Private romantic retreats in the Yarra Valley
Somewhere between the vineyards and the top of the ridge, the plans start to change.
Kangaroo Ridge Retreat offers private mountain retreats above Healesville, about an hour from Melbourne. The valley is below, the ranges are beyond, and there is open sky over all of it.
Pack an overnight bag. The larder is stocked with regional produce, the wine fridge is filled with local favourites and the balcony gives you good reason to take your time getting to know them.
What's already here
You came for a break. The details are taken care of.
The larder
Regional produce for meals, grazing and slow mornings, with an Italian Night In included in our core stays.
In every retreat
Floor-to-ceiling windows open up the view, giving you the sense that you have the ridge entirely to yourself. A spa with bath salts ready, a balcony overlooking the valley and a fireplace for the cooler nights, outside fire season.
In-retreat wine bar
More than thirty wines, spirits, beer, cider and liqueurs, all at cellar door prices. Help yourself when the mood takes you, with drinks charged separately.
The Ridge Effect (n.)
The tendency of guests to arrive with a plan and revise it on contact with the view. Observed phenomena: slower walking, lower shoulders, reduced interest in the itinerary. Onset: typically on arrival. Intensity varies with weather.
Treatment: another night.
We had planned to go out but then just stayed in. We did not want to leave, everything we wanted was all here.
You may have a plan. The ridge may have other ideas.
If your plan still stands, we can help bring it together. And if there’s room for a few suggestions, a massage at your retreat, a balloon flight over the valley or a private evening of stargazing might find its way onto the list.
Explore the extras below and book ahead to make them part of your stay.
Out in the valley
Tours and sanctuary tickets
Night time stargazing
A guided evening under the stars, subject to weather and availability.
For the body
Massages, private yoga and sound healing sessions
In the air
Balloon flights over the valley
Special arrivals
At the table
A private chef
Looking after the ridge
The bush is the point, so we look after it. Solar power and battery storage run the ridge. Rainwater is captured, stored and treated, waste is sorted and composted, and a small herd of goats helps manage weeds and bushfire fuel loads.
That care extends to what’s on the table. The larder and wine bar draw on local and regional producers, keeping spending close to home and giving you a taste of the valley beyond the view.
Holding both EcoStar credentials and an official four-star tier classification, Kangaroo Ridge Retreat blends sustainable practices with premium hospitality standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it Adults-Only?
Yes, Kangaroo Ridge Retreat is Adults-only. Each private retreat only has room for two adults. Little ones (whether on two legs or four), must find their own adventures elsewhere.
What is included in the Larder and Wine-bar?
The larder is a seasonal, ever-changing selection of local produce that is included in our Signature, Relax, Solo and Explore stays. It includes cheeses, soft drinks, olives, chips, cookies, pasta and deli meats. It is enough for small meals, tapas style snacks on the balcony.
The wine bar is a curated selection of Yarra Valley wines, ciders, spirits and craft beers all at cellar door prices. Our licence means you cannot BYO your own drinks.
Is there phone reception and WIFI?
Yes there is phone reception and WIFI is available in each of the retreats.
How far away is it from Melbourne?
We are about one hour out from Melbourne CBD and Melbourne Airport.
What time is check-in and check out?
Check in is from 4pm. Check out is at 11am.
Is there parking?
Each retreat has its own dedicated parking area and you can park right up to the entrance of the retreats.
What is the minimum stay?
Kangaroo Ridge Retreat is an experience best spread over two nights or more. Single nights are currently available for check-ins on Monday to Wednesday.
Do you have accessibility information?
We have an accessibility guide that provides further details about our retreats for people who have accessibility needs.
Is dinner included?
Signature, Relax, Solo and Explore stays include the gourmet larder as part of their packages and therefore includes the first-night Italian Night In. This is all the ingredients and recipe cards to prepare dinner in your retreat. The gourmet larder is stocked with regional produce for meals and grazing. Wine bar drinks are purchased separately.
Wurundjeri Country
38 Turners Lane
Healesville, Vic, 3777 Australia
Healesville
Weather