Win a weekend accommodation package in each state involved in the Tidy Towns Awards. Donated by online travel service provider www.TakeABreak.com.au. The first correct entry (that also explains "why") will be selected as their state's prize winner. Subscribe to Eco Voice for your opportunity to enter.
TAS Strawbale Cottages, Richmond
Win 2 nights accommodation for 2 people.
Experience the ambience and comfort of the strawbale building, with its thick textured walls, character and warmth.
Inside, the cottages are beautifully appointed with comfortable couches, polished floors and a well-equipped modern kitchen.
The Strawbale Cottages are located in the heart of the Coal River Wine Region, just a short walk from Crosswinds Vineyard, Drew Winery and a short drive from Richmond Zoo Doo and Bonorong Wildlife Park. Step back in time and visit Australia's most delightful Georgian village 24kms from Hobart. Richmond is a genuine village of slate and cobbles, hand-made brick and mellow stone, cottages and manors.
After travelling, indulge yourself with a luxurious spa. Watch the sun setting over the ridge and enjoy a relaxing stroll along the meandering creek.
Children are well catered for (on request) with cots and high chairs, games, kites and playground. Bikes are also available for hire.
The operators have received many compliments from guests on the excellent layout of the cottages and their level of comfort. The cottages are wheelchair-accessible and have appropriate bathroom and toilet facilities for disabled guests.
Hobart Airport is a 20 minute drive and the Hobart CBD takes approximately 30 minutes.
SA Rattleys at Pear Tree Hollow, Fleurieu Peninsula
Win 2 nights for 2 people at Rattleys at Pear Tree Hollow.
Rattleys at Pear Tree Hollow is a step back in time to a self-contained cottage, exclusively for one couple, in an 8 acre garden/bush setting with abundant bird life and scenic walks.
Features include a lounge with a wood fire, well-equipped kitchen/dining area, bedroom and bathroom. The rustic elegance, friendly atmosphere and thoughtful extras have delighted guests. A peaceful retreat which offers an armchair view down historic Inman Valley, it is a central location to the attractions of the Fleurieu Peninsula.
Situated 8 kilometres from Yankalilla, there is easy access to the unique small wineries of the Southern Fleurieu and the coffee shops of Yankalilla and Normanville. It is a short drive to the Championship golf courses at Lady Bay and Victor Harbor and the pristine beaches of Yankalilla Bay and Rapid Bay (the home of the Leafy Sea Dragon). The Heysen Trail is nearby and the cottage is en route to Kangaroo Island.
The property, including the host’s nearby home, is powered by a domestic wind turbine and rain water is used exclusively. Consequently, Rattleys at Pear Tree Hollow makes little impact on the environment.
Johnathon Rattley, a cobbler, was issued the first title on the land in 1865. Building foundations and an old pear tree remain, hence “Rattleys at Pear Tree Hollow”.
VIC Abelia Cottage, Hepburn Springs
Win 2 nights accommodation for 2 people.
Refresh yourself completely in the Daylesford and Hepburn Springs area. Indulge in a mineral spa bath and therapeutic massage at the Hepburn Springs Spa complex. Sample the waters of the many mineral springs scattered throughout the area.
Abelia Cottage is close to the picturesque Hepburn Springs Golf Course; visit Daylesford's historic Botanic Gardens atop Wombat Hill; browse in art and craft galleries or antique and book stores; dine at the Lakehouse or many other fine restaurants, cafés and hotels.
Enjoy the day browsing through treasures at the Sunday Market held at the Daylesford Railway Station.
Explore the bush-walking and cycling tracks that wind throughout the area. Or be more adventurous and try activities such as fishing, horse-riding, tennis or canoeing.
Abelia Cottage is a newly-renovated replica of a 2 bedroom miner's cottage in a tranquil bush setting, located close to the Hepburn Springs Spa Resort. It makes an ideal getaway for couples or small groups, accommodating up to six guests. All bedding and towels provided, including cosy doonas.
Fully equipped kitchen has all the cookware required for preparing wholesome and tasty meals. A microwave is also available for quick meals.
The bathroom is fully supplied with everyday needs.
The open plan living/dining room offers comfortable, relaxed living and looks onto beautiful bushland.
New TV and CD player are available. Gas heating assures cosy winter nights.
QLD Chauvel Park B&B, near Brisbane
Win 2 nights accommodation for 2 people.
Chauvel Park Bed and Breakfast is a welcoming pet-friendly stopover for travellers (especially from Melbourne to Queensland).
Located at Tabulam on the Bruxner Highway, just 45 minutes east of Tenterfield and 1.5 hours to the Ballina Coast
Chauvel Park offers comfortable cottage accommodation with 3 bedrooms, which can sleep 6 adults. There is room for pets and horses adjoining the cottage. The garden at Chauvel Park is magic with a stunning crepe myrtle just in front of the cottage.
With access to the banks of the Clarence River you can enjoy bird-watching, fishing or launch your own boat or canoe.
The Garden Cottage is fully self-contained accommodation with two double bedrooms, one single bedroom plus further single bed located in a separate alcove area. The cottage also features an open fireplace for those beautiful winter nights.
Facilities
• Fully equipped kitchen - gas stove & microwave
• Light and airy breakfast area
• Modern bathroom
• Linen & towels provided (no laundry facilities)
• Open fireplace
WA Victoria Park Hideaway, Perth
Win 3 nights accommodation for 2 people.
This beautifully presented home is situated on 500 sqm of land, surrounded by brick fences covered in wisteria and climbing roses. A large grassed area is ideal for children and adults alike. There is a hidden courtyard garden off the main bedroom which offers an escape for the adults, or a quiet study area.
You will enjoy coming home to this restful retreat after a day of sightseeing (or a hard day at the office).
You are welcomed to Victoria Park Hideaway with a glass of WA wine or a hot cuppa. This fully air-conditioned and well-equipped home has a large open-plan family/dining area.
Every detail has been covered and you really can move into this home and be at home!
The operators have tried to provide everything one could possibly need to make their holiday comfortable and hassle-free - they even provide the latest TV guide!
The property has a large outdoor area, bordered by brick fences covered with wisteria and climbing roses - very pretty! - offering a safe and private environment in which children can play and adults can just relax and enjoy a barbeque.
Victoria Park Hideaway is situated south of Perth city, just over the Causeway and the Swan River. It is a comfortable walk to the 'Vic Park Cappucino Strip' which boasts a large variety of restaurants and hotels. It is around a 5 minute drive to the Burswood Casino and Curtin University and all the major shops.
NSW Apptrak Stud, Hunter Valley
Win 2 nights accommodation for 2 in the Dairy.
Apptrak Stud offers unique self-contained accommodation, with the Dairy (a 2 bedroom cottage, for couples).
Situated on a 200 acre horse stud, at the entrance to the Wollombi Valley. Laguna & Wollombi are quaint, historic villages with wineries, lavender farms, cafes, museum, arts & crafts, the Old Northern Trading Post & Wollombi Tavern providing the local points of interest; while peace, privacy, comfort and relaxation awaits back at Apptrak Stud.
A wide variety of bush-walking is available; along wide trails or small tracks. Enjoy a range of landscapes including rugged terrain, open pastures, small rainforests, bush orchids, lillipilli, caves and Wollombi Brook.
Animals are welcome (by arrangement). For horse enthusiasts (with their own horses) we have an indoor arena, trails & jumps.
The Dairy is a country cottage converted from its original use as a Dairy to a self-contained 2 bedroom cottage, with TV & DVD. There is a queen-size bed in the master bedroom and a double in the second bedroom. Both the living room and master bedroom have reverse-cycle air conditioning. The living room 
features magnificent country views, overlooking the original cattle yards, across Wollombi Brook and up to the mountain tops. The veranda is screened, providing protection from both the sun and insects and is equipped with a BBQ. Linen is supplied.
Picture yourselves lazing back, enjoying the view overlooking the paddock and the brook, in the comfort of the screened verandah of the Dairy. Hmmm: Drinks on ice. Fresh, clean air and no worries.
For more information on the competition go to Tidy Towns Eco Voice Competition
