The Five Best Winter Cabins Near Melbourne
Do winter right with friends, a crackling fire and so much serenity.
Melbourne can be one harsh mistress come wintertime. But there's no need to hang around. Options for escape are wildly numerous. It's less than an hour's drive to the contemplative mountain villages of the Dandenong Ranges and just three to the rugged wilderness of The Grampians. Or venture further into Alpine country for snow-capped peaks and spectacular scenery.
Here are five snug retreats where you can make friends with winter again, thanks to decadent sessions in the spa and long, lazy days by the fireside.
LUXURY BUCKLAND RETREAT STUDIOS, NEAR BRIGHT
Cure your winter blues with some serious decadence at Luxury Buckland Retreat. Situated near Bright, the property comes with incredible views of the Victorian high country and its own magical native peppermint forest. Five private studios are scattered across it, featuring king-size beds, goose-down doonas and slow combustion wood heaters. Numbers one, two and five come with freestanding baths, affording stunning views.
AQUILA ECO LODGES, THE GRAMPIANS
Stay warm without wrecking the planet at Aquila Eco Lodges. These four architect-designed cottages employ cutting-edge technology to ensure sustainability — from rainwater harvesting to solar power to self-composting waste treatment. But there's no compromise on comfort. The cosiest option is the Treehouse, which is designed for couples and features glass wall showers. If you're making your winter retreat with mates, the Lofthouse, which sleeps up to six, is the way to go. Get dibs on the loft bedroom, which has a glass ceiling for star gazing. All cottages have wood fires.
TEWKSBURY LODGE, NEAR BRIGHT
If there's one sure-fire way to rack up some winter cheer, it's with a stay in a handcrafted log cabin. This little beauty is set on two acres of gardens in Porepunkah, just five minutes' drive from Bright. It's a Canadian-style number, so you can rest assured it's built to handle any conditions that Australian weather can throw at it. A log fire and spa keep the cold at bay. And operations are carbon-neutral, thanks to solar panels, double-glazed windows, a skylight and the super-insulating powers of logs. The property is set on a river, offering excellent views of Mount Buffalo.
SANTOSA COTTAGE, SASSAFRAS, DANDENONG RANGES
This super-cute cottage, surrounded by lush Dandenong ferns, has its bed and fireplace in an upstairs A-frame retreat. Get cosy. Or, if you feel the need to move, Sassafras Village is just a stroll away. Santosa is just one of many winter escapes in the region — also in Sassafras is the swish, high-tech The Blackwood, while more are found in Olinda.
WALHALLA MILL HOUSE, GIPPSLAND
Another cute cottage can be found in Walhalla. It's tucked into a hillside on the edge of the historic gold mining town, so the views from your private verandah over the valley are top-notch. The cottage was built in 1896 and has since been fitted with modern luxuries — but the open fireplace and the rustic experience remains.
Top image: Luxury Buckland Retreat Studios.
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