About – Best Friend Holiday Retreat
Bear – Director of Treats
We’re Steve and Kat
We fell in love with Best Friend Holiday Retreat, which offers a unique experience unlike any other accommodation.
So we took ownership of our little slice of paradise in May 2024 and now run it as a family business, alongside Bear, our beautiful Black Lab who keeps us on our toes.
We have three amazing children and have recently been lucky enough to become grandparents to our two gorgeous grandchildren.
Best Friend Holiday Retreat is truly dog-friendly and we offer a range of accommodation options, from powered and unpowered camping sites to cosy cabins – majority of which are fenced so your four legged best friends truly can relax and have freedom.
There are multiple off leash areas so your doggies can truly ‘run like someone left the gate open’ that are all nestled amongst stunning natural scenery. We also have an abundant amount of wildlife on the 10-acre property including our resident koalas and the beautiful birds that visit for the daily 9am feeding.
We look forward to welcoming you to Best Friend Holiday Retreat and we can’t wait to meet your fur-babies!
Our dog-friendly park rules
Map of our park and gardens
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my dog allowed inside the cabins ?
Yes, provided he/she is fully housetrained and allowed the full run of your own home.
In fact, we actually do not allow dogs to sleep outside the cabins.
My dog is shy and I do not wish her to mix with other dogs. Is this a problem ?
No. All dogs must be on leash in the common areas of our park. In the off-leash areas dogs do not mix unless you want them to.
Do you restrict dog breeds or number of dogs ?
No, every dog is treated on its own individual merit.
Are there paralysis ticks in your region ?
As of September 2023, we have heard reports that paralysis ticks have been found in the areas around Yarram. Please consult your local vet for up-to-date recommendations.
Can my dog sleep outside the tent/caravan/cabin?
No, your dog MUST sleep inside. We do not recommend leaving your dog in the car overnight, as cars can get very cold.
Can I leave my dog behind if we want to go for a drive?
You cannot leave your dog unattended in your cabin or site, however, for a small charge you may leave your dog in one of our luxury day-use kennels.
What form of payments do you accept?
Payments can be made by credit card through our online portal, otherwise we accept cash and have EFTPOS facilities at reception.
Sorry, no cheques.
Will I get a refund of moneys paid if I subsequently have to cancel my booking?
If you cancel more than 30 days from the commencement of your holiday, your deposit will be refunded in full, less a cancellation fee of $20. If you cancel 30 days or less from the commencement of your holiday, we charge a cancellation fee equal to the rate for the first night.
At what time may I check-in?
Check-in is between 2pm to 6pm. Late arrivals for cabins are asked to telephone us before 6pm, but for the safety and comfort of all guests, camp and caravan sites are strictly by 6pm.
At what time must I check-out by?
If you are staying in one of our cabins, the check-out time is by 10am unless prior arrangements have been made. If you are staying in one of our caravan/camping sites, the check-out time is by 12 noon.
Do you have internet access?
Yes, we offer free Wi-Fi in the area around the reception building. We now offer free Wi-Fi in all the Cabins!
Do you have television reception?
Most cabins have free-to-air satellite television. Reception is only through the VAST satellite system.
Is there mobile coverage in Tarra Valley?
No. Closest coverage is at Devon North – 5km away. There is a public payphone availabe 2km up the road at the next caravan park.
I am worried about bushfires. Do I need to be?
No. Tarra Valley, unlike other areas in Victoria, remains lush and green all-year-round. It is old rainforest. Also fire runs uphill, not down. In the extremely unlikely event of a fire actually being in the valley itself, our green lawns and creek form a naturally safe haven from both fire and smoke. We understand your concern, but here at Best Friend Holiday Retreat we are most fortunate by virtue of our unique geographical location and all-year-round greenery.
Do you have a Fire Plan?
Yes. Any fire within 50 km is monitored regularly and guests notified of any possible future danger. In the highly unlikely event that there could be a threat, we would evacuate all guests immediately. We are only 15 minutes to Yarram. We do not believe in staying to defend.
Is there a charge to use your hydrobath facility?
No. Use of the hydro-bath is free-of-charge. We also supply dog shampoo and dog towels located in the hydro-bath area.
Where is the closest town for supplies?
Yarram, 17kms or 20 minutes drive away. There are two supermarkets, including a Woolworths, a local pub, a country club, and several cafes and take-away food shops.
Do you have a swimming pool?
No, however there is a natural swimming hole at the bottom of a waterfall just directly across the road from our Park.
Can I have a campfire?
If you are camping or in a caravan, Yes. However on days of high fire risk, campfires are not permitted. All campfires must be at least 350mm above the ground and have an ash tray. You may bring your own fire drum but we do have fire-pits available for hire . On leaving we ask that you empty cold ashes in the area designated by us and that you take any surplus wood home with you.
If you are staying in a cabin we regret that campfires are not permitted.
Do you allow cats?
orry, no. With the dog facilities that we have in place it is just not practical for us to also cater for cats.
Do you allow horses?
Sorry, no. But there are places that do. See www.havehorsewilltravel.com.au for properties that may cater to your needs.
Is your park noisy at night?
Since dogs are required to be inside overnight, this keeps barking to a minimum. Excessive barking at any time of day is not acceptable to our park rules.