Nestled in amongst the bushes, you’ll find Sawmill Mountain Retreat - an architecturally designed cottage retreat at the base of Mt Buller. If you are passionate about sustainable architecture and tourism, or you're someone who craves to be near waterfalls and rugged mountains, then you have stumbled upon the right place. During our trip, we visited the quaint town of Yea, the small village of Bonnie Doon, Mt Buller's Summit, Mirimbah's tranquil Delatite River, hiked the Plain Creek Track and visited the homely Merrijig Motor Inn.

We first began our travels by departing from Melbourne, and stopping off at the small, quaint town of Yea, approximately 100km from Melbourne’s city centre. After a few hours drive, we were definitely keen for a pick-me-up, and so we grabbed a couple of delicious pies from The Provender Country Bakehouse for fuel. They certainly didn’t disappoint. If you have time, check out St Lukes Op Shop, where you will find old-world ceramics, second-hand clothes and charming books just a few doors up from Provender Bakehouse. Now, time to get back in the car. Roughly 45 minutes away from Yea, you will drive through the small village of Bonnie Doon and pass Brankeet Inlet (the Australian comedy film The Castle was filmed here in 1997!). Be sure to check this out, or even to go for a jet ski or fish (and if you are lucky enough to own a jet ski).

Finally! After 40 more minutes of driving, we arrived at the Sawmill Mountain Retreat in Sawmill Settlement. The property is a wood lover's dream - you’ll notice recycled timber floors, recycled decking and of course, a fantastic fireplace with plenty of wood under the deck (you’ll see!) We took the first day to relax and settle into the tranquil retreat and have a few cold beverages and sausages before we geared up for the days ahead.