Red Earth Lodge, Porepunkah accommodation review: Weekend away

The location

Porepunkah is a picturesque riverside town in Victoria's high country, three and a half hours' drive north-east of Melbourne. Wedged between Bright and Myrtleford, the small town is surrounded by cycling tracks, forests, farms and vineyards. Overlooking the town is Mount Buffalo, a drawcard for skiers, hikers and nature lovers.

The place

The Red Earth Lodge is an eco-hideaway on eight hectares outside Porepunkah, backing on to Mount Buffalo National Park. Locally felled cypress pine beams support the two-storey, self-contained lodge, which boasts cathedral-window views of the mountain range. The loft-like master bedroom has a small library, ensuite and spa bath overlooking an orchard. Downstairs are two bedrooms with a shared bathroom that features a claw-foot bath. There's a tree house to enchant younger visitors and, at night, they can also use the provided spotlight to spy on wombats, wallabies and possums.

The experience

Soaring high above the lodge is Mount Buffalo with its waterfalls, walking tracks, toboggan runs and cross-country ski trails. The view from the granite cliffs takes in the river town of Bright, where you can enjoy regional produce, including locally brewed beer. The 98-kilometre Murray to Mountains Rail Trail is a flat cycle path through Porepunkah, past wineries and cafes. Lyre birds, kookaburras and bower birds abound.

Don't miss

A dip in the Eurobin Creek on the edge of the property. Better still is Sinclair's swimming hole, a natural rock pool with small waterfalls a short drive past the Porepunkah airfield.

Need to know