Located in Mount Macedon, this vacation home is within a few miles (5 km) of sights such as Mount Macadeon Winery and Macedon Ranges Walking Trail Trailhead. The vacation home includes a balcony, a dining area, and a refrigerator.
Macedon Ranges Walking Trail Trailhead - 3 min drive - 2.6 miles
Mount Macedon - 7 min drive - 4.0 miles
Hanging Rock Reserve - 7 min drive - 5.2 miles
Mount Macadeon Winery - 7 min drive - 2.4 miles
Gisborne Flora Reserve - 7 min drive - 6.9 miles
Getting around
Macedon Station - 7 min drive
Melbourne Airport (MEL) - 41 min drive
Restaurants
Baringo Food and Wine Co. - 9 min drive
Bourkies Bake House - 13 min drive
Mt Macedon Trading Post - 12 min walk
Hanging Rock Cafe - 11 min drive
Victoria Hotel - 13 min drive
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Cottage by the Bowser
Nestled in the heart of Mount Macedon, surrounded by some of the most beautiful garden estates in Victoria, our cottage comes with the history of yesteryear and crafting its own place in the historic tales of the Mount, beginning its life in the late 1800's.
The interior retains some of the original charm and elegance of its past including timber floors and Baltic lined walls and high ceilings, open fireplaces, and skylights. Stylish and luxury touches have been added with a gorgeous bathrooms and kitchen featuring travertine tiling. Lovingly restored, and retaining many of the original features in the front rooms, your stay will combine the comfort and luxuries expected today, with the hidden secrets of the gardens beyond the gates.
This lovingly restored property, located on over 3+ acres on the Golden Mile, is very warm and comfortable. The cottage has a rich history having been used for many enterprises over the years. Its original purpose, as the Mount's General Store and first Post office, was built circa 1873, and its colourful history thereafter included a doctor's consulting rooms, art gallery, patchwork & quilting shop and for the sale of collectables and antiques.
Until 2012 it was the oldest original commercial building still in existence in Mount Macedon and is easily recognised by the petrol bowser displaying gallons, standing proudly beneath the verandah.
The gardens are quite breath-taking with a fenced back lawn, leading through to a woodland garden, opening onto a majestic grassy paddock, bordered on the southern side with 150+ year old European trees, leading to a walking track down to the Turitable Creek and old weir on the western boundary.
Guest access The entire house, the backyard, and the property beyond the farm gate, and down to the weir is available for enjoyment of all guests. We do recommend that children have supervision as there is a fast flowing creek and the old weir at the base of the property, that used to serve as the stored water supplies for the gardens of the historic Cameron Lodge (a few doors down).
Other things to note Whilst the cottage is considered a single storey, there are a few internal steps… one step down into the meals area and bedroom #4; one step up into the Midnight Blue bedroom (#2); and three steps down to the kitchen/family/laundry area. Access into the front lounge, the Merlot Red bedroom (#1), the bathroom and the Autumn bedroom (#3) from the main entrance (road level) have no steps.
The vacation home is air-conditioned and features a balcony and 2 bathrooms, and there's space to spread out with 4 bedrooms and a dining area. Guests can expect to find free WiFi and a Smart TV with a DVD player. Other standard amenities include a washing machine, a microwave, and a refrigerator.
Wheelchair-accessible parking and van parking available
Food and drink
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Dishwasher
Electric kettle
Lobster/crab pot
Microwave
Oven
Paper towels
Refrigerator
Spices
Stovetop
Toaster
Dining
Dining table
Bedrooms
4 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
2 bathrooms
Hair dryer
Shampoo
Shower
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided
Living spaces
Dining table
Living room
Separate dining area
Entertainment
Books
DVD player
Games
Smart TV
Video library
Outdoor areas
Balcony
Barbecue grill
Garden
Outdoor furniture
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Washing machine
Comfort
Air conditioning
Heating
Pets
Pet friendly
Welcoming dogs only
2 pets total
Suitability/Accessibility
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
Area rugs in public areas
Hardwood flooring in public areas
No elevator
Smooth flooring in public areas
Stair-free path to entrance
Tile flooring in public areas
Well-lit path to entrance
Wheelchair accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible parking
Wheelchair-accessible van parking
Smoking not allowed
Services and conveniences
Iron/ironing board
Location highlights
In a village
In the mountains
Things to do
Birdwatching nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Mountain biking nearby
Wildlife walks nearby
Winery tours nearby
Safety features
No carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is no carbon monoxide detector on the property but there are gas appliances; consider bringing a portable detector)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
General
At least 80% lighting from LEDs
Cleaning products are eco-friendly
Garden
Local artist showcase
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Check-out
Check-out before 11:00 AM
Special check-in instructions
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Check-out instructions
The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks, and take out the trash
Turn off the lights, lock the doors, and return the keys
Please ensure that the heating (or cooling) is switched off.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Pets
This property welcomes pets
Dogs only
2 total pets
Service animals exempt from fees
Note from host: Pet beds to be provided by guests.
Children and extra beds
Note from host: Parents to supervise children near water.
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is no carbon monoxide detector on the property but there are gas appliances; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Check-in: 3:00 PM
Check-out: 11:00 AM
We should mention
Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:
This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business.
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
Onsite safety features include a smoke detector.
Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:
There are no elevators.
Frequently asked questions
What's there to see near this vacation home?
This vacation home is situated in Mount Macedon, close to Mount Macadeon Winery, Mount Macedon, and Hanging Rock Reserve. You'll also find Macedon Ranges Walking Trail Trailhead and Macedon Flora Reserve within a short drive.
Will I be able to park at this vacation home?
Yes, there is accessible parking available.
Is this vacation home associated with a casino?
No, this vacation home is not connected to a casino.
Is there an indoor pool at this vacation home?
No, there is no indoor pool at this vacation home.
What amenities will couples enjoy at Cottage by the Bowser?
Couples staying at this vacation home will appreciate amenities like a smart TV as well as a garden and a video library.
Are there hot tubs at Cottage by the Bowser?
No, there isn't a spa tub at this vacation home.
Does this vacation home include breakfast service?
No, this vacation home doesn't offer breakfast.
Does this vacation home allow pets to stay free of charge?
Although dogs can't stay for free, they are welcome at this vacation home.
Does this vacation home have connecting rooms?
No, there aren't connecting rooms at this vacation home.
What is the closest airport to this vacation home?
The closest major airport to this vacation home is Melbourne Airport (MEL), which is about 23.7 mi away. Another top airport is Melbourne, VIC (MEB-Essendon), which is around 28.5 mi away.
Can I book a room with a balcony at Cottage by the Bowser?
Yes, every accommodation at Cottage by the Bowser comes with a balcony with some featuring mountain views.
Cottage by the Bowser Reviews
Reviews
10
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Rating 10 - Excellent. 4 out of 4 reviews
10 - Excellent
4
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 4 reviews
8 - Good
0
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 4 reviews
6 - Okay
0
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 4 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 4 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
10/10
Cleanliness
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Kerryn C.
Jan 5, 2026
Liked: Cleanliness
The house and gardens were beautiful. The host is lovely
Kerryn C.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026
10/10 Excellent
Katherine S., Melbourne, australia 🇦🇺
Nov 21, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful house with all amenities. From the moment we arrived we felt at home. The view from the backyard deck is amazing. And we loved the little surprises when we arrived. Thank you for making our friend group weekend away very special.
Katherine S.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025
10/10 Excellent
Talia D.
Oct 30, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Talia D.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
10/10 Excellent
Sanjay B.
Aug 10, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Fantastic place to stay. Anne-Marie is a great host and made sure our stay was wonderful. Would love to go back for a longer stay