At The Ridge House, the day ends with the valley below turning pink. This private, dog-friendly country retreat sits on 50 acres of bushland at Yarragon South in Gippsland, 90 minutes from Melbourne.
The fully renovated farmhouse is perched on a ridgeline with views to Mount Baw Baw. It sleeps two to eight guests in three queen bedrooms and fourth room of two singles or a queen on request. Couples have the house to themselves. Family and friends travelling together each get their own room. Fast Wi-Fi makes midweek work stays easy.
Host Kristy sets the fire ready to light and leaves breakfast provisions for the first morning from Gippsland makers, including honey from the hives on the neighbouring farm. The house is made for fireside evenings, board games and slow days in the bush.
Two private walking trails wind through tall ash and fern gullies. Stairs from the back deck lead down to Loggers Lookout, a timber platform for long views and stargazing.
Up to two dogs are welcome. There is no perimeter fencing, and dogs stay on a lead on the trails, which they share with wallabies, echidnas and lyrebirds.
Day trips across Gippsland are easy. The Noojee Trestle Bridge and Toorongo Falls are 45 minutes away, historic Walhalla 75 minutes and Wilsons Promontory under two hours.
