Venus Bay Eco Retreat
Venus Bay Eco Retreat
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
5.0
40 reviews
Excellent
38
Very good
1
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1
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Jennifer Y
2 contributions
Jan 2018 • Couples
Beautiful setting nestled amongst the banksia trees. The cottage is beautiful and has that luxurious touch that makes you feel a little spoilt. Close to the beach and the wildlife comes to visit and makes the whole experience very special. Mae is a fabulous host and talented artist. We will be back!
The Youngs
The Youngs
Written January 18, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
leebeenz
Wellington, New Zealand6 contributions
Feb 2017 • Couples
Stoked to find this little nature haven just a stone's throw from Wilson's Prom. Perfect for our short holiday, an easy drive from Melbourne. Seen from the deck; Black wallaby, eastern grey kangaroos, ringtail possums, bats, bush rat, countless birds and.... Yes, even a wombat! Also a close encounter with an echidna on a nearby walk. This sanctuary for animals (and people) is quiet, calm and sooooo relaxing. Great easy-to-access varied walks in bush, on beach and around estuary when feeling energetic. Or just sit on the deck and drink in the surroundings. The cabin was spotless, well-appointed and filled with luxurious Eco bath and shower products, tea, coffee, milk etc.
Cooking mostly outside on the gas burner was a treat that kept us close to nature in the twilight hours when the bats and other wildlife were active.
Only downside: Would have loved to stay longer! Hope to be back soon.
Cooking mostly outside on the gas burner was a treat that kept us close to nature in the twilight hours when the bats and other wildlife were active.
Only downside: Would have loved to stay longer! Hope to be back soon.
Written February 7, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emma B
Adelaide, Australia1 contribution
Oct 2015 • Family
We had the most wonderful and relaxing stay at Mae's eco retreat. She spent time with us when we first got there explaining the details of the accommodation, the local area and the local flora and fauna (which she does a huge amount of work caring for!). She made sure we were comfortable and had everything we needed and then we were left in peace to enjoy the tranquility of this most idealic bush setting.
The accommodation is very sweet and cosy and we were amazed how clean and neat it was for a place nestled in the bush...I was expecting more bugs and dust but clearly a great effort is made to keep the place very clean which we really appreciated, especially with our young baby in toe.
The birds and wildlife make the stay so special. We decided to book this place because we were looking specifically for eco accomodation in the area and it exceded or expectations! We would much rather spend our tourism dollars on a place like this rather than other options because it helps support people like Mae to keep looking after and conserving precious little pockets of nature such as this. Thanks for the opportunity Mae - we wish there were more people doing what you are doing!
The accommodation is very sweet and cosy and we were amazed how clean and neat it was for a place nestled in the bush...I was expecting more bugs and dust but clearly a great effort is made to keep the place very clean which we really appreciated, especially with our young baby in toe.
The birds and wildlife make the stay so special. We decided to book this place because we were looking specifically for eco accomodation in the area and it exceded or expectations! We would much rather spend our tourism dollars on a place like this rather than other options because it helps support people like Mae to keep looking after and conserving precious little pockets of nature such as this. Thanks for the opportunity Mae - we wish there were more people doing what you are doing!
Written October 30, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Spooky T
Singapore, Singapore351 contributions
Oct 2018
Venus Bay Eco Retreat is located in the midst of a Banksia forest in the Anderson Inlet. Getting there from Tarwin Lower is a therapeutic drive through rural natural landscape that marks a journey into nature. The signs urging drivers to watch out for Kangaroos, Wombats and Koalas (all 3 not just 1) crossing the road tell of the abundant wildlife that live in the environs. The challenge while driving is not getting distracted by the land and avian fauna.
The cabin, a converted barn, is generously sized for couples and the highlight must certainly be the large single pane window in the dining area that provides a view of the watering hole frequented by wildlife. The lodging is comfortable with all the amenities needed for a self-catering nature retreat. There is an electric smart oven in the kitchen but any open fire cooking is done using the stove at the veranda. The latter makes sense so any smoke is dispersed outdoors.
There is a television but the window in the dining area is far more compelling. We observed Kangaroos, Rosellas, Bellbirds, Superb Fairy Wrens and other birds using the watering hole in the evenings. At night, there is always the chance of seeing wombats, micro-bats and other nocturnal creatures.
Mae is a warm and knowledgeable host who does an amazing job keeping the cabin and grounds suitably rustic while enabling the resident flora and fauna to thrive. She is a passionate advocate for the conservation of the region's natural habitat. Although Mae resides in the cottage next door, we hardly noticed her presence except when we asked to use her washer and when she gave us fresh vegetables from her garden.
Note that there is no wifi, but the point of a retreat is to temporarily disconnected from the hyper-connected busyness of the urban world.
The cabin, a converted barn, is generously sized for couples and the highlight must certainly be the large single pane window in the dining area that provides a view of the watering hole frequented by wildlife. The lodging is comfortable with all the amenities needed for a self-catering nature retreat. There is an electric smart oven in the kitchen but any open fire cooking is done using the stove at the veranda. The latter makes sense so any smoke is dispersed outdoors.
There is a television but the window in the dining area is far more compelling. We observed Kangaroos, Rosellas, Bellbirds, Superb Fairy Wrens and other birds using the watering hole in the evenings. At night, there is always the chance of seeing wombats, micro-bats and other nocturnal creatures.
Mae is a warm and knowledgeable host who does an amazing job keeping the cabin and grounds suitably rustic while enabling the resident flora and fauna to thrive. She is a passionate advocate for the conservation of the region's natural habitat. Although Mae resides in the cottage next door, we hardly noticed her presence except when we asked to use her washer and when she gave us fresh vegetables from her garden.
Note that there is no wifi, but the point of a retreat is to temporarily disconnected from the hyper-connected busyness of the urban world.
Written October 26, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
johndbosworth
Melbourne, Australia2 contributions
Mar 2018 • Couples
We enjoyed a delightful 5 days at Venus Bay Eco Retreat hosted by Mae who made us most welcome. Set in banksia dominated bush, it is a wonderful place to sit and contemplate nature. Our particular interest was the birdlife with regular visits to the bird bath by Silvereyes, Grey Fantails, Yellow-faced, White-eared and White-naped Honeyeaters, Brown and Striated Thornbills and occasional visits by Brown-headed Honeyeaters, Golden Whistlers and Spotted Pardalotes. A very relaxing and peaceful place well equipped to be ‘far from the madding crowd’.
Margaret & John
Margaret & John
Written March 10, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
emily3000
Melbourne, Australia3 contributions
Mar 2017 • Couples
Venus Bay Eco Retreat is the perfect environment for a relaxing weekend away. The cabin is surrounded by breathtaking Australian bush and and the large veranda and huge windows make the most of it. Mae has carefully selected eco friendly products that are considerate to our environment but still offer ultimate indulgence (the bath salts and bathroom products are amazing). The bath tub and large bathroom window were defiantly a highlight as were the large bean bags on the veranda. The way the cabin and main house are situated means you do have privacy in the cabin and on the veranda area. Mae makes sure all your questions are answered and offers some local tips but then you are left to your own devises to enjoy your stay as you wish. It was very hard to leave and I am sure we will be back.
Written March 28, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lisadickason
Melbourne, Australia1 contribution
Jun 2016 • Couples
The Eco Retreat is nestled in beautiful bush land in Venus Bay and you can hear and see all the birds living in the area. The air was so fresh! The bath overlooking the garden was so relaxing and the accommodation was extremely well organised and clean. Mae ensured everything that was needed, was accommodated for. The freshly ground coffee was delicious too! I highly recommend the Eco Retreat for anyone wanting to get away and relax.
Written June 23, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fiona E
Melbourne, Australia1 contribution
Jan 2015 • Solo
What a great spot! Beautiful bush with abundant birdlife and resident kangaroos, possums, wombats and other wildlife, with the added bonus of superb beaches right on the doorstep. But more than that, the eco-retreat that Mae has lovingly developed allows guests to enjoy this natural abundance while enjoying the luxury of this extremely well-appointed cottage. The loft bedroom with its extremely comfortable beds and views of the surrounding bushland, the well-stocked kitchen with organic and yummy breakfast provisions and tea and coffee, the fabulous deck complete with hammock and huge bean bags which encourages restful contemplation or the reading of a good book, and the amazing bathroom with the glorious bath with the picture window, all make this an outstanding place to stay. It is a brilliant example of a truly sustainable and ecologically sound ecotourism venture. Mae is to be congratulated for incorporating her deep and ongoing commitment to improving environmental outcomes with providing such wonderful accommodation. I hope this eco-retreat continues to inspire guests to do their bit for the environment, while providing them rest and refreshment for the soul. I loved it and I will be back!
Written January 31, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RedBeard501
Melbourne, Australia2 contributions
Jul 2017 • Couples
The chirping of frogs in the marshes, the chittering of birds in the trees, the pattering of rain on the roof and rustling of leaves in the breeze at Venus Bay Eco Retreat all adds up to one of my favourite soundscapes.
Comfortable lodgings, a deep bath to soak in and enjoy a bushland view, sitting on the porch with a cup of tea and watching a family of kangaroos in the 'backyard' are all huge reasons that contribute to my returned custom; as well as future returns.
Mae, (a lovely host, I might add) has created a gorgeous little sanctuary that I can recommend to anyone; especially to people who hear 'eco' and assume there is no luxury to be had- if I had the choice between a 5 star hotel room in the city and Correa Cabin at VBER, I'd pick the latter every time.
Comfortable lodgings, a deep bath to soak in and enjoy a bushland view, sitting on the porch with a cup of tea and watching a family of kangaroos in the 'backyard' are all huge reasons that contribute to my returned custom; as well as future returns.
Mae, (a lovely host, I might add) has created a gorgeous little sanctuary that I can recommend to anyone; especially to people who hear 'eco' and assume there is no luxury to be had- if I had the choice between a 5 star hotel room in the city and Correa Cabin at VBER, I'd pick the latter every time.
Written July 18, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
melj7263
Inverloch, Australia11 contributions
Apr 2017 • Family
This is our third visit to the Venus Bay Eco Retreat, and as always it was everything we hoped it would be. Beautiful, peaceful, calming environment. The kids were happy to sit and watch the wildlife, including the kangaroos that spent a lot of time only a few metres from the front verandah.
The accomodation, as always, was sparkling clean and well organised making it very easy to prepare our own meals, which included some lovely things Mae picked for us fresh from her garden (delicious!). I especially enjoyed having a nice hot bath while looking at the birds hopping around in the trees. The queen bed is very comfortable, enabling a solid night's sleep, which always tops off a fantastic stay.
The accomodation, as always, was sparkling clean and well organised making it very easy to prepare our own meals, which included some lovely things Mae picked for us fresh from her garden (delicious!). I especially enjoyed having a nice hot bath while looking at the birds hopping around in the trees. The queen bed is very comfortable, enabling a solid night's sleep, which always tops off a fantastic stay.
Written April 30, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ninosalomone
Melbourne, Australia
Good for young families? Local supermarket? Thanks
Written November 15, 2016
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