Bring the dog. The Secret Garden Cottage is an exclusive-use, three-bedroom cottage on five acres at 222 Moss Vale Road, with huge lawns, gardens and a bushwalk on the hill behind the house. Dogs are welcome inside the cottage as well as on the lawns and the bushwalk, and there’s no extra pet fee when the rules are followed. The village is a 500-metre walk away.
Lawns and garden ponds in front of the cottagePathways through the gardens
Room to roam
The lawns, garden paths and ponds are made for sniffing around, and the bushwalk on the hill is part of the property. Guests’ dogs seem to agree:
“We brought our dogs with us and they had a wonderful time exploring the gardens.” Alison J., Stayz, June 2026
The grounds are not fully fenced, and wombats and echidnas live on the hill, so if your dog likes to chase wildlife please keep it on a lead outside.
The pet rules, short and simple
Tell us about pets when you request your stay.
Dogs are welcome inside, but no pets on furniture or beds. Bring your own pet bedding, food and water bowls.
Pets must not be left at the property without supervision.
Clean up after your pet inside and out before you leave. Doggie bags are under the microwave; use the large bins at the front gate.
A bond applies to all stays. If clean-up is left for us, an additional $100 may apply.
The village path. A sealed path runs from near the cottage through the village and toward Hampden Bridge, an easy stroll with the dog on a lead.
Cafés. Visit Kangaroo Valley lists two village cafés as pet friendly: The General Café (Fri–Sun 8am–1:30pm, Mon 8am–12:30pm) and Hampden Deli (Wed–Sat 7am–2pm, Sun 7am–1pm).
Hampden Bridge and the river. About 2 km away, with a small sandy swim spot on the village side where dogs are welcome for a paddle.
The Friendly Inn. The pub is about 500 metres away and has a dog-friendly beer garden with escarpment views.
The beach. Part of Seven Mile Beach is dog-friendly: Shoalhaven City Council has a 24-hour off-leash area on the beach at Shoalhaven Heads, north of the surf club. Check the council’s off-leash guide (opens in a new tab) for the exact stretch. Elsewhere dogs must be on a lead, and they aren’t allowed in Seven Mile Beach National Park.
Opening hours change, so always check before you go (hours checked October 2026).
Where dogs can’t go
National parks: Fitzroy Falls and Mannings Lookout (Morton National Park) and Carrington Falls (Budderoo National Park) don’t allow pets.
Bendeela Recreation Area: WaterNSW doesn’t allow dogs or other pets.
Sara Dining near Berry: dogs aren’t allowed on the farm.
Because dogs can’t be left at the cottage alone, it’s easiest to take turns for the national parks, or save them for a day when one of you stays back with the dog.
Quick questions
Is there a pet fee?
No. There’s no extra pet fee when the pet rules are followed. A bond applies to all stays, and if clean-up is left for us an additional $100 may apply.
Is the property fenced?
Not fully. The five acres aren’t fully enclosed, and wombats and echidnas live on the hill, so please supervise your dog and keep it leashed outside if it likes to chase wildlife.
Can we leave the dog at the cottage while we go out?
No. Pets must not be left at the property without supervision, because the grounds are not fully enclosed. Plan dog-free outings, like the national parks, so someone stays with the dog.
Can dogs go to Fitzroy Falls?
No. Fitzroy Falls and Mannings Lookout are in Morton National Park, and pets aren’t allowed. The same goes for Carrington Falls in Budderoo National Park.
