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Trickle Hill - enjoy bush, wine and relaxation on a hidden farm
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Reviews
9.8 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% of guest reviews in this area
3 bedrooms1+ bathroomSleeps 3484.4 sq ft
Popular amenities
Explore the area

Cockatoo, VIC
- Place, Wright Forest Bushland Reserve6 min drive
- Place, Emerald Lake Park9 min drive
- Place, Emerald Bushland Reserve12 min drive
Rooms & beds
3 bedrooms (sleeps 3)
Bedroom 1
1 Queen Bed
Bedroom 2
1 Single Bed
Bedroom 3
1 Single Bed
1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom
bathroom
Shower only
Bathroom 2
Toilet
Spaces
Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Dining area
About this property
Trickle Hill - enjoy bush, wine and relaxation on a hidden farm
Trickle Hill is a lovely cottage tucked away at the edge of our bush. You have your own little patio, and can go for adventurous walks straight from your living room !
We are located on the edge of the Dandenong ranges, very close to Kurth Kiln and Bunyip National park. Yarra Valley is a short drive away- vineyards are also close, while bushwalking is literally at your doorstep. It is the ideal location for a relaxing break in the bush- hiking, cycling, horseriding or 4 WDing- it is all possible close to our property- or a short drive away.
Avalon castle is very close, so we are ideally situated if you attend a wedding. We are of course LGBTI+ friendly !
The cottage has three bedrooms, a lovely living area and a cosy woodfire. We have a sheltered outdoor area, where you can have a barbeque, or have a small fire in a firedish. (not on code red days) You will be at the edge of the bush, so you hear, or walk out, and try to find our resident breeding pair of Lyrebirds, echidnas, wombats, wallabies and kangaroos or the deer that live in our 'back yard'. Or just roam, which shouldn't be too hard on 67 acres :-)
We are close to massive areas of bush with trails.
We love dogs, but cats can't come, as we do love our lizards and birds too, and for allergy reasons.
We do our best to keep everything as 'green' as we can- so please don't use harsh chemicals.
Living in the bush brings with it that you cannot light a fire in fire danger periods, and, heating on a woodstove, means there is a hot stove in the room. (watch those little fingers...)
We are happy for you to pet our horses when we are present, play with our dogs- but be aware- we have dams on the property, so keep an eye on your children. Our animals are very friendly but you always need to keep an eye out when you don't know them!
The cottage is down the hill from our house, so there is plenty of privacy. We both have a workshop near to the cottage but will do our best not to disturb you too much. (we are both artists). Aukje offers workshops in clay- so let us know if you are interested!
Our aim is to give you a place of rest and enjoyment. We love to share our space as we love it here so much- and hope you love it too.
As life is a project - don't expect 10* linen and luxury, state of the art gardens and clipped lawns, but a friendly welcoming atmosphere where you can be yourself and relax.
You will have access to the cottage and the outdoor area, all the bush around the house and the area around our animals if you like.
The area around our own house we would like to keep private.
This a working hobby farm- with machinery, animals (pigs in season, dogs, horses, ducks and chickens). Please keep off the machinery, and the horse paddock is out of bounds, unless we are there to read our horses body language, and invite you in.
DOGS;
Our dogs are very friendly, well socialised, love to play with visitors, and will visit you as they run free at all times. If your dog is reactive, we are happy to do a slow introduction, but we prefer not to lock our dogs up for yours.
Our property is stock fenced- dogs are able to roam if they are not staying with you. You are expected to be in full control of your dog at all times, to protect our animals. Discuss if you are not sure..
Dogs cannot be left alone in the cottage, unless contained. We are working on a fenced dog yard.
We are a rural property with animals, and there are dams on the property, (not close to the cottage) so please keep an eye on children - we cannot take responsibility for your persons or animals.
Living on a farm means that not everything is safe, flat or person-proof. Coming here is entirely at your own risk, but of course- if there is anything we can do to make your visit more pleasurable, we will do our best to do so!
We are located on the edge of the Dandenong ranges, very close to Kurth Kiln and Bunyip National park. Yarra Valley is a short drive away- vineyards are also close, while bushwalking is literally at your doorstep. It is the ideal location for a relaxing break in the bush- hiking, cycling, horseriding or 4 WDing- it is all possible close to our property- or a short drive away.
Avalon castle is very close, so we are ideally situated if you attend a wedding. We are of course LGBTI+ friendly !
The cottage has three bedrooms, a lovely living area and a cosy woodfire. We have a sheltered outdoor area, where you can have a barbeque, or have a small fire in a firedish. (not on code red days) You will be at the edge of the bush, so you hear, or walk out, and try to find our resident breeding pair of Lyrebirds, echidnas, wombats, wallabies and kangaroos or the deer that live in our 'back yard'. Or just roam, which shouldn't be too hard on 67 acres :-)
We are close to massive areas of bush with trails.
We love dogs, but cats can't come, as we do love our lizards and birds too, and for allergy reasons.
We do our best to keep everything as 'green' as we can- so please don't use harsh chemicals.
Living in the bush brings with it that you cannot light a fire in fire danger periods, and, heating on a woodstove, means there is a hot stove in the room. (watch those little fingers...)
We are happy for you to pet our horses when we are present, play with our dogs- but be aware- we have dams on the property, so keep an eye on your children. Our animals are very friendly but you always need to keep an eye out when you don't know them!
The cottage is down the hill from our house, so there is plenty of privacy. We both have a workshop near to the cottage but will do our best not to disturb you too much. (we are both artists). Aukje offers workshops in clay- so let us know if you are interested!
Our aim is to give you a place of rest and enjoyment. We love to share our space as we love it here so much- and hope you love it too.
As life is a project - don't expect 10* linen and luxury, state of the art gardens and clipped lawns, but a friendly welcoming atmosphere where you can be yourself and relax.
You will have access to the cottage and the outdoor area, all the bush around the house and the area around our animals if you like.
The area around our own house we would like to keep private.
This a working hobby farm- with machinery, animals (pigs in season, dogs, horses, ducks and chickens). Please keep off the machinery, and the horse paddock is out of bounds, unless we are there to read our horses body language, and invite you in.
DOGS;
Our dogs are very friendly, well socialised, love to play with visitors, and will visit you as they run free at all times. If your dog is reactive, we are happy to do a slow introduction, but we prefer not to lock our dogs up for yours.
Our property is stock fenced- dogs are able to roam if they are not staying with you. You are expected to be in full control of your dog at all times, to protect our animals. Discuss if you are not sure..
Dogs cannot be left alone in the cottage, unless contained. We are working on a fenced dog yard.
We are a rural property with animals, and there are dams on the property, (not close to the cottage) so please keep an eye on children - we cannot take responsibility for your persons or animals.
Living on a farm means that not everything is safe, flat or person-proof. Coming here is entirely at your own risk, but of course- if there is anything we can do to make your visit more pleasurable, we will do our best to do so!
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Outdoor space
Parking available
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9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (106 reviews)
House Rules
Check in after 2:00 PM
Check out before 10:00 AM
Children
Children allowed: ages 0–17
We do have a coonara with a fireguard
Events
No events allowed
Pets
Pets allowed
No cats. Just contact me if you are not sure.
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Smoking outside- and please remove butts
Check-out instructions
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights
Remove all cigarette butts, empty ashtray, and place in bin at the road.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Important information
You need to know
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
This property uses a grey water recycling system and eco-friendly cleaning products
Noise-free guestrooms cannot be guaranteed
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
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
We should mention
A car is required for transport to and from this property
About the area
Melbourne
Located in Cockatoo, a neighbourhood in Melbourne, this cottage is in a rural area. Monbulk Winery and Carlei Estate are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit Gemco Community Theatre and Australian Rainbow Trout Farm. Puffing Billy Steam Train and Tesselaar's Bulbs and Flowers are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

Cockatoo, VIC
What's nearby
- Wright Forest Bushland Reserve - 6 min drive - 3.1 km
- Emerald Lake Park - 9 min drive - 6.8 km
- Clematis Park Bushland Reserve - 12 min drive - 9.5 km
- Emerald Bushland Reserve - 12 min drive - 9.1 km
- Dandenong Ranges National Park - 18 min drive - 17.8 km
Getting around
Restaurants
- The Railway Dog - 10 min drive
- Bam Bam Italian - 7 min drive
- The General Food Store - 9 min drive
- Yarra Ranges Estate - 19 min drive
- Gracie's Of Gembrook - 10 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window9.6/10
Cleanliness
9.6/10
Check-in
9.8/10
Communication
9.8/10
Location
9.6/10
Listing accuracy
Reviews
17 Feb, 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2026
10/10 Excellent
Avinash V.
27 Jan, 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Avinash V.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2026
10/10 Excellent
Tursunay K.
5 Dec, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great stay
Tursunay K.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2023
10/10 Excellent
Joshua R.
31 May, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location
Joshua R.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024
10/10 Excellent
Federico C.
13 Nov, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Hidden gem
Federico C.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024
10/10 Excellent
Michael P.
28 Sept, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect weekend away
Michael P.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
10/10 Excellent
Thomas C.
18 Jan, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely farmhouse stay
Thomas C.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022
10/10 Excellent
Penelope R.
12 Jul, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great hosts
Penelope R.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022
10/10 Excellent
Judith B.
8 Mar, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
a lovely quiet spot, unique property.
Judith B.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023
10/10 Excellent
Penelope R.
24 Apr, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Rainforest Serenity
Penelope R.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023
10/10 Excellent
Tim C.
2 Feb, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Even dogs need a holiday
Tim C.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023
10/10 Excellent
Ashley B.
3 May, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A Hidden Gem
Ashley B.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024
10/10 Excellent
Ania R.
12 May, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Friendly and tranquil bush retreat!
Ania R.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023
10/10 Excellent
Larissa P.
25 Sept, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Peaceful getaway
Larissa P.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
10/10 Excellent
Gwen G.
25 Jul, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Mid year break
Gwen G.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
Michael G.
28 Jul, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fantastic nature escape
Michael G.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
Jo B.
5 Feb, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Peaceful
Jo B.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023
10/10 Excellent
Amanda T.
2 Sept, 2018
Beautiful Welcoming place to spend the weekend.
Amanda T.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2018
10/10 Excellent
Donna L.
26 Sept, 2019
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
My grandson loved playing with the dogs and so did our dog
Donna L.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2019
10/10 Excellent
Jess P.
3 Apr, 2021
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Hideaway cottage in the forest.... overwhelmingly beautiful
Jess P.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2021
6/10 Okay
Maryann S.
1 Nov, 2023
Liked: Location
Disliked: Listing accuracy
Secluded junk yard,first impression disappointing
Maryann S.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023
6/10 Okay
Glenda B.
14 Mar, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, communication
Disliked: Check-in, location
2 night getaway
Glenda B.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023
10/10 Excellent
Daryl D.
12 Oct, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cockatoo experience
Daryl D.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023
4/10 Poor
Deb C.
12 Mar, 2025
Liked: Location
Disliked: Cleanliness, check-in, listing accuracy
Rooms for improvement and some TLC
Deb C.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025
10/10 Excellent
Sara P.
15 Nov, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Clean, quiet and relaxing
Sara P.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2022
About the host
Hosted by Aukje Van Vark
We are a family of 5, who love dogs and horses.
We also love travelling, making Art, improving on just about everything, and always have plans.
We love to share our piece of paradise with people who are not as fortunate , so everyone can enjoy their own bush here :-)
We also love travelling, making Art, improving on just about everything, and always have plans.
We love to share our piece of paradise with people who are not as fortunate , so everyone can enjoy their own bush here :-)
Why they chose this property
Living here is wonderful- in this nice community full of lovely locals, animals and abundance of nature.
We love the sound of the bush, going for walks, eating out in the amazing cafes and restaurants, drinking local wines, and being only an hour away from Melbourne cbd is a definite bonus!
We love the sound of the bush, going for walks, eating out in the amazing cafes and restaurants, drinking local wines, and being only an hour away from Melbourne cbd is a definite bonus!
What makes this property unique
this is a working farm- in there middle of the bush
There cottage is at the edge of the bush, so you will have privacy. Our workshops are close, so some noise, traffic and materials will be encountered.
Our dogs are always loose, and will visit you.
We can feed horses together, if you wish, on days we have time.
There cottage is at the edge of the bush, so you will have privacy. Our workshops are close, so some noise, traffic and materials will be encountered.
Our dogs are always loose, and will visit you.
We can feed horses together, if you wish, on days we have time.
Languages:
English, Dutch
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