1. Willowglade Retreat Mount Macedon 2. Willowglade Retreat Mount Macedon 3. Rooks Edge Bullengarook
2. Galahad’s Animal Sanctuary & BNB
Gisborne
The ultimate getaway for animal lovers. Galahad’s is an animal rescue sanctuary set on 30 acres that offers dog and pet-friendly in-house accommodation. Accessed via a separate entrance, you get a luxurious four-poster bed, bathroom, kitchenette and a fully fenced garden. Free farm tours are also included.
Galahad’s Animal Sanctuary has rescued many animals, including camels, horses, cows, sheep, alpacas, chickens and a rooster as well as dogs. They currently have 40 animals on site but have rescued over 58 so far. When you stay with Galahad’s, all proceeds go to the feed and care of all the animals at the sanctuary.
Dogs are permitted but must be well behaved and not chase the animals. Dogs are to be kept on a lead, as they have a lot of birds and wildlife living there.
Short term agistment for your horse can also be made available during your stay.
Sleeps
Guesthouse sleeps two (plus infants under 2 years)
Average rates
$145 to $180
How to book
Book Galahad’s online.
3. Adrienne’s Country Retreat
Mount Macedon
Located on 15 acres in Mount Macedon, Adrienne’s Country Retreat offers the option of a three-bedroom home or two-bedroom studio. Each can be booked separately or together for a private group.
The retreat offers a cosy and spacious set up perfect for families, couples, and of course, pooches.
The main home has an open fire for cold days and nights and a billiards table. While the studio has a heated outdoor eight-person spa in a private courtyard.
Sleeps
- Up to 7 guests in the House
- Up to 4 guests in the Studio
- Up to 11 guests across both the House and Studio.
Average rates
- House: Starting from $220 per night
- Studio: Starting from $190 (mid-week) – $205 (weekend) per night
- Minimum two-night stay
How to book
4. Matilda Cottage
Gisborne South
Matilda Cottage is a cute two-bedroom self-contained cottage that oozes country charm, located at the southern gateway to the Macedon Ranges, in the hills of Gisborne South.
The property is on acreage in a stunning elevated position, taking in beautiful sunsets followed by sparkling city views through the valley and trees to Melbourne.
It has a private fenced garden suitable for pooches. Plus they have commenced building an animal enclosure as well as a small stable, so you can leave your beloved pet at Matilda Cottage while you head into Gisborne for a coffee or dinner, knowing it is safe and comfortable. Dog, cat, horse… let them know in advance what you are travelling with, for prior approval.
Sleeps
Up to four people (one queen, two singles)
5. Tree Change
Woodend
Nestled in the leafy village of Woodend, Tree Change is a six-bedroom home architecturally designed home for comfort and sustainability. The property offers stunning rural views to Mount Macedon, along with a fire pit for stargazing and a swimming pool (available from November through to March).
Great walks and bike rides start at the end of the driveway, plus Hanging Rock and Mount Macedon are only 15 minutes’ away. The region is also home to an abundance of cellar doors if you’re partial to wine tasting.
Woodend offers fantastic cafes, bakeries and historic pubs including the well-known Holgate Brewhouse where you can try an extensive range of delicious craft beers brewed on-site.
And after all that hiking, cycling, wine tasting and beer drinking, warm up by the cosy wood fire in the large, comfy lounge room.
Sleeps
10-14 guests
Average rates
- Price starts from $900 per night, discounts for longer stays
- Minimum two-night stay
- Book Tree Change online or call Peter on 0417 050 939 (references required for direct bookings)
6. Willowglade Retreat
Mount Macedon
Located in the heart of Mount Macedon, Willowglade Retreat is a contemporary yet cosy cottage set on a large, enchanting garden.
Perfect for couples, families and friends, it boasts beautiful local art, a bathtub for relaxation, wood heater to warm your tootsies (and paws) and a fire pit for stargazing.
Nearby you’ll find a number of pooch-friendly cellar doors, plus an extensive trails network in Macedon Regional Park for bushwalking.
Willowglade Retreat is pet-friendly by prior arrangement only, as the property will only suit some animals due to the way it is fenced. Please get in touch directly with Willowglade Retreat and they will try and work something out.
Sleeps
Up to 4 people (one king, one queen bed).
Average rates
Prices range from $200 – $400 per night including breakfast provisions.
How to book
Book Willowglade online
7. Harpsichord House by Flop House
Kyneton
Once a harpsichord studio, this Scandinavian-style retreat is situated in the heart of old Kyneton.
Displaying works by local artists and designers and exquisite textiles from around the world, this lovely loft is your ideal country escape.
Unwind in the garden, take pooch for a walk by the Campaspe River, or cuddle up by the wood-fire.
Sleeps
Up to 4 people (best for a couple or small family)
Average rates
Prices range from $208 – $250 per night (based on two adults), minimum two night stay on weekends.
How to book
Book Harpsichord House online
Dog-Friendly Cellar Doors
While you’re in this neck of the woods, why not enjoy a wine tasting at these dog-friendly cellar doors?
Where is the Macedon Ranges?
The Macedon Ranges is approximately 45 minutes’ drive northwest from Melbourne’s CBD. It’s quite a lovely drive along the Calder Highway and its proximity to the big smoke means less travel and more time to play.
See more places to stay in the Macedon Ranges
*Hanging Rock is dog-friendly (on leash) for walks in the reserve, but excludes access to the summit walk.