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7 Pet Friendly Places to Stay in the Macedon Ranges

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Holidays are so much better when you can share them with your pooch. Here’s seven pet-friendly places to stay in the Macedon Ranges that will welcome your furry bestie.

Imagine relaxing on a comfy couch in front of a crackling wood fire, glass of local wine in hand and dog by your side. You’re relishing a lovely little tasting plate of produce, created from a morning visit to a nearby dog-friendly farmers’ market.

A pair of muddy hiking shoes are out on the porch from your ‘bushwalkies’. The invigorating post-bushwalk feeling only enhanced by a cocktail you enjoyed afterward at pooch-friendly Animus Gin Distillery in Kyneton.

Sounding good so far? If you’re hankering for a wholesome holiday in the country, check out these seven ideas for pet-friendly places to stay in the Macedon Ranges.

1. Rooks Edge

Bullengarook

For when you really want to get a true country experience. Rooks Edge is a registered sheep stud on 84 acres that offers a contemporary, upmarket bed and breakfast for couples or a small group.

You’ll find this rural hideaway only ten minutes’ drive from Gisborne, with cracking views to Lerderderg and Wombat State Park.

The property is designed to take in the sensational mountain views and glorious sunsets. Plus each room boasts a King bed, private en-suite, wood fireplace and private balcony.

When you get tired of watching kangaroos, native birds, horses and sheep, you’re only a 10 to 30-minute drive from 16 wineries, Hanging Rock*, Kyneton Chef Hatted restaurants, Gisborne restaurants and cafes, weekly farmers markets and popular bushwalking spots.

Sleeps

  • Three individual guest rooms each sleep two people (bed can also be reconfigured to a twin)
  • Rooks Edge also offers a ‘whole house’ accommodation to sleep 10

Average rates

Prices start from $165 to $195 per night

How to book

Book Rooks Edge online or call 0499 994 270.

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)

Average rates
  • Sunday to Thursday: Prices from $170 per night for up to 2 guests
  • Friday to Saturday: Prices from $210 per night for up to 2 guests
  • For 3rd and 4th adult or child, $25 per person per night
  • Public holiday weekends – two-night minimum stay
  • Weekly rates available

How to book

Book online

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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.

 

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