Story by Alex & Sam
Cosy Cottage in the Hills
Adventure in Dixons Creek, Yarra Valley, VIC, AU
Escaping the city has never felt so good. We drove slowly through the farm and arrived at the cottage. We were in awe of the hills, and how many animals there were. It had been raining, so the air was damp and the grass was fresh.
Tinne greeted us and made us feel at home straight away. There was wine waiting for us, farm-fresh produce for breakfast, and the fire burning, which felt like a giant hug walking into the cottage.
Wherever we looked, there were peaceful views from every window, and all we could hear were kookaburras in the distance.
We went for a quick walk before the weather turned; fairy floss skies and rain falling on the lake. We sat on the pier under the umbrella breathing in the calm and enjoying the serenity of the land.
The coziness of the cottage made it hard to want to leave, but after waking up to the view of the sun shining on the lake, we were excited to explore the rest of the farm in all its morning glory... and say hi to the furry friends along the way.
We were lucky enough to spot Tinne and Pieter on the tractor feeding the cows while we were cooking breakfast. Being up close and personal on a working farm and getting to be so close to the action, while still being able to enjoy the calm of the surroundings.. we have never experienced something quite like it.
We spent the afternoon making stops in the local area. We stumbled across The Singing Gardens in Toolangi and went for a beautiful walk around the historic grounds. It was pouring, but it made it even more special - the orange leaves were glistening in the rain. We escaped the weather and stopped to have the best scones we've ever had at the tearooms, before heading to the rainforest for a walk.
It was time to head home and enjoy another night curled up by the fire, listening to the rain on the roof. Time seems slower in this beautiful slice of the world, and the cottage is the ultimate way to experience such an amazing place....
Tinne greeted us and made us feel at home straight away. There was wine waiting for us, farm-fresh produce for breakfast, and the fire burning, which felt like a giant hug walking into the cottage.
Wherever we looked, there were peaceful views from every window, and all we could hear were kookaburras in the distance.
We went for a quick walk before the weather turned; fairy floss skies and rain falling on the lake. We sat on the pier under the umbrella breathing in the calm and enjoying the serenity of the land.
The coziness of the cottage made it hard to want to leave, but after waking up to the view of the sun shining on the lake, we were excited to explore the rest of the farm in all its morning glory... and say hi to the furry friends along the way.
We were lucky enough to spot Tinne and Pieter on the tractor feeding the cows while we were cooking breakfast. Being up close and personal on a working farm and getting to be so close to the action, while still being able to enjoy the calm of the surroundings.. we have never experienced something quite like it.
We spent the afternoon making stops in the local area. We stumbled across The Singing Gardens in Toolangi and went for a beautiful walk around the historic grounds. It was pouring, but it made it even more special - the orange leaves were glistening in the rain. We escaped the weather and stopped to have the best scones we've ever had at the tearooms, before heading to the rainforest for a walk.
It was time to head home and enjoy another night curled up by the fire, listening to the rain on the roof. Time seems slower in this beautiful slice of the world, and the cottage is the ultimate way to experience such an amazing place....
Things We Did
- Farm
- Forest
- Experience
- Food & Drink
We made ourselves a cup of tea, rugged up and went to explore the farm. The animals seemed like they'd been up for hours, just casually munching on grass, unbothered by the fact that we were there. We made our way around the property, visiting the sheep, cows, ducks and birds. There was so much to see, but at the same time it was so peaceful. It seemed like we were in a world of our own....
We stumbled across a cute sign that was intriguing. We drove down into what felt like a fairy garden. The Singing Gardens have been a part of local history since 1915. They are beautifully maintained by Jan and her family, and still pay homage to the original garden design - a true oasis.
We explored the gardens in the rain before scurrying into the tearooms to have a chat to Jan, who runs and owns the property.
Jan made us the best Devonshire tea we've ever had, and we spent a while enjoying afternoon tea and chatting to her about the local area by the toasty fire....
We explored the gardens in the rain before scurrying into the tearooms to have a chat to Jan, who runs and owns the property.
Jan made us the best Devonshire tea we've ever had, and we spent a while enjoying afternoon tea and chatting to her about the local area by the toasty fire....
We stopped in to try some local wines - just a 5 minute drive from the cottage. We didn't know what we were in for!
This place is perfect for everyone who loves great wine with a relaxed atmosphere.
Tash took us through a tasting of their entire wine list. We enjoyed hearing about the team behind Yarrawood and the process of winemaking. She also was giving us great insight into the sweet life of country living.
Good chats, friendly staff, awesome wine - what more could you want....
This place is perfect for everyone who loves great wine with a relaxed atmosphere.
Tash took us through a tasting of their entire wine list. We enjoyed hearing about the team behind Yarrawood and the process of winemaking. She also was giving us great insight into the sweet life of country living.
Good chats, friendly staff, awesome wine - what more could you want....
Our Adventure Map
Where we stayed
Things we did
We've plotted our adventure on the map below. Select the map icons to discover more details.
Share The Love
Add this story to your bucket list or gift it to someone you think deserves it!
Book Our Adventure
Book through this story to receive our itinerary and extra tips to help you live your adventure to the fullest.
What are Riparide Stories?
Riparide Stories are authentic experiences shared by real travelers (who are handy with a camera). It's like reading your best friend's travel journal - packed with photos, honest reviews and visual itineraries.