Bootmaker's Cottage c. 1864 : Birregurra

*STAYZ AWARDS 2022 : Bootmakers Birregurra. Bronze Medal *
Rated the third best Australian Holiday Home for 2022

*Kitchen featured in Australian Country Style Magazine October 2021*

'Bathroom featured in Australian Country Style Magazine June 2023*

*Cottage and property featured in WONEN Land elijke Stijl Magazine. Netherlands and Belgium September 2022*

Bootmakers Cottage Birregurra, is a delightful heritage cottage, named in honour of bootmaker and saddler James Townsend who first built the simple dwelling along with a shop and stables around 1864. Like the township in which it proudly sits, Bootmakers Cottage is rich in history and character, and has been lovingly restored to evoke the simple and warm pleasures of Victoria's pioneering past.

Bootmakers Cottage offers the best of two worlds:

Step out the back door and you are in the country - a large red-brick courtyard set amongst a cottage garden with birches, a huge oak tree, box hedges, grape vine, olives, citrus and herbs, giving way to a huge half acre block perfect for those who travel with pets. It’s impossible to go past the outdoor bathroom and an old cast iron bathtub, and our guests love to indulge in a hot bubble bath under the stars at their very first opportunity. An outdoor hammock swings amongst the lavender and birches for lazy afternoons; a handmade wooden stage also doubles as an undercover sun lounge area, and as the sun drops and the cockatoos screech overhead, an outdoor barbeque or home-cooked meal around an alfresco dinner party table under festoon lights, followed by warm conversation beside a roaring fire in the central fire pit, completes a simple and timeless pleasure. The old stables and bootmakers workshop have been converted into a fabulous bar and retreat, well set up to occupy all members of the family, with darts, board games and toys, as well as a projector and screen with lots of DVD’s for authentic movie nights, served with the mandatory popcorn. Bootmakers is truly a country home outdoor living delight.

Step out the front door and you are right in the middle of Main Street - the historic commercial centre of Birregurra, an old mill town built on the banks of the Barwon River and beside a train line branch where the old "Tiger Trail" train once ran up to the mountains to bring back logs for milling. It's easy to imagine stepping back in time to the 1800’s and the stores being sadleries, grain stores, bakeries, tailors and blacksmiths. Today, cafes, a bakery, antique shops, and local wine and produce stores, and a great old pub complete the Main Street. Guests tell us they love daydreaming about living in this small country town both in yesteryear and also today. Buildings in the main street have been lovingly restored and the streetscape has hardly been changed in over 100 years. The town is idyllic, yet feels a little undiscovered. Don’t be surprised if you wake to the aroma of coffee and freshly baked bread drifting in from the Otway Artisan, literally next door.

Being just over 90 minutes from Melbourne, and 30 minutes to the stunning Great Ocean Road, Birregurra is perfectly positioned in the hinterland and foothills of The Otway Ranges - beautiful in all seasons with towering mountain ash and ferny understory. The area is well-known for its award-winning food and wine as well as pristine rainforests, abundant bird life and beaches just down the road.

Everything you need to know


Sleep

· Bootmakers Cottage sleeps up to six guests in three bedrooms

· Two queen bedrooms

· A third bedroom with two king single beds

Amenities

· Wood fired heater, with wood supply included

· Air conditioner/split system in lounge room

· WiFi (unlimited data) and Smart TV

· Italian style stovetop coffee maker and French press

· Basic provisions including olive oil, spices, tea, coffee, cling-wrap, etc

· Outdoor iron bath & fire pit

 ·  Outdoor washroom which has a second toilet and sink (and second rustic shower).

· Alfresco dining area, outdoor lounges, BBQ and dedicated bar

· Hammock

-Games Room

About The Area


Step out the front door of Bootmakers Cottage, and you may be pleasantly surprised to find yourself right in the historic main street, complete with bakery, cafe’s, antiques and local wine and produce stores.

Birregurra is a classic historic town located in the foothills of the Otways Ranges. Ideally situated for the perfect escape to both country and coast. It’s just over one and a half hours from Melbourne and thirty five minutes drive to the Great Ocean Road. It's a twenty minute drive to Forrest’s world class mountain bike trails, where you can follow the trails through the stunning rainforest, wrapping up a spectacular ride at the Forrest Brewery.

The township of Birregurra is one of Victoria’s best preserved towns of the 1800’s. It is sleepy during the week, but peps up on the weekends. Make sure to wander around town and check out the architecture and history - there are so many beautiful churches for such a small town.

The Otway Ranges has some of Australia's best rain forest scenery: Tall trees, ancient plant life, lush ferns and cascading waterfalls make an enthralling place to explore and bush-walk. If your travelling with children - we’re positive they will love tree surfing at Trees Adventure in Yeodene.

Spend your time visiting our favourite waterfalls - Hopetoun, Triplet and Beauchamp Falls. Beech Forest and the Redwood Forest are a must see of the region.


Stephenson’s Falls and Lake Elizabeth, are beautiful for a walk, where platypus are frequently sighted at dawn and dusk, and glow worms at night. Little Aire Falls, Triplet Falls and the West Barwon Reservoir are also all worth a visit.

For foodies, you can’t go past the degustation menus at Brae - a regular on the World's 50 Best Restaurants and one of the best restaurants in Australia, which is just out of Birregurra. We can arrange transport to and from Brae, so please do let us know if you are planning to visit. Remember to book well ahead!

If you haven’t discovered this part of the world, we highly recommend allowing plenty of time to explore, there truly is so much to see. On booking, we’ll send you a comprehensive guide on what to see and do in the area.

The finer details


Our rates are based on four guests, additional guests attract a rate of $50 per person, per night.

Bed linen, towels and cleaning are included in our nightly rate. Beds made up for you on arrival as per your requirements, so please just let us know in advance if you have any preferences.

Pets are welcome to join you for your stay at Bootmakers Cottage, but we do ask that you keep them off the furniture. The property is fenced, but not escape proof, so please do not rely on your dog being contained. Chickens and ducks live next door and often visit the cottage.

Guests with Telstra or any carriers using the Telstra network will enjoy excellent reception. However, Optus and any carriers relying on the Optus network may experience limited or no reception at the property and in Birregurra. Our Wi-Fi now offers unlimited data, ensuring seamless connectivity should you want it throughout your stay.

Please no smoking inside, or candles.

Please familiarise yourself with our postponement & cancellation terms and conditions before booking.