Story by Saskia
360 Degree Views to LIVE For
Adventure in Hazel Park, Gippsland, VIC, AU
Looking out across rolling hills towards the ocean, from the verandah of our incredible three-bedroom shipping container stay, I realised something as a young parent; that through travel, we have the capacity to become so much more connected.
In my adventures further abroad, I’d witnessed cultures of the Eastern world share parenthood so much more than our own, where little ones are traditionally raised in close-knit communities and parents share the load. Mothers live close by, supporting each other, sharing space and meals, conversations, their challenges and their celebrations. All while their children run wild in the outdoors, knowing a freedom much of our society could only ever dream of. Yet the truth is parents need not travel to faraway continents to experience this sense of family freedom and togetherness; in our case, we found it in Gippsland!
For three days, three mums, three bubs and my loyal fur-child lived in close quarters within this amazing glass-front villa, atop a lush green hill of a 50+ acre cattle farm. We woke to the most breathtaking sunrises and felt on top of the world, marvelling at drifting clouds in the valleys below us and the 360-degree views that stretched as far as the eye could see.
Our toddlers played freely in the autumn sun, while we naturally shared the tasks of caring for them, and in doing so found relaxation we’d never know alone at home. While one mumma napped, the others explored and as night came we could put our babies to bed, pour a glass of red and admire a billion-star sky above us, perhaps the best we’d ever seen. We took in the silence of this faraway hilltop, counting shooting stars as we breathed in the freshest sea air, before retreating inside to sit by the villa’s log fire.
On the comfy leather couches, we chatted about our day adventure to the Prom and how the waterfall at nearby Agnes River had totally blown us away. We connected deeply through stories of adventures and raising children, highlights and challenges alike – knowing full well this kind of trip together would certainly not be our last! After the isolation of parenting through a pandemic, our getaway to One Tree Hill help space for the perfect reminder that life is so much better when we do it together!...
In my adventures further abroad, I’d witnessed cultures of the Eastern world share parenthood so much more than our own, where little ones are traditionally raised in close-knit communities and parents share the load. Mothers live close by, supporting each other, sharing space and meals, conversations, their challenges and their celebrations. All while their children run wild in the outdoors, knowing a freedom much of our society could only ever dream of. Yet the truth is parents need not travel to faraway continents to experience this sense of family freedom and togetherness; in our case, we found it in Gippsland!
For three days, three mums, three bubs and my loyal fur-child lived in close quarters within this amazing glass-front villa, atop a lush green hill of a 50+ acre cattle farm. We woke to the most breathtaking sunrises and felt on top of the world, marvelling at drifting clouds in the valleys below us and the 360-degree views that stretched as far as the eye could see.
Our toddlers played freely in the autumn sun, while we naturally shared the tasks of caring for them, and in doing so found relaxation we’d never know alone at home. While one mumma napped, the others explored and as night came we could put our babies to bed, pour a glass of red and admire a billion-star sky above us, perhaps the best we’d ever seen. We took in the silence of this faraway hilltop, counting shooting stars as we breathed in the freshest sea air, before retreating inside to sit by the villa’s log fire.
On the comfy leather couches, we chatted about our day adventure to the Prom and how the waterfall at nearby Agnes River had totally blown us away. We connected deeply through stories of adventures and raising children, highlights and challenges alike – knowing full well this kind of trip together would certainly not be our last! After the isolation of parenting through a pandemic, our getaway to One Tree Hill help space for the perfect reminder that life is so much better when we do it together!...
Things We Did
- Beach
- Waterfall
- Farm
- Town
- Food & Drink
- Desert
- Starry sky
- Scenic Drive
- Sunset
- Lookout
Wilsons Prom, or simply 'The Prom', is undoubtedly one of Victoria's most pristine pockets of wilderness. The seemingly untouched sands of Whisky Bay, with its crystal-clear (albeit chilly) sea and interesting boulders had us feeling swept away to an island paradise. After a blissful beach day, we topped it off by a hike up Mount Oberon for sunset, where the views are sublime!...
The sheer enormity of these falls really took us by surprise! The 60-metre cascades are surrounded by tall gums and hidden away in the rolling green hills of the Strezlecki Ranges. A gentle uphill walk takes you to the viewing platform, or you can explore the peaceful reserve, throw down a picnic rug and relax to the sounds of the Agnes River and the abundance of bird life that surrounds it....
It's a local landmark and somewhat quirky attraction for the tiny town of Toora, but one that dog lovers (and chainsaw carvers) will totally appreciate. Stop by the roadside of this private property to admire the incredible old tree that's been carefully carved by the owners into incredibly lifelike replicas of their dogs....
Finding ourselves so close to one of Victoria's most prominent fishing villages, we decided that fresh fish for dinner was a must. Both the general store and the local fish-and-chip shop serve up fish brought straight in from the wharf. Make your order, then take a stroll along the iconic Port Welshpool jetty while it's being cooked for you....
Returning to the Wilsons Promontory for a second little adventure, we were blown away by this incredible spot that I'm sure many miss! Just beyond the entrance to the national park, you can take a walk through the bush to arrive at these expansive dunes. It feels like you've stepped into the Sahara Desert and the ever-changing winds means the only footsteps you'll likely see are your own....
The night sky out here is a whole 'notha world, particularly if you hail from the city where you've likely never seen the sky like this! With so little light pollution out here, you can admire the milky way and literally billions of stars from your own little spot on the verandah. On a clear night you won't be waiting long before shooting stars catch your eye....
I didn't believe the host when he told us about One Tree Hill’s 'double sunset', but sure enough, he was right! At sundown, the sky glows its usual, beautiful gold as the sun drops below the wind-farm hills. What's not so expected is it then brightens and, incredibly, repeats its colour show, bizarrely reflecting back across the huge hills as if the sun is setting all over again! You have to see it to believe it....
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Where we stayed
Things we did
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