Story by Andrew
Cozy Dandenong Nights
Adventure in Emerald, Dandenong Ranges, VIC, AU
After a busy week in the hustle and bustle of Melbourne, it was nice to escape away to the tall trees and quiet nights of Alkira. We were welcomed by the resident raft of ducks that directed us to a short walk past lush gardens and a hobby vineyard where a pony nibbled on grass. The space has a handpicked touch that made us feel at home. We enjoyed our morning coffee with the kookaburras in the outdoor kitchen. The property itself was close enough to everything we needed - including delicious eats at Bam Bam Italian (GF/DF/V and Veg friendly!). Be sure to ask the locals what they recommend, as everyone has something different to suggest.
Taking time to walk the track around the property is a must. There’s a sweet hand-drawn map pointing out all of the various attractions. The Dandenong Ranges has loads to offer even if your trip gets rained out as ours did – there will always be a beautiful vista to watch a storm roll in or an interesting sanctuary walk between breaks in the storm. Alkira was the perfect spot to cozy up, turn on the heat and listen to the rainfall on the roof. Our short but sweet trip was the perfect reset we needed...
Taking time to walk the track around the property is a must. There’s a sweet hand-drawn map pointing out all of the various attractions. The Dandenong Ranges has loads to offer even if your trip gets rained out as ours did – there will always be a beautiful vista to watch a storm roll in or an interesting sanctuary walk between breaks in the storm. Alkira was the perfect spot to cozy up, turn on the heat and listen to the rainfall on the roof. Our short but sweet trip was the perfect reset we needed...
Things We Did
- Walk
- Food & Drink
- Wildlife
A short drive from the property takes you William Ricketts sculpture walk. It's Free, which is great if you're trying to ball on a budget. The sculptures and William himself (there's a video that plays in a cabin up the trail where you're introduced to the mastermind) are a trip and worth the exploration. There are 92 clay sculptures that represent the essence of the Aboriginal culture, lifestyle and spirituality. This is an activity for the young and old with paved walking tracks....
Enjoy dinner and a bottle of wine at the Sky High restaurant where the view can't be beaten. We made it inside just before a storm rolled over us, and thankfully the lightning show didn't disappoint. The city skyline waved to us from a distance reminding us that home wasn't but a short drive away....
Nothing beats being able to look and touch - no need to keep your legs and arms inside the vehicle at this lovely abode. The resident pony and alpacas are super friendly and want to get to know you, as long as you're not interfering with their scheduled grass eating.
Other things not looking to be touched but worth being seen are the array of beautiful birds that come to visit, the butterflies on the walking track and the cows out to lunch in the paddock....
Other things not looking to be touched but worth being seen are the array of beautiful birds that come to visit, the butterflies on the walking track and the cows out to lunch in the paddock....
Our Adventure Map
Where we stayed
Things we did
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