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Interior photos below, photos of dogs on holiday,
plus Testimonials. (please be patient as the photos load)
More on the Silt Jetties, the bird life and the Gippsland Lakes


The meals bench on the verandah is on the right behind the "crossed rails". The kettle bbq sits in the front yard.

Link to floorplan

The bedroom, at the rear of the cottage, has a 2-door wardrobe with plenty of hanging space and shelving for clothes. (The shelving on the right, below, is in the hallway through the bedroom door)

The spacious eat-in kitchen has a 4-burner gas stove/griller/oven, house-size fridge/freezer, heaps of storage and a table for six overlooking the Mitchell River. It is fully equipped with crockery / cutlery / pots & pans, household cleaning supplies and cooking utensils.

View from the dining table across the meals bench to the river.

Partial view of the lounge room, which has windows on the north and east.

The modern bathroom with large vanity and shower.

We give dogs time we can spare, space we can spare and love we can spare. And in return, dogs give us their all.
It's the best deal man has ever made.  -- M. Facklam

DOGS ON HOLIDAYS

The River Cottage has been specially designed for people holidaying with family pets - with a fully-fenced front garden and easy-to-maintain timber-look vinyl floor coverings. The low-pile rugs and chair covers are washable and means dogs can come inside and feel "at home." The fencing is actually labelled as "dog proof", and no dog has ever jumped or climbed over the top of the fencing or dug underneath either. The back (3-acre) paddock is enclosed with stock fencing down to the lake. You can get an idea of the fencing from the photos below (look at the height of the fence compared to the huge American bull dog and the 3 German Shepherds), but don't hesitate to email or ring if you are still concerned.

The River Cottage is 2 km from the nearest neighbour and surrounded by Crown Land. There are plenty of walks in the immediate area - along the road for 2 km to the end of the Silt Jetties, on tracks through the bush, along the rivers and lakes and beaches. There are heaps of swimming spots and beaches and dogs are permitted even in the summer season. A list of walks & swims, plus map, is included in the complete tourist kit in the cottage. Your dog/s is/are welcome to sit in the outdoor area with you in the many waterfront cafes, pubs and restaurants in all the coastal towns..


Emma, the American Bulldog, playing in the front garden..

These two Newfoundlands, Mac & Molly, spent a lot of time in the lake during their visit.

Three German Shepherds frolic in the front yard.

And three Pyrennean Mountain Dogs at the River Cottage:
Rebecca, Henry and Mercedes

Kristine & Gypsy enjoy a winter walk along the Mitchell River.

Kangaroos in the River Cottage back paddock

A selection of Testimonials.....

Loved the peace and quiet at the River Cottage, the wild life - echidnas, birds, kangaroos and most of all the dolphins in the river. Loved all the bush walking, your maps and guides were great. Enjoyed the cafes in Bairnsdale and Paynesville where they made the dogs more than welcome. Larrikins in Bairnsdale even served them with bowls of water. Never seen so many koalas as on Raymond Island, and the dogs were welcomed at the cafes there too.
Sharon & Karl F-W, Langwarrin Vic, (+ Ebony & Tramp, Doberman & Kelpie x)

Just to let you know we had a great time at the River Cottage last week. It was just what we needed, peaceful and quiet and the beautiful weather was an added bonus. Another week there would have been better. Best of all the dogs had a great time, especially Sharnie trying to catch those rabbits that seemed to tease her every morning in the front yard. The facilities were great. We belong to a dog obedience club and would happily recommend your facility to other dog owners. Hope to visit again soon.
Michele & Jeff T, Wyndham Vale Vic ( + Sharnie and Marlo - Brittany Spaniel & Long-haired Weimeraner)

Neither of us were aware of how beautiful the Gippsland Lakes were. We hope to return. Lady says,"I've never had so much exercise and I also found out what salt water tastes like. I loved the inside/outside lifestyle with mum and dad. There should be more people like you who think about the 4-legged humans!"
Mara R & Lance N, Doncaster Vic (+ Lady, Border Collie)

We had a wonderful time at the River Cottage, particularly as we were able to have our dogs with us. I am sure if they could speak they would say thank you too. The wood fire is very effective. The dogs had lots of swims and enjoyed the walks. You will certainly see us again. We were specially pleased with the very comprehensive tourist information.
Larry & Dale C., Warburton Vic, (+ Chloe and Ruby, Ridgeback x & Jack Russell)

Thanks so much, I had a delightful time in your River Cottage. I so enjoyed the solitude. Had breakfast with bird song, watched the river silently move on its way, sketched tree trunks and sat on the jetty and spent a whole afternoon comtemplating the world. Thanks again.
Marg R, Balnarring Vic (+ Dougal the Scotch Terrier)

The River Cottage is a very comfortable & easy way to relax. We loved the peacefulness, watching the boats go up and down the waterway. Kangaroo spotting an extra bonus! Our dog, Jedi, thinks he has died and gone to heaven! Great to have the fenced area at the front for him.
Sandi & Alan G-L, Warrandyte, Vic (+ Jedi the Border Collie x Kelpie)

Thanks for your hospitality and great accomodation. All the tourist information provided was invaluable.
Dianne & Michael C, Horsley NSW, (+ Pepper the Doberman)

Just a quick note to say thank you for one of the best holidays we have ever had. We are all so relaxed, it is just heaven. Your hospitality and friendly attitude made us feel right at home and the peace and quiet of the River Cottage was so blissful, we didn't want to leave. We are looking forward to our next stay in the Christmas holidays with anticipation.
Paul, Julie & Sam, Packenham Vic (+ Chucky the Jack Russell)

Had a great time. We came away for peace and quiet and that's exactly what we had. Lovely place, dogs had a ball. Will be back again when we need time out.
Ann & Roger F, Melbourne Vic (+ Butch & Buddy, Bull Terrier X & Border Collie X)

What kind of 4-legged humans come here on holiday?
The G's: Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds and Greyhounds. Jolly Jack Russells, frolicing Foxies and scads of Shi-tsu Maltese crosses, Newfoundlands and Pomeranians. The B's: Border Collies, Beagles, Blue Heelers, Bassets and Bichons. And Dalmations, King Charles Spaniels, Cockers, Rottweilers, Kelpies and Heelers, Rhodesian Ridgebacks and Vizslas, Weimaraners, Brittany Spaniels, Deerhounds, Airedales, three Keeshunds (Dutch barge dogs) and three Pyrennean Mountain dogs. And - have you ever seen a Nova Scotia Ducktolling Retriever?
You were wondering... the most popular breeds are Border Collies, Kelpies, Golden Retrievers and Jack Russells.


Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole. --Roger Caras

The River Cottage

phone Tony McCallum anytime on 0438 695 172

Email the River Cottage