I used to think having a dog would make travel more difficult. This weekend changed that
Before Junior, my three-year-old rescue greyhound, came into my life, escaping for a spontaneous weekend away was as easy as throwing a toothbrush and PJs into an overnight bag. Now it requires a little more planning to pin down a dog-sitter or taking the easier, though less exciting option: simply declining the invite.
My perfect holiday would be to bring Junior along but, understandably, most accommodation isn’t pet-friendly, especially for a 30-kilogram greyhound.
So when I get wind that Unyoked’s secluded and off-grid cabins dotted around Australia offer pet-friendly options, I can’t grab Junior and his lead quickly enough before the two of us hit the highway to the Hunter Valley, three hours north from our home in Sydney.
For one last civilised hurrah before two nights in nature, we stop at Tintilla Estate in Pokolbin for a wine, meat and cheese tasting. I’m running late for my reservation, a result of my first time travelling with Junior, and am just about to start my flurry of apologies when I’m greeted with a calm “No worries” from the owner.
Sitting in the sun, looking over the rolling vineyard, with lunch and a beverage, I let go of my flustered state. I’m pleased to discover that many wineries in the Hunter Valley allow dogs outside. Even the hatted restaurant, Bistro Molines, offers a dog-friendly lunch booking.
While plenty of the Unyoked tiny cabins welcome both dogs and cats, the company has also teamed up with Australian dog food company Lyka to offer the Lyka Lodge at Pokolbin, creating perhaps the most dog-friendly holiday imaginable. (For southern travellers, there is also a Victorian Lyka Lodge – in the Tarra Valley, south-east of Melbourne.)
Once I arrive and park at the site, Junior and I start out on a short walk through the bush to our cabin. Anticipating the trip, I gave myself a pep talk about how I would embrace and immerse myself in nature – something that comes naturally to Junior, of course.
I am greeted by a mob of kangaroos, who idle in a paddock. A wild rabbit sprints in the nearby foliage. A goanna startles Junior and me as it hisses and climbs the nearest tree.
The cabin itself is built with sustainably sourced timber and powered by solar energy, and features a composting toilet. It’s furnished with cookware, a cosy bed and hot water. Just enough to disconnect from modern life, but to enjoy a comfortable stay.
For the pup guest, it includes a large bed, hygiene wipes and spray, a dog bowl, and much-appreciated dental treats. There is also an extra-long dog lead to allow Junior to explore safely.
In addition, the cabin includes a guide to starting a campfire. Junior and I wander around our surrounding area, picking up sticks and kindling, ready to pretend we are in an episode of Alone Australia.
By nightfall, I am so excited to cook dinner (grilled corn and jacket potatoes) over the campfire that I almost forget to look up at the clear night sky full of stars.
The next day I wake to the early sunrise and a chorus of birds. I take my time preparing coffee. I grind the coffee beans with the provided hand grinder and meditatively watch the moka pot boil over.
After I use the provided yoga mat to stretch outside, Junior wakes from his nap in the sun to join me in an impressive downward dog.
We take a walk, bird-watching along the way – an activity I love but rarely find the time for, or the variety of birds, in the city.
Back at our tiny home, we dedicate some more time towards rest. Junior sprawls out on a picnic blanket and naps in the sun, I intermittently read and doze in the hammock.
It turns out I’m pretty good at doing nothing. I find myself spending time just sitting and thinking, not of my to-do lists and what to achieve next, but simply contemplating. “Why don’t I make time to do this more?” is one thought that floats by often.
By the evening, the bird song has quietened. To fill the silence, I pop on one of the provided CDs and find myself dancing while preparing dinner. At least I’m so remote that no one can see me, besides the judgement-free eyes of Junior.
Later, he and I snuggle by the fire, roasting marshmallows and watching the stars. I enjoy witnessing him get in touch with his wild side. The whole experience would be great without Junior, but bringing him with me makes it special.
Before checking out on our last morning, I soak up every last drop of relaxation. I do some yoga outdoors, we bird-watch and I make one last hearty meal and slowly brewed coffee, while dancing to the CD.
The cabin has worked its magic and massaged the knots of stress out of my mind. As I walk back into the real world, I vow to carry some part of this calmness I’ve found with me. With ideas like, “Once I get back, I’m going to slow down and savour my time.”
Realistically, I know it probably won’t last. But at least I know the cabin will be there for an easy, spur-of-the-moment getaway in nature – with my best mate, Junior.
The writer travelled as a guest of Lyka Pet Food and Unyoked.
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