At King Parrot, we believe dogs are part of the family. Whether you’re planning a family holiday, romantic escape or simply seeking time in nature, you don’t need to leave your four-legged friend behind.
With 196 acres of bushland, private walking tracks and fresh country air, King Parrot is a wonderful place for both guests and their dogs to slow down, explore and reconnect.
Dog bowls are provided in each cottage, and you are welcome to bring your own bedding or request a travel mat.
Dog Rules & Expectations
We love being able to offer accommodation that welcomes dogs inside, and we greatly appreciate your help in allowing us to continue doing so.
To help keep King Parrot peaceful and safe for all guests, wildlife and animals, we kindly ask that you observe the following guidelines:
- Dogs are welcome inside all cottages.
- Dogs are not permitted on furniture or beds.
- Please clean up after your dog.
- Dogs must be kept on lead around the cottages and farm animal paddocks.
- Dogs are strictly not permitted inside animal paddocks.
- Dogs must not chase wildlife or disturb our farm animals.
- Please ensure your dog does not disturb other guests.
- Please keep barking to a minimum, particularly in the early morning and evening.
- Dogs are not to be left unattended in cottages or elsewhere on the property.
Thank you for helping us protect the wildlife, farm animals and peaceful atmosphere that make King Parrot so special.
Wildlife & Farm Animal Safety
King Parrot is home to native wildlife including kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas and abundant birdlife, as well as our resident farm animals.
To help protect both your dog and our wildlife:
- Dogs must be kept on lead around cottages and animal paddocks.
- Please observe wildlife from a respectful distance.
- Dogs must not chase birds, kangaroos or other wildlife.
- Many animals are active at dawn and dusk, so please remain vigilant.
As with many Australian bush environments, snakes may be encountered, particularly during warmer months.
Off-Lead Guidelines
Whilst exploring our private bush walking tracks, dogs with excellent recall may be exercised off lead under strict voice control.
However, for your dog’s safety, we often recommend keeping them on lead. The bush is full of exciting scents and wildlife, and dogs may encounter kangaroos, farm animals or snakes.
Your dog must remain under effective control at all times.
Bush Walks With Your Dog
King Parrot offers approximately five kilometres of private bush walking tracks through forest, fern gullies and along the creek.
Dogs are welcome on the walking tracks, provided they remain under control and owners clean up after them.
Please note:
- Creek crossings can be slippery.
- Rocks may move underfoot.
- The terrain is uneven in places.
- Walking is undertaken at your own risk.
Please note: King Parrot is surrounded by the Otway National Park, where dogs are generally not permitted. Dogs are, however, permitted in many areas of the Otway Forest Park.
Nearby Dog-Friendly Beaches & Walks
Lorne (approximately 30 minutes)
Dog-friendly beaches (please check local seasonal signage):
- North Lorne Beach
- Shelly Beach
- Lorne Foreshore
- Off-lead beach from Stony Creek to Doble Street
Please note that seasonal restrictions may apply during peak periods.
Dog-friendly walks:
- Swing Bridge Circuit
- Lorne Foreshore – Swing Bridge & Bert Alsop Walk
- Tramway Track Stage 1
- Tramway Track Extension
- Ocean Walk / Cherry Tree Creek Walk
- St George River Walk (5.4 km return)
- Stony Creek & Lilypond Reserve
- Teddy’s Lookout & Queens Park Lookout Loop
- Iron Bark Gorge Walk
- The first section of the Erskine River Walk
Forrest (approximately 25 minutes)
- Lake Elizabeth Walk
- Fern Gully Walk
Dogs are welcome on lead.
After your walk, stop in at Forrest Brewing Company for a meal or craft beer. Dogs are welcome at outdoor tables.
For more local walking inspiration, visit the Great Ocean Road walking guide available in your cottage folder.
Dog-Friendly Cafés & Wineries
Deans Marsh
- The Store Deans Marsh
- Martians Saloon
Lorne
- Swing Bridge Café & Boathouse
- Pizza Pizza
- Martians Saloon
- Chopstix Noodle Bar
Apollo Bay
- Apollo Bay Brewhouse
Forrest
- Forrest Brewing Company
Nearby Wineries
- Heroes Vineyard (approximately 10 minutes from King Parrot)
- Gosling Creek Winery
Please check opening hours and book ahead where possible, as many regional businesses do not operate seven days per week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dogs stay inside?
Yes. Dogs are welcome inside all cottages.
Are dogs allowed on furniture?
No. To help us continue offering dog-friendly accommodation, dogs are not permitted on furniture or beds.
Can dogs be left unattended?
No. Dogs should not be left unattended in cottages or on the property.
Is the property fenced?
Most of the property is not fenced. Windmill Cottage has a small courtyard, however it is not escape-proof for small dogs.
Where can dogs walk off lead?
Dogs with excellent recall may be off lead on our private bush tracks under strict voice control. Dogs must remain on lead around cottages and are not permitted in paddocks or near farm animals.
We firmly believe that responsible dog ownership goes hand in hand with enjoying the natural beauty of King Parrot. By helping us protect wildlife, care for our animals and respect fellow guests, every pawprint leaves a positive mark.
We look forward to welcoming both you and your dog to King Parrot.
“The best adventures are the ones shared together.”