Holiday house

Enjoy the peace and tranquility of beautiful, historic Walhalla while staying in this comfortable and well appointed family holiday home.

The Coach House is an Eco friendly house which uses tank water and clean, green solar energy. Solar panels provide 12 volt solar power. There is electric lighting, CD and radio and the solar power runs the heater fans to keep the house cosy in Winter. There is a gas HWS, modern gas fridge, gas oven and cooktop and gas heating so it is all clean, green energy.

There is an upstairs bathroom and the lounge features a cosy wood fire. There are games, puzzles, toys and books to suit all ages plus plenty of comfortable seating to lounge around in.

The downstairs lounge has a piano and billiards table. There are dining tables both upstairs and down and the kitchen is spacious, featuring wide benchtops and a gas heater to take the chill off in Winter.

Every room features views of the bush and Stringers Creek and you can watch the historic Walhalla Goldfields Steam Train as it passes by. The downstairs bathroom features a deep bath,separate shower and there is a separate toilet and handbasin. There is a gas BBQ and plenty of outdoor seating in a beautiful bush setting.
Take a short walk and explore this historic town. There are several places to dine out and kids will love the Olde Lolly Shoppe and nearby playground. Take a ride on the Steam Train or one of several tours available, including the Night Ghost Walk, Gold Mine or 4WD Adventure Tour. Explore the many 4WD tracks and discover relics of the former gold mining settlements in and around Walhalla, or pan for gold in Stringers Creek. Enjoy outdoor activities such as bushwalking, mountain-bike riding, swimming, canoeing and fishing.

Skiing was never easier with Mt Baw Baw Alpine Resort just an hour away via the South Face Rd.

There is also cross country skiing and tobogganing at nearby Mt St Gwinear with equipment for hire from Erica.

TESTIMONIALS: Dear Anna,
We had a great time at the coach house! My parents who were visiting from
the UK thought Walhalla was a beautiful spot and especially liked the
accommodation. It was very homely especially with so many things for all
the family to do. Very different from other properties we have stayed in.
A lot of places are very clinical and you have to take absolutely everything
with you. It was such a pleasure to have "a home away from home"!!
Regards,Alyson Lutz

Locality

Walhalla is located just 2.5 hours East of Melbourne and is an easy and scenic drive through Gippsland. Take the Monash Freeway (M1) which then becomes the Princes Highway, then take the Moe Exit. (Just look for the "Golden Arches"). From here, follow the brown "Tourist Drive" signs to Walhalla via Erica and Rawson. The Coach House is the first house you see as you enter Walhalla and is located on Happy Go Lucky Road, signposted as the road to Brunton's Bridge.

Four Must-Dos

Join the guided tours of Victoria's 5th largest gold mine, the Long Tunnel Extended Mine and see the quartz reef, the main tunnel and the underground machinery chamber.

Catch the historic narrow-gauge Walhalla Goldfields Railway through the valley and over 6 trestle bridges that criss-cross Stringer's Creek.

Walk up the steep hillside to the Walhalla Cemetery, where there are more than 1,100 graves of the miners and settlers, as well as stunning views.

Walk one of the trails above Walhalla-either from the mine entrance or up to the cricket ground, levelled by hand on a nearby hill-to get a different perspective of the town.

Property

The Coach House was built between 1968-72, by the former Walhalla and Thomson River Steam Tramway Pty Ltd as hostel accommodation for voluntary workers who intended to rebuild the former railway between Thomson and Walhalla as a tourist line. It was built on the site of an original miner’s cottage mainly from building materials recycled from demolished houses in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, and was known as Cook’s Cottage. The W&TRST reconstructed the Walhalla station yard in the early 1970s, and from 1974 to 1981 ran steam train rides onsite, but was unable to advance the venture any further.

In 1983, the owner sold and removed all the railway assets including the buildings which were erected on Crown Land. Some buildings remain from the W&TRST era including the log cabin (built in 1973). The famous narrow gauge railway was eventually reconstructed by the Walhalla Goldfields Railway between 1993-2002.

As the semi-derelict Coach House building faced demolition by the State Government following departure of the W&TRST, there was some concern expressed at the prospect of losing this Walhalla landmark, leading to a local campaign to save the building in the late 70’s. It was sold and served as a hostel for overseas travellers, then was later used as housing for miners on the ill fated Walhalla Resources commercial gold mining project in the 1980s when it became known as ‘The Bunkhouse’. It was better known to some of those residents as ‘Heartbreak Hotel’!

Under a new owner it became known as ‘The Dolls House’, probably due to its quaint style and wooden shutters. When power arrived in Walhalla in 1998, the Coach House was left off the grid. It was then bought and sold twice in rapid succession, and we purchased it in 2005. After efforts failed to get power connected, we went solar in 2008. The building’s present incarnation takes its name from the nearby railway station and coaches. Happy Go Lucky Rd is also known as the Old Coach Rd from stage coach days, so the new name reflects those times.

Holiday experiences

4WD Tours, Adult retreat, Birdwatching, Bushwalking & wilderness, Canoeing & Kayaking, Eco-friendly, Family Friendly, Fishing, Gay & Lesbian friendly, Great view, Heritage Trail, Romantic getaway, Snow Skiing, Walking or Hiking, Wedding venue, Wine Appreciation, Winter Holiday

Facilities

Baby Cot, Bath, BBQ, BBQ - Gas, Books/Magazines Supplied, CD Player, Fireplace, Games room, Gas stove, Kitchen, Local telephone calls included, Log fires, No smoking, Patio, Pets not allowed, Pets Welcome Outdoors, Stairs, Tea/Coffee Making Facilities, Telephone, Train nearby, Undercover or off street parking, Walk to the shops

4WD Tours

4WD tour operators located nearby.

There are 4WD tracks all around Walhalla. Take your own vehicle or go on an organised tour with Ron Camier who runs award winning 4WD tours or Tag Along Tours around the spectacular countryside of Walhalla. Visit the old copper mine and hear about the history of the surrounding area.
Email: camier@mountaintopexperience.com
Web: http://www.mountaintopexperience.com/

Adult retreat

Property not suitable for children, Tranquil and quiet with no interruptions, Privacy from other guests in living and activity areas

Birdwatching

Bird-watching available on-site, Bird-watching available nearby.

Surrounded by lush forest, there are a wide variety of birds to be seen and heard, including Black cockatoos, king parrots, Wonga pigeons, currawongs, blue wrens, crimson rosellas and lyrebirds.

Bushwalking & wilderness

Bushwalking and wilderness experiences available on-site, Bushwalking and wilderness experiences located nearby, Bushwalking maps provided, Located near a National Park.

Set amidst the gums and blackwoods of the Gippsland forest, there is an abundance of wildlife, flora and fauna to view and enjoy. We are located out of town on a dirt road and are surrounded by towering gums rich in birdlife. Look out for black cockatoos, lyrebirds, Wonga pigeons, wombats and wallabies. There are loads of tracks to explore and walks to take in and around Walhalla. The Alpine Walking Track starts here in Walhalla and goes all the way to Canberra!

Canoeing & Kayaking

Canoe and/or Kayak facilities available nearby, Less than 5 minutes drive to water.

The Thomson River is known for its kayaking and is just a short drive away. Access points are at Brunton's Bridge, Thomson River at Thomson Station or Coopers Creek.

Eco-friendly

Solar powered accommodation, Bio-diverse setting, Ecological activities nearby.

Walhalla only went on the power grid 10 years ago, and Happy Go Lucky Road missed out, so we run on solar power, stored in gel batteries. These provide power for lighting and run the heater fans, the CD/radio and the hot water pump. We use rain water stored in tanks. There is LPG gas heating, gas cooking and instantaneous gas hot water and a closed wood fire. The house is fully insulated and there is a septic sewerage system in place. Unfortunately there are no recycling facilities in Walhalla so we encourage guests to take recyclables home with them.

Family Friendly

Portacot available, Plastic crockery and cutlery available for children, Games/videos for children under 5 available, Games/videos for children between 5 and 12 available, Games/videos for children over 12 available, Games room.

The house is set up for families with 2 living/dining areas. There are bunks and single beds. We provide books, toys, puzzles and games for children of all ages, plus a pool table and dart board. There are also badminton racquets, scooters and a bocce set, plus a hammock and flat grassy playing area.

Fishing

Fishing spots available nearby, Located less than 5 mins walk to water, Located less than 5 minute drive to water.

There is great fishing to be done in the upper reaches of the nearby Thomson River while enjoying the region's beauty and solitude. There are plenty of spots to throw in a line and fly fishing will challenge the most ardent angler. For the kids, nearby Stringer's Creek provides a good starting point and is excellent for net fishing. Try your hand at catching a local eel!

Gay & Lesbian friendly

All guests welcome.

We welcome all guests. The property is private, yet just a short walk to all amenities.

Heritage Trail

Heritage buildings nearby.

100 years ago Walhalla was a booming gold mining town and in its heyday, the third biggest town in Victoria. Where once there were 40 shops, 15 hotels, 4 churches and a population of almost 3000, Walhalla now has a permanent population of just 12. However, it is a unique historic village with plenty to see and do and still boasts 2 pubs and several shops. Tour the original gold mine, wander the main street and admire the architecture, or visit the hillside cemetery, one of the most fascinating and unusual in all of Victoria. Perched on the side of a steep hillside, there are more than 1,100 graves which tell a story of a struggle against hardship and adversity. For a journey into the past, take a trip aboard the Walhalla Goldfields Railway as it makes its way past vertical cliff faces and narrow cuttings, with some of the sharpest curves of any railway constructed in Victoria.

Romantic getaway

Accommodation just for two, Wood fire.

The Coach House provides a unique and private place to enjoy a romantic weekend. Its old world charm ensures a relaxed, secluded and private getaway. Comfy couches, log fire and a queen size bed provide all the creature comforts. Outdoors, enjoy the tranquility and relax in the leafy garden at the outdoor setting, surrounded by magnificent forest gums and overlooking Stringer's Creek.

Snow Skiing

Less than 1/2 hour drive to ski fields, Ski storage available.

Cross country skiing just half an hour away at Mt St Gwinear. Downhill skiing at Mt Baw Baw, just an hours drive. Ski hire available from Erica or Mt Baw Baw but take chains with you or you may be turned back. www.southfaceroad.info
www.stgwinear.info www.mountbawbaw.com.au www.ericaskihire.com.au michael@stgwinear.info

Wedding venue

Group accommodation available.

The Coach House provides accommodation for up to 10 people (including the 2 bedroom Stringer's Cottage next door). We have accommodated small wedding groups in the past and they have really enjoyed the unique setting and the privacy of our property. Overlooking Stringer's Gorge and Stringer's Creek, and surrounded by towering mountain ash, it is a truly beautiful setting. We welcome people to take a look first.

Wine Appreciation

Visit the wineries of Baw Baw Country on your way to and around Walhalla. Wild Dog, Brandy Creek and Ada River are just a few to choose from. Boola Boola Tearooms and Winery has tastings and cellar door sales. Call first on 51653080 or e-mail boola@netspace.net.au. Visit www.winesofgippsland.com.au for more information.

Winter Holiday

Log fire, Winter activities available nearby detailed below.

The Coach House is a great place to bunker down on a cold Winter's day. A huge log fire works very efficiently to keep the house snug and warm and there are warm doonas, spare blankets and even hot water bottles provided. There is also a gas heater downstairs to take the chill off. Take a trip to nearby Mt St Gwinear for some down hill skiing, or head to Mt Baw Baw for some downhill skiing. Ski gear is available for hire on the mountain or at Erica.

Availability

Localities:
Albanvale accomodation | Albert Park accomodation | Ascot Vale accomodation | Aspendale accomodation | Attwood accomodation | Balaclava accomodation | Balwyn accomodation | Beaumaris accomodation | Black Rock accomodation | Blackburn accomodation | Box Hill accomodation | Brighton accomodation | Brunswick accomodation | Bulla accomodation | Cairnlea accomodation | Camberwell accomodation | Carlton accomodation | Caulfield accomodation | Chadstone accomodation | Chinatown Melbourne accomodation | Clifton Hill accomodation | Coburg North accomodation | Croydon accomodation | Docklands accomodation | Donvale accomodation | East Doncaster accomodation | East Melbourne accomodation | Elsternwick accomodation | Eltham accomodation | Elwood accomodation | Essendon accomodation | Fawkner accomodation | Federation Square accomodation | Fitzroy accomodation | Flinders Station accomodation | Footscray accomodation | Forest Hill accomodation | Glen Iris accomodation | Glen Waverley accomodation | Gowanbrae accomodation | Greenvale accomodation | Hampton East accomodation | Hawthorn accomodation | Heidelberg accomodation | Highett accomodation | Kensington VIC accomodation | Kew accomodation | Maribyrnong accomodation | Melbourne Airport accomodation | Melbourne City accomodation | Mentone accomodation | Middle Park accomodation | Moonee Ponds accomodation | Mordialloc accomodation | Mount Waverly accomodation | North Melbourne CBD accomodation | Northcote accomodation | Parkdale accomodation | Point Cook accomodation | Port Melbourne accomodation | Prahan accomodation | Prahran accomodation | Preston accomodation | Richmond accomodation | Ringwood North accomodation | Sandringham accomodation | South Melbourne accomodation | South Yarra accomodation | Southbank accomodation | Spencer St Station accomodation | St Kilda accomodation | Templestowe accomodation | Toorak accomodation | Tullamarine accomodation | Wantirna accomodation | Werribee accomodation | West Melbourne accomodation | Wheelers Hill accomodation | Williamstown accomodation | Windsor accomodation | Wonga Park accomodation | Yarraville accomodation