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Peaceful 40-acre Gembrook Farmstay & Sanctuary - Help feed rescue animals!

Photo gallery for Peaceful 40-acre Gembrook Farmstay & Sanctuary - Help feed rescue animals!

Property grounds
Exterior
Outdoor dining
All animals are rescued and loved
Feeding and patting the animals

Reviews

10 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% of guest reviews in this area
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

View map
Gembrook, VIC
  • Place, Beenak G180 Bushland Reserve
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Place, Gilwell Park Bushland Reserve
    ‪15 min drive‬
  • Place, Swallowfield Winery
    ‪16 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Living Room 1

1 Double Sofa Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shampoo

Bathroom 2

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shampoo

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Peaceful 40-acre Gembrook Farmstay & Sanctuary - Help feed rescue animals!

Only 1 3/4 hours drive from Melbourne CBD, your fully self-contained private 2-Bedroom cottage nestled between bush and green fields awaits you. You are free to explore our 40 acres, meet our friendly sheep alpacas, pigs, chooks and cows. Children love helping feed them and collect fresh eggs.

You can leave your busy city life behind you. Spend the days bush walking, riding Puffing Billy, grape grazing at local wineries, cycling, even snow playing in winter.. then relax and unwind in the spa bath, cook a BBQ whilst watching a spectacular sunset over the ranges. Bird watching from the deck is a favorite activity with an array of birdlife, including lyrebirds and bower birds and many more.

NB: Many accommodation places have several cottages-we only have ONE! - so peace and privacy is guaranteed.

Once the stars are out in the clear country sky, the wildlife is active. Wombats, koalas, lyrebirds, kangaroos and bandicoots are some of the animals you'll spot at Hoddles Hideaway. no noise, no neighbours, just peace and quiet.

Hoddles Hideaway: Gembrook Farmstay 40 acres of peace/privacy. Blissfully quiet.

*Breakfast can be provided by prior request*

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House Rules

Check in after 2:00 PM
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Turn off the lights
Please make sure all lights and air conditioners are off
No need to lock-please just leave keys on the bench
Thank you for choosing Hoddles Hideaway!!
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Cup Weekend, minimum 4 night stay No loud Music to be played
It can be used by the confirmed guests only. Additional visitors are not permitted without prior approval from the owner.
You may be asked for a photo id, details about your group and purpose of your trip. Booking may be cancelled if any of the above info is not provided

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Long-term renters welcome
This property uses solar energy, plus eco-friendly cleaning products
Host has indicated that there is no carbon monoxide detector on the property, but there are gas appliances; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the area

Melbourne

Located in Hoddles Creek, a neighbourhood in Melbourne, this cottage is in a rural area. Martindale Hall Heritage Museum and Tonimbuk House are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Nangana Bushland Reserve and Gilwell Park Bushland Reserve. Consider Swallowfield Winery for a night out or Rayners Stone Fruit Orchard if you're travelling with kids. Take some time off to enjoy the winery tours in the area, or get some fresh air with adventures like ecotours, mountain biking and mountain climbing nearby.
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Map
Gembrook, VIC

What's nearby

  • Beenak G180 Bushland Reserve - 5 min drive - 2.3 km
  • Gilwell Park Bushland Reserve - 15 min drive - 11.4 km
  • Lusatia Park Road Bushland Reserve - 15 min drive - 13.3 km
  • Yellingbo Nature Conservation Reserve - 15 min drive - 13.3 km
  • Swallowfield Winery - 16 min drive - 11.8 km

Getting around

  • Cockatoo Station - 26 min drive
  • Melbourne, VIC (MEB-Essendon) - 100 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Forest Edge - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Gembrook Hill Vineyard - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Moonfire Pit - ‬26 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Peaceful 40-acre Gembrook Farmstay & Sanctuary - Help feed rescue animals! pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Peaceful 40-acre Gembrook Farmstay & Sanctuary - Help feed rescue animals!?

As of 8 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Peaceful 40-acre Gembrook Farmstay & Sanctuary - Help feed rescue animals! on 27 September 2026 start from NZ$254, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at Peaceful 40-acre Gembrook Farmstay & Sanctuary - Help feed rescue animals!?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Peaceful 40-acre Gembrook Farmstay & Sanctuary - Help feed rescue animals!?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Peaceful 40-acre Gembrook Farmstay & Sanctuary - Help feed rescue animals!?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Peaceful 40-acre Gembrook Farmstay & Sanctuary - Help feed rescue animals! located?

Located in a rural location, this family-friendly cottage is within 6 mi (10 km) of Nangana Bushland Reserve, Gilwell Park Bushland Reserve, and Lusatia Park Road Bushland Reserve. Yellingbo Nature Conservation Reserve and Bunyip State Park are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 115 out of 126 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 10 out of 126 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 126 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 126 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 126 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

9.6/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jamieson C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Loved.it, great spot. Beautiful experince for the family.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mark R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our family had a great time with the animals and in the tranquil environment. Thanks Kath and Sheralee for a great time.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Witi S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Peaceful and private. Great communication with host. Comfortable beds, clean house, and lots of space to walk outside.
Stayed 11 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Trevor P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful farmstay

We had a lovely time staying at Hoddles Hideaway. Kath was so lovely, taking the time to introduce our kids to the animals on the property and even letting them feed them! We loved our stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 17 July 2025
Thankyou Trevor and family. It certainly was a pleasure having you stay and the animals loved meeting you all too!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jessica

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
We had a wonderful stay at the Hoddles Hideaway! The kids absolutely loved feeding the animals, it was such a great hands-on experience. The accommodation was very neat, tidy and extremely clean. It had everything we needed for a comfortable stay. Highly recommend!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

david H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Stay

Loved every minute of it, clean, secluded and fun with animals all around.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 3 April 2020
Thank you David. We are so happy your family enjoyed the animals and that you were so happy with the cleanliness and privacy of the cottage. We look forward to your return. Kath
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Justin B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Home away from home

Had a lovely stay - very homely and relaxing.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 26 May 2023
Thank you Justin. We are so pleased you loved the peace and privacy. Hope you can stay again some time soon!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Chloe L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great for kids

Kids loved the animals, property was lovely and clean and well equipped. Easy access to fun things in the area
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Joanne R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful Getaway

Great location, so quiet and peaceful. Beautiful house with great layout and everything we needed 😊
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 21 November 2023
Thank you Joanne. So pleased you loved the house and the peace and quiet. Please come again soon!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Christopher d.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Hoddles Hideaway delights

We had such a nice time on the farm. The kids of all ages loved interacting with the animals and exploring the property. Kath was lovely to deal with and communication was great. Thank you for the great holiday!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Luke W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful and cosy!

I stayed here for a few nights and the location was perfect. It was peaceful and a cosy place for me to escape to for a few days. Great place to go away to!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 30 March 2021
Thank you Luke. So glad you enjoyed the peace and tranquility. Time in nature is so important in our busy lives! Kath x
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Anna T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A wonderful farm stay

We had a wondeful time staying at Hoddles Hideaway, our kids especially enjoying the farm animals, playing on the swings and running around the yard. The cottage is in a brilliant location and was very comfortable and clean. The kids are keen to return!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 5 January 2025
Hello Anna We’re thrilled that your family loved the animals, the clean cottage and that you all enjoyed the time in nature, visiting the lovely places nearby. We’d love to have you back soon!! Kath
Verified

10/10 Excellent

meg k.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic family holiday

Great little farm house with everything we needed. 3 year old was very impressed with farm animals. Nice relaxing atmosphere just what we needed.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 6 December 2024
So pleased you and your family enjoyed the animals and had a happy relaxing weekend!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Suvi L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect

I loved staying at this peaceful and cosy cottage with stunning sunset views overlooking the paddock!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sonia G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy

Blissful getaway

The most tranquil scenic property, very clean and comfortable accommodation with the best host! Absolutely loved our stay and highly recommend to anyone looking for a peaceful getaway with amazing views and spectacular sunsets ❤️ 12/10!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 13 March 2024
Thank you Sonia for this beautiful review! We are so pleased you enjoyed it so much- yes the sunsets are amazing and the tranquility is divine, so close to Melbourne yet a world away. Please come back soon!!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Simon R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great quiet getaway

Animals were great. The cottage is cosy and comfortable.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 30 July 2023
Thanks Simon. So pleased you enjoyed you stay and found it cosy and relaxing and that you enjoyed meeting the animals! Kath
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Stewart M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Private hideaway

A fantastic property in an idyllic location. The cottage is very comfortable and well equipped (so nice for a holiday cottage to have condiments!). The location is perfect - great views, animals that the kids loved feeding and amazing views. We will return.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 14 April 2025
So thrilled you had such a lovely stay Stewart and family. I’m sure the animals loved the extra pats and feeds! See you another time soon !
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Christine S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful Getaway

Such a peaceful and grounding getaway. Perfect place to unwind and enjoy the beautiful surroundings and simpler things.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Martin B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great spot for two couples

We had a wonderful country stay here. It was just what we were looking for to get away from the city and appreciate Victoria's countryside again. The house is perfect for two couples and the owners are lovely and helpful.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jayanthy R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Weekend Getaway

It was weekend getaway was enjoyed by all of us. The accommodation was clean, well presented with everything we need. We will return to Hoddles Hideway for sure..
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 24 July 2023
Thank you Jay and your lovely farmily. it was so nice to meet you and see how much you enjoyed seeing the animals and feeding them. baby Luna the lamb put on quite a show! And we even had a lyrebird at super close distance and koalas above the chook shed saying hello. We loved having you guys!! Please come back any time :)
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Paul R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great weekend

My wife and I wanted a quiet getaway and we got exactly what we desired.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 31 July 2022
Hi Paul. I'm so pleased you enjoyed the peace and quiet-a lovely escape from busy city life! Kath
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Samantha P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great cottage views are amazing birdlife was abundance but when the alpacas and sheep came running.

Beautiful scenery, cosey cottage great views plenty of wildlife and cute sheep, alpacas and cows
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 30 December 2020
Thanks Samantha. We're so happy you enjoyed the animals and found the house cosy and relaxing. Come back soon!! 😊
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Bianca

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We loved everything about the adorable cottage! From the colour of the house to the views, from the cows to the native birds - It was so quaint and peaceful. Cannot wait to return with my two small kids!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sheree C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful little cottage

We really enjoyed our stay at hoddles hideaway! It was warm and cozy. We especially loved the cows, sheep and chickens. We were lucky enough to be given 6 freshly laid eggs for breakfast which was so nice.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 6 August 2023
Thank you Sheree. It was lovely having you and we are so pleased you loved meeting and feeding the animals. See you again soon Kath and Mark
Verified

8/10 Good

Peter C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Hoddles Hidden Away

Gr8 - just needs Wifi
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

About the host

Hosted by Katharine and Mark McLean

Host profile image
We are nature lovers who sought a tree change from the business of city life!
Nothing makes us happier than welcoming people to our quiet and private property where they have peace and quiet and the chance to relax in nature and enjoy the birdsong and serenity. A farm tour includes meeting and feeding all the pet animals and spotting wildlife, such as koalas and kangaroos and a wonderful array of bird life. Many of our animals are rescued.

Why they chose this property

We love the peace and quiet and every day moments enjoying birds and animals and the view over the pasture/scattered bush to see amazing sunsets from the deck of the cottage.
Yet, despite the tranquillity, it's not far to enjoy all the lovely places in the area-Warburton river precinct, local wineries, The Dandenong Ranges' cute villages and gardens, the snow in winter and of course Puffing Billy and Healesville sanctuary.

What makes this property unique

We are unique as we only have the one cottage on the property so guests truly feel they can fully relax and absorb the serenity without fear of other people being close by. Yet, if needed, we can show you the animals and you can have a free farm tour to meet all our lovely pets-cows, alpacas, sheep and hens. We don't eat them! They are living out their days meeting guests and relaxing! Such lucky animals! People are also surprised with how close we are to Melbourne-yet they feel they are in the middle of the country-with no one around for miles! So its an easy destination!

Languages:

English, German, Spanish

Premier Host

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