hero media

The dark sky stay with incredible stargazing an hour from Melbourne

Taylah DarnellBy Taylah Darnell
At this luxurious Yarra Valley retreat, the stars align for the ultimate celestial experience.

By day, Kangaroo Ridge Retreat in Victoria is all relaxed vibes and resplendent views. But come nightfall, it’s now a private gateway to the cosmos. Partnering up with Yarra Valley Stargazing, the secluded escape has launched an exclusive astronomy experience, transforming its perch among the mountains into the ultimate dark-sky destination.

The accommodation

Kangaroo Ridge Retreat exterior
A private, design-led cabin retreat made for wanderers. (Image: Gunvor Jakobsen)

Just over an hour outside of Melbourne, Kangaroo Ridge Retreat is an exclusive, adults-only property sitting on 20 hectares of pristine farmland. With just two self-contained cabins in the charming regional town of Healesville, it’s the perfect getaway for those seeking seclusion and stillness.

Kangaroo Ridge Retreat interior
Floor-to-ceiling windows reveal magnificent valley views. (Image: Dominey Flores)

Sitting just above the cloud line, Kangaroo Ridge Retreat reads like a love letter to its natural surrounds, with sweeping views of the Great Dividing Range. Each luxurious cabin features a queen-sized bed, indoor fireplace, spa bath, wine bar, vinyl player and east-facing balcony. You’ll also be treated to board games, bath robes and your own set of cosy pyjamas.

larder at Kangaroo Ridge Retreat
Enjoy a complimentary larder stocked with local gourmet treats. (Image: Gunvor Jakobsen)

But guests won’t be spending all their time lazing around the fireplace with a good book, although that’s definitely part of it. A stay here goes beyond simply switching off, with a curated range of inclusions that fuse indulgence with self-care. From an in-cabin larder filled with local produce to DIY spa treatments using complimentary products – you’ll leave feeling deeply restored and utterly spoiled. Additional extras include sunset yoga sessions, couples’ massages and a private chef.

The experience

stargazing at Kangaroo Ridge Retreat
Stargazing enthusiasts will revel in sights of the night sky. (Image: Kangaroo Ridge Retreat)

If the accommodation hasn’t already convinced you to stay, its new stargazing experience will. Kangaroo Ridge Retreat has officially joined the country’s line-up of private stargazing cabins like Starscape in NSW’s Abercrombie River region. Its high-altitude location, combined with low light pollution, results in Class 5 conditions on the Bortle Scale.

Created by amateur astronomer John E. Bortle in 2001, the nine-level numeric model measures night-sky brightness by the observability of celestial objects and light pollution interference. Class 5 conditions indicate darkness levels are suitable for deep-space observation – placing the stay among some of the best stargazing spots in Australia.

Kangaroo Ridge Retreat is taking full advantage of this, teaming up with Yarra Valley Stargazing to deliver exclusive celestial sessions. Led by an expert guide, the 90-minute experience allows guests to observe deep-sky nebulae, ancient star clusters and even the Aurora Australis using a high-powered telescope and laser guidance.

Guests can book their stay around the year’s cosmic calendar, timing visits with celestial events like the Eta Aquariids meteor shower in May and the Perseids in July. Can’t line it up? Conditions still promise views of the Milky Way and iconic constellations like the Southern Cross and Orion the Hunter year-round.

“Usually, stargazing involves a late-night drive to a remote lookout. Here, we’ll have you back in your robe with a glass of local pinot in hand within minutes. It’s dark-sky luxury without the travel," says Kangaroo Ridge Retreat owner, Rebecca Ritte.

Kangaroo Ridge Retreat stargazing
Plan your celestial retreat around key cosmic dates this year. (Image: Kangaroo Ridge Retreat)

But that’s not all – the launch coincides with a rare planetary window. Jupiter is currently at opposition (when Earth passes directly between Jupiter and the sun), meaning it is exceptionally bright and visible. With a magnitude of –2.7, the planet reigns as the brightest object in the night sky right now, apart from the moon.

Saturn is also having a moment this year with a rare ring-plane crossing. The phenomenon occurs every 13–15 years when Earth passes through (or close to) the plane of Saturn’s rings, causing them to seemingly disappear from view. After 2026, it won’t happen again until around 2039.

“We are currently in a solar system sweet spot, not only is Jupiter at its biggest and brightest, but we are witnessing Saturn in a way most people never see it," says stargazing guide, Jessie. “Kangaroo Ridge Retreat’s 360-degree horizon gives us a front-row seat to see rare celestial events like this."

The details

The new stargazing experience is now open for bookings, available exclusively to guests of Kangaroo Ridge Retreat as an optional add-on. Accommodation rates vary depending on dates and length of stay. All reservations can be made via the Kangaroo Ridge Retreat website.

Taylah Darnell
Taylah Darnell is Australian Traveller's Writer & Producer. She has been passionate about writing since she learnt to read, spending many hours either lost in the pages of books or attempting to write her own. This life-long love of words inspired her to study a Bachelor of Communication majoring in Creative Writing at the University of Technology Sydney, where she completed two editorial internships. She began her full-time career in publishing at Ocean Media before scoring her dream job with Australian Traveller. Now as Writer & Producer, Taylah passionately works across both digital platforms and print titles. When she's not wielding a red pen over magazine proofs, you can find Taylah among the aisles of a second-hand bookshop, following a good nature trail or cheering on her EPL team at 3am. While she's keen to visit places like Norway and New Zealand, her favourite place to explore will forever be her homeland.
See all articles
the interior of Soumah, Yarra Valley
Yarra Valley

The best Yarra Valley accommodation for your perfect getaway

These lush stays are all set against stunning natural landscapes.

Read more
Luxury accommodation Yarra Valley
Yarra Valley

The best luxury accommodation in the Yarra Valley

Victoria’s picturesque Yarra Valley isn’t just home to rows upon rows of cool-climate grapes – it has plenty of elegant accommodation options, too.

Read more
Yarra Valley winery accommodation
Yarra Valley

The best Yarra Valley winery accommodation for a romantic escape

A romantic winery stay is the perfect way to enjoy one of Victoria’s most famous wine regions, the Yarra Valley.

Read more
hero media

This is Mornington Peninsula’s most indulgent itinerary

    Kellie FloydBy Kellie Floyd
    Continue
    The Mornington Peninsula blends vineyards, galleries, golf and delicious finds for an unforgettable getaway that indulges all penchants. 

    Just over an hour from Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula blends coast and country in a way that feels effortlessly indulgent. It’s a region where vineyard views meet acclaimed dining, art and culture is never far from the sea, and where hot springs bubble alongside rolling fairways. Whether your escape is a long lunch, an immersive art trail or a round of golf, the Mornington Peninsula has an itinerary to match. And there’s always a glass of good local pinot waiting for you at the end of the day.  

    A creative trail through the Peninsula 

    The Mornington Peninsula is a haven for artists and creatives. Its coastal views and rolling landscapes have long been a source of inspiration. Stay at the historical InterContinental Sorrento , a grand hotel established in 1875, recently renovated to blend heritage charm with contemporary elegance. With curated art lining the hotel’s corridors and rooms, you could spend hours simply wandering the halls, studying the walls. 

    Pt Leo Estate outdoor gallery
    Wander around Pt. Leo Estate’s outdoor gallery. (Image: Visit Victoria/Jesse Hisco)

    If looking for an outdoor gallery with sea views, head to Pt. Leo Estate , a landscaped vineyard home to a sculpture park featuring more than 70 large-scale works by both local and international artists, all easily accessible by connecting paths. After strolling through the vineyards, there are three dining options: fine dining at Laura, a relaxed meal at Pt. Leo Restaurant or a vino at the Wine Terrace. For something more hands-on, sign up for the Sip & Sketch experience. And if you book directly into the elegant Lancemore at Lindenderry Red Hill , you’ll enjoy free access to the sculpture park.  

    food at Pt Estate
    Pt Leo Estate boasts three elegant dining venues. (Image: Visit Victoria/Two Palms/Arianna Harry)

    For those who like their art framed by rolling hills, vines and wetlands, Montalto is the place. More than 30 sculptures are dotted throughout the property. The vineyard offers a formal restaurant and casual tables among the seasonal produce in a setting that feels like Mr. McGregor’s Garden from Peter Rabbit. And there’s always the option to picnic on the lawn.  

    Montalto Vineyard
    Montalto Vineyard is an idyllic setting for afternoon wining and dining. (Image: Visit Victoria/Robyn Lea)

    The Sorrento-Portsea Artists Trail offers a self-guided walk along bush paths and sea cliffs to see the same landscapes that once inspired brushstrokes of some of Australia’s most famous artists. Along the way, interpretive signs share insights into the area’s artistic past. And, if the peninsula’s weather turns a little wild, the region is brimming with galleries, particularly around Flinders, Sorrento and Red Hill. Artisan studios are open by appointment.  

    A feast for food and wine lovers 

    With more than 200 vineyards, around 60 wineries and cellar doors, plus an abundance of breweries, distilleries, orchards and family-run farms spanning generations, the Mornington Peninsula is a playground for food and wine enthusiasts.  

    Cassis Red Hill
    Luxurious stay, Cassis Red Hill.

    The perfect base for a culinary inclined trip is Cassis Red Hill , where luxury accommodation is tucked between grape vines and olive trees. A quiet nod to the fishing village of Cassis in the south of France, this retreat is all about contemporary elegance – crisp linen, sunlit interiors and a private mineral plunge pool. 

    Then, for a stand-out lunch, Green Olive at Red Hill offers a delicious way to enjoy the region. Graze on generous tasting plates with house-made relishes, lamb sausages, local cheese and just-picked garden produce. Pair it with a wine flight or order a picnic hamper to enjoy among the olive grove; there’s a picnic option for your dog, too. And for a playful twist, Green Olive is home to what is believed to be Australia’s only pickleball court set within a vineyard or orchard.  

    Amid the many wineries with open cellar doors, Main Ridge Dairy offers a delicious detour – a goat dairy where you can sample handcrafted cheeses and even meet the resident goats. For a more refined experience, Paringa Estate is one of the peninsula’s most awarded wineries, offering fine dining with sweeping vineyard views and a menu crafted from seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.   

    If you’re looking to step outdoors before a lingering lunch, during winter Flinders Truffles offer the chance to join their clever dogs and search for the black gold under oak trees. For an authentic taste of the region, time your visit with one of the Peninsula’s vibrant farmers’ markets.

    From golf days to spa stays 

    Kingswood CountryGolf Club
    Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    With its champion courses, the Peninsula is a dream destination not only for those who love to tee off but for those who enjoy the post-golf wind down. Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club draws keen golfers from around the world, while Peppers Moonah Links Resort is a course that has hosted both a PGA tournament and two Australian Opens. For a true test of skill, The Dunes Golf Links is one of Australia’s top public courses. Each golf course offers accommodation, and staying onsite means maximum convenience, especially at The Dunes, where premium rooms have you sleeping right next to the fairway. Off-course indulgence is close at hand, too.  

    Alba Thermal Springs& Spa
    Soaking at Alba Thermal Springs & Spa. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Peninsula Hot Springs and Alba Thermal Springs are just next door, where thermal waters drawn from geothermal mineral springs deep underground provide the ultimate recovery after a day of perfecting your swing. These award-winning wellness sanctuaries offer everything from bathing pools to private plunges and spa treatments. 

    Jetty Road Brewery
    Jetty Road Brewery.

    After sinking the last ball, and the 19th hole beckons, the Peninsula serves up just as many dining options as it does golf courses. Just minutes away and right on the beach, Jetty Road Brewery  is a laid-back spot perfect for a round of beers and typical pub fare. For something a little elevated, book a table at Epicurean . Here, a glass of local red pairs beautifully with handmade pastas and woodfired pizza, all served in a historical coolstore and packing shed dating back more than a century.