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| In
the hustle and bustle of the 21st century, it's all too easy to lose track of
those things which are important and become disconnected, not only from one another,
but from our environment and the natural beauty which surrounds us.
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times we need to pause a moment … to escape our busy lives and re-discover
simple pleasures whilst the wonder of the Aussie bush and its unique native
inhabitants work their magic. | | | |
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Just ninety minutes
from Melbourne, Kingbilli provides you with just such an environment - an ecologically
harmonious and tranquil |
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world on the banks of the Little River in the beautiful Cathedral Valley. Kangaroos
may greet you as you turn between stone wings signalling the entrance to the long
curving driveway. Llamas graze contentedly ... your
mobile reception drops to nil ... and slowly the pressures of everyday urban life
slip away. First
opened to the public in 1985,
Kingbilli's enchanting 'old- |
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| world'
cottages ... built of bluestone, timber and slate ... are shaded and secluded. Thick
stone walls ensure they remain cool during summer, yet retain the warmth of an
open fire on wintery nights. | |
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in naturally beautiful surroundings, against a backdrop
of towering trees and green rolling hills ... and graced occasionally by visits
from Kingbilli's resident wildlife ... they emphasize
the value of simple pleasures and so have become a favoured destination for courting
couples, wilderness-loving families or busy business
folk seeking to exchange their often too hectic schedules with the slower, gentler
pace of Australian country life. Each
cottage has its own distinctive atmosphere and is | |
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completely self-contained ... with a separate living/dining room; bedroom(s);
bathroom and a fully equipped kitchen ... enabling guests to remain self-sufficient
and undisturbed during their stay. | |
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All have cable television;
DVD, CD and cassette players; video recorders; BBQs ... and are supplied with
mountain bikes, fishing rods and tennis racquets. Those
seeking more challenging pursuits will such find activities
are plentiful ... and should wining and dining be on the agenda ... there are
many delightful coffee shops, restaurants, and country
pubs closeby. | |
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| The
Honeymoon Cottage |
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uniquely designed two storied Honeymoon Cottage has soaring timber ceilings
and sunny loft-style bedroom - with queen-size bed - opening onto a private balcony
with panoramic views across the valley to Cathedral Mountain and the Blue Range.
Old-fashioned
casement windows, a country-style kitchen and soft leather furnishings complement
the stone and slate, there's a large stone fireplace ... and to ease the worn
and weary … in the bathroom is a deep luxurious twin spa bath. |
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Studio The
true hermit, seeking the ultimate in isolation, may prefer the Studio.
Tucked into the elbow
of the creek at the foot of the hills, this secluded cottage is shaded beneath
a canopy of eucalypts and hidden by a profusion of native
shrubs. A
walkbridge over a gently flowing creek and lilypond, leads Studio guests to their
own | private
island ... with rose-covered |
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families with adventurous children
or travellers wishing to holiday with friends, the Studio also has the
option of a second bedroom, (either 3 single beds or 1 king-size). Visitors
to the Studio are privileged to have as their nearest neighbour that most
timid of all Australian mammals, the Platypus. | | |  | A
family of these extraordinary little creatures has its home in the bank of the
Studio's creek ... but only a quiet and patient observer will be rewarded
with an introduction. Meanwhile,
jacuzzi fans may find themselves engaging in conversation with the incumbent cheeky
Brushtail Possum, as she scampers from her residence in
a nearby acacia, to partake of her favourite delicacy ... the roses growing over
the Studio gazebo. In
fact, the Studio is favoured by all wilderness lovers, as when staying
here, one never knows just who may come calling! |
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gazebo, fernpool, waterfall
and heated jacuzzi spa. 
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Ballards
Beside
a gently flowing creek is Ballards |
... the mews-style cottage provided for participants in Kingbilli's international
volunteer program. | | | |
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its rooms, lit softly | |
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by delicate leadlight
windows and warmed by a brass-canopied open fire, French doors open onto a long,
low rose-covered | |
| verandah,
perfect for lazy lunches or summer evening barbeques. | | |
| Pink paved steps
lead to a trellised creekside summer house and in a leafy garden corner a hot
jacuzzi bubbles. | |
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| Some
may find it takes more than a few days for the slow, seamless pace of country
life to impose itself upon their psyche. | | | |
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Others might simply let
the solitude and beauty of the landscape overtake them ... sitting to meditate
on the rustlings of leaves in the cool evening breeze ... or the |
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filament-like reflections of trees and rushes on the still surface of a dam. | | |
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