Travel Photo of the Week: Serenity on the Farm, Yea, Australia

This was the most serene view of the neighbouring farm from ‘Wood Duck Cottage‘ where we recently took a little break. On one side of the cottage there were a couple of horses, on another, sheep and here we have some cattle lolling about under a large shady tree by the farm pond. It was almost picture perfect but the ducks on the pond insisted they remained out of sight! I had hoped they may have swum into view but they didn’t.

Where are the Yea Wetlands?

The Yea Wetlands are located just north of the Yea Township on the Gouburn-Valley Hwy. It’s still within the 60kmph zone and just after you cross the Yea River bridge, so you really can’t miss it. It’s a terrific spot for a picnic lunch or a stop over, to break your trip if you are heading further north, or returning to Melbourne.

The Yea Wetlands constitutes 32ha of crown land between two branches of the Yea River. The Yea Wetlands is cared for by a committee of management and some very proud and enthusiastic community members who have attracted funding to create beautiful improvements that deliver ecological, social and economic benefits to the environment and community.

You can find in the wetlands of Yea, the fossils of some of the earliest known land plants in the world, dating back 400 million years ago! Also keep an eye out for the sacred Kingfisher as you meander along the beautiful boardwalks.

The Yea Wetlands is a must see for visitors planning a trip to Yea. Here’s some snaps we took whilst taking a break at nearby Wood Duck Cottage.

Map

TravelTipsPlus Google Map of Yea

One Great Reason to Visit The Yea Wetlands

One great reason to visit this travel destination is for the ease of access to an abundance of bird life and a range of frog species.

For More Information

• Official Yea Wetlands Website
• Yea on Wikipedia

Where is Wood Duck Cottage?

Wood Duck Cottage is an easy drive from Melbourne for a weekend away or longer if time permits. We’ve had a power-break here for 3 nights and 4 days. It’s school holidays here in Victoria and we were all ready for some R&R to see us through until the Christmas/summer break. We thought Wood Duck Cottage would be perfect and we weren’t wrong!

Wood Duck Cottage and Bunkhouse offers modern family holiday accommodation on a lovely farm setting. It’s located a short drive out of the Yea township. The main cottage sleeps two couples offering Queen sized beds and a sofa bed in the main living area. The Bunkhouse sleeps one double and four children in bunks and has it’s own bathroom facilities and TV. The Bunkhouse, at one end has floor to ceiling glass doors which are hidden by two large stable doors. Open the stable doors to reveal the glass doors which open up on it’s own little decking area. This proved to be a great spot to watch the sunsets! The whole set up is great for two families wishing to get away together. The parents have their own retreat, the kids have their own area and there’s plenty of space for the kids to enjoy the great outdoors.

The facilities include a fully equipped modern kitchen with dishwasher, laundry, modern bathrooms (main with a double shower and sink), 46″ TV, Wii, DVD library, outdoor fire and BBQ, bikes, helmets and access to the farm chickens for the children to collect the eggs. My two had a ball with all the space, tending to the chooks, patting the horses and building a fire each evening which one night we baked potatoes for dinner.

Wood Duck Cottage is located near the beautiful Yea Wetlands, horse riding, wineries, tennis, golf and a number of charming local cafes. We enjoyed lunch and coffee in the sunny courtyard at Marmalades on a couple of occasions and dinner at Yea Peppercorn Hotel. You’re a bit spoiled for eating places in Yea!

Map

TravelTipsPlus Google Map of Yea

One Great Reason to Visit Wood Duck Cottage

One great reason to visit this travel destination is for the blissful solitude this accommodation offers and so close to Melbourne.

For More Information

• Wood Duck Cottages
• Yea Website

You already know you’re going to love Australia. From our sun-soaked beaches to our booming cities, Australia has something to offer everyone, whether you’re looking for a quiet getaway or a week of pure adventure.

Our natural resources are unsurpassed – and I’m not just talking about the countryside. Australian guys and gals are some of the most gorgeous specimens you’re likely to see on your travels. Here’s a guide to figuring them out – and maybe even getting lucky!

What you’ll do

Get someone to take you to a football game. Wear a team scarf and chant things like, “CARN THE PIES!” just for the hell of it. Eat a meat pie and drink a Foster’s at half time. Go to the beach. Marvel at the blue oceans, the golden sand, and the beautiful people in tiny swimming outfits walking past. Go to the pub.

Drink a pint or two, eat a parma (a chicken Parmigiana – schnitzel with cheese and tomato sauce on top) or a schnitzel with some chips (Aussie for French Fries).

Who you’ll meet

The guy you’re likely to meet in Australia loves his mum, cares too much about footy, enjoys a beer or three on a Friday night, and is loyal to his mates. The girl you’re likely to meet loves to shop, meet her friends for a cocktail, root for her favourite footy team, and spend time at the beach.

Where to meet people

You’ll meet tons of friendly Aussies no matter where you’re staying. But if you’re looking to meet people for a bit of romance, you might have to consider other options too. If you’re in Brisbane, you could visit this page. Wherever you’re staying, visit eHarmony to meet people who share your interests.

How to approach someone that catches your eye

Flash your best grin and go over and go over and say hello. Ask them if they’d like a beer or a flat white. Tell them you’re visiting from another country and, if you’re game, ask them to show you around town.

Etiquette and local customs

Aussies are a modest bunch. They never want to give the impression that they’re “up themselves” – that is, that they think they’re better than you or anyone else. And they don’t react too kindly to people who do so, so make sure you don’t spend too much time talking about your achievements.

We tend not to care about very formal greetings, so don’t feel the need to put on any airs or graces. There’s no need to address people by their last name – Aussies tend to be relaxed and informal.

Australians can be self-deprecating – again, they never want you to think they’re blowing their own trumpet (Aussie slang for talking too much about yourself) – but don’t make the mistake of agreeing with them. It’s just their sense of humour at play.