So you want to go on holidays but you don’t want to leave Fido behind? He’s part of the family, too young, too old or you just can’t find a boarding kennel that you feel comfortable leaving him at. These are all valid reasons for looking for pet friendly accommodation and activities. So what’s available in the Southern Forests Region?
It can be really hard finding places to have holidays that are suitable for taking pets. We know; we have two large dogs ourselves and while some places are pet friendly they don’t always get it right with the facilities available. So we have taken some time to work out what we think, as dog owners, that other dog owners might like when looking for pet friendly accommodation.
At Diamond Forest Farm Stay we have two pet friendly cottages. Both cottages have a secure, grassed, shaded yard off the verandah. Pets are allowed on the verandah and inside just not on the furniture or in the bedrooms and to help facilitate this we provide dog covers for the lounges and ensure all bedroom doors can be closed off securely to make your holiday stress free.
Dogs are permitted, on a lead, on the daily animal feed, pet owners can take their dogs to all areas that our human guests are allowed and we have areas for dogs to have off lead time. For those dogs that have poor recall we often have a spare fenced paddock for them to play in off lead but still in a secure area.
But where else can you go? Pet friendly areas, cafes and restaurants are becoming much more popular down here in the Southern Forests so even though all National Parks are off limits there are still heaps of places that you can enjoy with your dogs.
- Big Brook Dam: A beautiful forested area, with a lovely walk all the way around the dam, not to mention free BBQ’s, a grassed picnic area and a man made beach (dogs must be on a lead and the beach and water are off limits to dogs.)
- Diamond Tree: This climbing tree is in the only one not in a National Park so you need not miss out on seeing, or climbing, one of these magnificent trees. There is also a lovely walk amongst the forest behind the Diamond Tree which is great for getting right in amongst the abundant wildflowers during Spring.
- Windy Harbour Beach and Settlement: Great for a day out but be aware that some areas out at Windy Harbour are in the National Park. They are well sign posted so you should have no problems having a day out at the beach while keeping in the pet friendly areas.
- Manjimup Timber Park: A great place to take the kids and the dog can get some fresh air too with free BBQ’s and plenty of grassed areas for a picnic. Dogs must be on a lead and cannot go in the actual playground/sand area.
- Fine Woodcraft Gallery/Holy Smoke Café, Lavender & Berry Farm, Millhouse Tearooms & Tall Timbers: Great cafes in the Pemberton/Manjimup area that have designated pet areas in their outside dining areas. Who wants to sit inside when you’re in such a pristine environment as the Southern Forests any way?
- Jarrah Jacks, Lost Lake and Hidden River: Three fantastic local restaurants. Lost Lake and Hidden River are wineries and Jarrah Jacks is a micro-brewery. All three are also child friendly and have lovely views.
So if you have a dog and don’t want to leave them behind when you go away, then don’t. There are so many options and your furry member of your family need not miss out on all the fun.