The Pebble House-Tarnagulla

THE PEBBLE HOUSE is in TARNAGULLA. It was originally a mud and slab building inhabited by a mining family. The house was renovated in the 60's to become a pebble house however, it retains many of the original features. THE SLAB HUT is a separate building and more rustic. It was a blacksmith shop and most likely the original house. It was restored to become a basic spare bedroom. COVID HEALTH: Please be aware that the Govt QR Code at the property must be scanned on arrival. To protect following guests and our small community, all guests (including children) are required to attach green tick proof of their double vaccination status along with their booking request.. BEDDING: The Pebble House has one double bed and two singles. An additional three single beds are in The Slab Hut. All linen is supplied. COOKING and KITCHEN FACILITIES: Full sized gas stove with oven and grill. Sink with dish cloths, dish liquid and tea towels. Crockery, cutlery, stove top kettle, pots and pans supplies. No fridge (Due to solar reliance) though a large esky is available or you could bring your own. Bring ice or buy it at a local pub. It would be prudent to grocery shop before you arrive. Though there is a well stocked supply in town. An outdoor, undercover, gas barbeque is also available. BATHROOM: Located in a separate pebble building ensuring peace and quiet. It has a bath with an over bath shower, small sink and toilet. Towels and initial toilet paper provided. POWER AND HEATING: The house is supported by a small solar system that provides lighting and a radio. Most lights are reliable 12 volt though there are some 240 volt lights and power points for the charging of a laptop, phone or other such device. 240 volts runs on a small 500 watt inverter and may not be always be available if there is no sun or the power is overused. 12 volt lights may dim if sun is low, such as mid winter, or if overused. There is no TV. It is advisable to bring and ancillary light source such as battery lanterns or LED lights and a torch just in case. The house is best heated with the medium cast iron wood heater in the back room. Open fire place in main room for snug ambiance. The Slab Hut has a wood or briquette heater. Wood is provided. PHONE SERVICE: In the past, Mobile reception was available either in the driveway, at the top of the ridge adjacent to the house or on the far side of Jack Smith's fire place. In case of an emergency you could wave to the neighbours. (They are friendly). Times change. Now, if you are a Telstra customer mobile service is available, however you still need not tell your boss, your employees or your children. A FEW CUTS ABOVE CAMPING, NO LUXURIES, BUT EVERYTHING YOU NEED. ACTIVITIES INCLUDE: Gold Panning (sandy creek at rear of house) Pans provided. and detecting (of course) Bush walking. Melville's caves. (20min) Wildflowers in spring. Bird watching Local markets and collectables. Wineries Fishing in the Loddon River at Newbridge and Laanecoorie. Cycle Tracks Historical towns and walks Golf (opposite nine hole golf course) Photography Artistic pursuits The Pebble House lives in the Heart of the Golden Triangle 45 km from Bendigo. Close to Maldon 36km and Castlemaine 44km and Maryborough 37km. SPECIAL NOTICES: Given that the house was built for miners to original specifications; if you are over 5ft 3inches tall you must: DUCK YOUR HEAD WHEN ENTERING DOORWAYS AND VERANDA. The house is solar reliant so it would be useful to bring a torch or other battery operated lighting for low sun occasions for outdoor lighting or visiting the toilet. Closest supermarkets are Dunolly: 15km. Inglewood: 21km or Maryborough: 37km. Tarnagulla Supply Store is well stocked with food and other useful items, including some takeaway and coffee. Tarnagulla Post Office, open business hours during the week and Sat and Sun mornings, has basic provisions. Newbridge general store has a larger range, a cafe and coffees. Tarnagulla Care also has food, cakes and coffee etc. Counter meals available in Tarnagulla pub 1.5km and Newbridge pub: 8km. (please enquire for times and days). Pets welcome with prior approval. Property is reasonably secured with a dog fence. But cannot be guaranteed for jumpers or burrowers. The property has also been fenced for horses. Pets are to be kept outside the buildings unless discussed with the house owner. Best times to visit are Autumn, Winter and Spring. Summer is more challenging though happy campers and bush savvy guests still enjoy the comparative comfort. Spring and summer also attract mosquitoes. Some mozzie coils provided but it is advised to bring personal repellent. Given the bush setting, in summer blowflies can also be about and doors must be kept shut to keep them outside. Summer is also bush fire season. Like many places in Victoria, Tarnagulla is a high risk area. It is important to keep tabs on the weather so that you can be prepared. Also make yourself familiar with your environment and develop a plan in the unlikely event of bush fire. Tarnagulla is in the Northern Country zone. In event of a total fire ban day it is imperative to adhere to the advice offered on the CFA website. Leave early. ABC Radio is the emergency station and usually accessible in The Pebble House. A battery radio may be useful. There is also the Vic Emergency app available for your smart phone. There is no designated 'safe place' or community refuge in Tarnagulla in case of bush fire, so careful planning and awareness is best. For further descriptions you may like to visit The Pebble House on Facebook.