Title: Muckleford Forest Cottage - Bush retreat, wood fire, pizza oven and stunning dam - Latest Reviews, Deals & Photos 2025 - Expedia.ca [See all properties](http://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?regionId=&adults=2&children=&sort=RECOMMENDED&useRewards=false&semdtl=&userIntent=&vip=false) Entire home # Muckleford Forest Cottage - Bush retreat, wood fire, pizza oven and stunning dam Family-friendly cottage in Muckleford ![Outdoor dining](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/107000000/106540000/106531500/106531473/44754b70.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=598&ra=fit) ![Exterior](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/107000000/106540000/106531500/106531473/ff40b270.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![Dining](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/107000000/106540000/106531500/106531473/ba80dba2.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![Interior](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/107000000/106540000/106531500/106531473/e73f4a83.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![1 bedroom, iron/ironing board, WiFi, bed sheets](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/107000000/106540000/106531500/106531473/a2a42160.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) - Overview - Amenities - Policies - Location Escape to the picturesque Muckleford Forest Cottage, nestled on the edge of a 20-acre off-grid property. Unwind in an open-plan living space with a wood heater, and enjoy outdoor activities like tennis or stargazing by the firepit. 9.8 Exceptional ### Entire home 1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 4 ## Popular amenities - Parking available - Pet-friendly - Fireplace - Kitchen - Barbecue grill - Outdoor space ## Add dates for prices Check-in Check-out Travellers ## About this property ### Entire place You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party. ### Muckleford Forest Cottage - Bush retreat, wood fire, pizza oven and stunning dam The perfect Spring getaway! Nestled on the edge of the extensive Muckleford forest, this cosy mudbrick cottage on a stunning 20-acre off-grid property offers an idyllic haven for a little getaway. With its beautiful dam and surrounding bushland, this property is a true sanctuary offering nature's delights of birds, wildlife and outdoor activities. Bake pizza, star gaze by the fire or challenge each other in a game of tennis. Get ready to connect, unwind and unplug. All this just 12 min away from historic Castlemaine. As you step inside the one-bedroom cottage, you'll find an open-plan living/kitchen with a wood heater. The warm textured walls, timber ceilings and leadlight windows add to the character of this cosy cottage. There is one bedroom which has a queen and double bed. Both beds have latex mattresses, quality doonas and linen, and a variety of pillows to choose from. The small but well-equipped kitchen includes a gas stove/oven/grill, fridge, pots & pans, cutlery & crockery and a percolator and French press to meet caffeine requirements. We provide coffee, tea, milk, sugar, pepper, salt, and olive oil. The bathroom is small but super cosy and has everything you need. In keeping with our desire to offer a space that ensures guests can relax and unwind, we have refrained from installing a television and instead offer guests WIFI. Outside there is a paved verandah and an outdoor entertaining area with a gas BBQ, wok burner, wood-fired pizza oven, large picnic table, and lazy hammock. There is also a firepit to enjoy those cosy stargazing evenings whilst staying warm. Entertainment at Muckleford Forest Cottage comes in the form of books, games, a bush-style tennis and basketball court (equipment available). There is a kayak and rowing boat to paddle on the dam. Or go on adventures in the surrounding Muckleford forest with ample tracks for walking and mountain biking or check out the local historic gold mining history at the nearby Red White and Blue mine. It's a short 12-minute drive to fabulous Castlemaine which offers wonderful dining and shopping options and plenty of arts and entertainment events. From Farmers Markets to the chocolatier, bakeries and artisan delis, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to food and, if you’d like to get active, the options for walking and biking are endless. As you step inside the one-bedroom cottage, you'll find an open-plan living/kitchen with a wood heater. The warm textured walls, timber ceilings and leadlight windows add to the character of this cosy cottage. There is one bedroom which has a queen and double bed. Both beds have latex mattresses, quality doonas and linen, and a variety of pillows to choose from. The small but well-equipped kitchen includes a gas stove/oven/grill, fridge, pots & pans, cutlery & crockery and a percolator and French press to meet caffeine requirements. We provide coffee, tea, milk, sugar, pepper, salt, and olive oil. The bathroom is small but super cosy and has everything you need. In keeping with our desire to offer a space that ensures guests can relax and unwind, we have refrained from installing a television and instead offer guests WIFI. Outside there is a paved verandah and an outdoor entertaining area with a gas BBQ, wok burner, wood-fired pizza oven, large picnic table, and lazy hammock. There is also a firepit to enjoy those cosy stargazing evenings whilst staying warm. Entertainment at Muckleford Forest Cottage comes in the form of books, games, a bush-style tennis and basketball court (equipment available). There is a kayak and rowing boat to paddle on the dam. Or go on adventures in the surrounding Muckleford forest with ample tracks for walking and mountain biking or check out the local historic gold mining history at the nearby Red White and Blue mine. It's a short 12-minute drive to fabulous Castlemaine which offers wonderful dining and shopping options and plenty of arts and entertainment events. From Farmers Markets to the chocolatier, bakeries and artisan delis, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to food and, if you’d like to get active, the options for walking and biking are endless. The property is fully off-grid. Our solar system generally meets the needs of the cottage's power requirements, along with devices such as phone and laptop chargers. Other appliances such as the iron and hair dryer can be provided on request and may require the use of the generator, which can easily be accommodated. We rely solely on rainwater and storage of water is limited; we request that guests be mindful of this and use water conservatively. We will provide sufficient firewood for the woodfire heater and the campfire. The natural bush setting of Muckleford Forest Cottage is home to a diversity of wildlife, such as birds, native animals and insects. Cockroaches and spiders live naturally in the bush and at times you will find them inside. Dogs are welcome subject to the following; \- Maximum of 2 dogs \- No dogs allowed in the bedroom \- No dogs on furniture Cats will not be allowed. ## Property amenities ### Internet - Available in the cottage: WiFi ### Parking and transportation - Parking on site ### Kitchen - Coffee/tea maker - Cookware, dishware, and utensils - Electric kettle - Oven - Paper towels - Refrigerator - Stovetop ### Bedrooms - Bedroom - Bedsheets provided ### Bathroom - 1 bathroom - Bathtub or shower - Hair dryer - Shampoo - Shower - Soap - Toilet paper - Towels provided ### Living spaces - Fireplace - Living room ### Entertainment - Books - Games - Stereo - TV ### Outdoor areas - Balcony - Barbecue grill - Firepit - Garden ### Laundry - Laundromat nearby ### Comfort - Heating ### Pets - Pet friendly - Welcoming dogs only - 2 pets total ### Suitability/Accessibility - Designated smoking areas ### Services and conveniences - Iron/ironing board ### Location highlights - In a rural location - Near a hospital ### Things to do - Bicycle parking - Basketball nearby - Birdwatching nearby - Ecotours nearby - Fishing nearby - Golfing nearby - Hiking/biking trails nearby - Kayaking nearby - Mountain biking nearby - Rock climbing nearby - Swimming nearby - Wildlife walks nearby - Winery tours nearby ### Safety features - Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property) - Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property) ### General - 100% renewable energy - At least 80% lighting from LEDs - Bicycle parking - Composting - Garden - Recycling - Solar energy ## Similar properties ![Exterior](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/35000000/34660000/34652000/34651986/451d2b7f.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Cute Cottage, Cute Town, Central to Historical Gold Rush Towns Newstead - Kitchen - Pet-friendly - Air conditioning - Outdoor space 10 Exceptional 64 reviews [](https://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-11-13&endDate=2025-11-14&selected=34651986&PinnedHotelID=34651986&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Exterior](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/94000000/93470000/93461800/93461730/04b1cfc1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### The perfect getaway, just an hour and a half away from Melbourne. Maldon - Pet-friendly - Laundry 10 Exceptional 36 reviews [](https://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-11-13&endDate=2025-11-14&selected=93461730&PinnedHotelID=93461730&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Smart TV, fireplace, video-game console, Netflix](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/36000000/35900000/35899900/35899861/8a1933fe.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### The Mia Mia Newstead - Pet Friendly Country Retreat close to town Newstead - Kitchen - Washer - Dryer - Pet-friendly 9.8 Exceptional 52 reviews [](https://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-11-13&endDate=2025-11-14&selected=35899861&PinnedHotelID=35899861&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Pool](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/112000000/111880000/111879500/111879479/4d68399d.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Stylish Studio - tranquil setting - 2.5 acre bush property. 5 mins drive to town Castlemaine - Pool - Kitchen - Pet-friendly - Air conditioning 10 Exceptional 7 reviews CA $183 CA $307 total includes taxes & fees Nov 5 - Nov 6 [](https://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-11-05&endDate=2025-11-06&selected=111879479&PinnedHotelID=111879479&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Outdoor dining](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/36000000/35530000/35528200/35528154/e3b5aa8e.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Cute Miners Cottage Close to Town Maldon - Kitchen - Washer - Dryer - Pet-friendly 10 Exceptional 94 reviews [](https://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-11-13&endDate=2025-11-14&selected=35528154&PinnedHotelID=35528154&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Outdoor dining](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/103000000/102530000/102527700/102527652/3c7d73a5.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Family friendly apartment walking distance to Castlemaine’s restaurants. Castlemaine - Washer - Parking available - Toys/games 9.6 Exceptional 30 reviews [](https://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-11-13&endDate=2025-11-14&selected=102527652&PinnedHotelID=102527652&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Exterior](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/89000000/88720000/88714300/88714204/0eabb774.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Dutjiya Mang - Private cottage Sandon - Kitchen - Pet-friendly - Free WiFi - Air conditioning 10 Exceptional 17 reviews [](https://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-11-13&endDate=2025-11-14&selected=88714204&PinnedHotelID=88714204&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Deluxe Villa, 2 Queen Beds, Garden View, Garden Area](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/22000000/21500000/21496900/21496865/4c10515d.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### be&be Castlemaine - Kitchen - Pet-friendly - Parking included - Free WiFi 10 Exceptional 18 reviews [](https://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-11-13&endDate=2025-11-14&selected=21496865&PinnedHotelID=21496865&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Outdoor dining](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/26000000/25120000/25113700/25113654/39914d27.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Henrietta's country house, luxury couple's retreat Chewton - Hot tub - Kitchen - Washer - Dryer 9.8 Exceptional 70 reviews [](https://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-11-13&endDate=2025-11-14&selected=25113654&PinnedHotelID=25113654&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ![Property grounds](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/102000000/101910000/101908700/101908635/c3ff8ecc.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=469&h=201&p=1&q=medium) ### Treetops 1 by Tiny Away Walmer - Kitchen - Pet-friendly - Air conditioning - Parking available 10 Exceptional 2 reviews [](https://www.expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=2025-11-13&endDate=2025-11-14&selected=101908635&PinnedHotelID=101908635&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=-1&adults=2) ## Policies ### Check-in Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM ### Check-out Check-out before 11:00 AM ### Special check-in instructions You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions ### Rules Do not bring electrical appliances including toasters, heaters or electric blankets and do not use the grill in the kitchen (basic solar system) Outdoor: Do not leave outdoor fire unattended and put out after use. Follow CFA fire rules Use dam at own risk, supervise children at all times Dogs: No dogs in the bedroom and on furniture. Only house trained dogs welcome Dogs need to be clean and dry before entering Clean up after dog ### Pets Pets allowed Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees Welcoming dogs only 2 total pets Note from host: See dog rules ### Children and extra beds Children are welcome ### Events No events allowed ### Smoking Smoking allowed: in designated areas ## 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 This property uses solar energy Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property 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 ## About the area ![Map](https://maps.googleapis.com/maps/api/staticmap?&size=660x330&map_id=3b266eb50d2997c6¢er=-37.069283,144.12065&zoom=13&channel=expedia-HotelInformation&maptype=roadmap&scale=1&path=color:0xFFFFF|weight:2|fillcolor:0x005AEB7F|enc:%7CefaFaqsnZ%3FQ%3FU%3FQ%40U%3FQ%40U%40Q%40Q%40UBQ%40Q%40UBQBQBUBQBQDQBQDQDSBQDQDQFQDQFQDOFQFQFOFQFOHOFQHMFOHMHOHOHMHOHOJKHMJOJKHKJOJKJKJKLKJKJILKJKLILGLKJILILGLILGLGNGLELILENELCNGLENELANENCLANENCNCL%3FNANCN%3FNAN%3FL%3FN%3FN%3FN%3FN%3FL%40N%3FNBN%40N%3FLBNBNDN%40LBNDN%40LDLDNFNBLDLDLHNDLFLFLFLHLFLHLHLJJFLHLJJJLHJJJJJJJJJJJNJJJJHNJLHJHNHNJLHNHNFLHNFLHPFNFNFPHNDPFPFNDPFPDPDPDPDPBRDPDPBPBPBPBTBPBPBT%40P%40P%40TBP%3FP%40T%40P%3FT%40P%3FT%3FP%3FP%3FTAP%3FTAPAR%3FRCPARARAPCRCRCNCTCPCRCPEPEPCPEPEREPEPGPEPGNGPEPINGPGNGLIPGNINGLININKLININIJKLILKLKJKLKLKJKJKJKJMHKJMJMFKHMJMHMFMHMFMHMDMHODMFMDMDODOFMDMDO%40ODMBO%40ODOBM%40O%3FOBO%40O%3FMBO%3FO%3FO%3FO%3FM%3FO%3FOCO%3FOAOCM%3FOAOCOEMAOCOEMAOEMEOGMEOEMEMGMEOIMEMIMGMIMGKIMKMIMGKKMKKIKKMKKKKKKMKMIKKMKMIMKKIOIOIMIOIOIMGOIOGQIMGOGQGOGQGQEOGQEQGQEQESCQEQEQCQEQCSCQCUCOCSASAQCSASAQASAS%3FQAU%3FQ%3FU%3FQ&key=AIzaSyCYjQus5kCufOpSj932jFoR_AJiL9yiwOw&signature=lQJz7JdJHynCXeZSegwudks95rE=) Muckleford, VIC #### What's nearby - The Mill Castlemaine - 12 min drive - 11.7 km - Restorers Barn - 15 min drive - 15.1 km - Old Castlemaine Gaol - 16 min drive - 14.4 km - Hadfield's Rod Museum - 16 min drive - 15.9 km - Castlemaine Botanical Gardens - 16 min drive - 16.2 km #### Getting around - Castlemaine Station - 17 min drive - Bendigo, VIC (BXG) - 60 min drive #### Restaurants - ‪Black Bird Cafe - ‬14 min drive - ‪Love Shack Brewing - ‬13 min drive - ‪Johnny Baker Downtown - ‬13 min drive - ‪Shedshaker Taproom - ‬14 min drive - ‪Cumberland Hotel - ‬13 min drive ## Frequently asked questions ### Is Muckleford Forest Cottage - Bush retreat, wood fire, pizza oven and stunning dam pet-friendly? > Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total). ### What time is check-in at Muckleford Forest Cottage - Bush retreat, wood fire, pizza oven and stunning dam? > Check-in begins at 3:00 PM. ### What time is check-out at Muckleford Forest Cottage - Bush retreat, wood fire, pizza oven and stunning dam? > Check-out is at 11:00 AM. ### Where is Muckleford Forest Cottage - Bush retreat, wood fire, pizza oven and stunning dam located? > This family-friendly Muckleford cottage is located in a rural location, within 3 mi (5 km) of Muckleford South Bushland Reserve and Muckleford Nature Conservation Reserve. Victorian Goldfields Railway -Muckleford Station and Muckleford Station are also within 6 mi (10 km). ## Have a question? Beta Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews. Ask a question ## Muckleford Forest Cottage - Bush retreat, wood fire, pizza oven and stunning dam Reviews 9.8 ### Exceptional All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.[More information](https://www.expedia.ca/lp/b/content-guidelines) 10 - Excellent 10 8 - Good 2 6 - Okay 0 4 - Poor 0 2 - Terrible 0 ### 10/10 Cleanliness ### 10/10 Property conditions & facilities ### 10/10 Excellent #### Regina H. Jun 30, 2025 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### A beautiful retreat into nature We had such a lovely stay. The cottage is lovely, the bushlands surrounds are beautiful and the hosts made such an effort to make sure we had all we needed. Our dog also loved it - I think it was his best weekend holiday away ever! ##### Regina H. Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025 ### 8/10 Good #### Gina T. Jun 9, 2025 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy The accommodation is rustic charming, clean and serene. The perfect place to relax and unwind and very safe and accommodating for our dogs. Elbert is an extremely accommodating host and went above and beyond to make our stay comfortable. ##### Gina T. Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025 ### 8/10 Good #### Jenny C. May 5, 2025 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy #### Bush retreat Lovely little cottage in the scrub, directions for getting there were good and the facilities matched descriptions provided to us. Watching the birds and other wildlife around us was a lovely bonus! ##### Jenny C. Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Shelley M. Jul 22, 2025 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy The cottage and surrounds were inviting and peaceful. Bed linen was beautiful, though we did find the mattresses too firm for us. Everything we needed was supplied and the fireplace kept the cottage cosy and warm. We also enjoyed the bookcase filled with an interesting mix of books and games, as well as the hammock and a fire by the dam to take in the beautiful starry sky. Elbert was friendly, welcoming and helpful. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay! ##### Shelley M. Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Joanna C. Sep 27, 2024 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Great place to stay Lovely place to go to get away from it all. Cottage had everything we needed and was located on a property with lots to do. Host was so accomodating and was always available if needed. Would stay again. ##### Joanna C. Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Ian P. Sep 8, 2024 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Home away from home Cozy, clean, mud and brick cottage on a large property, with bush tennis court and a dam. Elbert welcomed us to the property with a fire prelit in the woodstove with enough firewood and kindling to last the trip. A chat about the local area and expansive property followed, with instructions on how to use the woodfire oven. Over the weekend we enjoyed the local hospitality and the excellent accommodation. 10/10, will stay again! ##### Ian P. Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Georgah C. Dec 17, 2024 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### A tranquil retreat Muckleford Cottage was the perfect place for a weekend out of the city. Myself, my partner and our dog needed somewhere to stay that was close to a friend's birthday celebrations in Campbells Creek. Despite being just 12 minutes from town, the property was located in lush bushland that feels secluded and serene. The cottage itself is extremely cozy, clean and neat, with every comfort provided and more. The smallest of details were thought of like bandaids in the bathroom or incense in the lounge. Though we didn't use the fireplace, all wood and kindling was provided and ready to go and the air circulator did a great job at keeping the place cool in hot weather. Waking up early and wandering the bush trails that surround the property while the sun rose was a real highlight. Elbert was a gracious and friendly host who was more than happy to provide suggestions for places to eat and things to see. I would happily stay here again and would recommend it to anyone seeking some quiet time in the bush. Thank you Elbert and family! ##### Georgah C. Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Campbell F. Apr 28, 2025 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Gorgeous secluded getaway Beautiful cottage with heaps of character in a peaceful, nature filled location. Elbert was a delightful host who personalised our stay. ##### Campbell F. Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025 ### 10/10 Excellent #### Matt P. Dec 22, 2024 Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy #### Lovely property in a super handy location This was a well appointed dwelling with all the mod-cons you need and without the ones you dint’t (like TV). Great sized property, the dogs really enjoyed it. The hosts were very responsive and helpful. ##### Matt P. Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2024