australian PLACES...great weekends away in Victoria
accommodation review
MARWOOD
HALLS GAP, GRAMPIANS
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The Grampians, also known as Gariwerd, is one of the Western District's best natural tourist attractions. Halls Gap is the main visitor centre and just up the road from here at the foot of a rugged escarpment is Marwood - one of the most luxurious country retreats in Victoria. In fact, this was the first five-star villa retreat in the state, the fruition of Ian Martin and Irene Isherwood’s dream to create unique accommodation for a unique environment.
Six villas sit at the forested fringe just ten minute’s walk from the Halls Gap village. Within each villa, absolute luxury for two awaits. Irene has decorated each to an individual theme but they all offer self-contained extravagance with an open-floor plan. Lounge, bedroom, dining area, kitchen in a huge room, and the spa bath with its Grecian columns is only a couple of steps from the king-size bed. The lounge area has an open fire and lots of firewood, TV-video and sound system, and the kitchen is fully appointed with all the requisites for cooking as much - or as little - as your fancy dictates.
Two of the villas are the result of host Irene’s vivid imagination - Balinese-style water pavilions complete with trickling water in the lounge room and high-walled private courtyard. They have every luxury you could want.
A breakfast basket full of bacon and eggs, tomatoes, mushrooms, fresh bread, jams, cereals, and fresh ground coffee, plus a daily newspaper, is delivered to your door (without a knock) by 8am each morning. Alternatively, go to Marwood’s dining room to have cooked breakfast served to you. Staying in for dinner is recommended too, and there's often locally sourced produce like pheasant, veal, duckling and kangaroo. Room service breakfast and dinner is available - the ultimate treat! Marwood is licenced and has a good wine list.
Marwood’s gardens feature ornamental ponds and ferny creeks on the edge of the forest, and walking tracks lead into the National Park. The Grampians are recovering from summer bushfires after winter rains, and endemic species of flora and wildlife are returning to the mountains. Kangaroos, wallabies, koalas and a myriad of birds visit Marwood's gardens, so you don't have to travel far. Try mountain biking, bushwalking, abseiling, fishing and canoeing, or simply visit in spring to admire the wildflowers.
WHERE: Halls Gap is 260km or three hours from Melbourne via Western or Glenelg Hwy. Marwood is located off Halls Gap-Flat Rock Road, Halls Gap. Villa rates from $320 per couple B&B
HOW MUCH: From around $350 per night B&B. Great deals are the 3 or 5 night packages.
CONTACT: Phone (03) 5356 4231
Internet www.marwood.net.au
SUITABLE FOR: COUPLES
DON’T MISS:
Brambuk Aboriginal Cultural Centre, Halls Gap;
see rock art in Grampians region
MacKenzie Falls, especially after rain
Wonderland Walk, loop track commences Halls Gap to Pinnacle lookout, Elephant Hide and Venus Baths
Great Western Winery, cellar door tastings and tours.
copyright PETER ROBINSON 2007 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED