Dog Friendly Accommodation, Beaches & Bars in Port Stephens & Great Lakes Region
Dog Friendly Accommodation, Beaches & Bars in Port Stephens & Great Lakes Region
Packed full of pristine dog friendly beaches, stylish bars and cafes, and dog friendly activities, Port Stephens and the Great Lakes Region has something for the entire family. An easy 2.5 hours drive from Sydney, it’s time to pack your bags with a leash, poop bags, and of course a ball or two, and head off on your next NSW adventure with your pooch.
Here are our top picks of dog friendly accommodation, beaches, cafes, bars, and more in Port Stephens and Great Lakes Region.
Dog Friendly Accommodation
Dog Friendly Retreat, Possum Brush
Guests 4 | Bedrooms 2 | Bathrooms 2
Whether you are travelling with friends, family or looking for a couples retreat there are great options available in this dog friendly forest retreat. Stay at one of the 3 bedroom luxury villas Waterlilly Chalet or Talawahl Eco Lodge or spend a romantic weekend at one of the beautiful cottages such as Hideaway or The Chapel. All with breathtaking views and plenty of space for your pooch to explore.
Dog Friendly House, Pindimar
Guests 2 | Bedrooms 1 | Bathrooms 1
Dog friendly accommodation on the northern shore of Port Stephens in the quiet waterfront community of South Pindimar. The house is 1 bedroom with a sofa bed for extra guests in the lounge. The undercover deck has views of Port Stephens. Well behaved pets are welcome to stay at this perfect couples retreat. The yard is large enough to bring your horse & boat. Only 45 mins from Newcastle & 2.5 hours north of Sydney. Large undercover balcony/deck to watch the moonlight over the bay. Enjoy the view in a relaxed, coastal country lifestyle from the doorstep of our spacious, light-filled home.
Dog Friendly House, Pindimar
Guests 2 | Bedrooms 1 | Bathrooms 1
Escape the city & stay at this unique, private dog friendly beachfront getaway. Pindimar Estate was originally built in 1920, renovated in the 1970s and comes with plenty of historic charm. Fish or kayak from the front lawn or just relax in the hammock & watch the black swans. Large undercover outdoor BBQ area with outdoor shower. Complete with an enormous yard to play in & park your boat and toys. Enjoy the view & Pindimar bay in a relaxed, coastal country lifestyle.
Dog Friendly Beach House, Forster
Guests 2 | Bedrooms 1 | Bathrooms 1
Quirky 50s dog friendly beach house on One Mile Beach! Simple surf shack style, smell the salt, wake up to the waves, stroll to surf, sand dune, rock pools, playground, boardwalk & cafes. Easy 100 level metres to family and dog friendly One Mile beach. Large screened sunroom with day bed, chairs, dining setting – gas bbq and an open plan living plus second dining setting – NEW smart tv with netflix + dvd player. The property has ceiling fans – air con and screened backyard cabana with study space (WFH) – smart tv with netflix and air con. – The kitchen is freshly updated incl. dishwasher, microwave, SMEG toaster, kettle, coffee machine + grinder. There are two bathrooms wand a secure shady tropical backyard with outdoor beach shower. Indoors you find a combustion wood burning fire place (wood included) + extra heaters. Linen and towels are also included – you will just need to bring beach towels!
Dog Friendly Beaches
Bagnalls Beach, Corlette
Conveniently located in central Nelson Bay, Bagnalls Beach at Corlette is often described as ‘dog heaven’. The popular dog friendly beach allows pooches to run off lead , all day, until their heart is content (or they run out of puff!). There is also a fantastic picnic area next to the beach, as well as easy parking.
Birubi Beach, Anna Bay
Stretching from Stockton to Port Stephens, the dog friendly Birubi Beach often has heaps of friendly pooches running around so it’s a great spot to make some fur friends. The surf patrolled beach is off leash before 9am and after 5pm and can often have big waves so keep an eye on your pup in the water.
Nine Mile Beach, Tuncurry
North of the break-wall, Nine Mile Beach is a doggie haven. There is plenty of room to run, play and swim. You may even spot horses cooling down in the water.
Diamond Beach, Manning Valley
Diamond Beach in Manning Valley is a must visit if you are passing by or visiting the stunning Manning Valley or Great Lakes Regions. The dog friendly beach is leash free all day so it’s the paw-fect spot for your dog to run, play, swim, and dig all day long.
Free V.I.Pooch Travel Kit with every booking!
Dog Friendly Cafes
In House Kitchen, Nelson Bay
A popular cafe in Nelson Bay, In House Kitchen is a stylish and welcoming spot to grab a bite to eat with your pup by your side. Part of The Home Interior, a homewares and furniture business, In House Kitchen is a bright and airy space with coastal finishings. Pull up a table outside with your pooch and tuck into one of their creative dishes.
Below Deck Cafe and Bar, Nelson Bay
Enjoy beautiful food, great drinks and stunning views at Below Deck Cafe and Bar in Nelson Bay. Located on the lower level of the Little Beach Boathouse, the vibrant cafe has ample seating outside that is dog friendly and partly-covered. The relaxing waterfront spot offers stunning blue vistas and often gets busy fast, so be sure to get there early with your pooch to grab a seat.
The Little Nel, Nelson Bay
The Little Nel is a leafy, modern cafe that loves welcoming dogs on their sunny, front terrace. A favourite with locals, the cafe serves up a delicious breakfast and lunch menu filled with vibrant, insta-worthy dishes. There is shade outside on the terrace and the friendly team will ensure your pup stays hydrated with fresh water.
Beach Bums Cafe, Forster
Right on the main beach in Forster, Beach Bums Cafe is a bustling cafe that welcomes dogs to join owners in their ample outdoor seating space. Tuck into delicious burgers as you admire the stunning water views ahead. There is plenty of shade and water bowls are provided to keep your pup hydrated.
Dog Friendly Pubs, Bars and Breweries
Shoal Bay Country Club, Shoal Bay
Its stunning beach front location makes Shoal Bay Country Club one of the finest places to wine & dine with your dog in Port Stephens. Whether you’re after live entertainment, a long lunch, unparalleled views across Shoal Bay Beach, or tasty cocktails, there’s something for everyone. Even your pooch can join in on the fun and enjoy the fresh ocean breeze in the alfresco dining area downstairs.
Cheeky Dog Bar, Soldiers Point
The name says it all for this super dog friendly bar! Just 50 metres from bar to bay, The Cheeky Dog is the place to be for indoor and outdoor eating and drinking in Soldiers Point. The dog friendly venue is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week and offers a cracking Mediterranean inspired menu, plus a relaxing beer garden for you to relax in with your pooch. They even hold doggie events throughout the year such as the Cheeky Dog Show, which matches rescue dogs with new owners.
Murrays Craft Brewing Company, Bobs Farm
Murray’s Craft Brewing Co shares its home with Port Stephens Winery, the region’s oldest vineyard, and perfectly showcases a number of award-winning wines and beers. With a lively atmosphere, delicious platters, great tasting craft beer and a huge dog friendly outdoor area that allows your pooch to enjoy a pint or two with you, this brewery really does have it all and is a must visit on your next trip to Port Stephens.
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