After exploring the Venus Bay area and cruising down quiet country roads, through sleepy little towns I arrived at Venus Bay Eco Retreat. Thankfully the sat nav was spot on this time with locating where I was meant to be heading, as I slowed down I spotted the Eco Retreats large and colourful sign. I turned down a rough track off from the main road into the bush and parked the car next to just one other.

I got out, stretched my legs and walked down the path to the Venus Bay Eco Retreat which was helpfully sign posted, to my right hand side was a beautiful two-storey timber cottage sat amongst the bushland as if it belonged there. At the reception door which was actually the entrance to the kitchen I knocked to be greeted by Mae who cooking in the kitchen. After a busy day of driving and exploring I was ready to rest and put my feet up for an hour, so when Mae told me I’d be sleeping in her house on a inflatable bed it was a bit of a surprise. Mae was so friendly and welcoming that I found myself feeling at home surprisingly quickly, for someone like myself that usually takes a while to feel comfortable in a strange new place.

Venus Bay Eco Retreat Two Storey Cottage

Mae explained that the cottage was all booked, I certainly wouldn’t have wanted to take away her business.

Building The Eco House

The more we talked the more I realised I had in lots in common with Mae, she had been a bit of an adventurer having traveled around much of South America as an artist putting on various exhibitions. She had settled in Venus Bay in 1983, the Eco Retreat started life as a basic campsite in the bushland where she lived close to the local wildlife. She then designed and built (with local help) the impressive house she now lives in, complete with high ceilings, open spaces and beautiful outdoor space. I’m full of admiration of what Mae achieved in building her own home and the Eco Retreat at Venus Bay, it’s an impressive, independent and brave move that demonstrates that if you really want to do something it is truly possible.

Eco Retreat Owner, Mae Adams

Mae now has a two-storey timber cottage sat beside her house where she welcomes guests amongst the bushland and wildlife. Guests are free to relax in their own private cottage surrounded by nature, Mae is on hand to offer tips on local walks. She’s extremely passionate about conservation and protecting the local biodiversity on the Venus Bay peninsula, meeting Mae is not only an educating experience but a humbling one too.

As I sat outside with a cold beer I was introduced to some of the local wildlife as two Blue Tongues lizards appeared either mating or fighting, it was pretty hard to tell.

Australian wildlife Blue Tongue Lizard

Dinner with Bush Kangaroos

After chatting to Mae I sat outside sipping a beer, going “cold turkey” with no data network reception at all. Being offline for a blogging can be a challenging experience, especially when you’re on a trip where part of the job is providing coverage when you’re there. At Venus Bay Eco Retreat you’re in the bushland, with nature the last thing you want to be doing is constantly checking email and social out here, it’s a place to unwind and appreciate.

Australian wildlife Eastern Grey Kangaroos

Mae had been busy in the kitchen creating a homemade pizza for myself and the guests who were staying in the cottage. As we sat outside eating pizza, right on cue, a family of kangaroos hopped into view. Even though Mae had told me that the local Kangaroos are often found around the house it was still a surprise to see them so close in their own natural habitat.

We sat as the sun went down sipping wine and watching the family of kangaroos hop up the hill and out of sight whilst listening to the sounds of the bushland slowly come alive. Staying at the Eco Retreat gives you sense of getting away from in all and being close to nature, it’s really a unique experience to to see such wildlife in up close.

Kangaroo mother enjoys native grasses

Protecting Coastal Habitat

The Eco Retreat and Mae herself (who is clearly very passionate) protects 15 acres of the threatened coastal habitat in the area. Mae recommended taking a walk to Anderson Inlet Wetlands, after about a 10 minute walk I found myself stood on the sand all alone admiring the beautiful views and bird life wishing I had more time to spend in the area.

Curious young kangaroo

It’d had been a short stay at the Eco Retreat but I left feeling more educated about the issues the
local habitat faces and how important it is for there to be people like Mae to be supporting it. The Eco Retreat was a welcoming experience and perfect place if you want to be amongst the bushland, view wildlife up close and explore the local area.

I left Venue Bay fully rested and ready to tackle some hiking at Wilson’s Promontory National Park.

All photos (apart from two story cottage photo & photo of Mae) by Mae Adams, owner/manager, Venus Bay Eco Retreat.

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