10 Dog-Friendly Winter Escapes

Whichever winter getaway you are pining for - whether it's a beach house, a quiet country retreat or a ski lodge - it is difficult to find genuinely pet-friendly accommodation that ticks all our boxes.

So we teamed up with the specialist team at Holidaying with Dogs to uncover ten unique properties around Australia who care for the wellbeing and enjoyment of our four-legged companions as much as their human guests...

NEW SOUTH WALES

#1. TROPICAL COAST RETREAT - Kingscliffe (NSW)

This property is situated in the Tweed Valley overlooking Kingscliff, only a short drive to dog-friendly beaches and restaurants, Byron Bay, Murwillumbah, the Gold Coast, Coolangatta and many hinterland areas.

Tropical Coast Retreat is a 35-acre property allowing plenty of walks, there’s also a tropical and exotic fruit orchard, a 4-hole golf course adjacent to a sub-tropical rainforest grove and virgin tea tree forest teaming with bird life!

The three luxury self-contained spa units, each with their own pergola and BBQ area, afford magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean and the Springbrook and Lamington Mountain ranges to the West.

This pet-friendly accommodation will accept up to 2 dogs (any size) inside and the property is also fully fenced.
Human guests can enjoy the authentic Swedish western red cedar Sauna and the 15 metre swimming pool with a heated spa whilst your dogs will enjoy swimming in the dam. To make your dog’s stay as relaxed as yours, they even have a special pet groomer and carer available!

Find out more here...

#2. EMERALD BEACH HOUSE, Emerald Beach (NSW)

Emerald Beach itself is a small village with restaurants, general store, café, hairdresser and bottle shop. Supermarkets and larger shops are close by at Woolgoolga and Moonee, with Coffs Harbour only about 20km to the South.

Emerald Beach House is set up above the street offering fabulous panoramic views and the coast and hinterland and it’s very close to the surfing beach.

This property is a real "doggy heaven" with a fully-fenced grassy backyard, close proximity to an off-leash beach and your dogs (up to two, with no restriction on size) are also allowed inside. There is an outside shower for washing off sand and saltwater beforehand!

This pet-friendly accommodation is on one level with a main bedroom furnished with a queen-size bed and a second bedroom with twin beds and a foldout ottoman. The living area has a reverse cycle air-conditioner and there is a ceiling fan in each bedroom.

Find out more here...

#3. TOP OF THE RANGE, Jindabyne (NSW)

Is your dog also dreaming of a white Christmas in July? Well now, you can enjoy your family ski holiday without having to leave your beloved pooch behind! This property is only 2 hours drive from Canberra, 5 from Sydney and 6 from Melbourne.

Top of the Range in Jindabyne is a 2-bedroom self-contained loft house with views to Mt Kosciuszko. It is only a 30 min drive to the ski resorts of Thredbo and Perisher, 20 min to the National Park Entry or 15 min down to Lake Jindabyne. 

Set on 86 acres within a wider farm environment, you can venture outside from long walks or stay warm and cosy with your dogs by the fire (firewood is supplied)! Pack clothes for all weather conditions because it can snow and become windy in any season! There are views everywhere you look and the most common times for snow views are from April to October. The fence line ensures that farm animals and wildlife cannot get onto the property to interact with your dogs!

Find out more here...

QUEENSLAND

#4. SALTWATER VILLAS WATERFRONT HOUSE, Mooloolaba (QLD)

If you’re craving an escape from the cold and miserable weather down South, where else but Queensland and its beaches?

Saltwater Villas Waterfront House is a large property which can welcome up to ten guests and they will accept up to three dogs.

You can spread out in this spacious North facing house with 3 separate bedrooms, a large lounge media room and outdoor entertainment area so why not get the whole family or a group of dog loving friends together?

Make sure your dog(s) can swim or pack some life jackets as you will have your own private pool and pontoon. You can easily hire SUP Boards, kayaks or a motorised boat to enjoy an action-packed holiday with your pooch!

Find out more here...

#5. DUK 'N' WILLA BEACH COTTAGE - Hervey Bay (QLD)

Duk 'n' Willa Beach Cottage is an idyllic quintessential Queenslander positioned only 600m from the beach and in close proximity to cafes and restaurants. Pialba is only a short 8 min drive to Hervey Bay, famous for its whale watching cruises between April and October each year or you could visit nearby Fraser Island.

The property itself delivers a light and airy beach feel through the use of hardwood timber floors and high ceilings, capturing the timeless era in which it was built. The beach cottage offers an open plan living space and modern kitchen and two bedrooms. 

You can bring up to 3 dogs who are allowed inside and there is plenty of space to spread out with a large, fully fenced backyard complete with a hammock to relax and unwind. The oversized covered entertainment area is perfect for BBQs, there is also a lockup garage and yard access for boats and jet skis. 

Find out more here …

VICTORIA

#6. CAPE COTTAGES - OLLIES VIEW (VIC)

Cape Cottages is set on 8 acres of magnificent land in Skenes Creek with uninterrupted views of the Southern Ocean, 10 min to Apollo Bay with its superb beach, cafes, restaurants and Shops. A short drive to the Great Otway National Park, it is also an ideal base to visit the world renowned Twelve Apostles.

Cape Cottages comprises of two dog-friendly cottages. They accept up to 2 dogs (small/medium size) who are allowed inside but they can not be left without owner supervision inside or out as the property is not fully fenced.

Within short proximity, you will find local breweries, wineries, berry farms and restaurants. With activities such as bushwalking, cycling, mountain biking within easy reach and the Great Ocean Road right on our door step you will not be disappointed.

Find out more here...

#7. BESPOKE HOLIDAY HOUSE, Bright (VIC)

Bright is close to the Victorian Alps and various alpine national parks including the Mount Buffalo National Park and Alpine National Park (Falls Creek). Local attractions include farms, wineries, historic sites, fruit orchards, restaurants, touring the beautiful natural landscape, surrounding mountains (bike trails) and more.

Bespoke Holiday House is a fully restored 1950's weatherboard house in Bright's famous Delany Avenue so close to town you can park your car and then walk or ride everywhere. 

The house is on quite a large piece of land with beautiful front and rear gardens as well as a separate fenced dog-friendly yard.

The owners are dog lovers themselves and will be happy for you to have your dogs inside (up to 4 with no restriction on size) as long as they are kept off the furniture and bedding and are never left unattended in the house. This property has had a major restoration and the house is filled with vintage restored furniture and original artworks.

Find out more here...

#8. HOWARD'S HILL, Boneo (VIC)

Nestled among Manna Gums, ancient grass trees and 30 acres of blissful bush, the converted barn of Howard's Hill is only a 1.5 hr drive from Melbroune and the perfect intimate retreat or base to explore the surrounding Mornington Peninsula. Greens Bush - part of the Nepean National Park - is ideal for bushwalking and is practically at the back door!

This fully renovated barn has everything you need to unwind from the moment you arrive. With 3 bedrooms, the property will accommodate up to 8 guests and allows up to 2 dogs (any size) including inside. 
The property is fully fenced and the picturesque dam provides a great swimming spot!

For guests that would like to trail ride the area, the property will accommodate your own horses, or trail rides can be arranged. Golf courses are just minutes away as are many of the Peninsula's wineries and beautiful beaches for surfing, fishing or swimming are all within a short drive.

Find out more here…

#9. YESTERYEAR COTTAGE, Inverloch (VIC)

Inverloch is a seaside town, situated at the mouth of Anderson Inlet, 143 km south east of Melbourne. Popular for surfing beaches and bay fishing, the town welcomes a Farmers Market showcasing the best local produce from the South Gippsland region (the third Sunday of each month).

Yesteryear is a century old miner's cottage located only a 5 minute stroll to the local beach and shops.

The property's garden is fully fenced and your dogs (up to 2, any size) are of course welcome inside.

This rustic cottage has some rooms lined with the original baltic pine timber and an open plan living area. The split system air conditioner makes it very comfortable with a wood burning heater for a touch of romance. There are three charming bedrooms, all decorated in the "olde worlde" style.

Find out more here…

TASMANIA

#10. SALEM BAY BEACH HOUSE, Tasman Peninsula (TAS)

This secluded property is situated next to the Saltwater River on the Tasman Peninsula, a 1h45 min drive from Hobart and 25 min from historic Port Arthur. You are minutes from the beach and a boat ramp and minutes away from the convict ruins of the Coal Mines historic site.

This is a waterfront self-contained beach house on a quiet bush block where you can watch the sunrise over the water from your bedroom window, with your dogs! How romantic...

This property will accept up to two dogs with no restriction on size and they are allowed inside. The property is not fenced however the deck is fully enclosed.

Find out more here...

Too many providers loosely use the "pet-friendly" tag as a marketing ploy whilst secretly hoping you won't bring your dogs or will leave them outside overnight! May this list grow longer and encourage other providers to start treating our pets as real family members!

Baxter And Me Film Screenings - July 17 & 19

Do our dogs really love us? Are they our slaves or are we theirs? These are just some of the questions raised in "Baxter and Me" the newest documentary by award-winning filmmaker Gillian Leahy.

As searching and thought provoking as a dog’s soulful gaze, the film will easily strike a chord with anyone for whom a furry, four-legged animal is just one more member of the family, albeit a wet-nosed one!

Gill’s honest and “dogged” examination of her relationships – both canine and human – raises questions about how we relate to the “wild” in our dogs as well as to the other (two-legged) animals that inhabit our world.

“My life has always been mediated and mitigated by dogs", says Gill. “I wanted to see how much I could persuade audiences to empathise with and appreciate dogs without lecturing them or drowning them in facts.”

The idea for the documentary began when Gill woke up one morning and asked herself, “What am I doing living with this big brown beast?” 

Filmed in Sydney, the story follows Gill and Baxter’s relationship, their ordinary rituals and day-to-day life. It takes the audience to some familiar haunts – the dog park, the beach, the vet – as well as to some unexpected destinations as it follows Gill’s own personal story from her difficult childhood to her days as an activist and her early years in the film industry. 

Through it all, the audience is introduced to the many remarkable dogs that have been Gill’s companions and confidants along the way, including the one who currently occupies her waking life and her sleeping space: her charming and wilful chocolate Labrador, Baxter.

    Baxter and Me Trailer from Gillian Leahy on Vimeo.

Limited places are available as these screenings are on demand so you will need to be quick to reserve yours!

When: Monday 17th July for screenings in NSW, VIC, WA; Wednesday 19th July for screenings in VIC, WA; Monday 7th August in Mount Victoria.

Tickets: $20.00 via https://au.demand.film/baxter-and-me/

BAXTER AND ME will be released in cinemas across Australia via Demand Film: www.demand.film. Any person or organization can sponsor a film listed on the Demand.film site, create an event around it and then use their own social media network to sell tickets to their friends and online community. Demand.film, in turn, reserves the theatre, manages ticketing and ensures the delivery of the film. Once the ticket threshold is reached, the screening goes ahead and everyone just sits back and enjoys the show.

Top 12 Tech Gadgets for Dog Owners

Our own lives are ruled by technology so it should come as no surprise that tech gadgets and wearables for pets are becoming such a "hot ticket item" with a constant stream of innovation to solve common everyday issues plus others we did not know we had!

Whether you're looking for a gadget to help you monitor your dog's activity levels and general health, feel like spying on their movements day or night or need assistance to make your grooming routine less of a chore, we have uncovered the latest dog gadgets for the obsessive fur parent!

The Healthy Pet Simply Feed™ by  
PetSafe® Australia can assist with your pet’s weight management by providing a consistent, portion-controlled feeding routine. 

The large capacity (24-cup) hopper can hold dry or semi-moist kibble and is translucent to monitor food levels. 
The slow-feed dispensing option is great for those pets that eat too fast. 

The LCD screen with 5-button navigation allows you to easily set the number of meals, meal times and the portion size.This stylish feeder will blend in your home decor but most importantly it will give you peace of mind, knowing your dog or cat gets fed the required amount whether you're at home or away.

RRP: $249.99 from the PetSafe Australia online store

The PETKIT GO Smart Pet Leash will help you keep track of your dog's fitness goals by recording where you walk and for how long. 

This smart leash works alongside the PETKIT app using Bluetooth technology to connect the two devices. Each time you go out, press the lower"Go" button on the handle and a road map will be generated via the PETKIT app and stored in the history. 

The handle also comes with integrated LED lighting plus a torch for added security during night time dog walking. The handle is light and ergonomically designed to ensure comfort even for long-time holding. Just released in Australia and coming soon to a pet retailer near you!

RRP: $119.95 (White or Green) exclusively from www.westernpet.com.au

Unlike most pet activity monitors, this Bluetooth FIT P2 device will track movements, emotions, health conditions in addition to both short and deep sleep intervals and there's even a calorie expenditure indicator built into the PetKit app! 
The built-in calendar enables you to log in medical appointments, reminders for feeding, grooming, worming etc. 

This second generation of Pet Activity Monitors has an elegant low-profile design and is so lightweight (8.8g) that it can be worn by cats and toy dog breeds. Find out more in our detailed review... The FIT P2 comes in Gold or Silver.

RRP: $84.95 at www.luckypet.com.au

The new Petrek 3G is the world’s smallest 3G dedicated GPS Tracker for pets! Weighing only 30 grams (with SIM card) this device is suitable for even toy dog breeds and cats.

It works paired with the iPet app (Android and Apple IOS) to deliver multiple functions: the Live Location allows you to track your pet within 2.5 metres and the Satellite View makes it easy to identify landmarks if searching for your pet. If you have an “escape artist” you will love the Geo-Fencing alert and notifications, should your pet wander out of his/her allowed proximity circle.

The Petrek 3G GPS Tracker operates using a pre-paid SIM card so you are not locked into any monthly costs. 

This unit is rated IP67 waterproof meaning it can be submerged in water (1m deep, up to 30 minutes) for pets who love a swim! It is available in either Black or White.

RRP: $279.00 from www.trackall.com.au

Pet Widget badge / QR code (back) & Cyan (front)

  
The Pet Widget badge was designed to help reunite lost pets with their families quickly. This is a QR code and NFC enabled intelligent pet ID tag, which is linked to the pet profile you create in the free Pet Widget app.  

If a pet gets lost wearing a Pet Widget badge, the person finding him only requires a smartphone to scan the unique QR code, or they can tap the NFC tag to access the relevant information. 

They can also simply enter the unique ID on www.petwidget.com with any web browser. This gives quick access to critical information (including your pet's medical records etc.) to contact the dog owner immediately, avoiding a possible stay at the local pound! 
The Pet Widget badge is available in 4 colour designs: Cyan, Blush, Plaid, Starstruck.

RRP: $29.95 exclusively from www.petone.com.au

SureFlap already makes a pet door which only opens for the correctly chipped (or RFID-collared) pet but they’re going one step further with an app-controlled version of their microchipped pet door (designed for small dogs and cats) to go on sale from September 2017.

The Microchip Pet Door Connect will have a companion app that enables you to remotely lock/unlock the door from anywhere – e.g. you can schedule a curfew time to keep your pet in at a specified time of day (great for cats at dusk!). Owners will be able to receive notifications via the app when their pet leaves or enters the house, the app will log and track these comings and goings over time —with the potential to flag up changes in behaviour.

A minimum 1Mbps home broadband connection is required for the pet door to function, plus a spare Ethernet port to plug in the Hub device. Access to the app can also be shared with others, such as a pet sitter.

RRP: $329.00 (bundle includes a Pet Door Connect plus Hub) at www.sureflap.com.au

The Double Trouble LED dog harnesses, leashes and collars by DOGlite are designed for everyday use. Illuminating at the push of a button they enhance your pet's safety during walks in low light conditions and after dark.

All LED dog accessories come with two settings: "On" and "Slow Flash" mode. The DOGlite harness now features a new Chest Attach option which can assist in reducing pulling.

All the Double Trouble LED dog accessories come in a wide range of colours to up the fun factor for you and your dog!

RRP: from $34.95 (leash) and $43.95 (harness) at www.doglite.com.au

The iFetch Too automatic ball launcher is aimed at medium to large dogs and is recommended for outdoor use only as it will send tennis balls flying to a distance of up to 12 metres!

It takes up larger tennis balls (64mm) which are automatically launched within 3 seconds of the ball being dropped into the chute. The hardest part may be to train your dog to drop the ball directly into the chute but for any dog addicted to fetch this is fantastic fun! 

Check our detailed Review here...

For smaller pooches, there is an iFetch Original version which uses miniature tennis balls, suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

RRP: $399.95 for the iFetchToo (includes 3 balls) at www.goifetch.com.au

Petcube Play is an indoor home pet camera that lets you check in on your pets any time from your smartphone. 

This redesigned model is more compact and stylish than the previous Petcube Camera and streams in 1080p HD video with a 138° wide angle view. With 2-way audio, you can use the push-to-talk feature on the Petcube App to hear and talk to your pet. 

There's even a 3x digital zoom to see your pets up close and personal! If your dog (or cat) looks bored, you can play with the built-in laser feature to engage with them. The sound and motion notification feature will alert you of major events happening at home to ensure your pet stays safe.

The biggest improvement is the night vision feature which is essential to view your pets in low light or no light conditions. 

RRP: US$199 from www.petcube.com

This could be the most innovative and convenient dog walking gadget on the market. Attach your leash to the comfortable handle, add one or more of the available connectables and experience a totally new and practical way for walking your dog.

Gismo from Dog Gone Smart features the ability to attach two dog leashes to one handle, add a flashlight to be easily seen and even carry treats for training!
Available in grey, pink, green, electric or midnight blue.

RRP: from $39.95 at www.bowhouse.com.au

Bathing the family dog can be a real chore depending your pet’s degree of co-operation...The new BarkBath Tool from Bissell is a faster, easier and less messy way to bathe your four-legged family member practically anywhere and anytime!

The specially designed nozzles get beneath the fur and down to the skin to allow water and shampoo to wash the skin clean while a soft suction pulls dirt and water away into a separate dirty water tank.

The only snag is that you need to also purchase a SpotClean portable deep cleaner separately. We spotted an all-in-one compact unit in the US market, which we would love to see released here!

RRP: $129 for the BarkBath Tool from www.bisselloutletstore.com.au

If your dog is anything like ours, nail clipping ranks high on the list of their least favourite things!

This Gentle Paws Nail Filer by Oster is a powerful two-speed pet nail battery-operated trimmer. This is a faster, gentler and stress-free way to file your dog’s nails. The safety guard holds the nail in place for safe, precision trimming and also prevents accidental hair winding. The Kit includes grinding stone, grinding drum, two grinding bands and instructions.

There is now a perfect way to shape, smooth and trim all types of nails from small to large breed dogs without a trip to the vet or the local grooming parlour!

RRP: $69.95 from www.petsonthepark.com.au

PETKIT - GO Smart Pet Leash Review

The GO Smart Pet Leash recently arrived on our shores and it may just be what you need to help you reach your fitness goals with your pooch. We certainly hope this will inspire us to explore more!

HOW DOES THE GO SMART PET LEASH WORK?

The GO Smart Pet Leash by PETKIT was the winner of the 2017 Red Dot Design Awards, one of the top industrial design awards widely recognised in the world.

Leash Slot / Buckle Release / Power Button (L to R)

This clever Bluetooth device fulfils a whole range of functions: it serves as a traditional dog leash with the added bonus of being ergonomically designed with your long handling comfort in mind.

The outside handle is made from solid polycarbonate whilst the inside is of soft TPE polyethylene.

The GO is designed for dog owners to be able to replace the leash to meet different functional needs when walking their dogs (e.g. shock-absorbing, reflective options etc.) and there will be many colour choices in the future, however for the purpose of this review we tested the device with a Standard Rope (metallic grey). 

You simply insert the rope buckle (made of strengthened metal) in the slot on the handle until you hear the click sound (don’t push too hard!). If you need to remove it, the “Buckle” button (above the "GO" button) allows the leash to pop out very easily.

LED illumination all around the handle

A fantastic innovation is the Integrated Lighting System which serves a dual purpose. If you press the “GO” button for 3 seconds, this activates the Circular Lamp Band (both on the left and right hand sides all around the handle) delivering soft illumination at night and additional safety warning. If you walk your dog at night time, you can enable this function through the App.

Pressing the “GO” button for only 1 second will switch on the additional bright Torch Light located at the front of the handle. This comes in handy to illuminate a dark location, avoid a puddle and easily find your keyhole when you come late from your dog walk!

Another clever feature (which you may need or not) is the Incoming Calls prompt. If your mobile is tucked away in a bag or turned on silent during your walks, the handle itself will vibrate (*if connected normally to your phone). You can adjust the vibration times and types on the app to alert you of an incoming call or text on your smartphone. 

However as the name indicates, the GO Smart Pet Leash is an “Intelligent System” which you need to pair with the PETKIT app in order to keep track of your walking patterns every time you head out. This is probably the main reason why you would decide to buy one in the first place!

As you head out the front door, you simply press the “GO” key for 2 seconds which enables the dog walking mode. The PETKIT app will compile a roadmap of your walk in the background and store it in its history.

If you have forgotten to keep your device charged, you will receive a message within the App telling you that “My GO” has low power reminding you to charge it before your next walk! It will also send you notifications of any new firmware available for your device.

HOW DO YOU GET STARTED?

As with any wearables, you need to give your device a full charge before you get started (it comes with a micro-USB cable, the USB charging port is cleverly hidden inside the handle and is covered up with a rubber cap when not in use). 
The indicator lights up during charging and turns off automatically once fully charged.

PETKIT app Menu to access all devices
with incoming alert (low battery)

If you don’t have any other PETKIT devices, like the FIT P2 Activity Monitor or the Pet Mate video monitoring system, you first need to download the free app (for Android or iOS devices) and create your account. 

If you have multiple dogs and/or products you can easily add these as you go along.

You will then pair your GO Smart Pet Leash device with your mobile phone before the first use. 

Simply press the “GO” key for 5 seconds until you feel the handle vibrate 3 times and the front light indicator flashes. The instructions on the screen are easy to follow so if we could do it, you won’t have any issues!

You may want to set yourself a daily walking target to stay motivated over winter so we opted for one hour - quite a lot for our senior dog these days but not really a challenge for our two young Malinois!

At the end of each walk the app will have recorded not only your itinerary, but also the total distance and time walked and you can review your history at any time. 

You could also share these route maps with other approved users (partner or a dog walker) via the app.

Just remember to check that your device is charged, press the “GO” key and open your app on the way out the door and that’s it… Happy walkies!


TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Using Bluetooth 4.0
• Handle Weight: 100g
• Handle Dimensions: 10.8cm (height) x 11.8cm (depth) x 2.55cm (width)
• Rope Length: 100cm
• Using LED light

PRICE & WHERE TO BUY

Because this device is brand new to Australia, you may have to wait a few weeks before you start seeing it in a select number of pet retail stores and online but it would make a popular Father’s Day or Christmas gift present for the technologically-minded fur parent!

We will keep you updated on where and when you can get your hands on it!

RRP: A$119.95 (White or Green) exclusive to Western Pet Products in Australia.

Trade enquiries from potential stockists are welcome.

Disclaimer: we received this product complimentary from PETKIT for review purposes.