Trawool Shed Cottages, Cafe and Restaurant

I arrived 2.00, met with Mel who told.me her and husband had been away for weekend and had just arrived back. She said they had continental breakfast supplies which they would bring down. I also asked for kindling and wood for fire. It is currently 9.38pm and I am still waiting for both I had read reviews where people had cheese platters and also cooked breakfast which I was really looking forward to, but not offered, so disappointed 😞 . Have paid for 2 nights otherwise would leave tomorrow. Makes you wonder are any of these reviews real and I'm sure you won't get to read this one

We absolutely loved our stay at the cottages. So clean and comfortable! The surrounds were so scenic and relaxing. We loved that the restaurant was a 30 second walk from our cottage so that made a stress free one stop shop. Mel the hostess was so lovely and welcoming. We would revommend the Trawool Cottages to everyone!

This property has a lot going for it. It is well equipped with a microwave, electric frying pan, toaster coffee pod machine, coffee press, kettle, T2 loose leaf tea & teapot, instant coffee & tea bags, complimentary bottle of port & chocolates, apple TV with Netflix, puzzles & card games, Books & DVDs, BBQ on the porch, communal hot tub, communal fire fit with seating, quiet gardens with ample seating and good walking/bike tracks nearby. The bed it comfortable, there is a kitchen table and chairs, a comfy chair in the lounge and decent TV. It has everything you need for a comfortable stay. They even have a pet friendly cottage which is great and they were very accommodating in helping me remove a giant spider from the cabin which I was to afraid to remove myself :) Sadly the WiFi was unavailable for the 3 days I was there. The property owners tried very hard to address the issue, even giving me their WiFi nest/hub to take back to my cottage. It is worth saying though that it has been an ongoing issue for the property and maybe WiFi should not be listed as being available until the issue is sorted out (especially because I messaged in advance to confirm WiFi was available). There was also lots of machine work going on the first day I was there, which I understand these things happen, but it did cause a lot of noise and dust which made the first day quite uncomfortable. The couch also is very uncomfortable as it sinks in and causes back pain. I went in search for those vistas of rolling hills on the property, but they are not actually on the property itself - but you can easily walk down the road and see these lovely vistas. The owners are working very hard to get this accommodation perfect and it is very clear they are trying very hard to make that happen. It will not be long before they achieve their goal of perfection. I rally enjoyed my stay and would love to come back and stay again.

Now retired and cycling Victoria’s Rail Trails, I’ve stayed in many places but Briar Rose cottage at Trawool is one of the nicest I’ve encountered. Situated just across the road from the Great Victorian Rail Trail it is ideally situated for anyone wishing to ride the western end of the GVRT. The rate ($140, incl brekky) was very reasonable (especially when compared to nearby establishments) and, given how nice the cottage was, is undoubtedly the best value place I’ve ever stayed when cycling Victoria’s bike trails. I arrived mid-afternoon to be warmly welcomed by Melissa. I had booked into Briar Rose cottage, which is one of two, both built in chalet style with high ceilings and veranda overlooking the park-like garden, which has some lovely old trees. The cottage was spacious, open plan (with en-suite bathroom), tastefully decorated and well-appointed. It was spotlessly clean. The bed was comfy, as was the lounge. The kitchen area was small but perfectly adequate and had all the utensils and equipment I needed, including a receptacle for clean recyclables (something which most places don’t have). There was a dining setting (and gas BBQ) on the veranda which has a lovely outlook, but for those wanting to be entertained the cottage also has large TV/DVD player which, I’m told, was also hooked to Netflix (watching TV isn’t for me, I prefer to watch the birds in the garden). After unpacking I set off to ride to Tallarook and back (24km). A very pleasant ride without any steep hills. The next morning, after a yummy breakfast of Eggs Florentine, cooked by Aaron, I set off to cycle to Yea and return (58km). Another pleasant ride, again without major hills. I arrived back in time for dinner which, to my surprise, was also accompanied with a little cake and a half bottle of champagne (I’d happened to mention, in passing, that it was my birthday). This was totally unexpected and a lovely touch, for which no payment was asked. Hospitality like that is rare these days. Thank you so much, Mel & Aaron, I wish you every success, you really deserve it! So, for anyone wanting to cycle the western section of the GVRT or just wanting a romantic getaway, I recommend these cottages at Trawool. The hosts are warm and friendly but leave one in peace. I’ll definitely return again.