Villa Marine

Villa Marine is a small set of self-contained holiday apartments in leafy grounds at Yorkeys Knob, about 20 minutes north of Cairns. It is one of the few Cairns-beaches properties that plans for pets rather than merely tolerating them, with dedicated pet-friendly units and a small house with a fenced backyard set aside for larger dogs.

Dogs at Villa Marine

Dogs, cats and even birds are considered, and many pets are allowed inside, but not every animal is accepted: contact the property before booking to have yours approved. Smaller, well-behaved pets go into designated apartments, while larger dogs get the small house with the fenced yard. Dogs must stay on a lead around the property, and there is a large grassed area for exercise. Pet fees are not published online, so confirm the cost and conditions when you arrange the stay.

Max: our own fenced yard at the beach, shops at the end of the street, and the humans only had to send one email first.

The vibe

The apartments sit in tropical gardens with a guest laundry, and the local shops are within walking distance. Guests consistently mention comfortable units, easy beach access and the quiet, garden-heavy grounds. The property is also run with an eye on sustainability, which reviewers note as part of its low-key character.

Getting there and the beach

Yorkeys Knob is a straight run up the Captain Cook Highway from Cairns, then a short drive into the suburb. The property describes a pet-friendly stretch of beach about 50 metres away, but treat all beach time here as on-lead and crocodile-aware in Far North Queensland, and check current council signage before letting the lead out.

Close by with the dogs

For meals out, hidden@yorkeys does garden dining on Sims Esplanade, while Memories Cafe and Doppio Zero cover breakfast and coffee on Varley Street. If the house is taken, Driftaway Holiday Villas is the other Yorkeys Knob option worth asking about.

Before you book

Contact management directly to have your pet approved, confirm the fee, and get the arrangement in writing. Major booking sites including Booking.com and Expedia incorrectly list the property as not allowing pets, so book direct rather than through a third party.

For more options across the state, browse dog-friendly stays in Queensland, or plan the rest of the trip with our Yorkeys Knob guide.