The Willows
Alistair McBurnie shares a favourite place in Victoria's North East.
Often you find—or in this case, are shown—a little gem in the rough. For me it is ‘The Willows’ or as my friends simply call it, ‘Helen’s’—aptly named after the owner, Helen Packer. The Willows is a 140 hectare horse property set in the picturesque Bundarra Valley, near the township of Anglers Rest just to the north of Omeo. The Willows offers several types of accommodation and a range of fishing opportunities that could take literally years to fully explore. Set on the banks of the Bundarra River with the Cobungra and Mitta rivers a short drive away, The Willows is located in the heart of Victoria’s North East.
The Farmhouse is a six-bedroom mud- brick building where Helen also resides. It has two shared bathrooms, a huge timber deck overlooking the Bundarra Valley and might be best suited to the solo traveller or backpacker.
The Hill House is overshadowed by Mt Ned and has stunning views over the Bundarra Valley. This is a 2-storey, lodge-style 3-bedroom house with a large kitchen, living and dining area with an open fireplace and an additional combustion heater for those cooler nights. The loft doubles as an additional sleeping room or an escape from snoring fishing mates.
Further down the valley there are two more cottages with horses sharing the surrounding paddocks: the historic and weather beaten O’Connells Hut a mere stone’s throw from the Bundarra itself, and the old converted shearing quarters with a water race still running at its doorstep as it has for nearly 100 years.
The hut is open plan, with a double and single bed at one end and a combined kitchen and dining area at the other. It has a cosy feel, filled with well-worn farmhouse furniture. The kitchen and heating is gas or wood fired, a gas refrigerator sits on the veranda next to the oversized outdoor shower. The toilet is a modern take on the outhouse and the lighting is also gas powered.
Did I mention there is no mains power in the valley? But the lack of commodity adds to the charm of the place. After a day’s fishing you will seem to melt into the beds (all linen is supplied)—these are simply the most comfortable beds I have ever slept in and you will awake to the twitter of the blue wrens that nest nearby.
The fishing in the Bundarra and nearby valleys has spoken for itself over the years (FL#42). Anglers can fish the Bundarra (not more than 50 metres from the huts), Cobungra and Mitta Mitta rivers, as well as the alpine lakes and numerous smaller streams a short drive away. Access is relatively easy with many roads crossing and following beside the rivers of the region. The options are endless and often if one stream is not fishing well you have the choice of moving to another without losing too much valuable fishing time. Post Christmas the hopper fishing can be outstanding—for this the Wee Creek Hopper (FL#48) is the only choice these days.
The almost hidden Bundarra Valley is a good 4.5-hour drive from Melbourne, or a 7-hour drive from Sydney. The roads, some of which are dirt, wind through the river valleys so take care when making the breathtaking journey to this remote part of Victoria.
Accommodation starts at $100/night and packages are available on request. Visit www.horsetreks.com for more in-formation, or phone Helen Packer on 03 5159 7241.