On the Forrest Mt Bike trail, 5min walk to Brewery & easy to explore the Otways
The Riders Palace is a classic 'Old Mill Cottage' nestled in Victoria's Mountain Biking Mecca of Forrest. Freshly painted and restyled the property is located at the start of the Forrest Mt Bike Trailhead. Nestled in a large garden the Riders Palace is an idyllic hideaway in the Otway’s boasting large north facing deck, large open space lawn and garden surrounded by large eucalyptus tree - and home to numerous local koala's.
The cottage has a very relaxed feel with polished timber floors, a light and airy kitchen / dining; the separate lounge with open fire place opens on to the veranda overlooking peaceful gardens.
If you open the gate at the bottom of the garden and follow the path to the Barwon River you will discover a parkland and trail to the West Barwon Dam.
The self contained cottage can sleep 4 people
Bedroom 1 Sleeps 2 - King Bed Bedroom 2 Sleeps 2 - King Bed
Location
- 2 hours from Melbourne - 1 hour from Geelong & the Surf Coast - 30 mins from Lorne or Apollo Bay - 7 min to the Forrest Brewery, General Store, Corner Store, Bespoke Harvest and the Forrest Hotel
Mountain Biking - Forrest is surrounded by over 60 km of sign posted single track specifically designed with real mountain bikers in mind. The trails offer experiences for all rider levels with trail grading from Easiest to Extremely Difficult.
The Riders Palace is a 7 minute walk to the famous Forrest Brewing Company. This casual dining hall offers delicious meals from local produce, great beer and local wines.
The breathtaking Lake Elizabeth is a 10 minute drive. Nestled deep in the Otway Ranges this beautiful mountain Lake was created when record rainfalls sent thousands of tonnes of rock and earth into the East Barwon River, creating a dam that went on to form the lake. Lake Elizabeth is now home and habitat for wild Platypus, and other wildlife.
The owners can link you up with their property in Torquay (the home of the famous Bells Beach and surfing capital of Australia) and put together a truly adventurous Great Ocean Road and Otway experience.
We request that guest do not cook strong smelling, aromatic or fried foods in the kitchen as it is very unpleasant for following guests. An airing fee of $150 will apply.
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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 first aid kit
About the area
Forrest
Located in Forrest, this holiday home is on a river. Forrest Brewing Company and Gosling Creek Winery are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Great Otway National Park and Barwon Downs Bushland Reserve. Discover the area's water adventures with scuba diving and snorkelling nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking and ecotours.
Great Ocean Road Waterfront - 28 min drive - 40.6 km
Apollo Bay Harbour - 31 min drive - 42.1 km
The Redwoods Otways - 40 min drive - 43.2 km
Getting around
Birregurra Station - 28 min drive
Melbourne, VIC (AVV-Avalon) - 86 min drive
Restaurants
Forrest Brewing Company - 6 min walk
Dar Teta - 8 min walk
Dar Tèta - 8 min walk
forrest hotel - 7 min walk
The Terminus Hotel - 8 min walk
Frequently asked questions
Is On the Forrest Mt Bike trail, 5min walk to Brewery & easy to explore the Otways pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at On the Forrest Mt Bike trail, 5min walk to Brewery & easy to explore the Otways?
As of 19 Apr, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at On the Forrest Mt Bike trail, 5min walk to Brewery & easy to explore the Otways on 19 Apr, 2026 start from S$194, 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 On the Forrest Mt Bike trail, 5min walk to Brewery & easy to explore the Otways?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at On the Forrest Mt Bike trail, 5min walk to Brewery & easy to explore the Otways?
Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.
What time is check-out at On the Forrest Mt Bike trail, 5min walk to Brewery & easy to explore the Otways?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is On the Forrest Mt Bike trail, 5min walk to Brewery & easy to explore the Otways located?
Situated on a river, this holiday home is within 1 mile (2 km) of Forrest Brewing Company and Great Otway National Park. Barwon Downs Bushland Reserve and Murroon Bushland Reserve are also within 9 miles (15 km).
Reviews
9.0
Wonderful
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
The property is located walking distance to all the amenities that Forrest has to offer and is short drive to wonderful waterfalls, Redwood Forest and Lakes.
There did seem to be a small issue with excessive amounts or dead blow flies on arrival.
Jack F.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Lize B.
9 Mar, 2017
Authentic Mill Cottage In Gorgeous Town
We are giving Riders Palace 5/5 without question, not because its is a 5 star hotel but because it is, as described and completely lived up to what it claimed to be.
Its unique, cozy, peaceful and just near a trail head (mountain biking).
The key things for us in a getaway are; comfy beds, nice bathroom, well cleaned and efficient management. Delivered in spades.
The house is a mill cottage from a different era, exactly what attracted us to it. Suited to those who appreciate character.
Lize B.
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Mar, 2020
Thank you for your amazing review Lize. We hope you can visit us again someday soon. xxx
Rider Palace is simply a delight! The charm of the cottage and the sounds of the birds and the beautiful environment make for a very special stay. So many places to sit and drinking it all in. Bindy was a wonderful host, quick to respond and very accomodating. The cottage is full of the most wonderful ecletic array of everything you need. The water is hot. The kitchen if a treat to prepare meals from local providers, and the beds are heavenly! Lots of aircons, heaters, and an open fire to match the weather. I highly recommend this delightful cottage in one of Victoria's most treasured destinations - The Otways. The local produce (stock up from the Forrest General Store and check out the Otways Harvest Trail), MTB tracks, bush walks (Lake Elizabeth is a must) and the Forrest Brewery are simply wonderful! Thank you.
Ruth K.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Nov, 2023
Hi Ruth thank you for a wonderful review. You have been an absolute delight to host and I would love you to stay again anytime. I also have the Surfers Palace in Torquay tucked in behind my home and super close to the beach if you're ever passing through.
Great for small family or couple. Really best to say it sleeps 4 rather than 5 is the only thing as the back room with the 5th bed is very cold but we were a party of 3 so it was perfect. Bathroom is small and didn’t have towel rack...but honestly the rest of the features made up for it. Bindy was very quick and responsive to my questions.
Bronwyn C.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2020
Archival
2/10 Terrible
GEOFF H.
13 Dec, 2016
Quaint, tired not acceptable
Booked sight unseen, back door held closed by cabin hook with gap underneath that could allow snake access to house, Space under inner back door and or front door also allows access to creapie crawlies. Limited fire wood, smoke filled house, windows did not open to allow smoke to clear. Clothes smelt of smoke. Toilette septic system had started to overflow at the front steps, contacted managing agent who got local plumber to attend, he could not sort so covered with dirt to dry overflow. Stench made use of front or side verandah impossible.
Tried several times to get resolve from managing agent, nothing heard. I was embaressed as other guests had travelled from Townsville. Not a quality stay. Advised at Forrest Festival Briefing that snakes could be encountered during the Festival, we encountered one within some meters of the house. a degree of unease in the house existed.
GEOFF H.
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Mar, 2020
Hi Geoff we have updated the property and hope you may come again someday.
Archival
6/10 Okay
Kate W.
24 Oct, 2016
Rustic Charm
The house was ok. The washing machine came in handy, the beds were comfortable & there was plenty of hot water. However we felt that it was over-priced. The weather was cold and there wasn't any fire wood. There is no dining area, with four adult guests this made breakfast a little cramped. The lounge area was a little small as well. It was a little below what we expected for the cost. The big positive is that everything is within walking distance.
Kate W.
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Mar, 2020
HI Kate Thank you so much for your feedback. And I do apologies for the little firewood available for your stay. I had been expecting a delivery which hadn't arrived :C I hope the 3 heaters in the property kept you warm and snuggly. We find the dining /kitchen space very cosy and the the house is a traditional old mill cottage with the typical 4 rooms. Its such a pity the weekend was so cold as the deck is sunny all day an the outdoor table works perfectly all year. As Forrest has extremely limited accommodation race weekends do tend to be much more expensive. I hope you had a great race though and I do hope you can stay again sometime.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Kelly E.
12 Jan, 2016
Great place to stay!
A nice old comfortable house. Great location, loved the easy walk to the brewery or pub. Excellent facilities for cooking your own too. And very close to the mountain bike trails. Bindy the owner was most helpful over the phone. Will be back asap.
Kelly E.
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Mar, 2020
Thank you for your lovely review Kelly. Please come and stay again somedayxxx
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Emma A.
30 Mar, 2015
Perfect
All the boys were very happy with the accomodation
Emma A.
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Mar, 2020
Thank you for your lovely review Emma. Please come and stay again somedayxxx