Westering Cottage Yarra Valley

Westering Cottage is a purpose-built, fully self-contained couples' cottage on five acres of rambling garden at 12 Bailey Grove in Wandin North, with mountain views and a private hot tub. It's the Yarra Valley stay for people who travel with a dog and refuse to compromise: dogs of any size stay inside the cottage, and there's no extra pet fee.

Dogs at the cottage

The pet rules come straight from the hosts' own guide, so there's no guesswork. Dogs of any size are welcome at no additional charge, provided they're well socialised, house-trained and no threat to local wildlife, children or other dogs. They can be inside the cottage with you but are strictly off the beds and bedding, and must not be left in the cottage unattended at any time. Pack your dog's own bed, food and water bowls, and a towel - the hosts specifically suggest one for when the five acres of garden grass is wet. Cats are generally not accepted, to protect the local fauna.

The cottage and the garden

The property is set up as a quiet, romantic retreat: a private outdoor hot tub, a veranda with a bar area, and gardens that attract serious birdlife plus small mammals and marsupials. Guests consistently describe it as spotless, and breakfast provisions - sausages, bacon, mushrooms, tomatoes, bread - are included. The property is rural-fenced rather than secure kennel-fenced, so keep a decent recall on your dog before letting them loose in the garden and check fencing arrangements with hosts Liz and Dave when you book.

Getting there

Wandin North sits in the heart of the Yarra Valley, within easy driving distance of Healesville and the wine region's cellar doors. Free parking is on site, and you'll want the car - wineries and cafes are spread out, though several nearby offer dog-friendly outdoor seating. The cottage suits couples or solo travellers after a quiet base, not families needing multiple bedrooms or a central town strip.

Close by with the dogs

Wandin East Recreation Reserve Dog Off Leash Area is the closest proper run for your dog, a few minutes' drive away. If the cottage is booked out, Honeyeater Cottage in Yellingbo is another well-regarded pet-friendly rural stay nearby.

More options are on the Wandin North destination page, and the full list is in the Victoria stays index.