Secluded + Nature + Dogs.
In the press
A little cottage making big news.
Spring Creek Cottage has been recognised by two of Australia’s leading lifestyle publications as one of Victoria’s standout dog-friendly stays.
Country Style
On Homes To Love
Latest feature
One of Victoria’s top dog-friendly stays for 2026
Sitchu.
Melbourne
Best dog-friendly accommodation in Victoria
Homes To Love — home of Country Style, Australian House & Garden and Belle
One-time last-minute special
A little midweek escape
Wednesday 22 July – Friday 24 July
Two peaceful nights at Spring Creek Cottage, with the forest at your doorstep and your dogs fully welcome.
Book this specialSecure payment via Stripe. We’ll be in touch after payment to confirm your guest, bedroom and dog setup details.
Check dates, prices, and plan your Hepburn Springs stay in seconds
💡 If you have a seasonal coupon, you’ll be able to enter it and see your savings on the next page before confirming your stay.
Stay where you're all FULLY welcome!
Dog friendly accommodation in Hepburn Springs near Daylesford, set among bushland and designed for relaxed stays with dogs.
In six years of running Spring Creek, the top feedback I get is that we exceed guest expectations. Many say it “feels like home.” Another key point is our “thoughtful, welcoming touches.”
That’s what we need now. It’s not just about booking a “bnb” that allows pets but experiencing dedicated spaces that truly welcome them. And it's relaxing to stay somewhere that wants you all. Not somewhere you have to beg to be accepted!
While many people simply pick a place to stay and then visit that town, our returning guests often choose to visit the Daylesford region again and again because of the cottage.
Location & nature at your doorstep
Most “pet friendly” places aren’t really set up for dogs like Mika — not small, not low-energy, and definitely not low-shed.
We saw it all. Long rule lists with no fences. Dogs outside. Dogs in hallways. Strict behaviour clauses. Extra fees. Or places that just didn’t feel right for a proper stay.
So this was built differently.
We've designed and tested with real animals in mind — not just allowed, but properly considered. They’ve been put through their paces by my own dogs (and cat), and by hundreds of visiting pets over time.
This is for people who holiday with their dogs, not around them. You’ll find safe outdoor space, flexible setups, and a level of trust that keeps things simple.
If you’re confident your dog won’t cause damage, they can stay inside for short periods. There’s a clear pet checklist, and everything is set up so you don’t have to overthink it.
Beautiful, practical, and genuinely welcoming — for both of you.
Our Porch of Fame Ruffviews!
Here’s just a snapshot of the hundreds of happy pet photos shared with us over the years.
Location & Nature at Your Doorstep
I (Kim) and Mika (my now 5 year old Finnish Lapphund) came across a lot of places that were pet friendly for 'small dogs' under 15 kilos, 'non energetic dogs' or 'non shedding dogs' - all the things Mika just isn't. Sometimes there were ten pages of dog rules but no fences. Or dogs slept outside. Or in the hallway. Or you had to commit under oath that they were well behaved. Or there was a huge non refundable pet fee. Or you were regulated to staying in shacks with dirt floors which might be a lovely home concept but isn't your ideal for a paid holiday. Both Hepburn Springs and our Vaughan locations are not just thoughtfully appointed with pet friendly stays in mind. They're engineered and TESTED by my own cat, my 4 year old Lapphund and my pupper Maremma. And Hepburn has been given the four paws up by many hundreds of pooches, cats and birds. Engineered and tested 'with' mindful, hands-on owners in mind who know their pets. This is how it works. We attract people who like to holiday 'with' their dogs (dogsitter recommendation provided for Hepburn). And provide safe outdoor spaces with undercover access if you need to leave them leave to explore a spa rejuvenation, beautiful dinner or a show. We also trust guests fully with their dogs onsite and even inside. We leave all accountability with you as the owner for damages and there's a Pet Checklist easily displayed. If you're fully confident of a no damage outcome, they can be left inside for short periods. Or crated! With a cordless Dyson onsite and impeccable cleaning, you'll enjoy (finally!) feeling fully welcome with Fido. Scroll down for the last piece - 'Who does it suit?'
“Kim’s cottage is an amazing getaway in a perfect location.
Close enough to town to walk for a scrumptious brekkie but also adjoining the Hepburn regional park with walking trails at your doorstep (turn right for a great walk into the Hepburn springs reserve!). Best of both worlds if you’re looking for a forest getaway not too far from town.
Kim and Mika have obviously designed their getaway together and it’s a very thoughtful collaboration! So good to find pet friendly accommodation where the pups are unashamedly a priority.
We’ll definitely be returning in the winter months to take advantage of the fire pit. Being outside and staring at the stars is the best!
Thanks Kim for sharing your amazing cottage.”
Ollie (pictured) and pawrent chaperone, Spring Creek – Hepburn. Just one of many, many reviews.
Self Contained
The cottages are 100% self contained accommodation which is majority BYO. See the FAQs for more information. The value of our provisions is in the dogs. The preparation, the beds and bowls, handmade liver treats, the maintenance and the mitigation. Coffee, tea, milk, kindling, firestarters and firewood are starter provisions for your stay with plenty of options to replenish and add to them around town plus extra storage of firewood bags onsite at Hepburn for convenience and purchase. You can safely expect all your cooking basics (oils and salts).
What’s included & who it suits
Made for down-to-earth, nature-loving stays — couples, singles, small families or friends, with or without dogs.
The cottages are simple, self-contained and designed for relaxed stays, not overworked holidays. Hepburn suits up to four, Vaughan up to three, and both work best for people who value space, quiet and ease.
Dogs are properly accommodated. Two fit easily with everything provided, and more can work if you know your dogs and keep things balanced.
It’s genuinely quiet here. Hepburn borders forest, Vaughan sits in its own private gully. You’ll hear trees, wildlife, and the occasional creak — it’s part of the setting, not something polished out.
The cottages are set up to be practical and welcoming, not precious. You won’t be navigating delicate spaces — just somewhere that works, for both you and your dogs.
Hepburn is an easy walk to the Mineral Springs and close to town. Vaughan is more rural, with its own springs nearby and an easy drive to both Daylesford and Castlemaine.
⭐ Real guest reviews
Unfiltered feedback from recent stays
About
Kim (and Mika + now Mana) hands on maintain the properties, one of us more than the others. We are locals.
We're hands on and heart centred with the setup and have been known to leave scavenger hunts for your dog.
My commitment to guests is to create a magical stay, interpret your needs and ensure they are places my big (and big natured) dogs would feel fully comfortable in. All sizes and types!