A holiday retreat ideal for your four-legged friend

TRAVELLING with a dog any bigger than a handbag is usually a hassle, but there are retreats perfect for you and your pal.

Dogs

TRAVELLING with a dog any bigger than a handbag is usually a hassle.

If you can find a place that allows dogs, typically there's nowhere to let them run and a long list of rules that makes it no fun for anyone, least of all your pet.

Best Friend Holiday Retreat hosts Coralie and Ralph have thought of everything you could imagine to make holidaying with your dog relaxing and fun.

The accommodation

Set in the Tarra Valley, Victoria, the breathtaking location is surrounded by rolling hills and forest. It has everything from fenced caravan and camping sites to deluxe two-bedroom cabins with barbecue, deck and secure yard.

The cabins are comfortably and comprehensively (even playfully) set up and the campgrounds provide all the amenities you'd expect, with lovely views from every site. All four-legged visitors must sleep inside, so there's no late-night barking to keep you awake.

There are six enormous, park-like, fenced, off-leash areas, including a playground/agility run. There's a hydrobath hut and a swimming hole just across the road, as well as day kennels.

The fun

The presence of dogs clearly doesn't deter the local wildlife. Koalas growl from the trees and many birds, including some very inquisitive kookaburras, hang around the barbecue areas.

There is an open aviary – take a seat and watch the crimson rosellas swoop in for a feed. More than 80 species of birds have been seen here.

The Tarra Bulga National Park, famed for its giant mountain ash trees, ancient myrtle beeches and fern gullies, is 3km up the road. This area is surprisingly isolated and has very little traffic.

Grand Ridge Rd is a narrow, mostly gravel road that winds through a surprisingly large area of forest and established plantation.

About half an hour's drive away is dog-friendly Woodside Beach (at the western end of Ninety Mile Beach).

The food

It's self-catering, but a recommended breakfast place is about two kilometres away, and it's worth making the half-hour side trip for the scrumptious fresh fish and chips at Port Albert, right at the end of the jetty.

For a big indulgence, a short walk away is the Caca-oh! chocolate school and its chocolate appreciation course.

The deal

Off-peak rates start at $35 a night for a fenced campsite, $110 for a standard cabin and $195 for a deluxe cabin. Check the website for special deals and shoulder or peak tariffs.

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