Top dog-friendly accommodation in NSW

Family holidays just aren’t the same without our pets. Luckily, pet-friendly accommodation is on the rise – from luxury cottages to five-star hotels and nature camps, here’s where to book a stay with your four-legged friend.

Destination NSW

Apr 27 -

min read

QT Newcastle

Housed within Newcastle’s iconic 113-year-old David Jones building, this new hotel will bring QT’s signature experience of playfulness and luxury to the laidback beach lifestyle of NSW’s second biggest city – and pets are welcome to join in on the fun. Get your furry friend’s tail wagging by booking the ‘Pup Yeah’ room, as luxe for humans as they are for pets.

Why your pup will love it: QT has gone all out for its furry friends with a doggy mini bar and in-room dinner service, plush dog bedding, and bespoke pupQ treatments with a local groomer.

QT Newcastle, Newcastle

Turon Gates, Blue Mountains

Fancy a romantic escape to the mountains, but don’t want to leave your fur child behind? Turon Gates Mountain Retreat makes it easy to bring your third wheel along. Located on a sprawling 2500-hectare property west of the Blue Mountains, the retreat is a blissful disconnection from busy life and comprises rustic log cabins, glamping tents and a campground.

Why your pup will love it: Your pawed friend will be living out their Lassie dreams as they roam free on this vast property, which also has a 12-kilometre trout stream.

Rustic Log Cabin by the river at Turon Gates in Lithgow, Blue Mountains

Turon Gates, Lithgow

The Langham Sydney

If your dog prefers to be addressed as Sir or Madam, then The Langham will deliver. Nestled within The Rocks historic district, the hotel oozes timeless luxury with elegant furnishings, marble bathrooms, views of Sydney Harbour, and a renowned afternoon tea served on Wedgwood dinnerware and accompanied by Laurent-Perrier Champagne.

Why your pup will love it: The fanciest of furry guests should be booked into the Pampered Pets Staycation, which includes breakfast in bed, a Langham branded bed and bowl to use while in residence, afternoon tea on arrival and a gift bag. Pet sitting, pet weddings and birthdays, and in-room photoshoots are also available.

The Langham, Sydney

Riverwood Downs, Barrington Tops

Set on a 300-hectare property, your dog will be living their best life at Riverwood Downs, enjoying bush walks with you by day and relaxing around crackling fires under starry skies at night. The property sits at the foothills of the Barrington Tops, home to World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests, and with a range of pet-friendly accommodation options from spa cabins to camping sites.

Why your pup will love it: Dogs are allowed to explore the whole property including swimming in the river, on or off leash, while the Hound’s Breath Cafe menu offers ‘pup-a-cinos' and tasty doggy treats.

River Cottage Outside Back at Riverwood Downs in Barrington Tops, Hunter

Riverwood Downs, Barrington Tops

Abode Murrumbateman

Situated in the cool climate Canberra District wine region, Abode Murrumbateman is a great base to explore the country’s capital with your four-legged friend in tow. Just 30 mins from the capital, the hotel has contemporary accommodation, bike hire and a communal kitchen facility with continental breakfast.

Why your pup will love it: While you might purchase some bottles of local wine to bring home, your dog can enjoy some retail therapy too: Abode’s pet package includes a 20 per cent discount voucher for Best Friends pet stores.

Terrace Room at Abode Murrumbateman in Yass, Country NSW

Abode Murrumbateman, Murrumbateman

Pier One Sydney Harbour

Perched on a historic wharf in the arts and theatre district of Walsh Bay, Pier One is as stunning as the glorious harbour that is quite literally at its doorstep. The hotel boasts award-winning dining at The Gantry and an outdoor bar where you can enjoy a beverage with your pooch.

Why your pup will love it: Your furry companion will receive a special treat on arrival, relax their paws on a luxury eco-friendly bed, and can even indulge in a doggy degustation (extra charges apply).

Pier One Sydney Harbour in Walsh Bay, Sydney

Pier One Sydney Harbour, Sydney

The Cottage at Spicers Guesthouse, Hunter Valley

This idyllic stay located in Australia's oldest wine country comes with an open fireplace, wraparound verandah and private gardens. The pet-friendly cottage is fully self-contained with four bedrooms, ready to welcome you and your furry friend.

Why your pup will love it: The ‘Pooch Package’ features a comfy bed and a bowl to keep your pup fed and watered. Picture this: sipping a glass of wine by an open fire with your dog curled up at your feet… It’s a win-win for everyone.

Spicers Guesthouse Private Cottage in Pokolbin, Hunter Valley

Spicers Guesthouse, Pokolbin

Normandie Cottage, Mudgee

This elegantly restored 1930s cottage is located just a short stroll from the charming town of Mudgee. It has a cosy fireplace for the winter and enough beds to sleep 12 so the whole family (with two and four legs) can stay.

Why your pup will love it: The cottage has an enclosed yard, so your dog can play in the sunshine while you discover the thriving food and wine scene in the rolling hills of Mudgee.

Normandie Cottage in Mudgee, Country NSW

Normandie Cottage, Mudgee

Belvoir Pavilions Country Retreat, Berry

Guests score the trifecta when it comes to location with this 1910 cottage: it’s within a short drive of picturesque Jervis Bay, the charming town of Berry and the scenic Kangaroo Valley. It has four cosy bedrooms, manicured gardens, and an infinity pool where you can soak up views of Cambewarra Mountain.

Why your pup will love it: The vast property is perfect for tail-wagging walks, and the retreat’s two resident canines will provide playful company for your own pooch.