The Wellington Courthouse (South Australia)

The Wellington Courthouse is a heritage house of seven to eight bedrooms on Ferry Road in Wellington, South Australia, right beside the historic cable ferry crossing on the Murray River. It books as a whole property for big groups, and dogs are welcome under a courtyard-and-deck arrangement rather than free run of the building.

Dogs at the Courthouse

The dog zone is the large, fully enclosed undercover courtyard and deck area, and dogs are kept out of the bedrooms and other indoor spaces, which makes sense in a house that sleeps big groups with unknown allergy mixes between bookings. There is no extra charge for pets, and reports suggest up to five dogs of any size can be accommodated, but with a group booking of this size, confirm the exact number and any size limits with the hosts when you book. Bring your own pet beds and supplies; the property does not stock them. Inside, expect spacious rooms, comfy beds, modern bathrooms, a commercial-sized kitchen and expansive riverfront lawns, with the courtyard doubling as the group's outdoor dining spot.

Max: a house rule that keeps dogs outdoors only works if the outdoor space actually works. The enclosed courtyard is the deal here, so walk it on arrival and gate-check before you relax.

While you're out there

The free government ferry crosses the Murray a few steps from the front door, and dogs ride on the deck beside you on a lead, which is an outing in itself. Riverside walks along the town's streets are on-lead under Coorong District Council rules. Drive south and Meningie on Lake Albert has on-lead foreshore walks and dog-friendly caravan parks, about forty minutes away.

Close by with the dogs

For a proper off-lead run, Tailem Bend Dog Park is about fifteen minutes north, and Wellington Caravan Park on Jervois Road is the riverside fallback if the house is booked out.

More options are on the South Australia pet friendly stays guide and the Wellington destination page.