A haven 'For Rest'

Enormous mountain ash trees stood like nature's sky-scrapers, greeting us on arrival to our forest escape in the Dandenongs - an experience lovingly created 'For Rest'. As two mum mates very much in need of this, and our adventurous little kiddos at our sides, we ventured up the incredible tree-fern-lined driveway to find our humble little stay perched on the side of the hill.

Our little ones ran ahead in excitement as we wandered through an ancient forest garden to enter this historic little hideaway. Discovering a blend of old and new, we soon settled into the original Logger's Cabin - a rustic little stay built from the very trees of the forest it serviced... a whole 120 years ago! Holding onto its yesteryear charm and remaining completely off-grid, we were pleasantly surprised by the cabin's modern comforts and thoughtful upgrades.

Surrounded by greenery and nature abounding, our little people were in awe! Nature's playground surrounded us, with an abundance of forest tracks to explore and the mountain's national park, literally next door. Born out of a need to connect city dwellers with a nurturing and restful "third space" this quirky little abode truly is immersed in nature - yet boasts high-speed Starlink internet and an ergonomic office setup to make your work-from-forest dreams a reality!

Making ourselves at home we swung in the forest hammock and filled the outdoor bath for the evening. Rays of sunlight pierced through a rising fog and we felt a million miles away despite being so close to town. The old fireplace was begging to be lit and the fur-baby soon found herself comfortable in front of it. A camp-style kitchen had all the extra fittings to pull together a nourishing meal for us all that we could enjoy on the timber table outside. Here we could hear the lyrebirds sing and watch bird life of countless varieties visit us throughout the day, with the soft hoot of majestic owls joining us into the night.

A place of freedom and rejuvenation, this stay pulled us right back into the present moment, encouraging us to embrace the peacefulness that we'd somehow become a part of. We found ourselves breathing in that pure mountain air, and breathing out all that's not needed here...
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Things We Did

  • Forest
  • Experience
  • Cafe
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    With towering mountain ash and century old tree ferns this property will have you feeling totally immersed in nature. Listen out for the resident lyrebirds and majestic black cockatoos....
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      A space for the little people and the young at heart this incredible little gift shop is for the whimsical child in everyone! With a discerning choice of natural products that nurture one's creativity and ignite the imagination. Epoche is all about fair trade, hand made and lovingly crafted....
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        Arboretum is a Latin word meaning a place for trees. Here you will find over 150 species of native and exotic trees in plantations across a huge space with mountain views and those classic Dandenong Ranges fog vibes!...
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          In the cutest little village of Kallista this cute cafe serves up delicious cafe and a whole host of wonderful meals for breakfast and lunch. With both indoors and outdoors you're sorted for all seasons....

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