Mountain Rivers Lodge

Mountain Rivers Lodge is situated on a beautiful 17 hectare property at Rawson, about two hours from Melbourne. The property is noted for its spectacular driveway lined with magnificent flowering trees and shrubs.

More than half of the property consists of natural bushland with tracks suitable for walking. Overlooking the Happy Jack Creek Valley, the Lodge comprises six motel-style units, linked via verandas to a communal lounge, dining and kitchen area with self-cater facilities.

This accommodation provides a great base for visiting Walhalla Historic Township, Baw Baw National Park, Mt Baw Baw Alpine Resort, Coopers Creek mining relics, the Australian Alps Walking Track and the Thomson River.

The property’s first era of settlement began in 1915 with Charles Rawson, the original owner of the land on which the township of Rawson subsequently was built. Remnants from that era include a long-abandoned orchard of gnarled old apple trees, fed by perennial spring waters from a hillside dotted with interesting old rock walls.

After two generations of Rawson family ownership, the next era involved the property’s acquisition by the Melbourne & Metropolitan Board of Works, who built the Lodge as management residential quarters for construction of the Thomson Dam in the 1976~83. Following its sale in 1996, the next owner developed part of the property with horse riding facilities, having trails connecting with the adjacent state forests.

In 2007~08, Ron and Andrea Camier of Mountain-Top Experience, purchased the property to facilitate its further development for nature-based tourism. This exciting new development includes Phoenix Paintball, a very popular sport for young adults, situated at the far end of the property, and operated by Sarah and David Bush. Educational activities offered here include team building and leadership training by Adventure Learning Experience, operated by ‘Hayno’ and Diane Haynes, as well as 4WD tours.