Overview
Planning your next adventure? Leave behind the bustling streets of Melbourne for regional Victoria's incredible wealth of picturesque hiking trails. After a long day spent trekking the dusty trails, you'll need somewhere to kick off your hiking shoes and get some much-needed R&R. Fortunately, there's no shortage of amazing eco-friendly cabins and off-the-grid spots to immerse you deep within Victoria's forests and valleys. Hit the road and take on that challenging hilltop climb — here are four luxurious cabins that will ensure you rest in comfort.
From pristine beaches and bountiful wine regions to alpine hideaways and bustling country towns, Australia has a wealth of places to explore at any time of year. We've partnered with Tourism Australia to help you plan your road trips, weekend detours and summer getaways so that when you're ready to hit the road you can Holiday Here This Year.
While regional holidays within Victoria will be allowed from May 31, some of the places mentioned below may still be closed due to COVID-19 restrictions. Please check websites before making any plans.
Visit Victoria
THE BUCKLAND
Mount Buffalo National Park offers some of Australia's most scenic trails, and the Buckland Studio Retreat puts you right in the middle of all the action. Overlooking the alpine forest and granite cliffs, the cabins feature the full gamut of modern amenities, including double rain showers and free-standing baths that offer private hillside views. Breakfast is served as you look out across the stunning 40 acres of rugged bushland that these cabins stand on. You'll also have access to nearby hiking trails, including the Bungalow Spur Walk and a walk that reaches Mount Buffalo's summit. After you've built up an appetite from your hike, Bright's eateries are just a ten-minute drive away, like Tomahawks — a cosy bar and restaurant set in the middle of town.
CLIFFTOP AT HEPBURN
Designed by architect Robin Larsen, the Clifftop at Hepburn boasts seven remarkable cabins that will take your rural retreat to the next level. Floor-to-ceiling windows reveal views across the rolling bushland toward neighbouring cliff faces. With unconventional amenities like Lord of the Rings pinball machines and eclectic Japanese massage chairs, each cabin presents a bespoke design that blends perfectly into the hillside landscape. Nearby Daylesford and Hepburn Springs present some spectacular day-long hikes, or you can refresh yourself straight from the source at Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve.
SANTOSA COTTAGE
Located just outside Melbourne's busy outer suburban streets and in the green township of Sassafras, Santosa Cottage is a charming private retreat. Surrounded by lush fernery, this two-storey cottage includes a roaring wood fire for those chilly nights and a set of French doors that open out onto a deck where you can sit among the trees. Plus, Sassafras Village is comfortably within walking distance and home to quaint cafes for your coffee and cake fix. Spend your days roaming the Dandenong Ranges National Park and its scenic hiking trails that are suitable for any level of fitness.
Visit Victoria
DULC HOLIDAY CABINS
From rock climbing to horse riding and abseiling, Halls Gap has no shortage of activities for nature lovers to enjoy. Its most luxurious cabin stay is Down Under Log Cabins, aka DULC, which provides a great base to explore the wider Grampians region. Combining a rustic vibe with contemporary features, this series of single and two-storey cabins slots comfortably into the landscape with wooden floors, log walls and an abundance of natural light. Sustainably built, each cabin features a gas log fire, sleek spa baths and espresso machines for your morning caffeine boost before you hit the trails.
While visiting this particularly popular part of the Northern Grampians, you'll have the opportunity to admire wonderful views across the range from Boroka Lookout. Or hop over to MacKenzie Falls and spy one of the largest waterfalls in Victoria.
Whether you're planning to travel for a couple of nights or a couple of weeks, Holiday Here This Year and you'll be supporting Australian businesses while you explore the best of our country's diverse landscapes and attractions.
Top image: Santosa Cottage.