Araluen Park Cottages

We booked five nights but lasted only four, and honestly, I would have left after the first one. It was smelly, dusty and dirty, with so much clutter it’s hard to describe. Stay somewhere else. Booking.com gave it a 5 rating, and they need to check that again.

We had a lovely girls’ weekend here in February. I’d been meaning to write this for ages, because we absolutely loved the vintage feel. The hosts were so welcoming and friendly, and the local breakfast ingredients they left in the fridge made the stay even better. We were lucky enough to get close to the local parrots and wake up to a wallaby or two. The alpacas were a highlight, too, and we loved feeding them apples. There’s no wifi and phone reception is very limited, though a bit better if you sit outside. That didn’t spoil our experience at all.

We spent a wonderful three-day weekend here, a great hidden gem in a part of Victoria I hadn’t visited before. We stayed in the two-bedroom cottage, with comfortable beds, country-style decor and a fireplace that was easily the best feature. There’s no heating or air conditioning, but the fire kept the cold at bay and it wasn’t too hot for us. The cottages are far enough apart for privacy, while still close enough that you don’t feel isolated. The alpacas kept us entertained, and one woke us up one morning. Breakfast came as fresh eggs, bacon and milk, left uncooked so we could make it whenever we liked and how we wanted. The kitchen was set up well for breakfast and grilling on the deck. The bacon was amazing. I’d totally recommend the place and hope to return. They take cash only.

Peter was a wonderful host, friendly and informative, and kept bringing firewood and checking whether we wanted more breakfast provisions. The accommodation was cosy and clean, with beautiful wildlife all around. We walked the property, hand-fed King parrots and met the wonderfully goofy alpacas. Staying at Araluen Park Cottages and exploring the property is easily one of the top things tourists should do when visiting Lakes. It’s the best place to stay when visiting Lakes Entrance.