Family-friendly vacation rentals in Cockatoo

Stylish unit with all the comforts of home

✨⭐️ Welcome to Pakenham ⭐️✨ Designed for families, friends, or small groups, our 2-bedroom unit offers all the comforts and conveniences of a real home, perfect for both short stays and extended visits. Nearby attractions include Gumbuya World (15 min) and Puffing Billy Railway (25 min) — ideal for family outings. You’ll also find the Mornington Peninsula, Yarra Valley, Phillip Island, and Melbourne CBD all within an hour’s drive — perfect for day trips if you need ideas to fill your calendar.

Laughing Kookaburra Cottage - surrounded by nature

Take a break, unwind and enjoy the beauty of the Dandenong Ranges and Yarra Valley. Well appointed home with ample parking, 2 queen size bedrooms, full kitchen, bluetooth stereo and DVD. Nearby to forest walks, the iconic Puffing Billy, cellar doors, restaurants and great coffee or simply relax on the large verandah and enjoy the serenity. Walk to Avalon Castle and Chae. Daily visits from resident kookaburras, king parrots and rosellas are sure to delight. As will our shy echidnas and wombats.

Charming pioneer cottage

* Pioneer cottage: nestled in sunny valley of the Dandenong Ranges. * Home-baked morning/ avo tea by open fire or in garden * Private wing * 2 bedrooms, dining room, sitting room, verandah * Piano * Sherbrooke forest and heritage Patch Post Office cafe - a walk away * Historic village, Kallista: 4 min drive * Local tourist spots: Puffing Billy, Treetops Adventures, wedding venues, wineries, tourist villages, cafes and craft shops within a ten minute drive. * Popular for cyclists/bush walkers

Farm stay at Farmhouse house on Jameson

Set in the picturesque heart of the Upper Yarra Valley and nestled on 100 acres of farm and bushland, farmhouse on Jameson is the perfect getaway retreat. Affordable for families and close to spectacular bike and walking trails, the property has resident wildlife that can be enjoyed, from Echidnas, Wallabies, King Parrots and Wombats all living in their natural habitat. An idyllic getaway that will be sure to provide a sense of relaxation and a peace you just don’t get in the city or suburbs

Menzies Cottage

Menzies Cottage is an hour east of Melbourne & set high on a mountain-side in the beautiful Dandenong Ranges. Enjoy views out to the Wellington Road farmlands & Cardinia Reservoir. On a clear day you can see Arthur’s Seat, Port Phillip & Westernport Bays. Visit nearby Puffing Billy Steam Train, go bushwalking, feed the friendly farm animals or settle-in for a lazy afternoon before watching the sun set. The cottage is fully self contained & with your own private entrance, deck & enclosed garden.

Your stay at "Whispering Trees"

Emerald is a beautiful scenic town popular for its picturesque lake and parks and Puffing Billy. Nestled in between the quaint towns of Cockatoo and Belgrave, Emerald is a frequently visited town among tourists to the Dandenong Ranges region. Whispering Trees is a beautiful modern bungalow on our 1 acre property which is completely separate from the main house and within walking distance to the township. We think our bungalow is best suited for couples and solo adventurers and small families.

Rustic barn in the hills

Our rustic barn is the perfect place to stay while adventuring through the Mount Dandenong Ranges. After a long day of riding puffing billing or walking the many bush trails you’ll be met with a warm and inviting space that offers a full kitchen, large seating area in front of the fireplace, a large dining area, a deck surrounded by greenery and a characterful bathroom to warm up and refresh. The first bedroom is situated on a mezzanine level with the second small bedroom nestled underneath.

Emerald Lake Loft, K Bed, Wellness Space & Massage

Emerald Lake Loft is a relaxing 1 bedroom (King Bed) guesthouse, 700m from Emerald Lake Park, Puffing Billy, cafes/restaurants & all stunning Emerald has to offer. We offer an onsite massage experience (extra) if interested by a qualified Remedial Massage Therapist and use of our Wellness Space (extra) inc. HotTub, Sauna, Outdoor Shower & Ice Bath. Once you book the space it won't be shared with anyone else. It's a kitchenette not a full kitchen, being a loft there's stairs to the guesthouse.

Writer's Block is a peaceful and romantic retreat

Writer’s Block retreat is the perfect romantic getaway for couples or writers and artists. It was selected as 1 of 11 finalists in the 2022 Airbnb Best Nature Stay for Aus & NZ. Set on 27 acres and surrounded by gums and chestnut trees, this private rural retreat is within a 10-minute drive to cafes, restaurants, shops, picturesque walks and the famous Puffing Billy. The Yarra Valley is only a 30-minute scenic drive to local wineries and farmers' markets. Fully functional kitchen and laundry.

Lakeview on Sycamore (Lower Level 1 bedroom Apt)

Self contained apartment on lower level with own separate ent and drive/carpark. King bed with ensuite, fully equipped kitchen with hot breakfast + sofa bed + fold down couch, meals area, lounge & laundry & w/machine. Beautiful location with lakeview, great for walks/hiking etc. Peaceful and tranquil surroundings, 3 mins to shops, restaurants and cafes. 5 mins to the famous Puffing Billy and mins to Emerald Lake. This accommodation can accommodate up to 4 adults + 1 child +1 infant.

Sunrise Cottage (at Mont du Soleil Estate)

Sunrise Cottage part of the 'Mont du Soleil' Estate, located in Emerald on 40 acres, in the heart of the beautiful Dandenongs. A truly unique property inspired by the buildings & grounds of Provence & Tuscany. You’ll love the unique design & ambience of the property, the stunning views, peace and tranquility; yet less than an hour by car from Melbourne CBD. Featured on Neighbours Xmas special December 2024. Note: We host photoshoots but not in the Cottage.

Vintage Caravan, Rainforest & Lyrebirds

Our 1959 vintage caravan is just 12ft long, best for a couple or two friends. Wake up to the sounds of Lyrebirds, enjoy a private walk in our rainforest gully and stroll around the garden, one of the best private gardens in the Dandenongs. Offering a minimum of one night stay for a quick getaway or stay longer & enjoy the peace, light the fire pit (made from a beer keg) , roast marshmallows...