The Granite Belt wine region is the perfect destination for a weekend away with your pup, with the central town of Stanthorpe less than a three hour drive from the centre of Brisbane. Luckily then there’s plenty of excellent pet-friendly accommodation to choose from, no matter your preferences or budget.
#1 Rock Pool Park, Ballandean
During my most recent visit to the Granite Belt region, I stayed the night at Rock Pool Park in Balladean. The farm is home to three luxury cottages (as well as a stud of Highland cattle) – I spent the night in Banyandah, which means “your home beside the water”.
All three cottages are just a short stroll from the banks of the Severn River, that passes through the farm. The river is the perfect spot for an evening or morning stroll to take in the serenity of the countryside, with your pup by your side of course. Or take a seat at one of the picnic tables or the fire pit.
Like the other two cottages, Banyandah features two bedrooms and two bathrooms. It is fully self-contained and beautifully decorated. There’s a lovely verandah with views towards the river and a fireplace for the chilly winter nights experienced in the region.
Pet dogs are allowed to stay with your in any three of the cottages for a small additional cleaning fee. Enquire directly for permission to bring along your pup.
#2 Stanthorpe Holiday Park, Severnlea
Another wonderful dog-friendly accommodation option in the Granite Belt region is the recently revamped Stanthorpe Holiday Park. Pet dogs are allowed to join you on all sites, whether the powered sites or the unpowered sites along the river. Plus, dogs are allowed in selected accommodation.
The dog-friendly Ranch Cabins at the park have recently been beautiful renovated. Each sleeping up to three, on a double bed and pull-out, there is a stunning stone ensuite in each and lots of little extras. One pet dog is allowed per cabin, with an extra cleaning fee applying per stay.
Dogs are also welcome in the Family Value Cabins, although this cabin doesn’t have ensuite. Another option are the Glamping Chalets. Pet dogs are welcome in one of the cedar chalets, which are very cute!
Another fun feature of the park is the new Bath Haus. Make a booking for two to enjoy a session in these wine barrel bathtubs, generally offered on Friday and Saturday afternoon noons. (They take a while to heat!) Also onsite is an excellent cafe featuring local products, which can deliver meals directly to your cabin. Even dog-sitting is sometimes available at off-peak times.
#3 Ridgemill Estate, Broadwater
At Ridgemill Estate, as well as making a booking to taste their award winning wines, it’s also possible to book to stay right onsite – the full winery experience! And your pet is welcome to join you, too.
The estate now has 12 luxurious studio cabins overlooking their vineyards. Each cabin is fully self-contained, with a king-sized bed and its own fireplace. Two of the cabins are pet-friendly, with one pet permitted up to 30kg. And not just dogs are welcome – cats and parrots have also stayed in the past.
The estate is also home to the Winery Escape House. This three-bedroom house next to the cellar door can sleep up to six – ideal for groups. Best of all, it has its own fenced yard, making it ideal for pet-friendly stays. Up to two pets are welcome to stay with you in the house, again with the 30kg weight limit.
All pets staying at Ridgemill Estate are provided with a luxe pet bed, food and water bowls and doggie bags. Pets are not to be left behind when you’re out touring and should be kept leashed at all times on the property. A one-off pet cleaning fee of $70 applies .
#4 Country Style Caravan Park, Glen Aplin
Another caravan park in the region that warmly welcomes pets is the Country Style Caravan Park. About a 10 minute drive south of Stanthorpe, the park is located on the banks of the Severn River in Glen Aplin.
Not surprisingly, the river sites at the park are most popular, with a premium charged for these sites. There’s also plenty of other powered and unpowered sites to spread out on. Well-behaved pets are allowed on all sites, plus in select holiday units.
Best of all for active dogs, the park also has it’s own fenced off-leash area for dogs. Just make sure you keep your dog on a leash around the rest of the park.
#5 Alure, Stanthorpe
Just a 10 minute drive south of Stanthorpe, Alure is home to two luxury villas located on a hilltop, surrounded by bush. Each ideal for a couple, both of the villas are also pet-friendly, with prior approval.
Pets are naturally allowed inside, plus there is a private courtyard for the use of each villa. It’s a must to book a pet-friendly package for an additional $100 per pet per stay. Your dog will be provided with their own bathrobe, plus a plush cocoon dog bed, bowls, and a gift bag of toiletries and gourmet treats to take home.
Occasionally, pet sitting may be available in the evenings, with advance arrangement for an additional fee. Just note that pets are not allowed in the luxury glamping tent also on the property.
#6 Straw House Farm, Dalveen
Straw House Farm is a luxury B&B located just north of Stanthorpe in the village of Dalveen. It’s a wonderfully family-friendly farmstay, with well-behaved dogs also welcome to join you for an additional fee.
A highlight of a stay at the farm is the chance to meet the many animals, including alpacas, goats, donkeys, chickens and more. Both big and small kids can feed and brush the animals, plus gather the eggs each morning. There’s even a dam onsite stocked with silver perch.
There are multiple cottages and a tiny house available to book. The cottages are made from real straw bales – hence the name. A big delicious breakfast can also be arranged as part of your stay. Enquire about the full pet policy.
#7 Top of the Town Tourist Park, Stanthorpe
On my first visit to the Granite Belt region, I stayed for a few nights at the Top of the Town Tourist Park, located just on the hill before you arrive in Stanthorpe.
This caravan park is popular with pet owners for its range of accommodation options. As well as powered and unpowered camp sites, perfect if you have a caravan or tent, there’s also a selection of pet-friendly cabins, including family cabins, that are basic but affordable.
The caravan park is quite spacious, with plenty of room to walk your dog on-leash around the park, especially during quieter seasons. There’s also a swimming pool onsite and multiple free BBQs and camp kitchens.
#8 Granite Belt Retreat, Stanthorpe
The Granite Belt Retreat on the edge of Stanthorpe is home to the Granite Belt Brewery. While it’s possible to simply visit the brewery with your dog, who’s welcome to join you on the deck while you enjoy a beer or two, you can also stay the night with your dog in one of the pet-friendly cabins.
Each of the pet-friendly cabins features a queen and single bed, as well as a full bathroom. There’s a verandah out the front as well as a fenced area to let your pup roam around off-leash. Both aircon and a log fire are provided.
Up to two well-behaved dogs are permitted per cabin, with no weight limits. A standard pet cleaning fee of $50 is charged per stay, with an additional fee for excessive cleaning.
#9 Foxbar Falls, Amien
For a rustic experience camping near Stanthorpe, make a booking at Foxbar Falls. This pet-friendly campground is located about 15 minutes northwest of Stanthorpe, with its own dam and walking trails.
There are a wide variety of campsites on other, with two dogs permitted on most sites, although selected sites are kept pet-free and there are certain sites better suited for larger dogs. Each site even has its own fire pit.
Dogs are welcome to join you on the walks and in the dam, but need to stay leashed. You can also use the kayaks provided on the dam for free.
Note: The author was a guest of Granite Belt Wine & Tourism on her second visit to the region and was hosted at Rock Pool Park.
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- Best Dog-Friendly Wineries in the Granite Belt
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About the Author
Shandos Cleaver is the founder of Travelnuity: Dog-Friendly Travel. She has travelled extensively with her Miniature Dachshund, Schnitzel, including to 33 countries across Europe, every state and territory of Australia except Tasmania, and 10 of the United States. She’s passionate about providing inspiration and information to others wanting to travel with their dogs, whether close to home or internationally.