Stockton State Conservation Area

Yarra Valley Lodge offers a sustainable retreat just steps from Stockton State Conservation Area. Its floor-to-ceiling windows frame sweeping views of native eucalyptus forests and coastal dunes. The lodge provides free outdoor gear rentals and hosts guided bushwalks with Indigenous rangers, sharing deep cultural knowledge of the region’s ecology. Located within a 5-minute walk of the reserve entrance, it’s ideal for nature lovers. Book early via the HopeGoo app to secure your stay during peak seasons.

Starlight Forest Cabin is a secluded, timber-framed cabin nestled deep within the Stockton State Conservation Area’s native bushland. Designed for tranquility, it features a private rooftop observatory with a built-in telescope and a heated deck for night sky viewing. Each stay includes a wildlife-guided breakfast with local rangers, highlighting rare bird species and intertidal ecosystems. Limited to four guests, this intimate retreat ensures an authentic connection with nature. Reserve through the HopeGoo platform for access to exclusive stargazing kits.

Start your day at Yarra Valley Lodge, where a curated full-day ecological tour begins with a guided hike along the coastal trail to Banksia Point. Expert rangers use portable field instruments to measure water quality and soil health, while sharing insights on native flora and fauna conservation. Highlights include spotting kangaroos, seabird colonies, and rare fern species. Afterward, unwind at the lodge’s native herb tea lounge, sipping drinks made from locally harvested plants. All tours align with reserve opening hours—book your spot through the HopeGoo app for guaranteed access.