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    Home » Blog

    The Dog House, Dog-Friendly Accommodation in Port Macquarie

    June 7, 2019 By Sara McCleary Updated March 16, 2022 - This post may contain affiliate links

    The Dog House is the perfect dog friendly accommodation in Port Macquarie NSW.  Cute, quaint and doggo themed. Fully fenced back yard to keep your dog safe.  The perfect overnight accommodation when driving from Sydney to the Gold Coast.

    Last Christmas Harley had her first big travel adventure and road trip.  We decided to head up to Queensland and spend Christmas with my Dad on the Gold Coast.  On our road trip we also discovered a dog friendly cafe called Maggie's Dog Cafe.

    harley the husky from belly rumbles drinking from a water bowl on the deck of the dog house accommodation port macquarie

    Just like with kids, a big road trip with a dog takes planning.

    In my youth, Mac and I would happily drive from Sydney to the Gold Coast in one go (11 hours).  With Harley in tow, and no longer as young as we use to be, the decision to stop half way was made.  Port Macquarie is a good option and halfway mark when driving from Sydney to the Gold Coast.

    harley the husky from belly rumbles on top of the water tank at the dog house dog friendly accommodation in port maquarie
    harley the husky from belly rumbles looking out over the backyard at the dog house port macquarie

    We are lucky, Harley is a very social dog, not only with humans but she loves socialising with dogs too.  Fully house trained and has incredible indoor manners.  In the past two years that she has been a member of our family there has been only one casualty.  A pair of new shoes I had purchased.  Obviously, she didn't like them.

    There were a couple of challenges I had to tackle for this trip and the return leg.  Finding accommodation that would take us for one night during the busy Christmas holiday season.  Plus, it had to be dog friendly accommodation in Port Macquarie, or close to the area.  With a lack of dog friendly hotels, I searched Airbnb for a solution.

    Also traveling with a husky has another box that needs to be ticked.  Dog friendly accommodation has to have a fully secured back yard with high fences.  This allows her to freely run, poop off lead (she won't poop on the lead) and will stop her bounding off, chasing a kangaroo, never to be seen again.

    The Dog House, Dog Friendly Accommodation in Port Macquarie

    the dog house at port macquarie view as you enter the property of the accommodation
    harley the husky from belly rumbles running up the back stairs at the dog house accommodation port macquarie
    side view of the house at the dog house port macquarie

    The Dog House proved to be the perfect solution for us, a wonderful find. Truly dog friendly accommodation near Port Macquarie. It ticked the safe and secure back yard box as well.

    From the back porch there are expansive views of the countryside, yet you are only a 10 minute drive to Port Macquarie.  Which is convenient to pick up any supplies you may need.

    The house (think granny flat) is located on the same property as your hosts.  It has three rooms, the main open area which includes a limited kitchen, lounge room, and main sleeping area.  There is also a large modern bathroom and a separate bedroom with two twin beds.

    Even though you are a few meters away from the main house, your privacy is assured.  We only saw our hosts Robyn and Gerarde a couple of times during our stay.  The obvious times of arrival and departure.  Then when Harley decided she wanted to go join their family dinner and headed up to their back verandah.  I was worried we were disturbing them, they were amazingly gracious hosts that weren't worried at all.

    The Backyard

    harley the husky from belly rumbles looking out at the paddocks at the dog house dog friendly accommodation in port maquarie
    view of the backyard of the dog house port macquarie
    quoits in the backyard of the dog house port maquarie
    barbecue in back yard of the dog house port macquarie

    The fenced yard was perfect for our needs.  There is also a large fenced area behind where Harley could have a very good supervised run.  The whole property is safe.  As soon as you enter the property from the front everything is fully fenced.  This is the ideal accommodation for husky owners.  Or any owner of a dog that can't be trusted off leash.

    Harley had a great time visiting our hosts, running on top of the big water tank and saying hello to the resident dogs.

    When in our accommodation the small backyard gave Harley independence to head outside when she wanted to. There are lawn chairs, table with stools on the deck, a barbecue and quoits to play with.

    The Main Living Area

    lounge room with red sofa, dog print on wall, white table, stand light and cupboard at the dog house port macquarie
    pillow with pugs on it on a red lounge at the dog house port macquarie
    harley the husky from belly rumbles sleeping in the lounge room at the dog house port macquarie

    The main area of the dog house is an "L" shape open plan space.  When you enter the front door you walk into the semi kitchen.  From there you are facing the lounge area, and to the right is the main queen size bed.  The area is fresh and modern.  But the more you look the more you see all the little details.

    The accommodation is completely doggofied styling wise.  From the reading material on the coffee table (dog books) through to the artwork on the walls, cushions, and little nick nacks.

    double bed in open plan room at the dog house port macquarie
    bed head with pillows and silver hearts at the dog house port macquarie

    The bed is rather comfy and is situated next to the sliding doors out to the backyard.  You are able to view the wall hung flat screen television from either the bed or the lounge.  There is also a large DVD library and games for a family night in.

    The Separate Bedroom

    one of the single beds in the second bedroom of the dog house port mqcquarie
    clothes hanging area, fan and rack in second bedroom at the dog house port macquarie
    paintings of two dogs in second bedroom at the dog house port macquarie
    seperate bedroom with two single beds at the dog house port macquarie

    The separate bedroom is also doggo decorated.  It has a door that can be closed, two single beds and is perfect for those of you traveling with two legged kids.  It offers the parents and kids some privacy at night, or just for some general alone time to read a book.

    The Kitchen

    kitchen with table and four chairs and fridge in the back ground, at the dog house port macquarie
    open cupboard in kitchen with cups, glasses, plates, bowls and condiments, at the dog house port macquarie
    box of tea bag satchels, at the dog house port maquarie

    The "kitchen" really isn't really a kitchen in the true sense.  It has a bench area with sink and microwave.  There is the essential coffee machine, kettle and toaster.  A fridge that will fit plenty of food in it to feed a hungry hoard. 

    Between what is supplied in the "kitchen" and the barbecue out the back you are going to eat well whilst on holidays.  That is when you aren't eating out at Port Macquarie's many dining options, of course.  Or even visiting Tastings on Hastings.

    box full of breakfast cereal and snacks at the dog house port macquarie
    copper water jug, bottle of red wine with dog log, two red coffee cups with dogs on them at the dog house port macquarie

    Basic breakfast items are provided, bread, butter and jam are found in the fridge along with a large bottle of milk and orange juice boxes.  Search a little further and you will find a hamper stocked with cereals and snacks.  Keep exploring and there is a supersized tin of chocolates to be found!

    A special mention to the freshly baked homemade cupcakes that were waiting for us on our arrival.

    coffee pods ina bowl with coffee machine instructions, the dog house port macquarie

    The Bathroom

    vanity, long window and stool in the bathroom of the dog house port macquarie
    toiletries in the bathroom of the dog house pet friendly accommodation port macquarie
    walk in large shower in bathroom of the dog house port macquarie

    The bathroom is large, light and modern.  It has a spacious walk in shower, and again the doggo touches of themed towels.  If you poke your nose in the draws of the vanity you will find all sorts of toiletries for your stay.  There are also extra towels if needed.

    flower and room freshener in the bathroom of the dog house port maquarie
    towels and washers in the bathroom at the pet friendly dog house port macquarie

    My final thoughts on the Dog House Port Macquarie

    The accommodation is gorgeous, with lots of little doggie details. Robyn and Gerard have thought of everything. The accommodation is spotless and modern. 

    It was the perfect over night stop for us, three adults and one husky, on our drive up to the Gold Coast. I do have two regrets about our stay. One, not trying Gerard's homemade pizza as there are rave reviews in the guest book. The other, that we couldn't chill out at The Dog House for a little longer.

    Regarding the kangaroos.  Harley could smell them but never quite work out where they were from the yard.  If you look hard enough you will see them in the lower paddock at dusk and dawn.

    You can find the listing for The Dog House on Airbnb.

    Sara xxx

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Suruchi Mittal

      June 15, 2019 at 3:59 am

      I am sure that you need quite a planning for travelling with a dog. And you seem to have found a perfect place. This place is so well done and i am sure it will be admired y every dog lover. The owners have taken care of every small detail. Lovely accommodation and writeup.

      Reply
    2. Milijana

      June 12, 2019 at 1:53 am

      Hope to have more places in the World like this one. I am in love with the Dog House. So much care and love you can find there. You can see it in every single detail.

      PS: Harley looks adorable!

      Reply
    3. Hannah

      June 11, 2019 at 11:00 pm

      The Dog House looks like an absolutely perfect dog-friendly pitstop. I always find it hard to find accommodation for me and my dog, but this looks like it would be a dream to stay in with the pooch!

      Reply
    4. Tom Bourlet

      June 11, 2019 at 4:59 pm

      Ah I so badly need a dog in my life. the accommodation all looks great, it can be a nightmare finding one that allows dogs. In fact, finding anything that allows your dog in can be an absolute...

      Reply
    5. Andi

      June 11, 2019 at 8:56 am

      What a truly amazing spot, it looks adorable for humans, but I love all the dog accommodations and detailing. I wish there were more of these spots all over the world for our canine friends! You can really tell the owners are animal lovers!

      Reply
    6. Renata - www.byemyself.com

      June 10, 2019 at 7:17 am

      Although I would not furnish my home like this, it's super-fun to stay in a themed house on a vacation. I'm especially impressed by the nice toiletries; and I'd love a pug pillow 😉

      Reply
    7. Carol Colborn

      June 09, 2019 at 1:47 pm

      Wow, how fascinating to have a Dog House like this. It would be perfect for the drive up or down the Gold Coast which we are bound to do one of these days since my daughter lives in Melbourne.

      Reply
    8. noel

      June 09, 2019 at 4:18 am

      What a gorgeous do you have and the accommodations here is pretty amazing, love all the dog friendly features to the place.

      Reply

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