australian PLACES...great weekends away in Victoria

accommodation review

TUKI RETREAT

 

Tuki Retreat is strategically located atop an extinct volcano with fantastic views over the surrounding plains. It’s ten thousand years since the last eruption but a warm welcome is still assured - when you arrive at your Tuki cottage on a chilly evening a blazing log fire will be burning in the hearth.

Robert and Jan Jones carefully developed this cosy retreat not too far from the city for an easy trip after work. I first reviewed the place several years ago and have watched as Tuki has matured, with Rob and Jan's combination of genuine country hospitality and cosy stone cottages proving a hit with guests.

A pretty drive through Smeaton, in peaceful goldfields country north of Ballarat, leads to Tuki. This is a 500Ha working farm, so mind the Tukidale sheep on the long driveway to the top of the hill.

The Jones family have been here since the 1940s and opened for trout fishing in 1985, and more recently added six stone cottages by tranquil, well-stocked trout ponds on the property.

Each cottage has lounge with huge open fire, kitchen, QS bedroom, and bathroom. Four have spa baths. They are all very comfortable, well furnished and live up to the expectations of ardent B&B lovers. Fish for trout from the front door, or head for Tuki’s licensed restaurant which is open for lunches daily - dinners are available for guests. A historic miner’s cottage has been carefully restored for family accommodation.

A daily breakfast hamper with farm eggs, lamb sausages, homemade meusli, coffee and local baked breads, is included. At Tuki, you won’t be rushed out: Robert says guests should feel relaxed enough to have breakfast then go back to bed if they want.

What I like about Tuki is the chance to get a taste of the outdoors without travelling too far into the country. It is central to some terrific touring territory as well, from the historic Gold Rush hamlet of Smeaton and its well preserved flour mill to Daylesford's lake, restaurants and craft shops. In the other direction is Ballarat with a host of Gold Rush heritage.

But for most guests it'll be enough to relax with good wholesome farm-grown lamb and trout, and a lovely stone cottage with dramatic scenery (photo at left). You can fish for trout from your cottage verandah, or just relax with a glass of wine and good company.

By the way #1 - if you catch a trout, Robert will take care of the grisly bits and even cook it up for your lunch or dinner. Now that's good service.

By the way #2 - the simple farm-grown and cooked meals are delicious. Tuki farm lamb is a treat.

 

WHERE: via Western Fwy to Ballarat then Newstead Road through Smeaton, 122km from Melbourne; 100minutes drive from the city.

HOW MUCH: a bargain - cottages from $130 per couple per night B&B.

CONTACT: Phone (03) 5345 6233 

INTERNET:   www.tuki.com.au

SUITABLE FOR: COUPLES, FAMILIES.

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copyright PETER ROBINSON 2007 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED