Dog-Friendly Bilpin: Visiting Bilpin with a Dog

The delightful small town of Bilpin is located in the Blue Mountains, to the north of Katoomba along the Bells Line of Road. Best known for its many fruit orchards, in particular apple orchards, the surrounding area is also home to many cool climate gardens. Find out what you can do when visiting Bilpin with a dog.

Dog-Friendly Sightseeing Around Bilpin

Many of the attractions around Bilpin are seasonal, from pick-your-own orchards to the beautiful gardens. Check out what’s open in advance of heading to the mountains for the day or weekend, or just enjoy the beautiful drive and local cider year round!

#1 Go Fruit Picking

The town of Bilpin is famous for its many orchards. During the summer and autumn months, many of the orchards are open for pick-your-own, although the dates vary depending on both the fruit and the year.

While previously most orchards didn’t allow pets to join you when picking fruit, a growing number of orchards are now welcoming leashed pets.

One of the pet-friendly orchards is Pine Crest Orchard. Dogs are welcome as long as they are kept on a leash at all times. The orchard firstly opens in November for cherry picking, followed by plums and peaches in December and January, then apples from late January to April. They even have sunflowers!

Another option is TNT Produce. One of the largest farms in Bilpin, they offer a variety of fruit and vegetables to be picked (including apples and strawberries), with bookings available on their website during picking season. With their own farm dog on site, you’re also welcome to bring your own leashed dog.

Check online in advance for opening hours, plus whether bookings are required. Often the orchards are only open on weekends. It’s also good to check that dogs are still welcome, as sometimes the rules can change.

If visiting outside of picking season, many of the orchards also have roadside stalls and cafes where you can also buy ready-picked fruit and locally made apple juice, apple pies and cider. One of the biggest year-round outlets is the Bilpin Fruit Bowl.

#2 Taste the Local Cider

Given the large number of apple orchards in the area, it’s not surprising that there are not just one but two apple cideries in the area. Unlike fruit picking, the cideries are open year round.

On our most recent visit to Bilpin we visited Hillbillly Cider. Dogs are welcome throughout the venue. There’s a large outdoor area with bowls for dogs, plus heaters in the sheltered section for cold days. Delicious wood-fired pizzas are also on the menu.

Another option is Bilpin Cider. The shop is open daily, with their farm kitchen open on weekends and public holidays. Dogs are allowed in the large outdoor area and water bowls available.

#3 Visit a Beautiful Garden

Thanks to its cooler climate, the area around Bilpin is home to some gorgeous gardens, many that welcome well-behaved leashed dogs to join you. Most of the gardens are open seasonally, generally only during the spring and autumn months when they are at their colourful best.

Bilpin itself is home to Wildwood Garden. Highlights of this garden include its display of camellias and many cherry trees. The gardens are only open in spring and autumn. During spring 2024 they will be open from Friday 9th August to Monday 4th November, on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays.

For more beautiful gardens, head further west to the mountain village of Mount Wilson, an easy 35 minute drive west of Bilpin along the Bells Line of Road and Mount Wilson Road.

Probably the best known garden in Mount Wilson is Breenhold Gardens. One of the most extensive privately owned gardens in Australia, the focus are its six stone walled gardens, some with pools and fountains. The gardens are open daily in spring and autumn, with their spring 2024 season running from Monday 26th August to Tuesday 29th October.

Two more dog-friendly gardens in Mount Wilson are Bebeah Garden and Nooroo Garden. Bebeah Garden has long welcomed dogs and is open daily, year-round. Nooroo Garden is only open during spring and autumn – check their website for upcoming opening days.

Note that the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden in Mount Tomah does not allow pet dogs, the same as the other botanic gardens in Sydney.

Dog-Friendly Parks Around Bilpin

Unfortunately, there are no off-leash dog parks in and around Bilpin, part of Hawkesbury City Council. There was previously a terrific off-leash dog park in Kurrajong, the Kurrajong Bark Park adjacent to Kurrajong Village Vets, but this park was closed pending redevelopment.

The closest off-leash dog parks are Peel Park in North Richmond and Pound Paddock in Richmond, plus Yarramundi Reserve with its off-leash swimming spot.

Dog-Friendly Dining Around Bilpin

There’s no shortage of excellent spots to enjoy a meal in and around Bilpin, with many venues highlighting the local produce and serving the local ciders.

For starters, I highly recommend heading to Hillbilly Cider. As well as cider tastings from their range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic ciders, they also offer delicious wood-fired pizzas.

Their outdoor dining area is huge, including a smaller under shelter area with heaters, plus there’s water bowls for thirsty pups. From Friday to Sunday they stay open until 6pm, handy for an early dinner (before the return drive to Sydney).

I’ve also heard great things about Mountain Bells Cafe, opposite the Bilpin Fruit Bowl. Open daily from 8:30am or 9am until 4:30pm or 5pm (with longer hours on weekends), this all veggie cafe has plenty of outdoor seating, with some interesting sculptures to check out. Local apple pies are a speciality.

Alternatively, if you’re just wanting to grab a takeaway coffee or pastry, drop into the local outlet of The Grumpy Baker. Open early every morning, just note that dogs will need to stay outside while your grab your takeaway.

Dog-Friendly Accommodation Around Bilpin

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There’s plenty of pet-friendly accommodation options available in and around Bilpin if you’re wanting to enjoy a weekend away in the mountains.

For a five-star stay surrounded by nature, check out Spicers Sangoma Retreat, close to Kurrajong. Make a booking for their Pooch Package in the luxurious and private Bush Suite. The package is available for two or more night stays, with a plush dog bed and blanket, dog bowls, lead and dog treats included. Note that only dogs up to 25kg are permitted.

For a more rustic mountain stay, book with Madison’s Mountain Retreat in Kurrajong Heights. Both their deluxe and executive one-bedroom self-contained cedar cottages are dog-friendly. Each of the cottages can accommodate up to five people and has a cosy log fire. Only one pet is permitted per cottage, with an additional charge of $20 per night, plus a deposit.

I’ve previously stayed at Bilpin Country Lodge as part of a large group for a wedding, but it also rents out individual rooms when not booked out. There’s a variety of room sizes, all with ensuites. The property features a shared kitchen and BBQs, plus 10 acres of gardens and bushland, a dam with canoes, farm animals and a hot tub.

Note that while pets are not permitted inside the lodge, only on the verandahs, the property has onsite kennels. There are two separate kennels, suitable for different sized animals. For cold winter nights, heated mattresses are provided. There’s also a special day use dog yard where you can leave your pup during the day, plus they are allowed off-leash in the fenced grounds.

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