We had the most beautiful and cosy winter escape at Shepherds Hill Cottage — a charming, thoughtfully restored miner’s cottage set on a working alpaca farm.

Tucked beside a paddock with sweeping country views and a friendly herd of alpacas (including the most adorable crias, or baby alpacas!), the cottage offered the perfect rural retreat.

Our days were blissfully slow: sipping wine in the garden, soaking in the oversized bathtub, cooking hearty meals in the well-equipped kitchen, and playing board games by the crackling fire. Mornings began with coffee and breakfast on the porch, watching the alpacas wander peacefully across the fields — a truly serene way to start the day.

The cottage itself is warm, welcoming, and full of character, with luxurious alpaca bedding adding an extra layer of comfort and indulgence.

While it feels wonderfully secluded, the property is also perfectly positioned to explore some of Victoria’s most charming regional towns. We visited the dramatic Trentham Falls, meandered through Spring Hill Nursery & Garden, and spent time soaking up the character and culture of Kyneton and Daylesford.

Our hosts, Liz and Keith, were incredibly warm and welcoming — it’s clear they’ve poured heart and soul into creating a thoughtful, memorable experience for their guests.

In every way, Shepherds Hill Cottage is the perfect escape: peaceful, nature-filled, and lovingly restored — with plenty to explore just a short drive away.