Reviews (36)
Anthony
18 Mar 2026
We had a lovely stay at Schusters Lodge over the March long weekend. The access to the river was perfect for our young kids with plenty of swimming and fishing for trout keeping them busy. The camp fi...re at night was a highlight with marshmallows and spotting possums a heap of fun.
The lodge itself was excellent with a real rustic feel about it. The beds were super comfy and the open fireplace in the morning was ideal in bringing everyone together at breakfast time. The solar power provided more than enough power for lights at night and the hot water was excellent. The hosts supplied plenty of firewood for the inside fires and ensure the house was well equipped with essentials such as toilet paper, cooking gas and blankets.
Make sure you bring your mountain bikes as there is plenty of great tracks to explore and if you are lucky, get someone to drop you off at the top of the Howqua track and ride down for some great views. It's much easier!
We recommend Schusters Lodge for anyone who wants to get out into the great outdoors without compromising too much on comfort.
The lodge itself was excellent with a real rustic feel about it. The beds were super comfy and the open fireplace in the morning was ideal in bringing everyone together at breakfast time. The solar power provided more than enough power for lights at night and the hot water was excellent. The hosts supplied plenty of firewood for the inside fires and ensure the house was well equipped with essentials such as toilet paper, cooking gas and blankets.
Make sure you bring your mountain bikes as there is plenty of great tracks to explore and if you are lucky, get someone to drop you off at the top of the Howqua track and ride down for some great views. It's much easier!
We recommend Schusters Lodge for anyone who wants to get out into the great outdoors without compromising too much on comfort.
Rejuvenation
Excitement
Joy
Human connection
Paul
19 Feb 2026
Schusters Lodge was better than I expected. River out the back of the house. Cozy fire place. Beautiful earthy feel inside. It even had a pull up bar for some exercise
Challenge
Excitement
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Joy
Self-discovery
+6
Rejuvenation
Groundedness
Slowness
Peacefulness
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Unplugged
Jayden
7 Jan 2026
We had an awesome time at schusters lodge, it was great having the river right in our backyard for the hot days! The facilities were amazing considering that it is fairly deep in the bush and we had everything we needed! Would definitely love to come back again and would recommend to friends.
Joy
Slowness
Human connection
Unplugged
Host
Simon and Jeannine
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Victoria
1Listings
I grew up spending most of my holidays at my dads hut in the Howqua Valley. My husband Simon grew up in Zimbabwe and spent most of his holidays by the Gairezi River. So for us, Schusters Lodge is the most magical place, a piece of tranquility along the Howqua River buried deep in nature. We love the walks in the valley, hikes up nearby peaks, swimming in the river or simply enjoying the warmth of an open fire under the stars, enjoying time with family and friends.
Schusters Lodge is named after a fearless lady called Helen Schuster. She lived on her own in the valley, across the river from the legend Fred Fry who hand-built many of the mountain huts in the area, and indeed helped Helen build her original home, Howqua Hills, further down stream. Helen moved upstream to a sunnier spot in her older age, and built the original Schusters Lodge, a house on stilts with no right angles (apparently, she found the kite-shaped design in an American architectural magazine), and she lived there with her blue healer dogs and two gas fridges, Electrolux, that are still there today. Subsequent owners have built out the structure and it now accommodates up to 10 comfortably in an acre of grounds adjacent to the river.
Ask a QuestionAdventures on the Property
Fly Fish In The River
Take your fishing rods to the back of the property, and immerse yourself in the nature that surrounds you.
Outdoor Equipment Provided
Location
Listing location
Adventures nearby
Adventures Nearby
Bushwalking To Frys Hut
Walk the loop to Fry’s Hut from Schusters Lodge (3/5kms, 45 mins / 1.5 return). Easy walk that follows close to the river.
Howqua Mansfield And Surrounds
With historic stockman's huts, gold mines and mountain views all throughout the region there are a myriad of unique and truly Australian spots to explore.
Drive To Frys Hut
Take a trip to Fry's Hut. The 1930's log cabin is surrounded by rivers and natural beauty. It's the perfect place to have a picnic!
Bushwalking To Professors Huts
Walk from Schusters Lodge downstream past the houses and follow the river track until you reach Fry’s Hut on the other side of the river. Don’t cross. Keep walking and follow the river downstream. Cross the river where you can see the path continuing on the other side next to Howqua Hills. After 2 river crossings you’ll see (just before the next river crossing) some little huts built to the right of the path in the bush, so keep an eye out.
Hiking In Howqua
Plenty of places for hiking, walking, fishing, swimming and exploring: all with the dogs in tow!
Howqua River
Whilst the sun was at it’s peak we swam in the river right behind the house.
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$590per night