Story by Saskia
Into the forest we go...
Adventure in Olinda, Dandenong Ranges, VIC, AU
Imagine winding your way up into the forest, a 600m driveway originally carved into the mountain by horse and cart! The road was fringed with century-old tree ferns flanked on either side by towering mountain ash... then you arrive at an elevated landing where your tiny home awaits. The magic of the forest envelops you with the call of nearby lyrebirds and the almost prehistoric sounds of black cockatoos soaring above.
Less than an hour's drive from Melbourne's CBD we could be forgiven for thinking we'd transcended time and space to experience just that; an escape from the outside world, and an immersion into the depths of the Dandenongs.
Before long we were settled into Lyrebird Lookout, the cutest little abode - with all the comforts of home and expansive picture windows that bring the outside in. I got the wood fire going and popped the kettle on before starting the heating process for our spring water hot tub. As night fell our forest bath was ready. Soaking back into the barrel to gaze into a sky full of stars I was mesmerised by the flames lapping at the tub's heating coil, soothed by the crackle of its fire.
With not one but two queen-sized beds, this tiny home can sleep the whole fam, and with no one needing to compromise for a loft! If the weather had turned on us the stay's adjoining glamping tent could've become our lounge room, yet we were instead blessed with sun beams through the treetops, and clear skies for days. With the favorable weather inviting us to explore the magnificent 11-acre property, we wandered the forest tracks towards the neighbouring national park and allowed ourselves to truly slow down and connect with the serenity of it all.
It's Mother Nature at her best out here in Olinda, and yet still only a short drive to great coffee and incredible pizza. Dog friendly and with nature abounding, what more could you possibly want?!...
Less than an hour's drive from Melbourne's CBD we could be forgiven for thinking we'd transcended time and space to experience just that; an escape from the outside world, and an immersion into the depths of the Dandenongs.
Before long we were settled into Lyrebird Lookout, the cutest little abode - with all the comforts of home and expansive picture windows that bring the outside in. I got the wood fire going and popped the kettle on before starting the heating process for our spring water hot tub. As night fell our forest bath was ready. Soaking back into the barrel to gaze into a sky full of stars I was mesmerised by the flames lapping at the tub's heating coil, soothed by the crackle of its fire.
With not one but two queen-sized beds, this tiny home can sleep the whole fam, and with no one needing to compromise for a loft! If the weather had turned on us the stay's adjoining glamping tent could've become our lounge room, yet we were instead blessed with sun beams through the treetops, and clear skies for days. With the favorable weather inviting us to explore the magnificent 11-acre property, we wandered the forest tracks towards the neighbouring national park and allowed ourselves to truly slow down and connect with the serenity of it all.
It's Mother Nature at her best out here in Olinda, and yet still only a short drive to great coffee and incredible pizza. Dog friendly and with nature abounding, what more could you possibly want?!...
Things We Did
- Swim
- Food & Drink
- Forest
Our Adventure Map
Where we stayed
Things we did
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