House in Forrest, VIC

Coral Fern Retreat - bush paradise (free wifi)

Coral Fern Retreat - bush paradise (free wifi)

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

Welcome to Coral Fern Retreat
cosy winter days
featuring recycled timbers
inviting dining area
a country kitchen

Overview of Coral Fern Retreat - bush paradise (free wifi)

5 out of 5 Exceptional
4 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 8

Popular amenities

  • Hot tubHot tubHot tub
  • FireplaceFireplaceFireplace
  • WasherWasherWasher
  • DryerDryerDryer
  • KitchenKitchenKitchen
  • Barbecue grillBarbecue grillBarbecue grill

Check out the area

Forrest, VIC
  • Popular LocationForrest Brewing Company8 min walk
  • Popular LocationThe Redwoods Otways46 min drive
  • Popular LocationErskine Falls47 min drive
  • AirportMelbourne, VIC (AVV-Avalon)86 min drive

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 1

Bedroom 2

Bedroom 3

Bedroom 4

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining Area

About this property

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.

Property manager

Barbara Gear

Amenities

Hot tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Check out before 10:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 3-17
There are stairs and a split level.

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Smoking permitted outside

Damage and incidentals

You will be responsible for any damage to the rental property caused by you or your party during your stay.

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
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit

About the area

Forrest

Located in Forrest, this vacation home is in a rural area. 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. Traveling with kids? Consider Colac Botanic Gardens and Otway Fly Treetop Adventures. With surfing/body boarding and fishing nearby, you'll find plenty of adventures in the water.

What's nearby

  • Forrest Brewing Company - 8 min walk
  • Apollo Bay Harbour - 41 min drive
  • The Redwoods Otways - 46 min drive
  • Otway Fly Treetop Adventures - 47 min drive
  • Erskine Falls - 47 min drive

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • Platypi Chocolate - 13 min walk
  • Bespoke Harvest - 9 min walk
  • Terminus Hotel Forrest - 14 min walk
  • Petrah's Cottage - 9 min drive
  • Dar Tèta - 9 min walk

Reviews

5

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 5 - Excellent. 73 out of 74 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Good. 1 out of 74 reviews" "
Rating 3 - Okay. 0 out of 74 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Poor. 0 out of 74 reviews" "
Rating 1 - Terrible. 0 out of 74 reviews" "

5/5

Cleanliness

5/5

Check-in

5/5

Communication

5/5

Location

5/5

Listing accuracy

Reviews

5/5 Excellent

Melanie S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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

5/5 Excellent

Simone M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Loved it!
Such a welcoming home with everything catered for! Highly recommended.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

5/5 Excellent

Trevor R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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

5/5 Excellent

Lizette F.

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

5/5 Excellent

Veronica T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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

About the host

Hosted by Barbara Gear

Host profile image
25 years ago my husband Greg and I moved to Forrest to pursue the dream of building our own home. After many years of our labor of love we created a beautiful home, full of charm and inspiration. Having enjoyed living in Forrest whilst bringing up a family, we now would like to offer the experience to others. We hope you too may feel inspired and enjoy some time at the Coral Fern Retreat.
Cheers,
Barb

Why they chose this property

Coral Fern Retreat is surrounded by rainforest and a short walk into the township.

What makes this property unique

Grand Piano.
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