Hide and Seek Winery and Retreat review, Nagambie, Victoria: Weekend away

THE LOCATION

Nagambie is a tiny Victorian town 90 minutes north of Melbourne on the Goulburn Valley Highway. It sits on the shores of Lake Nagambie, a hot spot for water-based activities, including the annual Head of the River rowing regatta. The lesser-known Goulburn River, which feeds the lake, is a bush paradise, with an abundance of native plants, birds and wildlife, including platypus, turtle and brolga. Riverside Chateau Tahbilk and Mitchelton wineries give the region a gourmet touch, and racehorse Black Caviar was born here.

THE SPACE

Hide and Seek sits on 40 hectares of bushland that spreads five kilometres along the sandy banks and wetlands of the Goulburn River. Its creators, ex-Melbourne couple Nedra Kriekenbeek and Tony Hammond have cleverly combined the down-to-earth workings of a sheep farm and private winery with the fun of the river and bush. Guests can kick back on sunbeds spread along pumice-coloured sands, swing from a Tarzan rope, go canoeing or learn to waterski. The self-contained guest accommodation is brand new, with two levels that can sleep 16, plus a few more with extra beds. The timber slat exterior blends with the surrounding gum trees and rural landscape, but the interior has a design quality with gleaming white walls, beautifully crafted contemporary wood furniture, art by Patricia Heaslip and architectural lines that lead the eye towards the river and vineyard. It looks and feels like five-star digs. 

THE KIT

On the ground level are an open-plan kitchen, dining and lounge, a large master bedroom with an en suite and bath, and a kid-tastic bunkroom with five single bunks, a trundle and queen bed. Adjoining are a studio lounge and bathroom with a drop-down queen bed. The upper level has two large master bedrooms with en suites and baths, and an open-plan living area, including a kitchen with a six-seater island bench and 10-seater dining table. There are television sets in most rooms and quality linen and towels. Both levels have wood fires and balconies with barbecues and river views. Children will love the huge fenced-off play area with a sandpit, trampoline and playground. 

COMFORT FACTOR

A handcrafted stonewall fire pit with a music sound system is perfect for late nights under the stars. A speedboat garage built into the riverbank has more than a hint of James Bond about it, as does a floating trampoline moored mid-river. Speedboats are available for waterskiing, scenic rides up to old Kirwans Bridge and boat trips to wineries. An in-house masseuse will set up a massage table under the trees, on the riverbank or among the grapevines. 

FOOD AND WINE

Big kitchens, Miele appliances and chef-endorsed barbecues were specifically chosen to encourage guests to make cooking part of the experience. You can use produce from the property's orchard, vegetable garden and herb barrels and go local. There's an olive orchard (Nagambie Gold olive oil), cheese maker and beekeeper nearby and Tony and Nedra can source freshwater trout, redfin and water crays. Breakfasts and lunches need to be prearranged. For more formal functions and private dinners, a chef is summonsed from Melbourne.

WORTH STEPPING OUT FOR

It's not necessary to leave the property. If you do, lovely Wagner Brothers in tiny Murchison has excellent Melbourne-grade coffees and breakfast. Bank Street Wood Fired Pizza and Gardens Avenel, is another regional do-gooder. The 45-minute pier-to-pier speedboat trip to Michelton Winery, where lunch is served riverside under a pergola, should not be missed.

THE VERDICT

Hide and Seek is a gift to families and friends wanting a rural escape without forsaking creature comforts. The exceptional hosts made us feel more like family than guests. You get the feeling they can accommodate any request, which makes it ideal for a special birthday or family event.

HOW TO GET THERE

It is a 90-minute drive from Melbourne. Head towards Tullamarine Airport and exit onto the Hume Highway towards Sydney. Take the Goulburn Valley Highway exit towards Shepparton, then the Odwyer Road exit to Nagambie. Head through Nagambie and follow the signs to Kirwans Bridge. Cross the bridge and take the second right into Murchison-Goulburn Weir Road. Hide and Seek is about two kilometres along on the right. 

ESSENTIALS

Rates vary depending on the season, length of stay and number of people. An average is $1200 a night, which works out at $75 a person, for weekends for the house and retreat. 

Phone 03 5794 1800. See hideandseekwinery.com.

The writer was a guest of Hide and Seek Winery and Retreat.

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