Close your eyes and imagine what the perfect country getaway would look like. Wombat Hills Cottages in Victoria’s high country near Mansfield surpassed my own imaginings of the perfect family rural retreat. Set amongst a lovingly tended country garden with views over a fish stocked pond to Mount Buller are three stone cottages. They were our extended family’s home for a few idyllic days this spring as we gathered to celebrate my mother’s 70th birthday.
Rather than the rugged landscape of Banjo Patterson’s “Man from Snowy River”
that I had anticipated, the surrounds we found ourself in were genteel and luxurious. Our host, Helen welcomed us warmly. Ushering us past grazing kangaroos into the largest of the cottages (Rose Cottage) we found port, chocolates and home baked carrot cake waiting for us.
A visit to Wombat Hills Cottages is about food and relaxing. It functions as a bed and breakfast, with breakfast hampers provided – options included bake your own croissants or eggs and avocado salsa. Helen also provided us with a barbecue hamper for our first evening. We were expecting a few snags to throw on the barbecue however the meal was gourmet with exquisite salads and accompaniments as well as desserts that would have held their own in a fine dining restaurant. For guests that wish to do their own cooking The Rose Cottage had a gloriously equipped kitchen, with everything needed for a weekend of celebratory feasting.
Onsite activities with all the necessary gear available at no extra charge included fishing, swimming (in the dam), tennis, cricket, totem tennis and bocce. Our mob had the run of house as well as fantastic spring weather so the recreational gear got a thorough work out. The cottages were also equipped with flat screen TVs and DVD players – there is an onsite DVD library. The only thing I wished I had brought for myself, as there weren’t any, were toys for the younger children.
The high country Wombat Hills Cottages
Mansfield is a three hour drive from Melbourne past some of Victoria’s best scenery. A lovely alpine town that is pumping in the ski season our own visit co-incided with the Mansfield High Country Festival that showcases the region’s art and food. The High Country Festival was particularly child friendly – my kids enjoyed a children’s art day. Own own weekend away very much focused on time on site with our family however I am hoping to get back to the High Country this summer to experience some of the hiking and swimming it has to offer.
This looks totally divine, I don’t know country Victoria at all well but will wander throughout one fine day. The name of this place would get me all by itself, it’s delightful. Noted for who knows when… but one day
Actually, this trip was a great reminder for me about how stunning the Victorian countryside is. I have had a few North Queensland withdrawals recently and it cheered me up!