a straightforward base for travellers who want the dog indoors with them rather than in an external run or kennel.

The dog setup

The policy is villa-specific. Dogs are permitted in Queen Villas and Two Bedroom Villas only, and never in the King Spa Villas or Family Villas, so book the right room type or the dog cannot come. A fee of $30 per night applies, with a maximum of two pets per booking. You must declare the dog at booking or on arrival at reception; bringing one in undeclared can attract a fine of up to $200.

The villas are self-contained, so dogs stay inside with you, and the gardens are large enough for toilet laps before you head out. Check the current fee and room availability when you book directly.

The vibe

The park runs to a swimming pool, tennis court, barbecue area and playground set in landscaped gardens, with a quiet suburban feel. It leans toward longer stays and group bookings such as sporting and school trips, so it suits travellers who want space and calm close to town rather than a resort experience.

Getting there and parking

The entrance is on Canberra Avenue at Symonston, reached from the city side of Canberra Avenue or from the airport in a few minutes. Free onsite parking sits right outside the villas, which helps when you are unloading a dog, crates and luggage together.

While you're out there

Jerrabomberra Wetlands Nature Reserve is close, but dogs are not permitted inside the reserve, so plan around it. The Kingston View Drive Fenced Dog Park a short drive away gives a secure off-lead run instead, and ONA Coffee House Cafe in nearby Fyshwick handles the morning coffee stop. If Sundown is booked out, Canberra Holiday Village on the same stretch of Canberra Avenue is the other Symonston option.

More bases are on the ACT pet friendly stays guide and the Symonston destination page.