Reviews (62)
Virginia
6 Jul 2026
Lovely and relaxing break for our family of 6. Fantastic fireplace, great kitchen, we enjoyed a lovely relaxing weekend of home cooking, bushwalking and relaxing by the fire. Highly recommend!
Slowness
Peacefulness
Human connection
Unplugged
Patrick
16 Jun 2026
We absolutely loved our stay here. The property is stunning and very comfortable, and well equipped with all the essentials. The surrounding fields are so pretty and private, and we really felt that we had broken away from the city.
Couldn't ask for more for a trip into the country.
jimmy
30 Mar 2026
After moving to Victoria from Nth Qld we thought is was a great idea to get out and explore outside of Melbourne.
Woodside Country retreat ticked a couple of boxes that peaked our interest.
One being ...that it was well and truely in the bush or country side, and two it was in proximity to low key adventure and sights.
Liz and John the managers were extremely hospitable by allowing us the use of the shack, Liz in particular was very gracious in supplying information and corresponding both at booking and during our visit.
As for the weekend we had a 50:50 in horrendous weather and also postcard perfect days. The horrendous days consisted of fog, mist and rain, but, with the country hospitality of Liz the slow combustion fire place was lite for our arrival making it feel so cozy. The fire bug in me had that fire stoked and prodded to keep the family warm to maintain the country feel. The shack was more than comfortable enough for 5 adults even with the gloomy weather. For those that love the adventure of a little wild life and walk you will enjoy the perimeter walk following the perimeter fence, we loved it and our spoilt labradoodle (because real men have fluffy dogs) loved the smells and exploration too.
As for external activities to Woodside Country Retreat we visited Noojee pub for a steak on the back balcony overlooking the river, a trip to Mt BawBaw but unfortunately we couldn't enter due to having our pooch with us at the time. We honestly could have visited many more fantastic locations around Vesper and Noojee but found ourselves being sufficiently comfortable and at home staying at the shack.
We intend to revisit in the dead of winter and take advantage of that lovely fire and mountain air.
Liz and John provide a great and safe environment even for those that are slightly tentative of leaving the lights of the city.
Woodside Country retreat ticked a couple of boxes that peaked our interest.
One being ...that it was well and truely in the bush or country side, and two it was in proximity to low key adventure and sights.
Liz and John the managers were extremely hospitable by allowing us the use of the shack, Liz in particular was very gracious in supplying information and corresponding both at booking and during our visit.
As for the weekend we had a 50:50 in horrendous weather and also postcard perfect days. The horrendous days consisted of fog, mist and rain, but, with the country hospitality of Liz the slow combustion fire place was lite for our arrival making it feel so cozy. The fire bug in me had that fire stoked and prodded to keep the family warm to maintain the country feel. The shack was more than comfortable enough for 5 adults even with the gloomy weather. For those that love the adventure of a little wild life and walk you will enjoy the perimeter walk following the perimeter fence, we loved it and our spoilt labradoodle (because real men have fluffy dogs) loved the smells and exploration too.
As for external activities to Woodside Country Retreat we visited Noojee pub for a steak on the back balcony overlooking the river, a trip to Mt BawBaw but unfortunately we couldn't enter due to having our pooch with us at the time. We honestly could have visited many more fantastic locations around Vesper and Noojee but found ourselves being sufficiently comfortable and at home staying at the shack.
We intend to revisit in the dead of winter and take advantage of that lovely fire and mountain air.
Liz and John provide a great and safe environment even for those that are slightly tentative of leaving the lights of the city.
Freedom
Slowness
Peacefulness
Human connection
Unplugged
Host
Liz
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Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
2Listings
My family have always had a passion for outdoor adventures with a strong leaning to the combination of coastal and natural bush and parks .Discovering Congo was a dream come true .A truly beautiful spot with easy access stunning beaches, native forest and animals ,and a bustling regional town 10 minutes drive. We are excited to share it and all the area has to offer with others whom we are confident will find enjoy the comfortable home and the area as enchanting as we.
Ask a QuestionAdventures on the Property
120 Acres Of Privacy
The house is set on 120 acres of mainly Gippsland native forest.30 acres are cleared and have resident cattle grazing.There are walking tracks around the perimeter of the property each with stunning views of surrounding country.
Woodside Walkabout
This property just has so much nature to take in. Wander the huge acreage, say hi to the resident cows or watch the mist rise off the fern glades beyond the paddock. Feel a million miles from civilization as you wander the tracks through the forest.
Location
Listing location
Adventures nearby
Adventures Nearby
Torongo Falls
These stunning waterfalls are such bang-for-buck for the easy gradual uphill walk to get to them. The winter rains meant water aplenty through the cascades and we loved taking notice of the little things amidst the rocks, ferns and sky-scraping trees.
Out For A Drive
Woodside is set in the foothills of Baw Baw National Park. It's safe to say you can't drive anywhere in the area without spotting a view worth savouring.
Noojee Toolshed
With a well-stoked wood fire, beers on tap, 8 different parmas and options for the vegans this quirky country pub made for a good stop after our day out exploring. We enjoyed the unique shed-like atmosphere full of vintage memorabilia and photos from days gone by.
Noojee Hotel
Hungry after the walk, we agreed on a late lunch at the very busy local pub in the town of Noojee.
Noojee Trestle Bridge
Set in a beautiful tall forest, the majestic Noojee Trestle Bridge is the tallest surviving wooden trestle bridge in Victoria. With the ability to walk under and on the bridge in the lush forest with a beautiful creek underneath, this was the perfect way to start our adventure off the grid.
Alpine Trout Farm
After seeing so many fishermen around the area, we decided to quench the thirst and headed to the Alpine Trout Farm. Being a farm we thought it would be a piece of cake but it wasn’t for some (the boys). We eventually walked away with enough for dinner!
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$400per night