Paddys Creek Retreat

Paddys Creek Retreat is a self-contained cottage on Mast Gully Road in Upwey, set up as a quiet base on the Melbournite edge of the Dandenong Ranges. Well-trained dogs are welcome inside the cottage, and the property is fully fenced, which is the detail that makes a hills weekend with a dog straightforward.

Dogs at Paddys Creek Retreat

Dogs are allowed inside the cottage but are not permitted on furniture or bedding, so bring your own dog bed. The yard is fully fenced, which helps if your dog likes to explore the garden while you are on the deck. Specific pet fees and any size limits are not published, so confirm both with the host at booking, along with bedding, food and bowls, since the listing does not confirm these are supplied.

The place

It is a cottage-style holiday home with spacious rooms and a garden setting, geared toward a calm, nature-focused stay rather than a resort experience. Guests rate the gardens, the beautiful cottage feel and the location for reaching the villages and local cafes. With a 5-star average across reviews, the tone is consistent: quiet, clean and well located.

Close by with the dogs

The honest map note for the Dandenongs: dogs are prohibited in the core sections of Dandenong Ranges National Park, including the 1000 Steps and Sherbrooke Forest. Stick to the local options instead. Glenfern Valley Bushlands is a short drive away with proper bushwalking on its valley loop, and Ferntree Gully Quarry Recreation Reserve has walking trails about three kilometres from the cottage. In Upwey village itself, Nevedya is the local dinner option.

More around the hills is on the Upwey destination page, and the full list is in the Victoria stays index.

Max: The furniture rule is the one to brief the dog on. Bring their own bed and it is a non-issue; arrive without one and it gets awkward by the second night.