Frequently asked questions

How can we help?

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Staying with us

Which retreat has the best view?

All of our retreats at Kangaroo Ridge Retreat face east and have the best views.

There is no difference between the retreats except for the artworks inside the retreats. We reserve the right to allocate retreats according to availability.

What do I need to bring?

We take NOT bringing a thing to the extreme! You can even forget your PJs and toothbrush.

You do not need to bring any food, drinks or spa products. We supply and set you up with almost everything we can think of to make your stay seamless and as indulgent as possible.

Food & Meals:
As part of your larder, the ingredients for your breakfasts, snacks and small meals all there ready for you to graze and indulge and are included in your room rate. The variety means almost all diet preferences are catered for.

Bath Salts etc:
Spa indugences like bath salts and body scrubs are also included, and these have been developed to be friendly to our local enviroment. Luxury body wash, body lotion, shampoo and conditioner are provided for your use while you stay. We use full sized, locally made products with a seasonal scent just for Kangaroo Ridge Retreat. If you wish to a take some home, we offer full sealed take home versions in the retreat.

Wine, Beer & Spirits:
Your cabin is licenced and offers a wide range of alcoholic and adult non-alcoholic beverages. These are at cellar door prices and can be like a tour without leaving the cabin.We even have a range of non-alcoholic spirits for our non-alcohol drinkers.

We are licensed and therefore not a BYO (bring your own) venue. Come and discover the locals!

Can I get ready for my wedding in a retreat?

We are suited for couples stealing away after the reception and are not suitable for wedding day preparations. The retreats are too small.

Please see our wedding night packages here for more information if you are interested for a memorable escape after your wedding celebrations.

BBQ Hire & Cooking Facilities

Our retreats have a kitchenette and you should be aware that the cabins are not completely self-contained with the amenities of a full kitchen.

We focus on supporting local businesses by bringing them to you so you can have a full and immersive Yarra Valley experience. There is a two burner stove with the pots and pans available for your larder. The full list of facilites can be found here

The BBQ hire and cleaning are included as part of our BBQ pack and Relax, Explore and Indulge packages.

This can be ordered at the time of booking.

Mobile/Cell coverage

You will need to be able to use your mobile/cell or access to the mobile network while you stay here. Optus and Telstra networks tend to work the best on the ridge. We will send you your cabin guide a day before arrival and this includes the WIFI password and directions to your specific cabin. We will then send your cabin smart key on the day of arrival to the mobile number you gave us at the time of your booking

International guests
International roaming works as well. However, please be aware you will need to use your cell phone at times while you stay here – either using Bluetooth or our WIFI. This is important so we can provide you with the best experience and support while you stay on the ridge. Please be aware, we are located in a bushfire prone area and do need to be able to reach you in the unlikely event of an emergency.

Please let us know the best way to contact you during your stay (such as by WhatsApp, Facebook or iMessenger).

WiFi

Our views are delicious for the eyes and our cabin views demand pictures for Instagram and Facebook (#kangarooridge) but the abundance of serenity suggests that perhaps switching off is the better option. Perfect for a #digitaldetox.

But, yes, we do have WIFI.

Despite being only one hour out of Melbourne, we are located in a regional area. As a result please do not expect NBN fibre optic speeds for internet.

We provide you with the password to your cabin’s WiFi in your cabin specific guide. We have cheekily made it a long and annoying…so you do have to decide to connect. #sorrynotsorry

In any case, we provide Netflix and Stan streaming for your smart TV in case you choose to turn it on.

Arriving and leaving

What time is check-in & check out?

Check-in time is 4pm.

Check-out is at 11am.

Can I organise an early check-in?

An early check-in is not possible due to our location and unique set up.

We count on you not to arrive early so that we can maintain the magic of our hidden service.

We balance this with a later check out time of 11am. So sleep-ins and stunning sunrises are on us!

If you are early and need to fill some time, we recommend checking out our exclusive regional guide we sent you in your prearrival email and mobile phone the day before you arrive.

Can I check in late, for example at midnight?

Yes!

Our contactless check in system means you can access you cabin from 4pm. You will have 48 hours to activate your key once you have received it so a midnight arrival is possible.

But let us know. Because the ridge can get very dark and we’ll leave a light on for you.

How do I check in?

After the payment of your final balance, Kangaroo Ridge Retreat will send you your cabin allocation and check in details 7 days prior to arrival.

Details are then forwarded to you on the day of arrival using the phone number you gave us at the time of your booking.

Is there parking?

Each cabin has its own dedicated parking area and you can park right up to the cabin entrance.

Getting Around

Taxis & Ubers

Navigating around Healesville and the Yarra Valley without your own transportation poses unique challenges due to the size and infrastructure of the area. There is a taxi service however it is unreliable. Uber does not service the area.

Therefore planning ahead is key. If you are visiting during a concert at Rochford or for a wedding, transport options are in high demand, so avoid transport last-minute bookings.

To get around, there are a few options available, including booking a private tour, hiring eBikes, using the Hop It service, or pre-organizing your transfers when you make your reservation.

As a guest of Kangaroo Ridge Retreat, we can assist you in arranging transportation. Additionally, you will receive access to our exclusive regional guide as soon as you book, which will help you explore the area like a local. It includes our most up-to-date contacts for drivers, excellent tour operators, and tips for getting around. Keep and eye out for it in your email confirmation.

Where is your Regional Guide?

After booking, we will share with you our invaluable local knowledge in your confirmation email. It is our local guide compendium built specifically for your mobile so you can take your time prior to arrival to plan your exploration.

You will then be able to plan a trip with our favorite hidden gems and blend in seamlessly like a local. You’ll uncover secret tips, local advice, and exclusive shortcuts to beat the crowds at popular attractions, as well as receive recommendations for off-the-beaten-path adventures.

As a Kangaroo Retreat guest, this exclusive guide is designed to enhance your stay, should you choose leave your cabin to explore the local area.

Booking & Reservations

Do you take single night bookings?

Kangaroo Ridge Retreat has a general two night minimum stay and unless specified in our booking engine we have the following arrival conditions:

Two-night minimum and no arrivals on Saturdays and public holidays.
Three-night minimum stays for weekends that fall with a public holiday.
Three-night minimum stay between December 16th and January 2nd.
Four-night minimum stay over the Easter period and over the Melbourne Cup long weekend.
Bookings are accepted for guests arriving the Thursday night before Good Friday.

On occasion we do have a single night availability due to changes to guest plans and cancellations. If you would like to be notified when a single night becomes available please sign up to our wait list.

Our wait list

Do you organise tours?

Yes, we can help organise a tour.

We have a range of tour partners we recommend who know our location and the cabin set up. For example, our Explore package is great value and has everything you need for a great getaway with a private tour included.

Get in contact with us and we can arrange it for you.

Refunds

We want to ensure transparency about our policies.

While we do not offer refunds for changes of mind, we highly recommend that all our guests consider purchasing travel insurance in the event of unforeseen events such as illness.

When making a booking, a non-refundable 50% prepayment by credit card is required for all reservations, including any additional extras you may choose. If you’re using a voucher, the deposit will be reconciled with the voucher amount first.

For bookings made within 7 days of your intended stay, a non-refundable 100% of the booking fee will be charged.

For more detailed information, we invite you to review our full terms and conditions, which can be found here.

Cancellations

Fingers crossed you’ll never need this part. But just a reminder, your deposit is non-refundable. In the unfortunate event that you need to cancel within 7 days of your check-in date, we won’t be able to refund any costs. Please note that changing the date of your reservation is considered the same as canceling it altogether.

ACcessibility & Inclusion

Wheelchairs

Our retreats were constructed in the early 2000s without a particular focus on accessibility in their design.

We are aware of some challenges our retreats may have for people in wheelchairs. At the entrance there are two steps, one at the door and then one into the retreat.

The screen door opens outwards while the main door opens inwards. It is 85cm wide.

The bathroom door opens inwards and is 58cm wide with the toilet bowl make the entrance narrow.

The shower entrance has a glass door opening with one cabin going inwards and another cabin opening outwards. There is a shower basin that has a lip that is about 10cm high.

An alternative local accommodation that has a specific wheelchair accessible cabin is Yering Gorge. They are located on a golf course and have Kangaroos come right up to the cabins.