Spacious 5-bedroom rural retreat perfect for families, groups, and pets. Relax in two living areas, cook in the fully equipped kitchen, or enjoy the games room with bar billiards, air hockey, and a wood fire. Step outside to a large patio, table tennis, quoits, and 10 pin bowls and open gardens with birds, rabbits, and views of neighboring sheep. Peaceful and private, yet just 5 minutes to supermarkets, cafés, and restaurants. A perfect blend of country charm and convenience—pets welcome! 🏡 Welcome to McDougall Hideaway – House Rules We’re thrilled to host you! To ensure a safe, clean, and respectful experience for all guests, neighbours, and local wildlife, please take a moment to review the following guidelines.
💰 Refundable Security Bond - A $500 refundable bond is required for all bookings. - This bond covers potential damages, excessive cleaning, or breaches of house rules. - It will be refunded in full within 7 days of checkout, provided the property is left in good condition and all rules are followed.
🎉 No Parties or Events - Strictly no parties, events, or large gatherings. - Quiet hours: 10:00 PM – 8:00 AM. - Noise complaints may involve police and result in removal. - Damage or excessive cleaning will incur charges.
🚭 Smoking & Vaping - Permitted only under the pergola by the bar. - Use provided butt buckets and empty them into the outdoor bin. - Clean buckets in the laundry sink only. - No cigarette waste in the garden — cleanup fees apply.
🐾 Pet Policy Dogs - Dogs under 25kg only, with prior approval. - No aggressive breeds. - Must be supervised and not left alone indoors. - No barking between 10:00 PM – 8:00 AM. - Not allowed on beds. Excessive hair or odours = $100 cleaning fee. - Pick up droppings (bring your own bags), refill holes, and sweep pergola area. - Bring your own bedding and supplies. Cats - Must be fully litter-trained. - Keep off beds and couches. - Bring a scratching post/mat. - Spraying or marking will incur cleaning fees.
👥 Registered Guests Only - Only guests listed in the booking are allowed. - Unregistered guests = penalty charges. - Neighbours will report excess occupancy.
🔐 Security & Safety - Outdoor cameras monitor the car park only. - Lock all doors/windows when leaving. - No overnight guests without approval. - No climbing on furniture or structures. - Report damages immediately. - Lost key fee: $25. - No open flames, fireworks, or unattended BBQs. - Do not enter neighbouring properties or paddocks.
🌿 Wildlife & Environment - Do not feed wildlife. - Supervise children outdoors — this is a rural area. - Do not move or throw river stones — gardener fees apply.
🚽 Septic System - Only flush toilet paper. - Use bins for all other items.
💡 Sustainability - Turn off lights/appliances when not in use. - No outdoor lights left on overnight. - Sort rubbish and recycling as labelled.
🧼 Cleanliness - Remove shoes indoors. - No eating/drinking in bedrooms. - Use coasters and placemats. - Don’t use towels for spills, makeup, or pets. - No tanning products, henna, or hair dye. - Towels/sheets are not for outdoor use. - Stained or missing linen will be charged.
📦 Checkout Instructions - Place used towels in the bathroom laundry basket. - Leave beds unmade. - Check for stains and notify host. - Load dishwasher, take out rubbish, and check for belongings.
🕒 Check-In & Check-Out - Check-in: After 4:00 PM - Check-out: By 10:00 AM
📅 Booking Policy We accept bookings up to 30 days in advance. Looking to stay longer or plan ahead? Send us a message — we`re happy to consider longer stays or custom dates on request!
💻 Technology & Conduct - Wi-Fi for light use only — no illegal downloads. - Don’t tamper with routers, cameras, or smart devices. - No drones or recording without permission. - No climbing trees, fences, or outbuildings. - Respect furniture — no jumping or standing. - For power outages, check the white box in the bedroom off the kitchen. - Contact us immediately for any issues or breakages. - Special requests must be made in advance. - If anything isn’t right, please message us before leaving a review — we’re here to help!
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Stress-free stay: secure garage parking on site, fast Wi-Fi and fully equipped kitchen.<br>Walk everywhere: just 2-minutes to cafes, IGA supermarket, chemist and public transport—no car needed!<br><br>Book to enjoy heritage charm steps from city conv
Ballarat East
Stress-free stay: secure garage parking on site, fast Wi-Fi and fully equipped kitchen.<br>Walk everywhere: just 2-minutes to cafes, IGA supermarket, chemist and public transport—no car needed!<br><br>Book to enjoy heritage charm steps from city conv
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys
Please check bed sheets for stains before checkout. If found, let us know the cause to help with removal. Unreported stains may incur a $50 replacement fee. Thanks for your cooperation – Harley
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
🏡 Welcome to McDougall Hideaway – House Rules
We’re thrilled to host you!
Important information
You need to know
Property # 20165581
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
About the area
Ballarat
Magpie, a neighbourhood in Ballarat, is home to this holiday home. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Union Jack Education Area and Buninyong H21 Bushland Reserve, while Sovereign Hill and Her Majesty's Theatre are cultural highlights. Ballarat Bird World and Ballarat Aquatic and Leisure Centre are also worth visiting.
Federation University Australia - 7 min drive - 8.3 km
Mount Buninyong Scenic Reserve - 7 min drive - 9.4 km
Union Jack Education Area - 8 min drive - 7.2 km
Sovereign Hill - 11 min drive - 9.8 km
Getting around
Ballarat Station - 15 min drive
Melbourne, VIC (AVV-Avalon) - 71 min drive
Restaurants
Wildseed Café - 9 min drive
Subway - 6 min drive
McDonald's - 7 min drive
Guzman Y Gomaz - 5 min drive
Stockade On Rubicon - 7 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is McDougall Hideaway Property pet-friendly?
Yes, pets are allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at McDougall Hideaway Property?
As of 13 May, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at McDougall Hideaway Property on 15 Sept, 2026 start from S$412, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
What time is check-in at McDougall Hideaway Property?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at McDougall Hideaway Property?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is McDougall Hideaway Property located?
Located in Magpie, this holiday home is within 6 miles (10 km) of Ballarat Bird World, Federation University Australia and Union Jack Education Area. Buninyong H21 Bushland Reserve and Sovereign Hill are also within 6 miles (10 km).
Reviews
9.6
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
This property was perfect. We had a family wedding close by and it was like staying at home. Very comfortable, quiet, warm and welcoming. Highly recommend and would book again.
Look no further if you are looking for a place to stay when visiting Ballarat. Wonderful home with everything you need on a small bush block. Great hosts who were responsive to questions and very accommodating. Highly recommended.
Peter N.
Stayed 11 nights in Jan 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Jan, 2026
“Thank you, Peter, for your kind words. We loved hosting you, and we truly appreciate having such lovely guests. You’re welcome back anytime.”
Wonderful family home for a wonderful family holiday. Quiet location with lots of room inside and outside to either play the many games provided (board games, table tennis, ten pin bowling, air hockey, and the list goes on), or find a quiet spot on your own for a book. We also played cricket and Finska out in the large front garden. Harley was a wonderfully accommodating host when we had some last minute changes too. There are a fair few house rules in place, but understandable to ensure everything is looked after and available for the next guests. 5 minute drive to shops and 10 from Sovereign Hill and Ballarat town centre Highly recommend.
Polly H.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Oct, 2025
Polly was a wonderful guest. She followed all our house rules and left the property in excellent condition—just as she found it. I can fully recommend Polly to any host looking for a respectful and considerate guest.
Regards,
Harley
Verified
8/10 Good
Joshua A.
23 Nov, 2025
Joshua A.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Dec, 2025
Joshua was a wonderful guest.
He left the house in great condition and followed all the house rules.
He requested an early check-in, and while we usually can accommodate this, on this occasion we couldn’t. We only use one cleaner, who takes great pride in presenting the house to a very high standard. Unfortunately, the previous guests left the property in a condition that required extra work, which meant an early check-in wasn’t possible. We were disappointed not to be able to assist Joshua with this, but cleanliness is paramount to us.
Communication with Joshua was excellent throughout his stay.
He’s a guest we’d be very happy to host again, and we gladly recommend him to other hosts.
Regards,
Harley
About the host
Hosted by Harley
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests