We arrived at dusk to see a warm glow of lights from the Nature Lodge, the last bit of laughter could be heard from the Kookaburras echoing through the crisp air of the Otways, the promise of a great weekend ahead of us.
The cottage opened into a cosy, split level space with a main bedroom downstairs and a loft style bedroom upstairs with two beds. Thoughtful details greeted us everywhere! Farm fresh eggs from the chicken coop, garden picked lemons and herbs, and recommendations for slowing down, disconnecting, and immersing ourselves in the surroundings.
Lighting the indoor fire and settling in for the night with a bottle of wine and a card game was the perfect start to our stay at the Nature Lodge before sinking into bed with warm, heavy blankets and drifting off to sleep with the quiet rustle of the forest outside. The fully enclosed yard gave our dog Honey the freedom to explore to her heart's content, making it just as much of a getaway for her as it was for us.
The next morning brought a stunning view of the Otways, with a paddock of sheep slowly waking up in the morning sun. Making full use of the kitchen, pancakes and freshly brewed coffee were on the menu.
We spent a slow morning roaming the property, feeding the goats, visiting the chicken coop, and lazing in the hammock with a good book. Venturing into Apollo Bay for lunch, there was no better way to soak up the seaside atmosphere than with fresh fish and chips on the beach.
Returning home, we lit the outdoor fire pit, unwound with a cheese board and a glass of wine, and took in sweeping views across the farm and lush forest beyond. It felt like our own little slice of heaven in the Otways.
The next morning, sipping a final cup of tea before heading off to explore the surrounding waterfalls, we felt thankful for this sanctuary amongst the Otways. The Nature Lodge offered more than just a beautiful view. It gave us the space to disconnect, unwind and enjoy the simple pleasures: good coffee, fresh air and watching Honey happily roam free.
Riparide Stories are authentic experiences shared by real travellers (who are handy with a camera). It's like reading your best friend's travel journal - packed with photos, honest reviews and visual itineraries.
