The Ridge House is an idyllic country retreat for lovers of fine food, open fires, bracing walks, and spectacular views. Wake up with the kookaburras and tuck into a breakfast basket brimming with homemade goodies and farm-fresh produce. Hibernate by the fire or hike our historic trails.
Stroll and shop in Yarragon's historic and charming village. Picnic at sunset on the new Loggers Lookout or ask us to cook you a farmhouse meal. Be in the snow at Mt Baw Baw or the sea at Inverloch in an hour.
The space
WELCOME: We spent a year renovating The Ridge House with loads of love and meticulous attention to detail. We kept every ounce of its original grace and charm and added two new bathrooms, a new kitchen, new flooring, air-conditioning, heating, and all new beds and bedding. We have speedy free WiFi making "work from anywhere" easy.
We provide:
— Your first breakfast - Gippsland Jersey milk and butter, local sourdough bread, homemade jam, honey from our hives, eggs, veggies, and herbs (when available)
— Linen & towels. Note there are additional charges for beds if you wish to use by infants under two. No additional changes for infants (under 2) in portacots.
— Firewood
— Plunger coffee, Nespresso machine coffee pods, black, and herbal tea bags
— Hot chocolate and marshmallows
— Pantry basics (olive oil, sugar, salt and pepper, foil, baking paper & glad wrap)
— Fully equipped kitchen (cast-iron dutch oven, cake pans, mixing bowls and ample glass and dinnerware. Feel free to bake up a storm)
— Picnic basket and rug
— Board games and playing cards, giant Jenga, and Quoits
— Outdoor dining table, chairs, umbrella, and gas Webber BBQ
Guest access
Where you'll be staying
Yarragon South, Victoria, Australia
The Ridge House has everything you need for a cosy, comfortable restorative stay. If you're keen to venture out, Yarragon Village shops are 10 minutes down the hill.
Treat yourself to a taste of West Gippsland
'Kristy's Guidebook' has loads of recommendations got places to eat, drink and explore. You can also message me directly. I'm happy to help you with any itinerary planning and restaurant bookings.
Download the new 'Eat. Drink. Gippsland's' book from the Visit Gippsland website. This book is another excellent source for local dining, coffee shops and wineries. The West Gippsland section has recommendations near The Ridge House.
Do amazing day trips
— Lardner Park Events (20mins)
— Hike the remnants of sawmills past at Mt Worth State Park (25mins)
— Drive the back roads to Mirboo North & The Grand Ridge Rail Trail (30mins)
— Take the kids for a day of waterslide fun at Gumbuya World (30mins)
— Walk Noojee Trestle Bridge and Rail Trail (40mins)
— Wander Loch Village and taste local gins at Loch Distillery (45mins)
— Visit the gold mining town of Walhalla. Ride the steam train (55mins)
— Ski or summer hike the wildflowers at Mt Baw Baw (60mins)
— Test your mountain bike skills at Mt Erica (60mins)
— Pack your bathers and swim the ocean waters of Inverloch (60mins)
— Explore the sandy tracks of Wilsons Promontory (90mins)
— Watch the waddle of the Penguin Parade at Phillip Island (90mins)
— Head out early to grab the freshest fish n chips in Lakes Entrance (180mins)
Enjoy our walking tracks
These tracks are subject to natural conditions such as fallen trees and water damage following heavy rains. Please assess the weather conditions before you begin.
You'll need:
• A reasonable level of walking fitness
• Closed shoes and long trousers
• A water bottle
• We have a few walking sticks but feel free to bring your poles
We have a large car park for up to 4-5 cars onsite.
Yarragon Railway station is a 10-minute drive to the other side of the Highway opposite Yarragon Village. The stop is part of the Bairnsdale and Traralgon lines.
Other details to note
Inside the House
We kindly ask guests to bring warm socks, slippers, or Ugg boots to keep their feet warm inside the house. No shoes inside.
Pets
The Ridge House is adjacent to our working farm and surrounded by 50acres of native bushland. There is no secure fencing and it is highly recommended your pets are on leads if you are walking around the property.
Driving to the Property.
Some sections of your drive to The Ridge House are hilly and winding. There is one gravel section with some blind spots. Our driveway also winds its way to the house. The road and the driveway are safe, but please drive slowly and carefully, especially at night when wildlife is on the move.
Please message us if you'd like a PDF copy of the driving directions to share with other guests.
Be wildlife-aware
Our fifty-acre bushland haven is home to abundant wildlife. You'll see wallabies, wombats, frogs, echidnas, koalas, deer, and a stunning array of birdlife. Our protected ecosystem also includes foxes, spiders, field mice, and snakes. Please be aware and respectful of our diverse wildlife when you head out on the tracks.
Protect our rural environment
As a rural property, The Ridge House operates on tank water and a septic system. Please keep showers short and protect our plumbing by only using our enviro toilet paper to flush. You may be liable for costs if any other items block the plumbing during your stay. There is no roadside waste collection, so we ask you to take all your rubbish with you. Alternatively, we can take rubbish to the tip on your behalf for a fee of $50.
Bushfire Season
Download the Vic Emergency App and set alerts for a 50k radius around Yarragon. Do not light indoor or outdoor fires or use the BBQ on total fire band days.
Other things to note
BEDROOM ACCESS
Bedrooms not booked will be closed during your stay. For example: If you book as a couple, access to the main bedroom and ensuite will be open but other bedrooms will be locked. If friends drop in and want to stay, we are happy to open up the bedrooms and adjust your booking to cover either a linen charge of $80 per person per night minimun two-night stay. (min charge $160)
SINGLE BED CONVERSION
Our 2 single beds can be made into a queen upon request.
CHILDREN UNDER 2 YEARS OLD
Children under 2 are free, and guests must supply their own linen. We can supply a portacot upon request. For children under 2 who require to use of a bed for daytime sleep, a one-off linen charge of $80 will be applied to your booking. We are happy to open a room for portacot space. Note: Beds will not be made up in these rooms.
PETS:
Well-behaved pets are welcome. Please note there is no fenced yard. Large dogs may not be suitable due to our interior design. Please send us a photo of your dog for consideration. Guests are responsible for providing their own pet bedding. Pets are not allowed on furniture or beds. Please clean up after your pet. Bring old towels to dry your pet, as this is a farm property, and it can get muddy.
OUTDOOR FIREPLACE:
Fire restrictions are in place from December 9, 2024, to May 1, 2025. The outdoor fireplace cannot be used during this time. You are responsible for any fines incurred due to unauthorised fire use. The BBQ is available for use.
GATES:
This property is located on a working farm. Please ensure all farm gates are securely closed after passing through.
PRIVATE EVENTS:
Private events and parties are not permitted unless arranged in advance with the host. We happily host micro-weddings and intimate elopements (maximum 20 guests, including vendors) and can provide further information upon request.