Family-friendly vacation rentals in Shire of Cardinia

Laughing Kookaburra Cottage | surrounded by nature

Take a break and soak up the beauty of the Dandenong Ranges and Yarra Valley in our cosy cottage. With two queen bedrooms, a full kitchen and plenty of parking, it’s an easy place to unwind. Wander nearby forest trails, ride Puffing Billy, visit cellar doors or enjoy good local food and coffee. Or stay in, put on some music, and relax on the verandah while kookaburras, parrots, echidnas and wombats wander by. Right next door to Avalon Castle and an easy walk to Chae. Linen and towels provided.

The Chapel, Villa Maria Circa 1890 Eco Friendly

Villa Maria Beaconsfield Circa 1890 This charming old homestead and country chapel, 100 metres from the Old Princess Hwy (train station 15 min walk, Monash Fwy close by) is ideally located on the gateway to Gippsland. This open aired chapel added to the main homestead 100 years ago, is attached to the main house. A beautiful relaxing space, which has its own private entry and is locked separately from the main house. Situated on a rise, in a quiet court with open garden views. Parking available.

Menzies Cottage

Menzies Cottage is an hour east of Melbourne & set high on a mountain-side in the beautiful Dandenong Ranges. Enjoy views out to the Wellington Road farmlands & Cardinia Reservoir. On a clear day you can see Arthur’s Seat, Port Phillip & Westernport Bays. Visit nearby Puffing Billy Steam Train, go bushwalking, feed the friendly farm animals or settle-in for a lazy afternoon before watching the sun set. The cottage is fully self contained & with your own private entrance, deck & enclosed garden.

Writer's Block is a peaceful and romantic retreat

Writer’s Block retreat is the perfect romantic getaway for couples and creatives. It was selected as 1 of 11 finalists in the 2022 Airbnb Best Nature Stay for Aus & NZ. Set on 27 acres and surrounded by gums and chestnut trees, this private rural retreat is within a 10-minute drive to cafes, restaurants, shops, picturesque walks and the famous Puffing Billy. The Yarra Valley is only a 30-min drive to local wineries & markets. Fully functional kitchen & laundry. With a spectacular outdoor bath.

Your stay at "Whispering Trees"

Emerald is a beautiful scenic town popular for its picturesque lake and parks and Puffing Billy. Nestled in between the quaint towns of Cockatoo and Belgrave, Emerald is a frequently visited town among tourists to the Dandenong Ranges region. Whispering Trees is a beautiful modern bungalow on our 1 acre property which is completely separate from the main house and within walking distance to the township. We think our bungalow is best suited for couples and solo adventurers and small families.

The Little Wooden Cabin in the Rainforest.

Offering our beautiful renovated wood cutters cabin to slow down & unwind in nature. Features open plan living space & two bedrooms, main with king bed. And beautiful sun room looking over cottage gardens, with piano & desk. Perfect for a creative writers retreat. Relax in the antique claw foot bath looking up at the trees & get cozy by the fire with a record on. Enjoy walks through the rainforest among the eucalyptus trees and dip your toes in the cooling waters of the Little Yarra River.

Farm stay at Farmhouse house on Jameson

Set in the picturesque heart of the Upper Yarra Valley and nestled on 100 acres of farm and bushland, farmhouse on Jameson is the perfect getaway retreat. Affordable for families and close to spectacular bike and walking trails, the property has farm animals and wildlife that can be enjoyed, from Echidnas, Wallabies, and Wombats all living in their natural habitat. An idyllic getaway that will be sure to provide a sense of relaxation and a peace you just don’t get in the city or suburbs.

Country Vineyard Escape/Fire Pit/Sleeps 12

The perfect country escape for wedding prep, group getaways and winery weekends. Sleeps up to 12 next door to Cannibal Creek Vineyard with direct access, and just 7km from Gumbuya World. Gather around the outdoor fire pit, enjoy long lunches on the verandah overlooking established gardens, and wake up to peaceful rural views — all just 2.5km from the M1 for an easy drive from Melbourne. The home has 4 bedrooms (4th doubles as 2nd living) 2 beautiful bathrooms plus a third toilet.

Sunrise Cottage (at Mont du Soleil Estate)

Sunrise Cottage part of the 'Mont du Soleil' Estate, located in Emerald on 40 acres, in the heart of the beautiful Dandenongs. A truly unique property inspired by the buildings & grounds of Provence & Tuscany. You’ll love the unique design & ambience of the property, the stunning views, peace and tranquility; yet less than an hour by car from Melbourne CBD. Featured on Neighbours Xmas special December 2024. Note: We host photo shoots on the property but NOT in the Cottage.

The Poplars Farm Stay

Escape the city's hustle and bustle and unwind among wildlife and magnificent rural scenery. The Poplars is a beautifully restored 1930s pioneers’ cottage, set on a private farm with acres of serene gardens, towering Manna Gums, and abundant wildlife! From the moment you arrive, let your holiday begin effortlessly with one of our locally curated hampers—designed to help you settle in quickly, indulge in a gourmet breakfast, or celebrate a special occasion in style!

Barn with free Breakfast

Nestled on 10 acres in Gembrook, this private barn is spacious & exudes rustic charm. Within an hour's drive of Melbourne, you'll stay amongst gums where the birdsong is often the only sounds you'll hear. Native wildlife is abundant and often passing through. The township of Gembrook is only a 5 minute drive & boasts fine dining at the Independent, cafes, and more. Puffing Billy is a regular visitor to the railway station. Free cooked breakfast inc in your stay.

The Barn at Four Oaks Farm

Four Oaks Farm is a working farm approximately 7.5 kms off the highway in Tonimbuk close to the Bunyip State Park, Gumbuya World, Mount Cannibal, Four Brothers rocks, bush walking tracks and horse-riding trails. Our property is situated close to the picturesque Gembrook Tonimbuk Rd with easy access to Melbourne. It is the gateway to beautiful Gippsland, the towns of Garfield, Bunyip Neerim South, Jindivick, Yarragon and the Baw Baw and Strezlecki Ranges.