australian PLACES...great weekends away in Victoria
accommodation review
GIPSY POINT LODGE
GIPSY POINT, near MALLACOOTA
This is a place I’ve visited several times - most recently with my daughter, and we had a marvellous time. It’s great for couples or families who like the outdoors. The lodge is set within Croajingolong National Park which is one of Australia’s last wilderness regions - and a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. There are dozens of natural reasons for visiting, but for somewhere really comfortable to stay, Gipsy Point Lodge takes some beating.
Owners Ian and Libby Mitchell refurbished this classic 1960s fishing lodge a few years ago, and now it has seven modern, spacious and very comfortable guestrooms with heating and cooling. and sparkling clean white-tiled ensuite bathrooms. They're serviced daily, which is a nice touch. If you prefer, there are three self-contained cottages that are good for families who want to self-cater. Personally, I think a holiday is best enjoyed by letting someone else do the the cooking and the dishes.
Besides terrific fishing, this is a good base for bushwalking, sightseeing, and cruising the river system as far as Mallacoota – there are boats for hire at the lodge, no licence required. Over a hundred bird species can be spotted in the vicinity, and water dragons can be seen at Genoa Falls. The lodge chef turns out very good three-course dinners and three meals are included in lodge tariffs - dinner, cooked breakfast, and a picnic hamper for morning tea/lunch/afternoon tea. A rare glimpse into one of Victoria’s natural treasures.
WHERE: travel east via Princes Hwy, past Lakes Entrance and Orbost. Gipsy point is 11km south of Genoa, off the Mallacoota road. 520km or 6 hours from Melbourne. It's worth the trip!
TARIFF: guestrooms are $310 per couple per night, full board included, cottages from $105. Spring 2007 special - free boat hire for a day, with 3-day stay.
CONTACT: Tel: (03)5158 8205 Freecall: 1800 063 556
SUITABLE FOR: families, couples
Email: info@gipsypoint.com