We love the tall trees - the fresh mountain air - the views of Melbourne city lights at night from SkyHigh Mt Dandenong. We love exploring the interesting shops, dining at Coonara Springs Restaurant. Our most special joy though is the nature, bird song, wild life we see from day to day - we never want to leave!

If you close your eyes and picture the quintessential hills cottage you would more than likely imagine Cottage in the Forest. With a king size bed, a cosy living room with a log fire, a spa bath and a fully equipped kitchen Cottage in the Forest provides the perfect setting for your next intimate getaway. A continental breakfast including fresh milk and juice for your first morning is in the cottage when you arrive. Set on an acre of forested land, between the villages of Olinda and Sassafras, and surrounded by towering trees and the sweet sounds of the local birdlife, Cottage in the Forest will give you all the tranquility and privacy that you desire for an intimate mountain getaway. In walking distance to Olinda Village and a short drive to Mt Dandenong and local attractions, Cottage in the Forest, is ideally located for exploring everything the Dandenongs has to offer. And although only less than hour from Melbourne the world will feel a million miles away.

Sassafras, Olinda and Mt Dandenong are the 3 beautiful and ecclectic villages in the Dandenongs. There are 5 Public Gardens, thousands of acres of national parks, cafes, 1000 steps to climb if you wish. Or, maybe you'll just choose to lounge about and enjoy a massage, a little gentle exploring of shops .There's as much or as little to do as you wish. Feeling energetic? A walk to Olinda or Sherbrooke Falls through the forest, or a drive to the Yarra Valley wonderful wineries will be a beautiful day out. You will, however, come running home to curl up by the fire in the winter! Coffee at Ripe in Sassafras. Great hot breakfast for you at Fat Badger or Ripe. Traditional English tearoom at Miss Marples, but the highlight is a High Tea at Fortnums in Sassafras. We love The Piggery Cafe at Burnham Beeches in Sherbrooke, Coonara Springs Restaurant in Olinda or Dudleys in Olinda for the best pizza and casual dining.