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Self-catering with a kangaroo view.
Yering Gorge Cottages: Where You Can Have Breakfast With Kangaroos.
28th May 2012
Wine country trips often top the list of top destinations and come with visions of driving around cellar doors and coming home with more bottles of wine that you can remember. Our trip to Australia's Yarra Valley, located about 90 minutes north of Melbourne didn't disappoint.
This might not be your typical wine country accommodation since it doesn't even come close to a bed & breakfast. Yering Gorge Cottages are just that. Cottages. But these new cottages come with large open kitchens, granite bathrooms, whirlpool tubs, at least wood burning stoves and a complete outdoor living area. This is luxury cottage living all boasting some of the best views of vineyards the region has to offer.
The entire property is situated at the end of a very long driveway that winds through horse farms, but the drive it worth it and will prove to be a retreat from the coach buses winery-hopping. As soon as you come onto the property, the forest becomes your friend and the sweet smell of eucalyptus hanging in the air fills your nose.
After check-in, you are escorted to your cabin by the owner where he will take you through all of the bells and whistles of your new, yet temporary, home. Pointing out the wood-burning stove, how to start the porch bar-be-Que and the best way to wind down after a long day of sampling wine; a complimentary bottle of local vino.
The best way to experience the cottage is create a menu for the evening and stop by some local market for the ingredients. The pantry is outfitted with the essential non-perishables, so we opted for some free-range chicken, kangaroo steaks and beautiful fresh produce from a farm-stand. One tip is to stop by theYarra Valley Dairy (Only a 10 minute drive), to build the ultimate cheese platter to finish your meal. Now, sit back and watch the sunset over rolling hills of grape vines.
Waking up is a beautiful thing at these cottages. The staff will have dropped off some fresh bread and a newspaper. All you need to do is brew the coffee, which is included. Start cooking some farm-fresh eggs and grilled tomatoes and enjoy 'brekky' on the porch. Make sure you keep an eye out for a pack of kangaroos sunning themselves just steps away from the homestead.
We have been lucky enough to stay at this property twice. The second time was two years after the first and the owner remembered us and treated us like old friends. He even told us about the albino kangaroothat has been hopping all over the property and gave us the opportunity to name him.
With trails for bush-walks, top-notch service, and close proximity to many vineyards, including the world famous Chandon, we didn't want to leave. It just makes it all the easier to plan another visit, lets just hope they took our recommendation and hooked up some WiFi.
via hotelchatter.
