Araluen Park Cottages

This place is located not far out of Lakes Entrance in a peaceful setting with lots of native trees. The abundance of Crimson Rosellas, King Parrots, and so many other bird species was impressive. The birds fed off a feeder on the deck and were quite tame. Bird seed was supplied so that was a plus. If you are a bird watcher, this place is great. Peter was very friendly, approachable and willing to tell stories of interest about the birds and the area in general. The cottages were also close to Wyanga Winery which is well worth a visit. They served a delicious lunch and desert. Try the Blush Moscato wine - it was fantastic especially with the Panacotta desert. A selection of food was left for breakfast which was both abundant and delicious. There were eggs, bacon, bread, jam, cereal, tomatoes…. It was great. The kitchen had all the pots, dishes, cutlery etc you could ask for to make a meal too. The wrap around deck on two sides of the cottage was also lovely.

The cottage (Dianella) had a musty smell that seemed like it had not been used in some time. There were heavy floor to ceiling fabric drapes on five of the windows which looked like they had not been laundered in years and emanated a stale smell. The old burgundy fabric couch in the bedroom also carried the off odour. The cottage was full of antique furniture which I do like but there was too much of it covered with ornaments and oddities that left an overall feeling of clutter. I admit I’m a bit of a minimalist and prefer clean lines but the sheer volume of things all over was just too busy. I think I counted over 20 pictures hanging on the walls everywhere and in no particular order. The bedroom was huge as was the bathroom. The bathroom in particular was spacious and clean. I loved it. There were huge windows in each room. But the windows were covered in these heavy old burgundy or dark emerald fabric drapes. They overwhelmed the space. The bedroom had brown carpet and brown walls which made the space feel gloomy and enclosed despite the large windows. An antique floor lamp stood in the living room. It had a frilly dark burgundy fabric cover and was dusty with cob webs. The musty smell also made for a restless sleep. The cottage needed a deep vacuuming and cleaning. I think the space could be much improved by simply decluttering, a coating of lighter coloured paint, and removing the old drapes. It would not cost a great deal to do any of this. These problems I point out can easily be changed and would greatly enhance what is otherwise a good cottage. I cannot recommend staying at this cottage unless these issues are corrected.

Everything. It's peaceful and beautiful and so relaxing

As we have been there before we knew what we were in for and so we enjoyed it like we did the last time we were stayed there.

Was so peaceful

There was nothing to not like at property

Clean. Fresh air. Close to nature.

NA

I loved everything about this place. I stayed in Lomindra cottage and it was beautiful, comfortable & clean. I was supplied with lots of yummy breakfast provisions, lots of firewood, and seeds to feed the birds. It was a wonderful opportunity to disconnect from the busy world and be in nature. I loved how private the cottage was. The local wildlife was superb, and the cheeky alpacas were a treat! It was a short 10 min drive into the heart of Lakes Entrance. The host Peter was very friendly and had local recommendations. Note to guests that there is no wifi and very limited mobile reception. I will be recommending Araluen Cottages to my friends and will definitely return as I pass through again.

I loved everything

Beautiful setting; great attention to detail; generous supplies; friendly owner.