Finally, a holiday destination designed from the ground up for you and your best friend! Welcome to Best Friend Holiday Retreat, a unique and award-winning tourist park nestled in the lush, temperate rainforest of the Tarra Valley in Gippsland. We understand that pets are part of the family, which is why we’ve created a true paradise where dogs are not just welcome, they are celebrated. Forget the stress of finding a pet-sitter; here, your canine companions can join in on every aspect of your holiday. Surrounded by towering gums, giant tree ferns, and the tranquil sounds of the Tarra River, our retreat offers a serene escape from the everyday, where the focus is on relaxation, nature, and quality time with your entire family, furry members included.
Our park provides a range of accommodation options to suit every need, all with the safety and happiness of your dog in mind. Choose from fully-fenced, self-contained cabins, or select one of our spacious caravan and camping sites, each featuring its own individual fence and gate so your dog can be off-leash in a secure environment. The park’s facilities are unparalleled, boasting several large, securely fenced off-leash parks, a giant dog ball run, and even a dog-friendly swimming dam. Human guests are well catered for too, with clean amenities, a camp kitchen, and peaceful surrounds. Our location is the perfect base for exploring the magical Tarra-Bulga National Park, with its famous suspension bridge and enchanting walking trails. While dogs are not permitted in the national park itself, there are plenty of other beautiful walks and areas to explore nearby where your pet can join you. For a truly memorable holiday where every member of the family is catered for, look no further than Best Friend Holiday Retreat.
Best Friend Holiday Retreat – VIC Location Map
Best Friend Holiday Retreat
- Address: 1720 Tarra Valley Rd, Tarra Valley VIC 3971
- Website: bestfriend.net.au
- GPS Coordinates: -38.47508, 146.57917
Park Features and Amenities
- Location: Set in a secluded, beautiful valley adjacent to the Tarra River and close to the magnificent Tarra-Bulga National Park.
- Site Suitable For: Fully self-contained cabins, caravans, motorhomes, camper trailers and tents. All sites and cabins are individually fenced for dogs.
- Road Access: Sealed road access via Tarra Valley Road.
- Site Surface: Level, grassed sites.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, powered and unpowered camping sites are available.
- Powered Sites: Yes, a good number of powered sites are available.
- Un-powered Sites: Yes, unpowered sites are also available.
- Picnic Tables: Yes, located at cabins and in communal areas.
- Potable Water: Yes, available throughout the park.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Very limited due to the valley location. Telstra has some service, other carriers are unlikely to have reception. A payphone is available.
- TV Reception: Poor. Satellite reception (VAST) is necessary for reliable TV.
- BBQs: Yes, free gas barbecues are available for guest use.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, a clean and modern amenities block for camping guests.
- Ullage / Dump Point: Yes, an onsite dump point is available for guests.
- Drive Through Sites: No, drive-through sites are not available.
- Rubbish Bins: Yes, rubbish and recycling facilities are provided.
- Open Fires: Permitted in designated fire pits (available for hire) outside of total fire ban periods.
- Generator Use: Strictly prohibited to maintain the park’s peaceful atmosphere.
- Essentials to Bring: Food and personal supplies (nearest town is 20-30 mins away), dog bedding/food, 15-amp power lead, drinking water hose.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, this is a dedicated dog-friendly park with unique features such as individually fenced sites/cabins, 6 off-leash areas, dog playground, and a dog-friendly dam.
- Fishing: Possible in the nearby Tarra River for trout. A Victorian fishing licence is required.
- Short Walks: On-site walking trails available. The world-class Tarra-Bulga National Park is nearby for walks (dogs not permitted in the park).
Local Amenities
Note: The park is in a secluded valley. The nearest town with services is Yarram.
- Local Pubs:
- Yarram Club Hotel (approx. 27 km)
- The Grand Albert Hotel Yarram (approx. 27 km)
- Commercial Hotel Yarram (approx. 27 km)
- Places to Eat:
- Yarram Bakery (approx. 27 km)
- Cafe Aga (Yarram) (approx. 27 km)
- The Ship Inn (Port Albert) (approx. 40 km)
- Local Attractions:
- Tarra-Bulga National Park & Suspension Bridge (approx. 6 km)
- Tarra Falls (approx. 2 km)
- Heesco Town Art Murals in Yarram (approx. 27 km)
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Yarram Holiday Park (approx. 28 km)
- Port Albert Seabank Caravan Park (approx. 40 km)
- Next Free Camps:
- White Womans Waterhole Campground (approx. 18 km)
- Hiawatha Camping area (approx. 35 km)
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Onsite at Best Friend Holiday Retreat
- Yarram Holiday Park (for paying guests) (approx. 28 km)
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Yarram (multiple options) (approx. 27 km)
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Onsite at the holiday park.
- Nearest Public Toilets:
- Onsite within the holiday park.
- Tarra-Bulga National Park Visitor Centre (approx. 6 km)
Seasonal Weather Forecast: Tarra Valley
- Summer (December – February): Mild to warm and can be humid due to the rainforest environment. Average temperatures range from 12°C to 24°C. A beautiful time to escape the heat.
- Autumn (March – May): Cool, crisp, and often misty. The valley’s foliage can be spectacular. Average temperatures are between 8°C and 20°C.
- Winter (June – August): Cold and damp, with frequent rainfall which makes the rainforest thrive. Frosts are common. Average temperatures range from 4°C to 13°C. Perfect for enjoying a campfire.
- Spring (September – November): Cool and fresh, with the rivers and waterfalls at their best. The forest comes alive with new growth. Average temperatures range from 7°C to 18°C.
