Off Grid Escape

As the end of 2018 was drawing nearer and nearer, my girlfriend and I found ourselves desperate for a getaway with friends to help us all recharge the batteries and get through the tail end of the year. The Callignee II Luxury Eco Bush Retreat was exactly what we needed, so we booked it the moment we laid eyes on the listing on Riparide. To say we were blown away by the accommodation when we arrived is a complete understatement. This is one of the most beautifully designed homes we had ever seen and it somehow manages to maintain a rustic and industrial edge, yet it’s so homely and welcoming. Our weekend was simply unforgettable and we spent it cooking up feasts, drinking red wine in front of the fireplace and exploring the local national parks, which were nothing short of breathtaking.

This has to be the most stunning home in all of Victoria. We spent the weekend completely immersed in Mother Nature, falling asleep under the stars to the acoustics of the local fauna. The interior of the home was like nothing we had ever seen. Rustic, yet refined, spacious, light filled and inviting. We simply didn’t want to leave and I couldn’t stop taking photos the entire time. Safe to say this home is an Instagrammer’s dream and changes the perception of off-grid living.
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Things We Did

  • Lookout
  • Hike
  • Waterfall
  • Scenic Drive
  • Food & Drink
First thing on Saturday we decided to head off to Tarra Bulga National Park to check out the Corrigan Suspension bridge and go for a hike. The bridge is only a short walk away (3mins) from the Bulga Picnic Area carpark. It is set amongst some thick rainforest and over Mack’s Creek. Thankfully, we were the only ones there (be sure to go early in the morning to have the place to yourself). The views were absolutely beautiful and it was a welcome moment of complete peace and quiet....
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    If you continue on along the Corrigan Suspension Bridge, there is a well marked hiking trail that meanders through the lush rainforest and takes you back to the carpark in a giant scenic loop of sorts. The walk took us about 40 minutes and was the perfect way to start the day. We didn’t see any other walkers on the track, which made it even more special, as we were able to soak in the sheer serenity of our surroundings. Highly recommend this walk!...
    Again, another short 30 min drive from the accommodation and set within the Tarra Bulga National Park. Parking is within the Tarra Valley Picnic Area, just off Tarra Valley Rd. The hike to the falls is about 10 minutes and well worth it. The hike along the way is simply gorgeous too, so go check it out regardless!...
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      We were told by a local that the drive to Tarra Bulga National Park was a sight in itself…and they were not lying. The drive is about 30 minutes from Callignee and was probably one of the highlights. Be sure to go via Traralgon Balook Rd, as the landscapes are simply incredible. Pine trees line the way and are complemented by rolling valleys and mountains as far as the eye can see. We stopped almost every 5 minutes to take some photos and soak in the fresh air and views....
      If you truly want to kick back and avoid having to make breakfast yourself, be sure to head out to Three Little Birds Café in Traralgon. Healthy breakfast options with amazing coffee all within a rustic and light filled restaurant that was absolutely pumping when we were there. Great atmosphere and great food. The café is only about 20 minutes from the accomodation, so you won’t have to wait too long before you break the fast!...

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