Tower Hill House

Tower Hill House is a self-contained two-bedroom house on six acres of native gardens at 27 Bimberdong Lane, right on the rim of the Tower Hill State Game Reserve between Warrnambool and Port Fairy. Dogs are welcome by prior arrangement, and the pet setup here is unusually good: a separate, secure, sheltered and spacious outdoor dog enclosure rather than a keep-the-dog-off-the-furniture compromise.

Dogs at Tower Hill House

Bookings with a dog are by prior arrangement, so message the hosts before you book and confirm your dog is a fit. The enclosure is the headline: built so the dog is safe and comfortable outdoors while you are out at the sights or using the main living areas, which is how most guests here use it. Ask the hosts directly about indoor access rules when you arrange the stay, and bring your own bedding and bowls since pet supplies are not listed. A pet fee is not published, so confirm the cost at the same time. Note the reserve next door is wildlife habitat, so the dog stays on lead and outside the reserve itself.

The house

The house sleeps up to four, with a queen room and two king singles, a wood-fired red gum heater, reverse-cycle air conditioning, electric blankets and a full kitchen. Reviewers consistently score it near the top for one reason above all: location. Kangaroos graze the property's edges, and the volcanic crater reserve next door holds koalas and emus, with panoramic Southern Ocean views from the gardens. Both Warrnambool and Port Fairy are only minutes away.

Out with the dog

Koroit Dog Park is the closest fenced run, a few minutes into town, and Victoria Park Community Dog Park covers the Warrnambool side. For breakfast in Port Fairy, Borough Chambers works.

More south-west options are on the VIC dog-friendly stays list, with reserve and coast notes on the Tower Hill destination guide.