australian PLACES...great weekends away in Victoria
accommodation review
GOBLES MILL HOUSE
PORT FAIRY
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If you’re looking for a good bed in Port Fairy, try the local flour mill - Goble’s Mill House is now a very comfortable bed and breakfast retreat and it’s a long time since grinding, clanking flourmill-type noises kept anyone awake at night. In fact the 1850s bluestone mill was little more than a burdensome pile of rubble for half a century until someone with foresight picked up the pieces.
Gobles was one of the first of the new generation of luxury B&Bs in Australia, and I visited soon after it opened more than a dozen years ago. It still has everything going for it - restored heritage, great riverside location, friendly hosts, comfy ensuite rooms, guest lounge and excellent cooked breakfasts. Make no mistake - this place is just as popular now as it was in its early days, and it has an enviable reputation in the B&B industry.
There are six guest rooms upstairs in the mill house, all with ensuite bathroom. Three face the river, and my favourite, the big loft room room (see photo, bottom left) at the top has a king bed and exceptional views along the river from a little balcony. An admirable array of antiques and restored colonial artefacts grace the rooms.
Downstairs is the guest sitting room, complete with blazing open fire for the chilly months. You can help yourself to tea and coffee, a glass of wine and various nibbles in the well-stocked guest pantry – this is on a gratis, help-yourself basis. Breakfast is, pretty much, whatever time you like in the sunny breakfast room, or outside by the river when the weather’s fine. What you’re offered will set you up for the day - cereals, fresh fruit, toast and locally made preserves, plunger coffee, tea, juices, and bacon and eggs.
My last stay here in May 2007 confirms the Mill House is popular with guests. It seems to attract international visitors who don't need a spa, TV, dvd or music in their rooms, but instead enjoy the big lounge with its open fire, the guest pantry and breakfast around a long table in a convivial atmosphere. An easy walk to the town's restaurants helps too. Host Jill is certainly very welcoming and makes guests feel relaxed.
Port Fairy is my favourite coastal town in Victoria - try to spend at least two nights here, because there's much to see.
WHERE: Gobles Mill House is at 75 Gipps Street; Port Fairy. 290 kilometres west of Melbourne on the Princes Highway, three and a half hours drive. Alternative route via Great Ocean Road is 6-7 hours drive.
HOW MUCH: bed and breakfast tariff is $150 to $210 (loft room) per couple.
CONTACT: (03) 5568 1118
copyright PETER ROBINSON 2007 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED