Mountain Retreats

Candelight Cottages, Olinda

These two private cottages – nestled in the lush Dandenong Ranges – let you breathe in pure mountain air and gaze at the stars from a luxury spa bath. The romantic hideaways offer storybook magic, with their cosy open fires, leadlight windows, and the sound of birdsong and babbling brooks. In the ferny enclave of The Dandenongs, you’ll find many of these such bed and breakfasts, but few of them spoil like this one – with its charming verandah and cane chairs, private waterfall and a selection of prestigious De Bortoli wines.

Contact details

• Address: 7-9 Monash Avenue, Olinda 3788, VIC Australia
• Phone: 1300 553 011 - 03 9751 2464
• Website: http://www.candlelightcottages.com.au
• Email: stay@candlelightcottages.com.au

Stirling Country House, Mt Beauty

Just three and a half hours’ drive from Melbourne is the stately Stirling Country House, perched high above the alpine townships of Mt Beauty and Tawongs. The property is adorned by cherry tree and olive groves, with poppies and daffodils during spring –like a stunning Monet painting to greet you in the morning. For those who like a first-class dining experience, Stirling serves up traditional Scottish Silver Service in your own private dining room. One of its spa chalets opens its glass fronted French doors to Russian moss white birches, with stunning views of Mt Bogong, Victoria’s highest mountain.