Dreamers Eco Apartments

218 Kiewa Valley Highway, Mount Beauty, Vic
phone: (03) 5754 1222
web: dreamers1.com

The Location Set among two hectares of beautiful gardens with the focal point an ornamental lake edged by clumps of mature deciduous trees, Dreamers is just a short walk from Mount Beauty village. The backdrop is formed by mounts Emu, Bogong and Beauty, the last one apparently named not for its appearance from the valley but for the spectacular views from its summit.

The Place At Dreamers, the Eco cabins are three-bedroom self-contained apartments sleeping up to seven. Upstairs is the master with shower-room ensuite, and a separate spa bath tucked into an alcove with views to the mountains. The walls of soft gumleaf-green set off the deep reds of flowering gums that colour furnishings and the feature wall. Exterior and trombe walls are of rammed earth, the downstairs flooring is polished concrete, while recycled boards provide the upstairs floor. The solar hydronic heating is supplemented in the lounge area by an effective, ambience-boosting gas faux fire.

The experience After an exploration of the gardens and the eco features of the cabin, a meander around the lake, and a chat with the duck, dog and cat, take a stroll to the village and glean more information about the region from the well-resourced visitors' centre. Cycle or go for a pleasant walk around the local pondage, a massive regulating lake for hydroelectricity production, perhaps taking in a spot of fishing on the way. For a slightly tougher walk, head to the Mount Beauty Gorge for the views along the Kiewa Valley.

Don't Miss ... a visit to Bogong Village, which is wedged into the hillside just above Lake Guy. A walk (easy) to Fainters Falls is especially good after reasonable rains, when water cascades noisily down the 70-metre drop. A drive (30 kilometres of winding road) to Falls Creek is imperative, if not to enjoy winter sports, then to absorb the chalet town's atmosphere, with its distinctive architecture, cafes and restaurants. Take hats and gloves.

Cost: Penthouse Luxury Eco cabin, $690 a night (sleeps up to seven); Luxury Eco cabin, $590 a night; chalets, $250-$380 a night. Two night minimum stay.

Distance: 355km (4 1/2 hours' drive) north-east of Melbourne.

- Good Weekend

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