Ultimate Best Dog Friendly Activities In The Southern Highlands
Operating a local business and owning a (spoilt) poodle, who loves being with us wherever we go, involves juggling errands between dog friendly places.
Whether you live or are just visiting the Southern Highlands don’t leave your furry friend behind in the car or at home alone. We have rounded up some of our favourite dog friendly things to do to have the best day out with your pooch. Enjoy the day exclusively with your dog or get together with a group of pet lovers for a memorable day in the Highlands. Be sure to say hello if you see Millie on the high street for other great local finds!
Pamper your pooch at a luxury dog spa, indulge at pet friendly cafes, and take in the country air at dog friendly parks.
1. SPA FOR YOUR DOG AND CAR
Book an early appointment at Dogue Country Retreat, known for luxury dog boarding and dog grooming services, and start your dog’s fun day with a pampering hydrobath wash. The spa service also includes a blow dry, nail clipping and paw tidy so your dog can hit the high street in style. Head to the recently opened Bowral Car Wash and drop your car in to be cleaned before taking an outdoor seat at the super popular Raw & Wild Market Café. This pet friendly café offers dog mats, water bowls and a dog menu including ‘Doggie Pasta’. Shop online as you wait for your own wholesome breakfast and spoil your fur friend with a stylish new collar or sweater from local pet retailer Coco and Pud.
2. WALK AND RUN ABOUT
After breakky take a short stroll with your dog on-leash through the corridor of beautiful cherry trees which line the Cherry Tree Walk before collecting your sparkling clean car. Head out to Seymour Park in Moss Vale for an off-leash run around. It is the largest and one of three fenced dog parks in the Southern Highlands – make a note of the other local dog parks, Centennial Park in Bowral and Edward Street Dog Park in Mittagong, for a return visit. After having a walk and run about, stop in the main street of Moss Vale and take an outdoor seat at Highlands Merchant for coffee and cake.
3. SHOP AND LUNCH AT ONE SPOT
Wander through the array of vintage antique stalls at Dirty Janes Antique Market where you maybe lucky to find a special gift to take home for yourself like a dog portrait oil painting and something for your paw pal such as a vintage ceramic dish. Sit outside at Harry’s On Green Lane and enjoy a delicious lunch made from local fare and take in the beautiful courtyard which adjoins the equally stylish Plantation Café. The provincial food menu changes with the seasons and a water bowl for your pooch will be happily provided upon request.
4. WALK IN THE VINEYARDS
Take the afternoon to walk off lunch and enjoy tasting local wines at the best Southern Highlands vineyards. Select from the list of tours available from Southern Highlands Boutique Tours or request Wendy and Barbara to design an experience specifically tailored for you, and your dog, to the regions most scenic vineyards. Stop at personal points of interest along the way and be sure to include Bendooley Estate in Berrima on your tour itinerary - it’s one not to be missed!
5. SOUVENIRS TO SAVOUR
Reward your dogs’ loyal attention and take home an edible souvenir from Nude Pets available at the Hot Canary Butchery. Handmade in the Southern Highlands, these natural and healthy dog treats will ensure you are rewarded with affection. The dried meat snacks, are in flavours like Lamb Delight, and Chicken and Sweet Potato Jerky, your dog will be strapping themselves into their travel seat for their next big day out.
6. DINNER DOG DATE
End the day with a dinner date at the popular local meeting spot The Surveyor General Inn in Berrima. Dogs are always welcome at the historic landmark pub which serves up classic pub fare like Fish and Chips, or Bangers and Mash. Depending on the weather, enjoy the relaxed atmosphere at one of the three dog friendly spaces – at the outdoor tables on the verandah, in the beer garden, or indoors at the front bar. After dinner stroll across the street to the park for a pee spot before you head home and end your ultimate dog day out!