I enjoyed a two-week respite at Graig’s Cabin at the Taylor Bay Country Club in the heat of a Victorian summer. This is a great deal for both short and longer stays. It is well-situated in a quiet valley next to Lake Eildon and the surrounding national and state parks. So, whether you are interested in hunting, fishing, being out on the water, tearing up the backwoods in your ute or motorbike or, like me, hiking and birding along the many trails and tracks, this place is perfectly located as a jumping off point to all of the above.
The cabin is as advertised and funky (in a good way): spacious and has all that you need for a laid-back self-catered experience at a great rate. The air-conditioning was welcome as Victoria temperatures soared into the high 30s and low 40s when I visited. There is one large bedroom or dormitory with two double beds and three bunks. The kitchen and living room are open and lend themselves to family and group social time. There is a large-screen TV with a satellite dish and DVD player. The shower has good water pressure and plenty of hot water. Just bear in mind, everything is pretty much off the grid: cisterns and solar, so being mindful of energy consumption is key.
The kitchen has a basic set-up with ample utensils, crockery and cutlery. There is no oven or stove. However, there is a microwave, hot plate, kettle and a few other appliances to accommodate your basic cooking needs as well as a BBQ grill up the hill under a shelter. If you don’t want to cook, Eildon is just 5 minutes’ drive and there is the Eildon Bakery and Cafe, a good pizza place next door and a good fish and chips place next to that.
Geoff was very communicative, easy-going and, when he was called away and could not meet me in person on arrival, touched base via email and made sure I had everything I needed. He lives on the premises just 50 metres up the hill and kindly checked in periodically, during the heat especially, to make sure I had not over-cooked.
Taylor Bay Country Club is quite the operation and Geoff has been busy building out accommodations with another cabin next to Graig’s as well as rooms and space in the larger house. The fitness centre is well-equipped for those inclined and he is adding more storage units on other parts of the property as there is quite a demand for out-of-towners to keep their boats and other gear.
All in all a nice getaway!