Tolka Cottage is a wildlife haven, located 20 minutes from Casterton, home of the famous Kelpie Festival, only 1 hour from the Coonawarra Wine Region and Mt. Gambier and 1 1/2 hours from the Great Ocean Road, Nelson and Portland on the coast & the Hamilton/Grampians Region.
The Cottage is a short walk to the Glenelg River where you can see platypus, kangaroos, wallabies, emus, koalas & over 140 species of birds including the endangered Red-tailed Black Cockatoo.
Sole occupancy facilities include a formal sitting room & sunroom, 3 bedrooms (one queen sized, one double & one with 2 single beds), bathroom with shower & toilet, fully equipped kitchen & outdoor entertaining area with barbecue.
The Cottage provides luxurious linen, towels & continental quilts, electric blankets, reverse cycle air conditioning, colour TV, DVD & stereo/CD player, books & games.
Surroded by Wilkin Flora & Fauna Reserve, famed for native orchids, abundant & rare wildlife.
You can walk, fish, canoe, bird, swim and spot platypus! Enjoy eggs from our poultry & produce from our garden. Your horses & dogs are invited to visit.
The Cottage has a dog proof garden and you are welcome to bring your dogs. We also have secure dog pens if you wish to avail of them. Food & water bowls can be provided, if required. Please supply a current vaccination certificate prior to arrival.
PET FRIENDLY INFORMATION All dogs are welcome, larger dogs must remain outside only unless prior arrangements are made. Small dogs are allowed inside provided they are fully house trained. Of course, they are not allowed on any furniture or beds. Kennels can be provided for dogs if you wish to leave them while you explore the local area. SURROUNDINGS You are more than welcome to explore our beautiful surroundings but we do ask you keep your pets on a lead when walking through the paddocks and bush. There are numerous wild kangaroos, emu and domesticated stock and we would like your pets and our animals to stay safe. There is plenty of space for your animals to enjoy the fenced in garden. WHAT TO BRING ⢠Your pets bedding ⢠A lead CONDITIONS ⢠Please pick up all droppings in a bag and deposit in the rubbish bin provided at the back of the laundry. ⢠Please no barking. ⢠Make sure your four legged friend doesnāt damage the screen doors or windows. ⢠Be aware that we have female unsprayed dogs on the property. ⢠Your dogs must be fully immunised. PLEASE BE ADVISED In order to avoid embarrassment or disappointment we advise in advance that additional charges will apply if:
⢠More cleaning than usual is required because of your dog ⢠Dogs have been inside our accommodation without prior agreement ⢠There is any damage to our property
If you wish to travel to Tolka with your horses, you are welcome to do so. There are horse paddocks, yards and stables all available at an extra cost, during your stay. If you wish to leave your horse here for some days before or afterwards: Horse agistment/boarding facilities can be provided for $15 per day in yards and $20 per day in stable. Horse health certificates for tetanus/strangles & worming must be currentand supplied in advance of arrival.
A Hidden Delight for those who are looking for a stop over for a couple of nights or longer
This is a secret corner of Australia, undiscovered by mass tourism. A hidden delight for the connoisseur. It will suit those who are travelling from Melbourne to Adelaide, or those who are on the route to, or from, the Great Ocean Road and/or the Limestone Coast. The Cottage makes an ideal stop over, for a couple of nights, for a complete chill out. It provides a retreat for those who wish to enjoy the many festivals at Mt. Gambier and Coonawarra, but who want to have the freedom to escape from the crowds, at the same time. The Cottage has an outdoor entertaining area with a gas barbeque and, in winter and outside fire restriction periods, guests may light fires for picnics on the property. The farm with its wild areas, left unspoilt to encourage wildlife and its billabong will enrapture the unadventurous. Those who venture into the Wilkin Flora & Fauna Reserve which surrounds Tolka, will be treated to a botanical delight, rich in native wild flowers, orchids and fungi. The Casterton Horse Races take place several times a year and are a fun day out for the family and Tolka is ideally suited as a base for race goers, especially, if they wish to tap into Ivy's expert knowledge of the racing world. Tolka Cottage is always in demand for the Casterton Kelpie Festival each June. The Kelpie breed of dog originated in this area and is celebrated with the Kelpie Muster, the Festival and Working Dog Auction. So book early. Please note 2 nights minimum stay on weekends and public holidays. Kelpie festival minimum 3 nights stay, four adults. Remember you are in the country and telephone reception may be patchy so please check that your service provider operates in this area. There is Wifi and phone available on the property for emergencies or by special request.
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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
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
About the area
Strathdownie
Located in Strathdownie, this cottage is next to a golf course. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Wilkin Flora and Fauna Reserve and Pieracle Swamp Wildlife Reserve. Take the opportunity to explore the area for water adventures such as fishing.
Wilkin Flora and Fauna Reserve - 4 min drive - 1.9 km
Umpherston Sinkhole - 58 min drive - 75.2 km
Blue Lake - 60 min drive - 78.1 km
Mount Gambier Central - 61 min drive - 78.1 km
Blue Lake Reserve - 65 min drive - 78.5 km
Getting around
Mount Gambier, SA (MGB) - 58 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Tolka - a Traditional Farm Cottage near River pet-friendly?
Yes, pets are allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Tolka - a Traditional Farm Cottage near River?
As of 12 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Tolka - a Traditional Farm Cottage near River on 18 May 2026 start from NZ$287, 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 Tolka - a Traditional Farm Cottage near River?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Tolka - a Traditional Farm Cottage near River?
Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Tolka - a Traditional Farm Cottage near River?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Tolka - a Traditional Farm Cottage near River located?
Situated in Strathdownie, this golf cottage is 0.9 mi (1.5 km) from Wilkin Flora and Fauna Reserve and within 9 miles (15 km) of Pieracle Swamp Wildlife Reserve and Glenelg River J12 Streamside Reserve. Barrys Swamp Bushland Reserve and Dartmoor Bushland Reserve are also within 12 miles (20 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Our host, Ivy, was a pleasure to meet . The cottage was in an idyllic position, was well appointed and cosy. The cottage was stocked with all the basics needed for a healthy breakfast ,with freshly baked bread a highlight.
We absolutely loved our stay at Tolka Cottage. It was very remote and set on a beautiful old Horse Stud. The cottage itself was very old world with many original fittings still in good tact . It had everything we needed and we really appreciated all the little extras provided by Ivy, especially the fresh bread, jams and cookies. The mother duck and her ducklings were very sweet along with all native flora and fauna. We were even greeted by a kangaroo in the driveway. An easy drive to Mount Gambier and Limestone Coast. Highly recommend if youāre looking for a total shutdown for a day or two.
We loved our weekend stay at Tolka Cottage. We enjoyed the old style cottage and all the friendly animals. The location was beautiful and very picturesque. Ivy is a lovely host and we would definitely stay again.
My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed our stay in this beautiful country setting. Mixed with the paddocks and nearby Glenelg river, the bird life is fantastic as well as spotting many Kangaroos and even Emus.
The cottage itself was full of country charm and character.
David B.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2020
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Jane B.
11 September 2018
Warm welcoming and off the beaten track
A lovely cottage, well turned out and on a lovely property. The hostess, Ivy, is very welcoming. The provisions went above and beyond. Delightful and good value. Our little dog was also welcomed which makes travelling with pets so much easier.
Jane B.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 24 March 2020
It was such a pleasure having Jane and family to stay. The perfect guests, always welcome back.
My husband and I, together with our indoors only rescue cat, stayed here over Christmas and we really enjoyed it. Ivy had gone to great lengths to ensure that our stay was comfortable, having taken the time and trouble to decorate the house for Christmas. Not only this but she left an array of home-made yummy treats such a bread, biscuits, preserves and eggs from the chickens at the rear of the property for us to consume. Our cat enjoyed watching the birds in the shrubbery - his version of Nestflix - whilst we loved the digital detox for there's no WiFi or phone reception. The bed linen was wondrously clean and crisp. There simply wasn't anything to fault. Many thanks Ivy!
A beautiful, secluded place to completely disconnect, relax and rejuvenate! We took our 2 dogs Simba (Spoodle) and Archie (Toy Poodle) and they both loved exploring the property. Thanks so much to Ivy for the personal touches and home made goodies! We highly recommend Tolka Cottage!
We absolutely adored the cottage and the generous and wholesome breakfast provisions. The animals in the yard added an authentic soundtrack and experience to our getaway. We absolutely loved it.
Beautiful country atmosphere, relaxing listening to the chooks, pheasants and bird life.
Beautiful, peaceful property, so much detail and charm, together with gourmet, fresh bread, preserves, etc, wildlife and animals so relaxing to hear, blue wrens flying around singing, atmosphere of open fire together with AC/RC, thank you Ivy for the enjoyable relaxing stay xxoo
We stayed 4 nights, lovely house with everything you need. Ivy is so generous, Iāve stayed in places that only give you 1 roll of toilet paper. Ivy had baskets of it. Also breakfast was supplied: eggs, bacon, sausages, orange juice, fruit. Fresh baked bread, butter, milk. Coffee, etc. The fire place was lovely at night and the bed very comfortable. All round lovely stay. It is 1hr from the beach and 45mins to Mt Gambier. But if you want to just chill at the house and go for a walk down by the river itās lovely.
The house is a perfect traditional farmhouse , complete with chickens out the back.
Fresh country air, peace and quiet, a lovely outlook with
kangaroos and koalas and lots of bird life including kookaburras.
And pet friendly. We loved it.
Plentiful array of homemade jams and bread, plus cereals, eggs, bacon etc for great breakfasts, in a lovely 3brm cottage on a farm on the Glenelg River.
Everything was comfortable. We felt very welcome from the time we arrived at the property. It was well appointed with everything we needed, even for our doggo.
A Gorgeous breakfast was left for us. Sweet property.
We had such a lovely time at Tolka. The house is beautiful and homely and the surrounding farm made it a perfect place to relax in quiet seclusion surrounded by wildlife, while being an easy distance to nearby towns! The house was very comfortable and we enjoyed the animals and the river. Ivy was a lovely and considerate host. Highly recommend!
Lovely old cottage in peaceful and remote location
Excellent value, cottage was well furnished and had a lot of character. The host Ivy was very helpful and provided lovely baked goods and breakfast supplies. Good quality bedding and linen. Cottage was on a farm in a wildlife reserve area and close to the Glenelg river. Lots of birdlife and wildlife and very peaceful.
Tolka is the perfect escape......relaxed, comfy and magically quiet. Very well provisioned with all the basics and lovely homemade treats. Loved having the chickens, ducks and geese nearby!