SLOW STAYS

For a visceral bush immersion in the heart of Victoria’s Woolshed Valley, venture just beyond Eldorado to Mittagong Talia. It’s here, sitting on the deck of the off-grid home – immersed in the sounds of the babbling creek and the kookaburras, and the heady scent of eucalyptus – that you can press pause on all the to-do lists and just be. This is Ned Kelly country (police chased Kelly and his gang right through the property), but for thousands of years before that, and still, it belongs to the Bpangerang people. Beechworth, Milawa and the High Country are all nearby but with so much to explore on your doorstep, you’re best off lacing up your boots to discover specially commissioned First Nations artworks and beautiful lookouts within the 54-acre Land for Wildlife registered property – there’s even a waterfall just 500 metres from the border. Then, sink into the outdoor bath and slow time with a hefty dose of analogue books and games.