The Cottage at Omaroo High Country Retreat

COTTAGE DETAILS
The quintessentially Australian corrugated-iron cottage is luxuriously appointed and features two spacious bedrooms fitted with luxe Sheridan Linen.

The large family lounge/dining area also contains a day bed that converts into two King Single beds - so there's ample space to sleep six in total.

The full-sized kitchen is generously appointed and equipped with everything you will need to cook a sumptuous meal - and there's a BBQ so you can also dine outside on the large verandah.

During your stay enjoy the comforts of the generous amenities provided. From coffee and tea, basic cooking essentials, to luxe bathroom amenities, Omaroo Cottage will satisfy your yearning for indulgence. Add the convenience of free Wi-Fi, ample car parking, acres of farmland to explore, hills to climb and even space to park the boat, Omaroo High Country Retreat is the perfect location for your next high country adventure all year round.

The Cottage is exclusively for guests who are also able to access the external laundry and in-ground pool at the adjacent Farm House.

You are free to roam all the outdoor areas of the property. There is an abundance of farm and native animals to discover - see if you can see the turtles in the dam or pat Sam the neighbour's deer if he happens to be visiting.

Walk up the hill at the rear of the property to enjoy a 360-degree view of the surrounding region - a magnificent spot to enjoy the majestic sunrise. Make sure you take the time to view the night sky and see what constellations you can find.

Keren and Jon are your consummate hosts. Splitting their time between midweek work in Melbourne and weekend adventures in the High Country, they have a passion for hosting and entertaining guests.

Keren has enjoyed a long career in 5-Star Hotels and Tourism, whilst Jon has been managing hallmark events around the world for over 35 years. Both understand hospitality and have an expert awareness of how to make holiday experiences special – you are in safe hands.

Keren has a passion for luxury indulgence, so if you are planning a gourmet/luxury escape Keren will happily share her knowledge of the best local restaurants, cafes, wineries and producers to set your taste buds alive.

Having grown up in the bush, Jon loves the rural environment and is completely at home in the High Country. If outdoor activities are your passion Jon will gladly share his local knowledge and help guide you to the best spots to fulfil your yearning for adventure.

If Jon & Keren happen to be home when you visit they’ll gladly help shuttle you to and/or from the local train and bus transport hubs, or even take you on your own private guided tour of the local region. If they are not at home be rest assured there are several friendly neighbors who are readily on hand should you require any immediate assistance?

For those that prefer the unique peace and serenity of the High-Country alone, Keren and Jon will fully respect your privacy and you’ll be left to relax, unwind and enjoy the area in blissful seclusion.

Bonnie Doon, Mansfield and the surrounding High Country provide a host of experiences, outdoor adventures and amazing indulgences throughout the seasons.

The High Country area is home to Victoria's traditional mountain cattlemen and is a favourite destination for horse riding, bushwalking and cycling action from mountain bike challenges to meandering rail trails.

Try your hand at one of the many adventure sports such as snow and water sport, rock climbing or white water rafting. Perhaps you fancy something more sedate, taste regional wines at family-run cellar doors, or visit a local brewery where you can pick up a good drop to take to the slopes or pack into the boat esky for a day on the lake.

Local areas to explore include:-
Bonnie Doon, Lake Eildon and Lake Nillahcootie, Mt Buller and Mt Sterling, Alexandra, Eildon, Strathbogie Ranges, Mansfield and the Delatite River Valley, Sheepyard Flat and the Howqua River Valley, Jamieson, Kevington and Woods Point.

Some of the favourite local attractions include:-
Craigs Hut featured in the film The Man from Snowy River, Mansfield Zoo, Delatite Winery, Peppin Ridge Estate, Jamieson Brewery, Social Bandit Brewing Company, Kevington Historic Hotel, Howqua Hills Historic Area, Mansfield Regional Produce Store, Mansfield Coffee Merchant, Howes Creek Farm, The Scarred Tree at the Mansfield Visitors Centre, sacred to the Taungurung people

Annual Events:-
Mansfield Farmers Market fourth Saturday each month
Mt Buller Beer Festival & High Country Cycle Challenge March
Picnic on the Park, Mirrimbah Park & Merrijig Rodeo over the March Labour Day Weekend
A Day on High organised by Mansfield Winemakers held on the Sunday of Anzac Day weekend in late April
Opening of the Mt Buller Ski Season in June
High Country Festival & Spring Arts in late October
Mansfield Picnic Races in November

Providing the perfect location for exploring Victoria’s High Country, Omaroo will delight skiers & Snowboarders in Winter, Water Sports & Outdoor Adventure enthusiasts in Summer, and serve up year-round indulgences for those simply wanting a relaxing country getaway within easy reach of Melbourne.

Nestled on the edge of the Strathbogie Ranges near Lake Eildon, Omaroo is a handy 2 hours drive from Melbourne, 3 kilometres from the township of Bonnie Doon, a short 15-minute drive from Mansfield and within 45 minutes of Mt Buller.

Depending on your place of departure and whether you are keen to do some exploring on the way up from Melbourne, there are four potential routes to take. Three roads lead to Yea - via the Hume Highway through Broadford and Strath Creek, from Whittlesea through Kinglake and Flowerdale, or from Lilydale through Yarra Glen – all roads then head from Yea to Molesworth, through Yarck, Merton and onto Bonnie Doon. The fourth route, and arguably the most scenic, is via the Maroondah Highway from Healesville over the Black Spur to Alexandra then across to Yarck and onto Bonnie Boon. No matter which route you choose there’s plenty to discover and experience on your journey to the High Country.

There is also a direct bus service from Southern Cross Coach Terminal/Spencer St to Bonnie Doon/Mansfield/Mt Buller. Services depart twice daily and operate every day. The journey takes approximately 3 hours from Southern Cross Station to Bonnie Doon. From Bonnie Doon, there is a local Crown Cabs taxi service to escort you to Omaroo.

V-Line trains do run to Euroa, Seymour and Benalla several times per day however there are no linking public transport services from any station to Bonnie Doon or Mansfield so the only option is a 1-hour taxi from either station to Omaroo.

For the adventure lovers, The Great Victorian Rail Trail runs within 300 meters of Omaroo. The trail starts in Tallarook (near Seymour) and runs through Yea, past Omaroo onto Bonnie Doon before finishing in Mansfield.

Once you have arrived in the High Country your easiest way to explore the region is by car, bike or through one of the many local tourism operators.

The Bonnie Doon area is a horse riding mecca, we have plenty of paddock space and room to park your horse float. So why not message us about bringing your horse.

Thinking of visiting the area to go boating, we are just minutes from the Lake and have ample space to park your boat.

The Victorian High Country does experience weather extremes - cold in winter and hot and dry in Summer. Be rest assured Omaroo is well equipped with reverse cycle heating and cooling to keep you comfortable all year round.

- Entertaining a small number of additional guests while staying at Omaroo can be
permitted by prior arrangement with the hosts, however, they must not stay overnight.

- We request that you respect the neighbours and the rural environment by keeping noise to a reasonable level and maintaining a respectable curfew of midnight. Party are not allowed.

- Pets are welcome, however, be aware this is a rural property and the fencing is not pet-proof. Preference is for pets to be kept outside - additional cleaning fees may apply if pets are brought inside.

- Motorbikes and ATV’s can be brought with you but cannot be ridden/driven on the
property.

- Boats and Horse Floats can be brought onto the property. Boats/horse floats must be parked where they will not obstruct other vehicles. If you need to wash/rinse your boat/horse float/vehicle only the dam water to be used

- Smoking outside the Cottage. Dispose your butts properly otherwise additional
cleanings fees will apply

- Water on the property is rainwater, collected from the roof and stored in tanks.
Please be careful how much water you use

- The Cottage has a septic sewage system so you must only use environmentally
toiletries and cleaning products

- All rubbish must be left in the bins located outside the shed. Don't leave rubbish outside as the local wildlife will feast on your leftovers. Additional cleaning fees may apply for rubbish to left in the bins.

- Check-in: 3.00 pm or earlier by prior arrangement
Check-out: 10.00 am or later by prior arrangement

- your welcome to venture around the property all farm gates must be kept closed at all times and children under adult supervision

- Free Wi-Fi is provided however please do any downloading before you arrive. Our WI-Fi is subject to Satellite NBN limitations and is suitable for emails, social media and some streaming. Additional charges may apply to excessive data usage

- Check-Out Responsibilities
We ask that you take care of our property and leave the Cottage in a respectful manner. Prior to check-out you’ll need to:
* Place all rubbish in bags into the council bins located outside the shed – please
separate recyclables properly.
* Wash and put away all dishes and cooking utensils.
* Remove all food from cupboards and fridge.
* Leave all dirty towels etc. in the bathroom.
* Clean the BBQ.
* Leave the furniture in the place you found it.
* Leave the keys in the Keysafe and lock it.
* An excess cleaning fee of $100 will be deducted from the security deposit for failure
to do any of the above Check-Out responsibilities.

- A key replacement fee of $50 per key applies for lost or non-returned keys.

Keren and Jon are your consummate hosts. Splitting their time between midweek work in Melbourne and weekend adventures in the High Country, they have a passion for hosting and entertaining guests.