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Bemm Bush Retreat was purchased for long term nature conservation and as a place to practice and research nature-based therapies. A 420 acre private national park and haven for people to re-connect with themselves and the natural world. Located near the junction of the Bemm and Goolengook Rivers the property is surrounded by several of Victoria's most untouched National Parks including Errinundra National Park (27,000 ha) just 5 km north, Lind National Park 5 km to the east and Croajingalong National Park (90,000 ha) 20 km to the south-east. A place to see the stars of the Milky Way in all their brilliant glory, unspoilt by light pollution, a place to be awed by the expansive views of the Combienbar Mountains, to hear lyrebirds calling in the deep cool gullies, to swim in clean, cool rivers, drink fresh rainwater and eat food grown from the garden or just stare into the campfire. A place on private land where you can feel safe and free.
Bemm Bush Retreat is also a place for us to care for over the long term. While some parts such as the warm temperate rainforest are pristine, others are recovering from past logging. A conservation covenant through the Victorian Trust for Nature has been placed over 90% of the property. We’re looking after the land and rehabilitating previously grazed areas by creating habitat for endangered species (such as planting She-Oak trees for the Glossy Black Cockatoo), improving biodiversity and carbon storage and controlling weeds along the watercourses. This is part of the It's Naturally You commitment to achieving a 30% nature positive Australian landscape by 2030. The location of the property is ecologically and strategically critical to the survival of threatened vegetation communities (such as warm temperate rainforest) and endangered or vulnerable flora and fauna species (including the Barking Owl, Powerful Owl, Platypus, Southern Brown Bandicoot and Greater Glider.)
Bemm Bush Retreat is set up to provide unique nature based experiences for singles, couples, families and groups. We offer camping, glamping or homestead accommodation with self guided experiences including our 24 or 48 hr solo experience in one of our unique portable camping platforms beside the Bemm or Goolengook River. If you are wanting something more structured we offer a range of 2 or 3 day programs including tailored and guided nature based activities such as forest therapy, understanding ecology, wildlife watching, bushwalking, nature based orienteering, exploring, camp cooking and creeking.
For those wanting something a little more adventurous, we offer a 3 night "More with Less" experience where you will get to spend three nights in different locations on the property offering different levels of your connection with nature, including a night on the beautiful remote riverside platforms.....experience the fulfillment of being in nature and losing your grip on the modern day toys, devices and distractions.
We offer a range of guided activities for kids (and adults welcome!) including animal tracking, night spotlighting, junior ecologist, fire without matches, bush shelter building, bush safety, campfire cooking and fireside story telling,
The beautiful 4 bedroom rustic homestead is constructed of large recycled bridge timbers and locally milled timber and offers accommodation for guests with a large Master bedroom with ensuite, 2 queen bedrooms with views (one mountain and one garden) and a kids bedroom with 3 singles. The house also provides the central welcome, activity, meeting and information point.
Guests can gaze at the stars from hammocks on the pergola, cook on the campfire of the large fire pit, watch kangaroos, wallabies, wombats and many native birds, do yoga on the front lawn or just relax on the extensive "hanging" deck taking in the beautiful view of the Combienbar Mountains. Please contact us for more information and bookings.
A campground is located approximately 400 meters away from the house, that has 5 double swag raised and covered camping platforms and can accommodate around 20 tents. The campground also contains a camp kitchen building with dining table, wood fired stove and heater, running water and undercover deck and large fire pit area. A toilet and shower block with hot water will be completed in 2024. The campground faces east with views of the Bemm River Valley and is about an 800m (one way) loop walk from the Bemm River and approx 1500m (one way) loop walk from the Goolengook River and rainforest.
If you are looking for a venue for your next nature-based event whether it be meditation or yoga retreats, bird watching, forest therapy, cycling groups or bushwalking contact us here to discuss hiring options.
