bring the dog
Pet friendly accommodation in Merimbula
Yes — dogs are welcome here. We're a single-storey motel 400 metres from the Merimbula town centre, with your car parked a few steps from the door and the lake boardwalk about a minute away.
What it's like staying here with a dog
Every room is on the ground floor. No stairs, no lift, no long corridor to negotiate with a lead in one hand and a bag in the other — and your car sits a few steps from your door. That matters more than it sounds after a long drive down the coast.
The grounds are grassy and quiet, set back off Merimbula Drive. There's no pool on the property, which we mention only because it's one less gate to think about if your dog is a wanderer.
We don't run a one-size-fits-all pet policy. Some rooms suit a dog better than others, so tell reception when you book — how many, and roughly how big — and we'll match you to the right room and go through anything you need to know then.
Where to walk your dog in Merimbula
Merimbula is an easy town to have a dog in. Four of the best walks sit within a few minutes of the motel — but the rules differ at each one, and they're worth knowing before the lead comes off.
Merimbula Boardwalk
On lead · ~1 minTwo kilometres along the northern edge of Merimbula Lake, through mangroves and birdlife. Dogs are welcome the whole way, but stay leashed on the boardwalk and the areas either side of it. It's the closest walk to us and the prettiest at dawn.
Merimbula Main Beach
Off lead in part · ~15 min walkFive kilometres of sand, with the off-lead section starting at Dunns Lane and running south towards the airport end. Keep the lead on near the surf club and within 100 metres of the patrolled flags.
Bar Beach
Off lead · summer curfewSheltered water and a kiosk at the top of the sand. The off-lead stretch begins in front of the kiosk and runs roughly 200 metres towards Spencer Park. From 1 December to 30 April dogs aren't allowed on the beach at all between 10am and 4pm — so go early, or go late.
Short Point
On lead · ~2 kmRockpools and reliable surf a little way up the coast. Dogs need to stay leashed within 100 metres of the patrolled area, so it's a walking stop rather than a run-around one.
Council rules change, and the signage at the beach is the final word — if a sign disagrees with this page, believe the sign. Bega Valley Shire Council publishes the current dog-walking areas.
Rooms that suit a dog
Both of these open onto the garden side of the property, which makes the last walk of the night a short one.
Not sure which suits? See all four room types, or just call us and we'll sort it out on the phone.
Common questions about bringing a pet
Are dogs allowed in the rooms?
Yes. Let us know when you book that you're bringing a dog, and reception will allocate a room that suits. We handle pets room by room rather than setting a blanket rule, so it's worth a quick call if you have a big dog or more than one.
Is there somewhere to walk a dog nearby?
The Merimbula Boardwalk is about a minute away and runs two kilometres along the lake, on lead. Merimbula Main Beach is roughly a fifteen-minute walk and has an off-lead section from Dunns Lane south towards the airport.
Do I have to carry bags up any stairs?
No. The motel is single-storey and every room has ground-floor access, with free on-site parking right by the rooms. There's no lift and no stairs to manage.
What time can we check in?
Check-in is from 2pm and check-out is by 10am. Reception is open 9am–9pm daily — if you're driving down and will arrive later than that, call ahead and we'll arrange it.
More detail on policies and arrival is on our guest information page.
see you soon
Book direct and bring the whole family
Best available rate, no booking fees, and a room chosen to suit your dog. Mention the dog in your booking notes or give us a ring.