Bonza Family Retreat

Nestled in beautiful Kalorama in Mount Dandenong, this spacious 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom home is perfect for large families with pets. Sleeps 9 with 3 queen beds & 1 bunk bed (singles) & separate single beds. Relax in the massive double rainhead shower or the luxurious 2-person hydrotherapy spa bath & sauna. Enjoy separate lounge & rumpus rooms, kids nook, BBQ and undercover outdoor seating. Hike to SkyHigh or stroll to Silvan Dam lookout. Surrounded by fern gullies, mountain ash forests, gardens, Puffing Billy, cafes & scenic trails. Step inside to a welcoming ground floor featuring two generous living areas, a fully equipped kitchen, and a dining space warmed by a cozy fireplace ideal for relaxing winter evenings, a bedroom with a queen bed and a modern bathroom and spa retreat room. Indulge in ultimate relaxation with the two-person side-by-side hydrotherapy spa bath and two-person sauna, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration. The kitchen is a chef's delight, complete with dishwasher, fridge/freezer, oven, stovetop, microwave, coffee machine, blender, rice cooker, and all the essentials for home-cooked meals. Upstairs, retreat to the luxurious master bedroom with its ensuite boasting a double walk-in rainhead shower. There's another bedroom with a queen bed and a family-friendly third bedroom with three single beds (one bunk bed and a separate single), comfortably sleeping up to 9 guests. Outdoors, enjoy the wrap-around verandah with stunning garden and tree-lined views, or fire up the gas BBQ in the undercover alfresco area for al fresco dining. The fully enclosed backyard is pet-friendly (pets welcome!), complete with a doggie door for your furry companions to roam safely. Whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat, family adventure, or romantic escape, this Kalorama home provides the ideal base to immerse yourself in the magic of the Dandenong Ranges—just a scenic hour from Melbourne. Book your stay and breathe in the fresh mountain air! We welcome you to Bonza Family Retreat. Your stay is private and the house is yours to enjoy, but we are local and available via message if you should need anything throughout your stay. 

If you have a car, the best way to travel up the mountain is via Canterbury Road and turning onto Mount Dandenong road at Montrose. Travel straight up this road till you reach Ridge Road (at the Silvan Dam lookout) Turn right in front of Destiny's point cafe and then a quick left onto Ridge Road. You will then take your first right onto a gravel road and the house is the second on the left. There is a double carport at the top of the driveway with plenty of room to turn around.

If coming up from Burwood Highway, follow the tourist road through Sassafras and Olinda turn left onto Ridge Road at the Mount Dandenong shops until you reach Bonza View which will be on your left. This way can be quite busy on weekends but if you want to stop off for a snack or a meal on the way, there are plenty of options.

There is also a bus route that travels to and from Croydon Station (Lilydale line) and Upper Ferntree Gully Station (Belgrave line). If coming by public transport, make your way to either of these stations and jump on the 688 bus. The closest bus stop is at Kalorama Park look out which is approximately 250 meters away from the house. Please note that Bonza View is a gravel road and there are no defined footpaths from the bus stop to the house, so take care with luggage.

If cycling, there is plenty of undercover area out the back to store your bikes. This area is very popular for cycling!

Location highlights include close proximity to Kalorama Park (with its picnic areas, BBQs, and breathtaking views over Silvan Reservoir) and SkyHigh Mount Dandenong (within hiking distance or just a short drive away) for panoramic vistas of Melbourne, Port Phillip Bay, and beyond on clear days. The Dandenong Ranges offer endless adventures nearby: - Ride the iconic Puffing Billy steam train through lush forests and valleys - Explore the ancient mountain ash forests, fern gullies, and walking tracks in Dandenong Ranges National Park, including spots like Olinda Falls, Tree Fern Gully, and Sherbrooke Forest - Wander stunning gardens such as the Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens (with tranquil lakes and vibrant seasonal blooms), Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden (famous for rhododendrons and azaleas), and Cloudehill Gardens - Enjoy scenic drives along the Mount Dandenong Tourist Road, with lookouts like Kalorama Lookout and Burkes Lookout offering sweeping views - Discover charming nearby villages like Olinda, Sassafras, Belgrave and Kallista for cafes, antique shops, artisan galleries, and local produce.