Lyka and Unyoked are teaming up to prioritise your pooch this spring.

For many dog owners, the idea of leaving our four-legged friends behind while heading off on holiday is enough to tug at the heartstrings. And while there are some great pet-friendly stays popping up across the country, it can be difficult to find somewhere specifically designed for both you and your pooch.

In a recent survey commissioned by Australian pet food brand Lyka, only 19 per cent of Aussie dog owners agreed that getting away with their dog is easy. A further 65 per cent wished it was easier to take their dog somewhere with genuine space and nature.

“Spending time outdoors with our dogs is one of the simplest ways to support our wellbeing, yet our research shows many pet parents are struggling to find opportunities to do so," says Cassandra Do Carmo, brand director at Lyka.

“Three in four Australians say spending time in nature with their dog is good for their own mental health, while 79 per cent say their dog loves being in nature. However, accommodation remains a key barrier, with 68 per cent who want to travel with their dog saying that finding suitable places to stay prevents them from spending more time in nature with their dogs," says Do Carmo.

To help bridge the gap, Lyka has teamed up with Aussie off-grid cabin company Unyoked to create the ultimate pet-friendly escapes this spring. Dubbed the Lyka Lodges, these two cosy cabins are putting your pooch first.

Inside the Lyka Lodges

The new Lyka Lodges are tucked away in quiet pockets of bushland – one found in NSW and the other in Victoria. While both stays offer a chance to escape into nature with your pooch, each cabin has its own setting and character.

Lyka Lodge Sydney

Roughly one hour inland from Newcastle, Lyka Lodge Sydney is located near the rural NSW town of Pokolbin. Nestled neatly into the natural landscape, the cabin is surrounded by towering gums, open grasslands and clear-blue skies.

Leaving your vehicle in the car park, take the 600-metre dirt walking track up to Lyka Lodge Sydney. A queen-sized bed, small kitchenette and separate bathroom provide the perfect set-up for two adults. But more importantly, you’ll find a range of features designed specifically with your pooch in mind.

Four-legged friends will love the stash of toys, cosy dog beds and delicious Lyka treats, as well as the dog stick library, where they can choose their very own wooden treasure. Beyond the cabin, a network of local walking tracks provides plenty of space for sniffing and exploring, while pet parents can make the most of nearby wineries.

It’s a balance that both properties strike perfectly. By catering to humans and their dogs equally, the Lyka Lodges create space for both to unwind individually – and together.

“The noise and pace of modern life doesn’t just wear on us; it wears on our dogs too," says Unyoked co-founder, Cameron Grant. “They live our schedules, our screen time, our overloaded weeks. The irony is, dogs figured out a long time ago what the rest of us are only just remembering – that time outside isn’t a treat, it’s a requirement."

Lyka Lodge Melbourne

Further south, the second Lyka Lodge can be found in Victoria’s Tarra Valley, around 2.5 hours outside of Melbourne. Known for its untouched wilderness, ancient rainforests and cooler climes, the region sits among the best weekend escapes in the state.

Similar to Lyka Lodge Sydney, it features a queen-sized bed, small kitchenette and separate en suite bathroom, with all the added extras for your furry companion. But with Victoria’s colder temperatures in mind, Lyka Lodge Melbourne also boasts a cosy indoor fireplace and wood-fired outdoor hot tub.

If you can peel yourself away from your cosy abode, there’s plenty of open, green space to roam. Both parent and pooch alike will love the Tarra Trail, a 13-kilometre walking and cycling path just 15 minutes away by car. Tracing the landscape between Yarram and Port Albert, it forms part of the historic Great Southern Rail Trail, one of Australia’s best.

How to book your stay

If a cosy cabin escape with your four-legged friend sounds tempting, the Lyka Lodges are just the ticket. Available to book from 21 September to 25 October, both cabins require a minimum two-night stay, with check-in from 3pm and check-out before 11am.

Prices start at $323 for Lyka Lodge Sydney in Pokolbin and $343 for Lyka Lodge Melbourne in Tarra Valley. Bringing your pooch along comes at an additional $40 on top of the standard nightly rate. Stays are available from Friday to Saturday, while those looking for a midweek escape can book for an additional $30.

Everything your dog needs for a comfortable stay is provided, from poop bags and food bowls to treats and beds. Guests are welcome to BYO dog lead and specialty dog food, too. Book your stay now via the Unyoked website.