2 Single Beds, 2 Double Murphy Beds, 3 King Beds, 1 Double Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed
2 bathrooms
Bathroom 1
Bathtub
Bathroom 2
Spaces
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Number of living rooms
Garden
About this property
The Grand Lodge: Private rainforest with river
The pet-friendly Grand Lodge is a limestone sanctuary with five bedrooms—three king, one double, one double bunk, plus a sofa bed. Enjoy forest views from two lounges, two kitchens, and two bathrooms. Outside, relax in private courtyards with an eight-person jacuzzi (additional $60 per stay) , BBQ, and treetop terrace, or unwind by the fireplaces and oversized tub overlooking the rainforest. Perfect for families or groups seeking a tranquil escape. Quiet enjoyment only—no parties after 10 PM.
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Pets allowed: dogs and cats less than 99 kg per pet (limit one pet total)
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Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
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
Parties and events are allowed on site
Host has indicated that there is no carbon monoxide detector on the property; 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 and a first aid kit
About the area
Melbourne
Located in Mount Dandenong, a neighbourhood in Melbourne, this holiday home is in the mountains and on a river. Puffing Billy Steam Train and Cape Schanck boardwalk are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Dandenong Ranges National Park and William Ricketts Sanctuary. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's going on at Nunawading Basketball Centre, or consider a night out at Rochford Wines Yarra Valley.
Dandenong Ranges National Park - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
William Ricketts Sanctuary - 10 min walk - 0.8 km
Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens - 13 min walk - 1.1 km
SkyHigh Mount Dandenong - 2 min drive - 1.9 km
Getting around
Upwey Station - 16 min drive
Belgrave Station - 19 min drive
Melbourne, VIC (MEB-Essendon) - 67 min drive
Restaurants
Hahndorfs Fine Chocolates - 9 min drive
SkyHigh Mount Dandenong - 4 min drive
SkyHigh Bistro - 4 min drive
Mary Eats Cake - 9 min drive
Miss Marple's Tea Room - 7 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is The Grand Lodge: Private rainforest with river pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 99 kg per pet.
How much does it cost to stay at The Grand Lodge: Private rainforest with river?
As of 20 April 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Grand Lodge: Private rainforest with river on 20 July 2026 start from NZ$895, 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 The Grand Lodge: Private rainforest with river?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at The Grand Lodge: Private rainforest with river?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at The Grand Lodge: Private rainforest with river?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is The Grand Lodge: Private rainforest with river located?
Located in Mount Dandenong, this holiday home is within a 15-minute walk of Dandenong Ranges National Park and William Ricketts Sanctuary. Dandenongs and Tree Fern Gully Track are also within 1 mile (2 km).
Reviews
8.0
Very good
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
The property was great for providing the perfect retreat for our working group, with excellent bedroom and living space arrangements and comforts
Sam C.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024
Verified
6/10 Okay
Kelly P.
28 August 2025
Liked: Check-in, location
Disliked: Listing accuracy
We recently stayed at the Grand Lodge for a family girls’ trip. The location is undeniably beautiful — surrounded by stunning bushland and birdlife — but the property itself left us with mixed feelings.The driveway is steep, winding, and stressful. The groundskeeper was on site and blocked the driveway making us have to reverse up, which was almost impossible. The “charming brook” turned out to be an overgrown trickle, that most people couldn't access. I’m also glad we didn’t pay the extra for the unkept outdoor bath and sauna.The newer Windmill Lodge was clean, comfy, and nicely presented… until following the fire-lighting instructions smoked out the entire place. The older Jacuzzi Lodge, however, felt neglected: an unemptied dishwasher, dusty “brothel-style” lampshade, cluttered carport area and broken outdoor furniture and festoon lights on the ground all contributed to a forgotten, unloved vibe.On the upside, the birdlife was amazing, the firepit was a lovely gathering spot and the natural setting was peaceful — if you ignored the neglected gardens. With proper care, this place could be spectacular. Right now, it feels more like bush camping with a roof than a premium retreat.
Kelly P.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
About the host
Hosted by Renee
The Fernglen Forest Retreat is a family run retreat offering 5 beautiful cottages immersed in 7 acres of private rainforest with 150 year old towering mountain ash. The property has a bubbling brook running through it and is home to a variety of birds and native animals. We offer the cottages individually and also the entire retreat and grounds can be hired for weddings and events. Please look up our website for further information and to get in contact. We look forward to hearing from you.
Why they chose this property
ON SITE SAUNA
We provide an onsite sauna with outdoor shower and bath, all set within a lovely private bush setting of forest views. Please understand that this is not included in your booking and can be booked for an additional fee via our website or by messaging us directly.
PETS
Your pets are welcome but must always be on leash when outside to protect wildlife. Please bring your own pets food requirements, bowls and bedding and please ensure no pets on the furniture. All pet waste is to be cleaned up by guests. Please refer to the Pet policy which will be sent to you after your booking. We charge an additional fee for pets to stay.
ON SITE MASSAGE
Indulge yourself with an in-house massage, facial or body treatment provided by Balance Mountain Day Spa Olinda.
What makes this property unique
Winding down the driveway you’re transported into an idyllic forest paradise, an oasis of private lush green rain forest, set on 7 acres of towering mountain ash trees and giant tree ferns. Sit and meditate by the private brook, discover the mini waterfalls, feed the friendly rosellas, king parrots, kookaburras and our impromptu resident cockatoo. Look out for the wombats and wallabies and even deer. If you’re wanting to immerse yourself in the healing virtue of nature, if you’re needing peace and quiet, spiritual, emotional, or physical rejuvenation, this retreat is for you.
While you’re with us treat yourself to Mount Dandenong's numerous tourist, natural and cultural attractions, gardens, bush walks, restaurants, music, cafés, specialist art and curio shops, not to mention the many wineries of the nearby Yarra Valley.
We look forward to welcoming you at the Fernglen Forest Retreat.