A few practical pointers...

• Wifi network is 'Muckleford Forest Cottage ' and password is 'homeawayfromhome'.

• The gas bbq in instructions are printed on the bbq.

• The switch for the verandah light is the cord near the firewood box.

• The light switch for the BBQ area is on the outside powerpoint with the extension cord in the car space

• For water pressure in the shower, the pump can be turned on - pump switch in the kitchen. you can choose to keep the pump turned off at other times.

• We are on an off-grid solar system. Please turn off lights when leaving the cottage

• If you would like to use an iron or hairdryer, please let me know and I can provide one.

• Due to limitations of the solar system we offer a kettle on the cooktop instead of an electric kettle.

• The property is connected to a septic system. Please do not flush anything other than human waste and toilet paper.

• The property is relying on rainwater. We have provided a filter jug in the fridge and recommend filtering the water for drinking.

• If you'd like to start an outdoor fire, there is a fire pit near the dam and there is firewood in a tub near it.

Please ensure to put the fire out completely when you are leaving it unattended. There is a watering can you can use with dam water. Follow fire restrictions and regulations - No fires on total fire an days.

Please let me know if you have any questions, I'm usually around and happy to assist.

We want you to feel relaxed and at home during your stay. A few simple guidelines help keep the space enjoyable for everyone:

Your Stay

• Maximum of 4 guests

• No parties or events

• The property is for holiday use only (no business activities)

• No commercial photography or filming

• No smoking indoors (outdoor smoking is fine — please leave no trace)

• Check-in from 3:00pm

• Check-out before 11:00am

Inside the Cottage

• Please don’t bring additional electrical appliances (personal devices are fine)

• No heaters or electric blankets

• The kitchen electric grill is not available for use

• EV charging is not permitted on the property

• If anything is damaged or not working, just let us know — we appreciate it

Dogs

• Up to 2 house-trained dogs

• No dogs in the bedroom or on furniture

• Dogs may only be left unattended with prior approval

• Please ensure dogs are clean and dry before coming inside (towel provided)

• No cats

Outdoor Firepit

• Use only in line with CFA fire restrictions

• Never leave unattended

• Please fully extinguish with water after use

Pizza Oven

• Do not leave unattended with the oven door open

• When finished, close the door and flue and allow it to cool naturally - We will clean out coals

• Do not use water to put out the fire

Dam

• Use at your own risk

• Life jackets available on request

• Children must be supervised at all times

Thanks for respecting the space — it helps us keep it special for everyone who stays.

We hope you’ve enjoyed your stay — checking out is nice and simple:

• Towels can be left in the laundry basket in the bathroom

• Rubbish and recycling can be placed in the bins in the car space

• Compost can be left in the bucket on the kitchen bench

• No need to clear coals or ashes from the wood heater or pizza oven

• Please leave the key on the hook and the cottage unlocked

• Before you go, have a quick check for personal items (especially bathroom and fridge)

Thanks again for staying with us — we’d love to host you again.

We respect your privacy and keep things simple.

• We collect basic information such as your name, contact details, and booking information to manage your stay

• Payments are processed securely via trusted third-party providers — we do not store your full payment details

• Your information is never sold or shared with third parties for marketing

We only use your details to operate our short stay accommodation and communicate with you about your booking.

From time to time, we may send occasional updates or special offers — you can opt out at any time.

In rare situations (such as property damage, insurance claims, or where required by law), we may share relevant information with our insurer or authorities to resolve an issue.

We take reasonable steps to keep your information secure. You’re welcome to request access to or correction of your personal information at any time.

Our website may use basic cookies or analytics to improve functionality and user experience.

If you have any questions, feel free to get in touch.

We’re committed to handling your information with care and respect.

We keep our cancellation policy clear and fair, aligned with a firm booking policy.

• Full refund if you cancel 30 days or more before check-in

• 50% refund if you cancel between 7–30 days before check-in

• No refund if you cancel within 7 days of check-in

If you need to change your dates, feel free to get in touch — we’ll always do our best to accommodate where possible.

Booking Protection

• Your booking is confirmed once full payment is received

• The refundable bond is returned after your stay, provided everything is in order

We recommend considering travel insurance for added peace of mind in case your plans change unexpectedly.

By making a booking, you agree to the following terms:

Bookings & Payments

• Bookings are confirmed once full payment is received

• We reserve the right to decline or cancel a booking at our discretion (with a full refund if applicable)

• A $300 refundable bond is required for direct bookings and will be returned after checkout, provided everything is in order

Pricing

• Nightly rates include the 7.5% short stay levy

• Cleaning fee: $75 per stay

• Additional fees may apply (e.g. dogs, extra guests) and will be clearly outlined at the time of booking

Cancellations

• Our cancellation policy follows a firm policy

• Full details are outlined on our Cancellation Policy page

Use of Property

• The property is to be used for short stay accommodation only

• Guests agree to follow the House Guidelines provided

• Maximum occupancy and agreed guest numbers must be respected at all times

Damage & Loss

• Guests are responsible for any damage, loss, or excessive cleaning required during their stay

• Costs may be deducted from the bond or charged separately if required

Safety & Liability

• Guests use the property and its features (including firepit, pizza oven, and dam) at their own risk

• We are not liable for injury, loss, or damage to guests or their belongings during their stay, except where required by law

Third-Party Bookings

• Bookings made through third-party platforms (e.g. Airbnb, Stayz/VRBO, Riparide) are subject to the terms and conditions of those platforms

Privacy

• We handle your personal information in accordance with our Privacy Policy

Changes & Availability

• In rare circumstances (e.g. maintenance issues or unforeseen events), we may need to cancel or modify a booking

• If this occurs, we will provide a full refund or alternative arrangement where possible

Contact

If you have any questions before or during your stay, please get in touch — we’re here to help.

We aim to keep things straightforward, fair, and transparent so you can focus on enjoying your stay.