Frogsong Strawbale Cottage AQUA (No. 3) is one of 4 strawbale cottages on the same high country property in Mountain Bay, Victoria. Click on the links below to easily compare booking availability of our other 3 listed cottages, RED, BLUE, and YELLOW.
(NB:Covid 19 Safety & Hygiene levels require a 72hour break between bookings. While these current restrictions are in place, our minimum stay is 2 nights)
The cottages were designed and owner built (2010) in the style of English West Country worker's cottages incorporating passive solar & energy efficient principles & materials into a comfortable small footprint design. Guests enjoy comfortable winter and summer holidays in owner built local strawbale and earthen render cottages in a 5-acre native setting. Each cottage is fully equipped and self contained with galley kitchen, including basic breakfast provisions, tea, milo, and plunger coffee, a healthy house loaf, and generous milk supply. Our AQUA Family cottage No. 3, sleeps 4 in 2 bedrooms - Bedr.1 with a Queen bed : Bed. 2 with 2 single beds, Bathroom has a shower over a full bath, ('safe' step up to bath allows parent to perch comfortably alongside small children bathing); Separate toilet & handbasin central to all rooms; Open plan lounge dining area, with wood burning heater for winter and cool nights: full length sliding doors out to north facing deck overlooking 5 acres of native garden & dam. The triple earth rendered thick walls, 5 star ceiling / shared wall insulation, north facing prospect and double glazed windows maximise heating and cooling for all seasons, plus floor & ceiling fans / generous supply of extra doonas, throws and hot water bottles for those extreme weather days. Compare these features with our RED family cottage No. 1.
A 4km drive/or bike ride (or 200 metre ramble down our property)takes you to Lake Eildon and a lakeside stroll through Goughs Bay to Picnic Point with its lookout over the lake, picnic tables, sheltered gas BBQ facilities and children's playpark, or beyond as far as the beginnings of Eildon National Forest. Frogsong cottages provide an eco-sustainable Landcare haven from which to explore the rivers, creeks, tracks, trails and scenery around Lake Eildon, the bustling country town of Mansfield, Mount Buller & Mount Stirling, National & State parks and all the activities characteristic of the High Country.
Come and enjoy the Lake, Rivers and Mountains at their tranquil best. Winter sports abound: Cross country, downhill skiing and snowboarding at Mt Buller or Mt Stirling or bush walking, fishing, horse riding & cycling. The bustling town of Mansfield is only 15 mins away, offering a range of interesting eateries, shopping and markets, and shuttle access to Mount Buller and Stirling, along with snow equipment hire and purchase.
Our 4 Frogsong cottages are spacious to suit the needs of families or friends and can accommodate a total of 15 guests if all booked together.
AQUA COTTAGE (3) 2 bedrooms Bedroom 1 consists of queen bed Bedroom 2 consists of 2 x Single beds
This cottage is fully self-contained, with kitchenette, cheerful wood burning heaters in the lounge area that looks through north facing french windows onto private decks. As well as the passive solar heating that this provides, solar panels provide hot water and power, while the strawbale walls keep the living spaces insulated against heat and cold. All linen, towels, tea and plunger coffee provided with continental breakfast including a house-made loaf and muffins on Sunday mornings. An attractive grassed and shaded BBQ area is available for our guests informal use, along with 5 acres of native open grass and bushland for onsite rambling. Or BBQ at Gough Bay's Picnic Point, a gentle ramble around Mountain Bay, Gough's Bay and the swimming spots at local rivers & creeks Rates: $180 per night Check in: from 2pm Check out: 11 am Onsite parking Pets Considered*: *Please Note: no secure fencing around property due to the local native animals wandering around the property... Pets must be supervised at all times Please bring your own pet bedding/bowls etc Flexible Check in and Checkout times – please discuss with property manager Rooms are Smoke Free Other guests may be onsite so please respect each other’s privacy Please contact Property Manager to discuss booking options for larger groups. Discounts may apply
Local Attractions: LOCAL WINERIES within 15 mins drive *Delatite Winery *Kinloch Winery *Buller View BOUTIQUE BEERS Jamieson Brewery 6 boutique beers on tap Lake Eildon is only minutes away Mt Buller is approx 20min to the Entry Gates
ACTIVITIES Year round Hiking on many bush tracks in the foothills of the mountains. Horse riding at Merrijig and Barwite. Cycling, Boating, Fishing and Trail bike riding Olive Groves, Berry & Cherry Farms Entertainment for all the Family at: Mansfield Armchair Cinema Mansfield Zoo, Botanic Gardens Scenic Flights Local theatre group productions Farmers Markets every 3rd Sat of the month "Made in Mansfield" - featuring local artists and crafts people
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Amenities
Breakfast included
Kitchen
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Parking available
Barbecue grill
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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 indicated that there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
About the area
Mountain Bay
Mountain Bay is home to this cottage. Delatite Winery and Mansfield Golf Club are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Lake Eildon National Park and Loyola G109 Bushland Reserve. Mansfield Zoo and Jamieson Arboretum are also worth visiting. Take the opportunity to explore the area for outdoor excitement like hiking.
Delatite Bushland Reserve - 17 min drive - 14.4 km
Goulburn Valley High Country Rail Trail - 17 min drive - 20.5 km
Lake Eildon National Park - 19 min drive - 7.2 km
Restaurants
Amongst the Sticks - 7 min drive
Willowlake - 19 min drive
The Horseless Cart - 10 min drive
Howqua Valley Resort - 23 min drive
Koflers Hutt - 19 min walk
Frequently asked questions
Is Frogsong Strawbale Cottage AQUA pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Frogsong Strawbale Cottage AQUA?
As of 31 Mar, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Frogsong Strawbale Cottage AQUA on 13 Apr, 2026 start from S$139, 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.
How much is parking at Frogsong Strawbale Cottage AQUA?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Frogsong Strawbale Cottage AQUA?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Frogsong Strawbale Cottage AQUA?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Frogsong Strawbale Cottage AQUA located?
Situated in Mountain Bay, this cottage is 2.6 mi (4.3 km) from Bracks Bridge and within 9 miles (15 km) of Lake Eildon National Park and Loyola G109 Bushland Reserve. Mansfield Zoo and Goulburn Valley High Country Rail Trail are also within 12 miles (20 km).
Reviews
9.4
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
The cottages were nothing like you described.. No BBQ area, no lake views.. It was a dam, no tv or DVDs. Full of mozzies kitchen area cook top to small and showers were cold.
Maggie and Steve are the most welcoming warm and friendly hosts Maggie’s home baked bread on arrival and muffins the morning of departure are really special. The cottage comfortable and well insulated with a beaut little wood heater and a wonderful experience sitting out on the balcony
Big and spacious cottage, very close to Goughs Bay.
The home made cookies, bread and other things for breakfast were a winner.
Lots of birds and beautiful and quiet location.
The beds were very comfortable.
The check in experience was smooth and easy. We got homemade bread from Dave and Maggie, which was perfect for brekkie. We also got 6 eggs, a carton of milk, cereal, jam, tea and coffee. The accommodation had basic cooking equipment too. For the price we paid, we were very satisfied.
Loved out short stay here while we headed up to Mt Buller. Lovely little cottage, kept warm by the wood heater. Maggie and Dave were great hosts, came with warm muffins in the morning!! So friendly and welcoming. Would definitely stay again :)
It was a fantastic getaway, a nice warm cottage. With a nice balcony and view out into a native woodland. King patrots visited. The hosts were great. The beds and bathroom were clean.
Neat , most ammenities, could do with coffee machine. No TV, nice to just talk, chance to detox from online. After all days out and about good base to come back to. Only minus is check in time 4:00pm on arrival day, had to have loaded car day 1.
Have had excellent experience in staying in this cottage. Very nice hosts who provided very detailed instructions for finding the place and settling in. The hosts are very kind who also provided us with breakfast and even baked muffins as night snack for us. The cottage is small but big enough for sleeping of three. This time we stayed here to travel to Mt Buller for ski, which takes a bit of time to drive but we definitely would come back again to explore the local surrounding.
It was a cosy nice cottage to stay for a small family with all the basic amenities. Host Maggie (Margaret) and her partner were super friendly. They ensured our cottage was warm when we reached there. They even offered to warm up the cottage next day when we came back from our trip from Mt Buller. We had continental breakfast with lot of options to select from and Maggie even baked some cup cakes for kids. We loved the stay and would love to be back next time. Thankyou for the lovely hospitality.
Meggie the property manager is super kind, she provide us free aggs, bread, and start up. Alot of collection of good dvd to watch enough for month,, and same distance to mt buller as if from mansfield only down part internet wifi work only in reception and no network in mansfield aswell. After all alot of space ang good property managers
Cosy, comfortable cottage with generous and lovely hosts
Maggie our host went over and above to make sure we were comfortable. We arrived on a cold night and was welcomed with a clean, preheated cottage and even hot water bottles in our beds. Muffins on Sundays were delicious, love the bread provided for breakfast. Very laid back and peaceful place without the distractions of technology. Having said that, phone coverage is not a problem if you're with Telstra. Highly recommend this place. Thank you Maggie for looking after us.
Lilina T.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2019
Verified
8/10 Good
Marnie
18 Mar, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
The cottage is set on a beautiful peaceful property and was actually larger than expected. Maggie’s hospitality is above and beyond with fresh baked bread, cookies and muffins as well as other breakfast foods on offer (eggs, fruit, cereal and museli). We really liked that this cottage had a bath. The main bother for us, which is no fault of the hosts and would be the same anywhere in this area, was the amount of mosquitoes! Despite screens and dashing in and out of doors as quickly as possible there were so many of them! I highly recommend you bring a bunch of mozzie repellents. It’s also worth noting that there isn’t lake access from this area, you need to drive down to Goughs Bay only 5mins away. The property has good access to both Mansfield and Jameson as it’s kind of between the two.
Maggie was a wonderful host. There was great communication and clear notes provided so we could find the place easily. She was also very thoughtful with heating up the cottage before we arrived on both days. After skiing all day it was lovely returning to a pre-heated cottage. She also provided some freshly baked goods which was lovely.
The accommodation was comfortable and well priced.
Maggie is very accommodating with all our needs. Freshly baked muffins and loaf of bread are served for breakfast each morning - can't ask for more!!
Cottage is well equipped with all cooking utensils and bedding are fully provided, which is handy to have.
Look forward to our next stay with Maggie & Dave
Easy communication with host. Very accomodating, loved the fresh baked goodies.
Fantastic location.
Thank you
Samuel H.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2021
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Ewan
14 Nov, 2021
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Maggie was an amazing host! Great location overlooking lovely bush scenery.
Highly recommended!
Ewan
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2021
Verified
2/10 Terrible
Tamara M.
10 Jul, 2021
Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Communication, listing accuracy
Inaccurate property amenity description and no refunds given after failure to have a heater.
This property has a small wood fire only which takes some time to provide heat. No fan on the heater either so it doesn’t reach the bedrooms or the bathroom which I assumed the addition of an instantaneous heater would balance out.
There is also no wifi or aircon for others wanting these as the amenities list Is in accurate.
I paid for 3 nights, stayed for 7 hours and checked out to another location to keep me and my children warm or had to otherwise buy a heater for my stay at this property. The owner has refused a refund. We are in the mountains and I would have chosen another property had I known there was no additional instantaneous heating.
Very dishonest. Very disappointed. I am now escalating with Stayz direct
Tamara M.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 19 Jul, 2021
To protect myself from claims of dishonesty or misrepresentation, all quotes in speechmarks ("...") are taken from property descriptions or messages between the guest & myself.
Heating & Cooling:
Frogsong STRAWBALE Cottages provide..."passive solar & energy efficient principles & materials in a comfortable small footprint design"... "The triple earth rendered thick strawbale walls, 5 star energy rating, ceiling/shared wall & wafflepod floor insulation, north facing prospect & double glazed windows maximise heating/cooling for all seasons, plus floor & ceiling fans / generous supply of extra doonas/throws/hot water bottles for those extreme weather days. " AQUA cottage has an..."Open plan lounge dining area, with wood burning heater for winter & cool nights". A wood burning heater best suits strawbale for its radiant dry heat, damper control & use of a ceiling fan on low.
We provide daily 2 bins of wood logs+1 bucket of kindling. Tamara arrived as planned about 8pm on 7th after half a day at the snow. We had lit & maintained the heater an hour before her arrival on 7th (as per welcome letter),the heater was working well & I explained how to re load it for maximum warmth. I recommended adding the hot water bottles to the beds before retiring.
Text message approx 1 hour later: "Would I be allowed to plug a little heater in if I got one from the k hub?" (my reply) "I'd prefer to light the fire during the day before you get home as it will more quickly warm the cottage -the earthen walls will hold the heat longer. By all means get a heater as an added boost...". Her response, "I'm only conscious of getting home late tomorrow night" & "If you could do that still it would be amazing." She also wrote: Thank you. We are leaving tomorrow ..." "...6.45am ish.My cousin's place is half an hour away & we leave for the mountain at 8am"
As promised, the heater was alight by 3.30 & pleasantly warm each time I checked. The last time I checked Ms Marshall had returned and was hastily collecting her things together. I have no recording of the following exchange: Me: Oh you're back early. But you can feel the warmth from the heater already.. She cried No! No! I didn't want you to trouble yourself! She then said she was leaving. She was gone by 5.30pm, after a night and a day of her booking. It was her choice to leave, she was always welcome to stay.
The first I heard of a claim for a refund was in a text at 1.02pm on Friday 9th.
"I am actually requesting a refund for 2 nights. Your property clearly states a heater is on site."
This is true - a woodburning heater - as she clearly experienced on both days of her stay.
Here are our generous cancellation policies: Normal: 100% refund up to 14 days before the booking, 50% refund up to 7 days prior.
Covid-19 emergency policy (supersedes normal):
100% refund (or replacement dates) for any cancellation due to Covid 19 sickness, restrictions, etc. applies up to the day of arrival.
Tamara doesn't qualify for a refund according to these policies.
It appears to me now, that Ms Marshall had planned what I would describe as 'a 3-day Sleep and Go break' at an Alpine resort. She didn't want or need anything from her accommodation except heat at the push of a button. That is her prerogative, and I hope she found it. But with such specific plans and needs you have to read the property descriptions, or even the Welcome email that reiterates our details and inclusions Instantaneous heat is not a feature of Frogsong Strawbale Cottages.
Ms Marshall has alleged dishonesty, misinformation, and used thinly veiled threats in her claim.This is distressing for me and damaging for my business if it is believed. Over the last 11years I have built a reputation with VRBO, Stayz, HomeAway and Frogsong's many guests for being a welcoming and caring host. Most particularly, in ensuring that bookings affected by the Pandemic are fully refunded or replaced, & by establishing a Covid Safe plan with 72 hours pre and post booking for cleaning & preparation - that means a 3 day booking constitutes a 9 day block out on my calendar.
For these reasons, I reject Ms Marshall's accusations and her claim for a refund.
About the host
Hosted by Maggie Williams
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests