Banksia Cottage

Banksia Cottage is a historic two-bedroom holiday home built in 1898 at 5 Norwood Street, in a quiet pocket near Toowoomba's city centre. It keeps its period character but adds modern comfort, including a fireplace that guests single out in the cooler months. It is one of the few Toowoomba rentals set up deliberately for dog travellers, with a fenced yard, a kennel and dog bowls supplied.

Dogs at the Banksia Cottage

One well-behaved dog is welcome with prior approval. The rules are specific: the dog must be over 12 months old and fully house-trained, no cats or puppies, and while dogs are allowed inside the cottage they must stay off all beds and furniture, which protects the cottage's rugs. Pets must never be left inside unattended. A pet fee applies, reported at about $35 to $40 per stay, so confirm the current amount when you book. Clean up all waste before departure.

Pepsi: an 1898 cottage, a fireplace, and my own kennel in a fenced yard. heritage approved

Worth knowing

The cottage suits a quiet getaway for a couple or small family, and guests rate its cosy, thoughtfully stocked character highly. The fully fenced backyard is the practical draw: secure off-lead space at the house, rare in a city-fringe rental. Bring your own dog bedding given the off-furniture rule, and secure off-street parking is on site. The exact access details come with the booking confirmation.

Getting there and out with the dog

Norwood Street sits minutes from the Toowoomba CBD, an easy drive or stroll from the city's cafes and heritage streetscapes. Queens Park and the botanic gardens are close for on-leash walking, and the Queens Park Dog Off Leash Area, near the Godsall Street entrance, offers a designated unfenced exercise zone with water bowls and bag dispensers. The Table Top track out at Rangeville is a bigger outing for a fit dog.

Close by with the dogs

Ground Up Cafe is one of several CBD coffee stops with outdoor seating nearby. More options are on the Queensland stays page and in the Toowoomba City destination guide.