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Coral Fern Retreat - bush paradise (free wifi)

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December 2024
January 2025

Photo gallery for Coral Fern Retreat - bush paradise (free wifi)

Property grounds
Dining
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Exterior detail
TV, fireplace, DVD player, books

Reviews

10 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire home

4 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 8

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
    Parking available
  • Hot Tub
    Hot Tub
  • Washer
    Washer
  • Barbecue grill
    Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen
    Kitchen
  • Air conditioning
    Air conditioning

Explore the area

Map
Forrest, VIC
  • Forrest Brewing Company
    8 min walk
  • Great Otway National Park
    3 min drive
  • Erskine Falls
    47 min drive

Room options

About the neighborhood

Forrest

Located in Forrest, this vacation home is in a rural location, within a 5-minute drive of Forrest Brewing Company and Great Otway National Park. .This family-friendly vacation home is 5 mi (8 km) from Barwon Downs Bushland Reserve and 7.9 mi (12.7 km) from Murroon Bushland Reserve.
View more Vacation Homes in ForrestOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Forrest Brewing Company - 8 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Great Ocean Road Waterfront - 38 min drive - 22.2 miles
  • Apollo Bay Harbour - 41 min drive - 23.1 miles
  • Otway Fly Treetop Adventures - 47 min drive - 26.8 miles
  • Erskine Falls - 47 min drive - 17.4 miles

Getting around

  • Colac Station - 28 min drive
  • Avalon Airport (AVV) - 86 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Forrest General Store - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Forrest Brewing Company - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Platypi Chocolate - ‬13 min walk
  • ‪Bespoke Harvest - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Forrest Brewery - ‬8 min walk

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Coral Fern Retreat - bush paradise (free wifi)

Coral Fern Retreat is a unique mudbrick home located in a quiet part of the mountain township of Forrest nestled in a tree-ferned gully. The retreat is inviting with a beautiful, peaceful and restful atmosphere featuring old recycled timbers that give it a rustic feel.

It is a comfortable house with a spacious open planned kitchen/dining room and a sunken lounge room with a loft floor above. There are 3 unique and charmingly decorated bedrooms, 2 with queen-sized beds, 1 double and a queen sofa bed in the loft.

The timber kitchen is well equipped and contains a gas cooktop, electric oven, dishwasher, microwave and a coffee machine with any number of pots, pans and utensils to enable the preparation of gourmet meals for avid foodies.

Relax in the cosy lounge with enticing vistas out into the garden. There is a TV, DVD's, books and a grand piano for any pianists and a Bluetooth compatible stereo. The woodheater is perfect to unwind in front of on cold winter days.

The bathroom has a freestanding cast iron bath to soak away your troubles in, along with a shower, ceiling fitted heat lamp and towel drying rails. The laundry provides a frontloader washing machine and dryer along with a trough and toilet.

With views into the surrounding bush, the outdoor deck is ideal for enjoying meals and entertaining. A Weber is provided for BBQ's along with shade umbrellas for comfort on hot days.

The rambling garden is a mixture of exotics and natives with private areas to sit and enjoy the surroundings. Kangaroos regularly make their morning hop through the backyard and the occasional Koala can be spotted. Night time residents include the cute Ring-Tailed and Brush-Tailed Possums.

A feature of the Coral Fern Retreat is the abundance of birdlife that inhabit the bushland along the creek, the dawn call is an absolute highlight and the beautiful call of the Golden Whistler, Blue Wrens, Yellow Robins, King Parrots and the many Honeyeaters make for a bird watchers paradise.

The township of Forrest and the surrounding area has much to offer visitors with the boutique craft beer Brewery and Restaurant, Jewellery Shop and Bric a Brac shop, all within a short walk. The town is a hub for mountain bikers with many riding trails that cater for all abilities and beautiful walking tracks. Lake Elizabeth is a short drive where Platypus tours are offered and the majestic Stevensons Falls are nearby.

A 30 minute drive through lush cool temperate rainforest and you arrive at the best beaches that the world has to offer along the Great Ocean Road. Beach towels, bag and beach umbrella are provided during those warm summer months. The world class Brae Restaurant near the historic township of Birregurra and the renown Chris's Restaurant near Skenes Creek are a must!

For a place to take a break that is ideal for artists, writers, musicians or thinkers looking to feel inspired, or for those who love to feel close and connect with nature you have found the ideal, magical place.
Make yourself comfortable in this air-conditioned vacation home, which features a fireplace. There's a private balcony. A kitchen is outfitted with a refrigerator, an oven, and a stovetop. Conveniences include a microwave and a coffee/tea maker.
Enjoy recreation amenities such as a spa tub or take in the view from a garden.
Guests will find features like internet access and onsite parking.

Property manager

Barbara Gear

Languages

English, German

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach towels
  • Beach umbrellas

Pool/Spa

  • Spa tub

Internet

  • Available in the house: WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Onsite parking options include a garage

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Ice maker
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Bedrooms

  • 4 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Sofa bed

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Bathtub
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Fireplace
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Books
  • DVD player
  • Games
  • Music library
  • Piano
  • Stereo
  • TV
  • Video library

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Washer/dryer

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property
  • Note from host: Smoking permitted outside

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In a rural location

Things to do

  • Fishing nearby
  • Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
  • Winery tours nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher

General

  • Garden

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Note from host: There are stairs and a split level.

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
Onsite 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 there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

Property is also known as

Coral Fern Retreat Bush Paradise
Coral Fern Retreat bush paradise (free wifi)
Coral Fern Retreat - bush paradise (free wifi) Forrest
226362

Coral Fern Retreat - bush paradise (free wifi) Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 79 out of 80 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 80 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 80 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 80 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 80 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Jan v.

Liked: Cleanliness
Excellent place for a few days relaxation
We had a very enjoyable stay. Everything was exactly as advertised.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Linda L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Friends celebrating big birthday - platypus tour and e bike tour in Beech Forest
The large 4 bedroom bush retreat property is set in a large block with mature plants and flowering shrubs surrounded by birds and rabbits ( sometimes kangaroos) Bird nerd and gardener paradise. Fairy Wrens, Spinebills, Satin Bower Birds, Kookaburras and Butcher birds are some of the visitors. There is a little brook at the edge of the property, not really accessible but beware if kids will investigate. Peace and quiet is almost guaranteed; lots of space and comfy beds and sofas to relax on and watch the birds, read or watch a dvd. Bedroom 4 is on the mezzanine above the lounge and not totally private which may not suite everyone, but ok for us 4 mates. The Grand piano was unfortunately not utilised by us - so bring a Bluetooth speaker along if you’re musically challenged too. The kitchen and bathroom are well- supplied. Forrest General Store is a short walk open most days for coffee, snacks and fantastic bread. The Forrest Brewery is at the top of Turner Rd, but was closed whilst we were there for holidays Usually we go there. Beware The Terminus pub which is the only other pub option- it is almost “the pub with no beer” and an hour wait for not great food. Explore the Otways We highly recommend Otway Eco Tours - we saw a lot of platypus thanks to Max. Also totally loved our Otway E Bikes tour with Nathan very knowledgeable about the history, fauna and flora of the area. Loved our Stayz accommodation right in the heart of the Otways
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Robyn N.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect retreat
We enjoyed a lovely stay at Barb’s house. The place is gorgeous, spotlessly clean and surrounded by a lovely garden and bush land. The house is so well set up and has everything you could possibly need. We will definitely be back!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kim T.

Liked: Cleanliness
So amazing!
This property was beautiful and had everything we needed! The bed was super comfy, the bird life was superb and my partner loved playing your grand piano! In over 20 years of staying at self contained properties, yours by far has to be the best we have stayed in! We are looking forward to coming back when it is warmer in Forrest! Thanks so much Barb and Greg! :-)
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Robert B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing Property, Amazing Location
Thank you Barbara for providing such a clean and beautifully presented home. We loved our stay and will surely be back. Highly recommended
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

janny h.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fun Family Holiday!
Coral Fern Retreat is the most beautiful property, the minute you walk through the front door, you feel so welcome. The whole house leaves you wanting for nothing, even with a family of eight. Our grandchildren adored playing on the swing and in the cubby house. Taking in the amazing construction and quality of the mud rock home was also such a privilege. Thank you so much Barb and Greg for sharing your beautifully appointed home with us.
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Melanie S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful home in Forrest
We had a wonderful time at Coral Fern Retreat. There is so much beauty in the house and gardens. We loved tinkering on the piano and playing in the cubby house. The stunning mud brick design kept us cool despite it being a hot weekend. Barb is a kind and attentive host, and we were very grateful for the delicious chocolates and sparkling wine on arrival!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Simone M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Loved it!
Such a welcoming home with everything catered for! Highly recommended.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Trevor R.

Liked: Cleanliness
An Oasis in Forrest
A beautifully presented and well equipped property. The kitchen and laundry equipment easily enable self-catering and clothes washing if needed. The large living space and comfortable furniture make for a very pleasant and relaxing base from which to explore the Otway National Parks. The peaceful setting, expansive and well maintained garden, and nearby forest also allow for an enjoyable time when not out exploring. Barb and Greg are excellent hosts. Highly recommended.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lizette F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Tranquil holiday setting
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Exceptional house and gardens, well maintained and very thoughtful hosts.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Veronica T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Brilliant in every regard!
We totally LOVED our stay at Coral Fern Retreat. It is paradise. The house is magnificent; it feels so solid and welcoming with everything being beautifully furnished and decorated, plus super comfortable beds and all the equipment we could possibly need. The garden and the backdrop of bush really charmed our hearts. We totally relaxed! Barb and Greg are top hosts and we thoroughly enjoyed the added bonus of contact with them. Additionally, the town of Forrest is ideal - small and with the great offerings of the Brewery, Da Teta (Middle-Eastern) restaurant, the cafe/general store, bike hire and many local walks. We very much hope to come back. Thank you Barb and Greg :)
Stayed 10 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

ian m.

Liked: Cleanliness
It's a Wonderful Life at Coral Fern Retreat!
Coral Fern Retreat is a beautiful home in gorgeous, loved, bush forest garden. We loved our stay and would've gladly stayed longer had we had more time - we'll definitely be coming back! And Barb is just the easiest and friendliest hostess-with-the-mostest to communicate with. 10/10 from us!! Ian & Yvonne
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Vikki W.

Liked: Cleanliness
A magical place in the forest
It’s rare that a holiday rental surpasses expectations, but this one sure did. Coral Fern is the perfect tranquil retreat from which to explore the magnificent Otways. Everything has been thought of here—the home is immaculately presented with oodles of character, the gardens are exquisite, and if we needed anything (which we didn’t) Barb was only a phone call away. We loved every minute and we’ll definitely return.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Vikki H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Awesome retreat
We had a wonderful stay. It is a beautiful house and gardens. Owners could not be more helpful and accommodating. Loved it.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Henrietta S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Thank you for the lovely stay!!!
Our family had an unbelievable stay at Barb and Greg’s property. The gardens look gorgeous this time of year and visible through the windows throughout the house but really the dining and living area has the best viewing through the tall and wide windows. You could just sit and watch the flowers and the small chittering birds among them. The house itself is kept immaculately clean and free of stains and dust. Barb and Greg adorned the house with fresh bunches of flowers for our visit including welcome card, bottle of wine and chocolates. High end Miele appliances and luxurious bedsheets just to top it off! I couldn’t ask for more. Thank you Barb and Greg for making our stay so enjoyable. We will be back one day soon ❤️❤️❤️ Henrietta and Family.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Beryl K.

Liked: Cleanliness
happy
We had an EXTRAORDINARY time in the best presented house we have stayed in. There was 4 adults, 1 eleven yr old and 1 thirteen yr old. We all agreed there was absolutely nothing we could criticize and nothing that was needed. The weather was dismal so we had to stay indoors for the 2 days but that didn't worry us at all. Thank you so much.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Matt A.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing getaway
We couldn't have asked for a nicer house to spend so time away with the family over school holidays. Would highly recommend for anyone looking for a quiet getaway to a lovely spot!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

MARDI C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Magical
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at this beautiful property. The house is homely, clean, well maintained with all the mod-cons and a great fireplace. The property sits away from other houses and is surrounded by greenery, wildlife, and very peaceful. It is in a great location in walking distance to the brewery and general store. Contact with the owners was easy, fast and friendly. Thank you for a fabulous getaway!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Barbara W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Forest Cottage
Lovely property very clean and comfortable everything we needed was there. thoroughly enjoyed our overnight stay it was clean and cute. Loved it.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ana H.

Liked: Cleanliness
An unforgettable stay
Coral Fern Retreat is perfect in every respect. The house is an outstanding gem in the holiday house rental market. It is full of character and lovingly furnished. It is immaculately maintained and equipped with everything you would need for a relaxing holiday. The surroundings are peaceful with lots of bird life, and the coast is only a 35 minutes drive away. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and would have loved to spend much more time at Coral Fern Retreat.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Alex S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Very comfortable and clean
Thanks Barbara for a wonderful spot for our long weekend getaway. I especially loved the piano! We hope to stay again some time...
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Faith G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Relaxation +++
Thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience of renting this property. Beautiful house and everything we needed with a whole lot more! Perfect neighbourhood. Peaceful but close enough to walk to amazing food/drink.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Rohin A.

Liked: Cleanliness
A real treat in this small town
We found the house a great space to stay in. Highly reccomend
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sophie M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Mountain bike girls w/e away
Had a great time - lovely property = very comfortable, warm and clean
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Shirley D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful & Peaceful Place to Stay
Our first time staying here and we were just amazed at the beauty of this home and gardens. The area and township lovely and peaceful also. Lovingly maintained and appointed with everything you could need, provided. It is the perfect place to unwind and relax, we were sad to leave! A big Thank-you to Barb and Greg for making us feel very welcome and special with a lovely welcome package and card too. Will definitely be coming back again soon!
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2022