Discover a tranquil world by a mountain stream, where serenity soothes the senses & seeps into the soul. In an atmosphere of natural harmony, secluded cottages & spectacular wildlife combine to create a memorable & uniquely Australian experience.
The Cathedral Valley is possibly one of Victoria's best kept secrets. Just 90min NE of Melbourne, this is a bushwalker's paradise with its mountain streams, waterfalls, fern-gullies, lyrebirds and amazing wildlife. But there's far more to this part of the world than simply spectacular scenery. Abseiling, hot-air ballooning, white-water rafting, horseriding, llama trekking, Nordic skiing and golf ... are just some of the activities available. Less active folk can while away the time exploring the picturesque Marysville township with its galleries, craft shops, country-style restaurants and ever-popular Sunday Markets … or travel a little further to the Yarra Valley wineries. Known locally as the Mystic Mountains, and not far from the Yarra Valley wineries ... it's the perfect destination for 2 or 3 days ... or 4 ... or more ...
Established over a quarter of a century ago … Kingbilli's extensive landscaped gardens cover seven acres of clay-based river flats. With a predominance of natives, interspersed with a small, but carefully chosen selection of exotics, they were designed to flow gently outwards from the buildings .... eventually merging into the surrounding bushland. Planted specifically to accommodate the requirements of our native birds, currently they are home to 140 species.
The uniquely designed two-storied Honeymoon Cottage features a romantic loft-style bedroom opening onto a spacious, private balcony with panoramic views across the valley to Cathedral Mountain and the Blue Range. Old-fashioned casement windows, a country-style kitchen and soft leather furnishings compliment the stone and slate, there's a large stone fireplace ... and to ease the worn and weary … in the bathroom is a deep luxurious twin spa bath.
Shaded beside a gently flowing creek is Ballards Hideaway. From its rooms, lit softly by delicate leadlight windows and warmed by a brass-canopied open fire, French doors open onto a long, low rose-covered verandah, perfect for lazy lunches or summer evening barbeques. Paved steps lead to a trellised creekside summer house and in a leafy garden corner a hot jacuzzi bubbles. In the evening, jacuzzi fans can engage in conversation with a cheeky Brushtail Possum as she scampers by to steal her supper roses from the Ballards garden.
The true hermit, seeking greater isolation, may prefer the Studio. Tucked at the foot of the hills beneath a canopy of eucalypts and hidden by a profusion of native plants, this building has its own walk-bridge, fernpool, waterfall, heated garden jacuzzi and private island gazebo. Travellers choosing to holiday with friends will find the Studio also has the option of a second bedroom ... with 3 single beds - making it ideal for families or a group of 4-5.
Visitors to the Studio are privileged to have as their nearest neighbour that most timid of all Australian mammals, the platypus. A family of these extraordinary little creatures has its home in the bank of the Studio's creek ... but only a quiet and patient observer will be rewarded with an introduction.
Kingbilli is also a registered Wildlife Refuge & Rehabilitation Shelter, specializing in the care of orphaned marsupials. Visitors are welcome to wander through our extensive Wildlife Sanctuary. For more details, visit our website.
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