Retreat Among the Trees

By BEVERLY LIGMAN

ESCAPE THE EVERYDAY WITHIN THE FAIRYTALE SETTINGS YOU’LL FIND AT THESE GORGEOUS LODGES, COTTAGES AND CABINS SURROUNDED BY NATURE.

Skating Goose Farm

Stunning off grid ‘escape pods’ situated in the Ferguson Valley, Skating Goose Farm is a luxury couples retreat you won’t want to leave. Close to gorgeous local wineries such as St Aidan and Hackersley Estate, you can while away the days exploring the valley, then snuggle up by night, breathing in the fresh country air and enjoying a sky full of stars.

Gerde View, Lowden

Visit skatinggoosefarm.com.au

Peppermint Lane Lodge

Soak up the peace and quiet at this fabulous bed and breakfast located in Wellington Mills in the scenic Ferguson Valley. Peppermint Lane Lodge is the perfect place to relax and let the beauty and tranquility of nature wash over you as you wind down. Hosts Kim and Simon know all of the best gourmet spots to enjoy food and wine locally and will be on hand to make sure your stay is a memorable one.

351 Wellington Mill Rd, Wellington Mill

Visit peppermintlanelodge.com.au

Evedon Lakeside Retreat

Wake up to the fresh country lifestyle as you take in the delights of Evedon Lakeside Retreat with the family. There’s plenty for the kids to explore, climb and conquer, while Mum and Dad reconnect with the family and each other, enjoying a coffee and cake on the balcony of the restaurant space overlooking the lake. Enjoy fishing, bush walking, kayaking, wildflowers and an art gallery, all on the doorstep of the Ferguson Valley. Fill your cup in the country as you enjoy this spectacular setting and escape to the lake for the weekend or a whole week.

205 Lennard Rd, Burekup

Visit evendon.com.au

Wellington Forest Cottages

Originally built to house the government foresters who worked in the area, these eight rustic self-contained cottages are wonderful places to rest, rejuvenate and reconnect with family and friends. Harking back to a more simple time, the pace of life slows right down here, allowing you to connect back to nature, away from technology and create your own magical memories together. Here, the kids can roam until dinner time, as they explore the forest and make their own fun.

333 Wellington Forest Rd, Wellington Mill

Visit wfccc.com.au

Glen Mervyn Lodge

A farmstay getaway surrounded by lush greenery on 50 acres, and just a short walk from Glen Mervyn Dam, Glen Mervyn Lodge is the perfect place to unwind and disconnect from the stresses of city life. Go hiking or kayaking and end your hike with a hearty lunch at the Mumby Pub down the road, or simply explore the farm to get to know it’s animals and the many serene picnic spots. Enjoy a stay in either the cottage or the farm house and feel yourself exhale as you watch the sun go down over the rolling hills.

Collie-Preston Rd, Mumballup

Visit glenmervynlodge.com.au

Riverside Cabin Park

Find your family holiday paradise on the banks of the Collie River at Eaton Foreshore’s Riverside Cabin Park. A great spot for those searching for a simple family getaway in a gorgeous location with all the amenities you could hope for, Riverside is perfectly placed to explore the BunGeo region, just 8km from Bunbury city. Comfortably fitted out cabins will give you all the rest and respite you need after a hard day hiking, kayaking and exploring, or you can camp or park up in a caravan or bus. And with swimming pools, barbecue areas and tennis courts, the fun doesn’t have to stop when you get back to camp. There’s plenty of breweries and taverns nearby to enjoy lunch or an evening meal and you can make the most of the park’s well equipped kitchens if you feel like staying close to home.

5 Pratt Rd, Eaton

Visit riversidecp.com.au

Balingup Heights

Nestled high in the hill tops overlooking the forest, it’s hard to find a more peaceful location than Balingup Heights. You can bring the family, book a couples retreat or come solo, but however you fancy your stay, you’ll find everything you need here to soothe your soul and be hugged by nature. All cottages are self-contained, with spacious balconies and one or two bedrooms.

65 Balingup-Nannup Rd, Balingup

Visit balingupheights.com.au

Jalbrook Estate

Set on a breathtaking property in the heart of the Blackwood River Valley, Jalbrook Estate was literally created to let you stop and smell the roses. Home to six deluxe rammed earth cottages, this private haven is surrounded by lush gardens which are the owner’s pride and joy and feature a mix of roses, wisteria, cherry blossoms and well established trees that bloom all year round. A wonderful place to take your special someone or to book a group stay, Jalbrook Estate is just minutes from Balingup.

127 Jayes Rd, Balingup

Visit jalbrook.com.au