Storybook Getaway

The Writer's Cottage felt like instantly stepping into a children's storybook: after driving down the hill passing picturesque views of sheep, horses and cattle grazing rolling sunlit hills, your arrival is greeted by a staunch pair of geese (who have called the farm home for the past 20 years), a family of dogs (Border collie mum, Kelpie dad and two pups), chickens clucking, lambs bleating in the distance, and of course, the loveliest of hosts, Bob, who made us feel right at home. Set against the backdrop of the cottage's lake that evokes a peaceful stillness to the endearing animal chaos. If you need a summary of what I'm talking about, watch the opening to BBC's Peter Rabbit and Friends TV show opening from the 90s (available on YouTube).

The loveable characters of the farm work in symbiotic harmony to keep things running, make the farm a uniquely delightful stay and help you leave your city-worries behind.

The cottage itself is cosy as it is inspiring. We found ourselves journaling our hearts out by the electric fireplace, cooking meals with local farm produce to Ella Fitzgerald, and gazing up at the twinkling Milky Way as we sat by the fire, reminded of how small we are in the scheme of our solar system. Every room overlooks different parts of the expansive property, whether its the lamb paddock, the lake and park bench out the front, or the cherry blossoms (which made for some sweet interior decorations).

Venturing beyond the property and out into South-East Gippsland Country, we visited the famous Ninety Mile Beach — a 90-mile long stretch of pristine golden-white sand that separates the Gippsland Lakes from Bass Strait and a surfer's dream. From here, we stopped at Cafe Aga, a quaint and friendly local spot known for its Melbourne-standard coffee, before exploring the nooks and crannies of Mineha'ha Falls.

An absolutely delightful stay and I already mentioned to Bob that we can't wait to come back.