Kingbilli can be at once a hive of activity, or the picture of serenity – depending upon how you choose to approach it. Country life may focus on simple pleasures, in a world metered by natural cycles… but it is surely never dull.

Designed with families in mind, the property allows visitors of all ages to be as active or reclusive as they desire. Generally, we find, it is the younger generation who chooses the former… and the older, the latter!  And, impossible as it sounds… here, there is more than enough space to make that a compatible combination!

With only one cottage let to guests, your preferences are our priority.  Thus, a holidaying family choosing to make our place their own can do exactly that, letting their children run free without fear of lurking strangers, tearing traffic or disturbance to or from a soul.

If it is privacy you seek, we’ll endeavour not to trespass upon it – and if it is the playground, the bike track, rowboat or the attention of our cuddly critters your kids crave, there will be no need for them to wait their turn – although they may find our youngest family member, Daniel, appears to give them “the tour”!

Indeed, from an animal-lover’s perspective, being the only visitors present at any one time is a bonus: our limelight-loving llamas, horses and ponies are fascinated by new faces, and will find yours most exciting (particularly if you come bearing carrots)… whilst our wildlife is habituated to our own comings and goings, and hence will not be disturbed by anyone in advance of your arrival.

Everything available on the property is yours to enjoy without any extra charge – it is simply here for you to enjoy, and we encourage all our guests to wander the place at will (although beware – our vocal Azawakh will not miss a move you make!) … and feel free to cuddle, feed and photograph the whole gang.

Children can be children, letting the exploits of the Famous Five come to life in Kingbilli’s hills and dales. With ample opportunities for adventures great and small: playground to play in, trees to climb, creeks to paddle, bush hideouts to make and wombat tracks to follow; they can play all day whilst their worn and weary parents sit in peace and rest assured, they’ll be back safe and sound when they get hungry!

And if Kingbilli’s 200 acres prove insufficient, just across the road, the rugged wilds of the Cathedral Range State Park beckon walkers, and rock-climbers alike with trails of varying levels of difficulty winding their way to the rocky peaks… and slightly further afield, the gorgeous rainforests of the Yarra Ranges National Park near Marysville, or the vast woodlands of Lake Eildon National Park, mean dedicated hikers will find no shortage of opportunities to explore.

Serious cyclists will love the Buxton Mountain Bike Park, just 10km away at Buxton, whilst those preferring a gentler ride will delight in the Great Victorian Rail Trail, 20km away at Alexandra.

Wildlife lovers travelling from Melbourne may like to checkout the endangered species breeding programs at Healesville Sanctuary, on route to Kingbilli … whilst art enthusiasts will find their fill of thrills at Bruno’s Sculpture Garden.

Renowned amongst fishermen, the valley offers a wealth of favourite spots, with the hub of all such wisdom located just minutes away at Thornton in the form of the Goulburn Valley Fly Fishing Centre – former mentors of the inimitable Rex Hunt! The centre offers a range of tours and packages, adjusted to suit beginner fly-fishers through to dedicated pros.  Of course, those who like their fish to come a little more easily will enjoy a visit to the nearby Buxton Trout and Salmon Farm.

Just a few miles beyond, the shores of Lake Eildon are brimming with crystal clear waters – six times the size of Sydney Harbour – and boat hire and/or water-skiing is readily available.

Those seeking drier pursuits may favour the gently undulating fairways of the Marysville Golf and Bowls Club: one of the most picturesque courses in rural Victoria. And whilst in Marysville, do let the kids explore the gorgeously landscaped playground in the centre of town, conveniently across the road from the Marysville Lolly Shop, boasting the greatest range of sweets this side of the divide.

Flourishing in the shadows of the mighty Yarra Valley vineyards, wine buffs will find a surprising array of delightful, small wineries abound throughout the local area, with several on Kingbilli’s doorstep.

In winter time, snow enthusiasts of all ages are well catered for, with the ever-expanding facilities at Lake Mountain offering fantastic options for hardened cross-country skiers and junior tobogganists alike… whilst a little further afield, Mount Buller provides downhill skiers and snowboarders with everything their hearts desire.

And at the end of the day, choices remain… relax in your cottage at the hands of a professional masseuse … dine out in the comfort of a cosy country pub … or cook yourselves a simple meal by the fire, or perhaps a BBQ, and await the nightfall, when the real action begins!

All adults and children are encouraged to bring their gumboots and torches and rug-up to explore Kingbilli after dark, when possums, gliders, phascogales, owls, bats and wombats rove through the gardens with no concern for spectators.

For a few days, a week, or weekend… it’s not a bad lifestyle!