In the hustle and bustle of the 21st century, it's all too easy to lose
track of those things which are important and become disconnected, not only from one another, but from our environment and the natural beauty which surrounds us.
At times we need to pause a moment … to escape our busy lives and re-discover simple pleasures whilst the wonder of the Aussie bush and its unique native inhabitants work their magic.
Just ninety minutes from Melbourne, Kingbilli provides you with just such an environment - an ecologically harmonious and tranquil
world on the banks of the Little River in the beautiful Cathedral Valley.
Kangaroos may greet you as you turn between the stone wings which signal the entrance to the long curving driveway - each side of which is flanked by paddocks of contented llamas peacefully grazing - your mobile reception drops to nil ... and slowly the pressures of everyday urban life slip away.
First opened to the public in 1985,
Kingbilli's enchanting 'old- world' cottages ... built of bluestone, timber and slate ... are shaded and secluded.
Thick stone walls ensure they remain cool during summer, yet retain the warmth of an open fire on wintery nights.
Set in naturally beautiful surroundings, against a backdrop of towering trees and green rolling hills ... and graced occasionally by visits from Kingbilli's resident wildlife ... they emphasize the value of simple pleasures and so have become a favoured destination for courting couples, wilderness-loving families or busy business folk seeking to exchange their often too hectic schedules with the slower, gentler pace of Australian country life.
Each cottage has its own distinctive atmosphere and is completely self-contained ... with a separate living/dining room; bedroom(s); bathroom and a fully equipped kitchen ... enabling guests to remain self-sufficient and undisturbed during their stay.
All have cable
television; CD and cassette players; video recorders; BBQs ... and are supplied with mountain bikes, fishing
rods and tennis racquets.
Those seeking more challenging pursuits will such find activities are plentiful ... and should wining and dining be on the agenda ... there are many delightful coffee shops, restaurants, and country pubs closeby.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The uniquely designed two storied Honeymoon Cottage has soaring timber ceilings and sunny loft-style bedroom - with queen-size bed - opening onto a 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.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Or, 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.
Sometimes in the evenings, jacuzzi fans may find themselves
engaging in conversation with the incumbent cheeky Brushtail Possum, as she scampers between her residence in a nearby acacia and the roses in Ballards' garden.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The true hermit, seeking greater isolation, may prefer the Studio. Tucked into the elbow of the creek at the foot of the hills, this secluded cottage is shaded beneath a canopy of eucalypts and hidden by
a profusion of native shrubs.
A walkbridge over a gently flowing creek leads Studio guests to their own private island ... with rose-covered gazebo, fernpool, waterfall and heated jacuzzi spa.
The Studio also has the option of
a second bedroom (optional 3 single beds or 1 king-size), making it ideal for families with adventurous children or travellers wishing to holiday with friends.
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.
In fact, the Studio is favoured by all wilderness lovers, as when staying here, one never knows just who may come calling ...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Some may find it takes more than a few days for the slow, seamless pace of country life to impose itself upon their psyche.
Others might simply let the solitude and beauty of the
landscape overtake then sitting to meditate
on the rustlings of leaves in the cool evening breeze ... or the filament-like reflections of trees and rushes on the still surface of a dam.
In these moments, the memory of constant motion in the outside world disappears
|
| Points of interest: |
|
| Route Description: |
109km from Melbourne via Maroondah Hwy (Route 34)
Through Lilydale
Through Healesville
Through Buxton
Continue 9km after Buxton
Turn right into Cathedral Lane
Travel 3km along Lane
First gates on left after bridge over the "Little River"
Heavy timber gates between stone wings
Follow driveway 1km past guest cottages to Homestead
Intercom mounted left of Homestead gates
|
| General Policy: |
|
| Cancellation Policy: |
|
|
 |
Country Side |
|
Near A Lake |
|
Bar |
|
Room Service |
|
Internet Access |
|
Parking |
|
Pets Welcome |
|
Non-smoking Rooms Available |
|
Alarm Clock |
|
Fax (at reception) |
|
Wi-Fi |
|
Bath/Toilet On Room |
|
Minibar |
|
Air-Conditioning |
|
Hair Dryer |
|
Shower/Toilet On Room |
|
Telephone |
|
Room Safe |
|
TV |
|
TV With Cable Or Satellite |
|
Tea/Coffee making facility |
|
Wi-Fi |
|
Dataport |
|
Swimming Pool |
|
Water Sports |
|
Fitness Room |
|
American Express |
|
Visa |
|
MasterCard |
|
Diners |
|
Japan Credit Bureau |
|
Euro Card/Mastro |
|
