Alkira Eco-Glamping Retreat

**VOTED NUMBER 2 IN AIRBNB'S MOST WISHLISTED STAYS IN AUSTRALIA** **ALSO SEEN ON CHANNEL NINES "POSTCARDS", ALKIRA MADE THE AUSTRALIAN TRAVELLERS MAGAZINE AS APART OF THE 100 MOST UNIQUE PLACES TO STAY IN AUSTRALIA,QANTAS VOTED ALKIRA IN THE 20 MOST UNIQUE AIRBNB'S IN AUST, FEATURED IN THE HERALD SUN, FRENCH CONNECTION WEBSITE, YARRA MAGAZINE, LITTLE MAG MAGAZINE, PSYCHOLOGIES MAGAZINE UK,THE DESIGN FILES, REAL (Website hidden by Airbnb) GORMAN WEBSITE** PHOTO SHOOT ENQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT THE HOST. **VOTED NUMBER 2 IN AIRBNB'S MOST WISHLISTED STAYS IN AUSTRALIA** **ALSO SEEN ON CHANNEL NINES "POSTCARDS", ALKIRA MADE THE AUSTRALIAN TRAVELLERS MAGAZINE AS APART OF THE 100 MOST UNIQUE PLACES TO STAY IN AUSTRALIA,QANTAS VOTED ALKIRA IN THE 20 MOST UNIQUE AIRBNB'S IN AUST, FEATURED IN THE HERALD SUN, FRENCH CONNECTION WEBSITE, YARRA MAGAZINE, LITTLE MAG MAGAZINE, PSYCHOLOGIES MAGAZINE UK,THE DESIGN FILES, REAL (Website hidden by Airbnb) GORMAN WEBSITE** The unique design of the straw-bale Yurt has a wonderful ambience, which is both warm in Winter and cool in Summer. Close attention has also been paid to the design of the outdoor kitchen, and toilet/shower facilities; plus attractive outdoor seating areas. Alkira is only 10 mins drive from Emerald, (home of the Puffing Billy steam train). There are plenty of shops, cafes, restaurants, wineries and tourist attractions in the area. Alkira Eco-Glamping Retreat – experience a totally different world, picturesque and serene, but less than an hour from Melbourne. PUFFING BILLY The journey aboard Puffing Billy takes you through the magnificent Dandenong Ranges, located only one hour east of Melbourne. With lush fern gullies brushing past and Mountain Ash trees towering overhead, Puffing Billy makes for a wonderful opportunity to relax and breathe in the fresh air whilst the train makes its way through the temperate rainforest. Visitors from around the world enjoy travelling aboard Puffing Billy as a stand-alone experience or as part of a Melbourne day tour. If you are a Melbourne local, you can bring friends, kids, other family members or interstate visitors, pack a picnic and travel aboard this historic Melbourne attraction. ( Emerald Station - 10 min drive from Alkira) EMERALD LAKE Emerald Lake park is our premier park and tourist attraction the Dandenong Ranges. As one of the destination points for the iconic Puffing Billy, the park offers a range of activities including picnics, walking trails, paddleboats and fishing – something for everyone. (10 minute drive from Alkira) TREES ADVENTURE - BELGRAVE Zip-trek high above the ground and take on the thrilling tree-top obstacles. Nature based adventure for all ages and abilities. (15 min drive from Alkira) CUCKOO RESTAURANT Since 1958 the world renowned Cuckoo Restaurant has been providing delicious smorgasbord meals and brilliant entertainment with its unique Bavarian atmosphere to families, social groups and tourists from all around the world. A family friendly venue. Always fun, and always welcoming. (15-20 min drive from Alkira) BUSHWALKING John's Hill Reserve Lookout The Johns Hill Reserve Lookout, to the south-east of Kallista on Ridge Rd offers excellent panoramic views including Yarra Ranges National Park, the Kinglake National Park, Mt St. Leonard and the Dandenong Ranges National Park. (15 min walk from behind Alkira) Eastern Sherbrooke Forest Walk This forest walk allows you to see the changing vegetation of the area. Admire towering Mountain Ash and Stringybark trees and lush ferns. Keep an eye out for wildlife including lyrebird living together with wombats, wallaby, echidna, possums and powerful owls. (6.6km return) Kokoda Track Memorial Walk (1000 steps) The 1000 Steps Walk is a tradition for fitness enthusiasts across Melbourne. Finishing the 3km trek one of the most popular walks in the Dandenong Ranges National Park. Do not underestimate its steep terrain. Plaques along the trail portray the lives of the soldiers who fought and died on the real Kokoda Trail in Papua New Guinea, during World War II. Note weekends on this Track can be extremely busy, particularly in the mornings. GRANTS PICNIC GROUND Situated in the Sherbrooke Forest, Grants Picnic Ground has to be one of the top attractions of the Dandenong Ranges and is famous for its bird feeding and walking tracks. (10 min drive from Alkira) SKY HIGH Less than one hour from the Melbourne CBD you can be SkyHigh – on the uppermost reach of the Dandenong Ranges, amid cool fern glades and lush towering native forest. Views of the city, mazes etc (25 min drive from Alkira) TESSELAAR TULIP FARM The Tesselaar Tulip Festival began in 1954 and has since grown to become one of Victoria’s most iconic tourist attractions, showcasing the breathtaking beauty of over one million spring flowers in bloom. (15 min drive from Alkira) PLEASE NOTE: We have spent a lot of time sourcing bedding, cushions, homewares from all around Australia. We hope you can understand how much all these items mean to us. So could you please refrain from eating or drinking on the bed to avoid damaging the cushions and throws etc and be careful and delicate with all our homewares. Any damages will incur a charge or a replacement fee. In addition to amazing views to the Yarra Valley & Warburton Ranges, Alkira is located adjacent to a beautiful creek lined with mountain ash and ferns. You are literally 20 metres from a popular walking trail, allowing you to easily explore the area. You will benefit from the peace and tranquillity of staying on a 40-acre (16Ha) property, your hosts Emily & Andrew reside on the property, so you can be comforted from knowing the property is constantly occupied. In addition, at Alkira we only have the one Yurt for rental and one Retro Caravan - you will still be guaranteed absolute privacy but you will have to share facilities with other guests, just the toilet and bathroom all other areas are private. Your hosts reside on the property, so can assist guests if required. PLEASE CONTACT THE OWNER FOR PHOTO SHOOTS.... Alkira is located in Emerald, Victoria, Australia. Alkira is less than an hour from Melbourne CBD and can be accessed via the Monash and Eastern freeways. The 40-acre (16Ha) property is centrally located on a sealed road, midway between the townships of Emerald, Monbulk and Kallista. Excellent supermarkets and shops are located in Emerald and Monbulk (10 mins by car). Alkira is located in the heart of the area known as the Dandenongs, renowned for its beautiful scenery and pretty townships. There are many things to do in the area including wineries, cafes, restaurants and beautiful gardens. In Belgrave, there is the Cameo Cinema complex, much loved by locals, (15 minutes away), containing in part an original "art deco" cinema. An excellent train service to Melbourne also operates from Belgrave (less than an hour to city). Puffing Billy historic steam train line operates from Emerald, be sure to book ahead. There are also National Parks to visit and numerous walks/bike trails to go on. In fact, one walking trail is located literally 20 metres from your cottage (adjoins estate boundary). Dandenong Ranges National Park is only 15 mins away by car. Alkira is less than an hour from Melbourne CBD and can be accessed via the Monash and Eastern freeways. Trains to/from Melbourne City operate from Belgrave station (15 mins by car). Mornington Peninsula and ocean/bay beaches are 1.5 hours away by car. Continental Breakfast Provided Fire danger periods/Severe Weather Warnings - In the unlikely event that a Code Red rating is declared by the CFA (Country Fire Authority), any bookings at that time will be cancelled and monies returned, or alternative booking dates provided. On days of total fire bans – no outdoor fires will be allowed. However, guests are still allowed to use the gas-fired bbq located in the kitchen area.