Best Friend Holiday Retreat
Australia’s Premier Dog-Friendly Holiday Park in Tarra Valley, VIC
About Best Friend Holiday Retreat
Nestled in the heart of Gippsland’s stunning Tarra Valley, Best Friend Holiday Retreat stands as a truly unique and dedicated haven for dog owners and their beloved companions. More than just a caravan park, it’s a purpose-built paradise where every detail has been thoughtfully considered to ensure both humans and their four-legged mates can relax and enjoy a secure, stress-free holiday. With lush, green surroundings and the gentle sound of the nearby waterfall, the retreat offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Our commitment to being genuinely dog-friendly is our greatest point of difference. We understand that your dog is a family member, and our accommodations reflect this. All cabins and many caravan and camping sites are equipped with individual, securely fenced yards, giving your dog the freedom to roam safely while you unwind. This peace of mind allows you to fully immerse yourself in the beautiful natural environment. For those occasions where you need to leave your dog, our luxury, on-site kennels provide a comfortable and safe space, so you can explore dog-free areas like the majestic Tarra-Bulga National Park.
Beyond the accommodations, the retreat is packed with features designed for canine fun and socialisation. Our six large, double-gated, off-leash areas are perfect for playtime, including a dog agility playground and a giant ball run that will keep your best friend entertained for hours. We also provide a free hydrobath hut to wash away the mud after a day of adventure. The communal camp kitchen is a social hub where you can share a meal and a story, with your dog right by your side. At Best Friend Holiday Retreat, you’ll find a community of like-minded dog lovers, all sharing a mutual passion for holidaying with their best mates.
Park Details & Facilities
The following information provides a comprehensive guide to what you can expect during your stay at our retreat.
- Accommodation: 8 fully self-contained cabins and a total of 27 caravan/camping sites.
- Powered Sites: 6 fenced drive-through sites, 5 fenced powered sites, and 7 unfenced powered sites.
- Unpowered Sites: 9 unfenced camping sites.
- Site Surface: Mix of grass and gravel.
- Rating: (4 Stars)
Key Features & Policies
- Pet-Friendly: A true dog paradise. Dogs are welcome in all cabins and on all sites. Dogs must sleep inside at night.
- Mobile Coverage: No mobile phone coverage in Tarra Valley. Free Wi-Fi is available in cabins and around the reception area. The nearest coverage is approximately 5 km away.
- Generator Use: Not specified; please contact the park directly for information.
- Suitable For: Dog owners, families, couples, and caravaners seeking a peaceful, nature-focused holiday.
- Open Fires: Permitted in designated areas for sites only, subject to fire restrictions and bans. No open fires for cabin guests.
- Fishing: Available on-site in the natural rock pool.
- Short Walks: On-site walking tracks lead to the adjacent waterfall. Extensive dog-friendly walks are available in nearby state forests.
- Dump Point: On-site dump point for guests.
Essentials to Bring
- Your dog’s lead, bed, and bowl.
- All of your dog’s food and treats.
- Doggy waste bags.
- Appropriate clothing for varying weather conditions.
- Firewood for campfires (if permitted).
Local Attractions & Services
- Tarra-Bulga National Park: 3 km. A spectacular cool temperate rainforest. (Note: Dogs are not permitted in the National Park).
- Woodside Beach (off-leash): Approx. 25-minute drive. A fantastic off-leash beach for your dog.
- Local Pubs/Eateries: Yarram (17 km). Yarram has several pubs, cafes, and supermarkets.
- Nearest Alternate Caravan Parks:
- Tarra Valley Caravan Park – “Fernholme” (1.8 km)
- Yarram Holiday Park (17 km)
- Toora Tourist Park (approx. 20-minute drive)
- Nearest Free Campgrounds:
- Tarra River Campground (within Tarra-Bulga NP – no dogs)
- Franklin River Rest Area (approx. 20-minute drive)
- Boolarra Community Hotel (approx. 50-minute drive)
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Tarra Valley Caravan Park (on-site, approx. 1.8km)
- Yarram Holiday Park (17 km)
- Foster Showgrounds (approx. 35-minute drive)
Location & Seasonal Weather
Address: 1720 Tarra Valley Road, Tarra Valley, VIC 3971
Access: The retreat is located on a sealed road approximately 17 km from Yarram. Follow signs towards the Tarra-Bulga National Park from Yarram.
GPS Coordinates: -38.475085224674274, 146.57918274559438
Seasonal Weather Forecast: Tarra Valley is known for its temperate climate. Summers (Dec-Feb) are warm and pleasant, while winters (Jun-Aug) are cool with occasional rain. The region remains green year-round due to its rainforest location, with mild autumns (Mar-May) and springs (Sep-Nov) making it a great destination throughout the year.
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