Let’s be real, weddings are a big deal . You spend months (sometimes years!) planning this one incredible day… and then bam , it’s over in what feels like a blink. That’s why more and more couples are stepping away from the one-day wedding rush and choosing a whole weekend to soak it all in. Honestly? We’re here for it. My own wedding was a three-day celebration, and I wouldn’t change a thing. And when you pair a weekend wedding with exclusive use accommodation? That’s where the magic really happens. Here’s why it works — and why so many couples (and their guests) are loving it. Photos from Stewart Leishman Photography 1. You Actually Get to Spend Time With People A single-day wedding is beautiful, sure, but it’s a blur. You spot your cousin across the room, someone hands you a champagne, and next thing you know, you’re being bundled into a car with confetti still in your hair. With a weekend wedding, everything slows down. You get Friday night welcome drinks, Saturday’s big day, and a relaxed Sunday brunch to finish. Lawn games, slow mornings, laughs around the firepit,  it’s like a mini holiday with your favourite people. And that’s honestly what makes the memories. 2. Weekend Weddings are Way Less Stressful (Trust Us) We’ve seen the chaos of couples trying to bump in and out on the same day. It’s not fun. But with venues like The Hideout, you get the whole place to yourself, often from Thursday or Friday through to Sunday or Monday. That means plenty of time to set up, rehearse, unwind, celebrate and pack down, without a stopwatch ticking in the background. You’re not just booking a wedding date, you’re giving yourselves space to enjoy the whole experience. 3.  The Day-After Feels Are Real Waking up with a foggy head and a full heart, surrounded by your mates, is pretty special. You don’t have to rush off or say your goodbyes in the carpark. Instead, you can enjoy a proper coffee, swap stories from the dancefloor, or even head down to the river for a swim (seriously, best hangover cure ever). These quiet, unscripted moments often end up being the ones you treasure the most. 4. More Opportunities to Personalise the Whole Experience When you’ve got the whole venue to yourself, there’s freedom to shape the weekend your way. Want a pizza night under the stars? Morning yoga with local instructors? A bushwalk, bonfire or DIY cocktail bar? Go for it. With the extra time and space, you can add personal touches that reflect you as a couple, not just what fits into a 10-hour hire window. Photo from Stewart Leishman Photography 5. Exclusive Use Means It’s All Yours The best part of exclusive use? No strangers wandering in and out. No awkward shared spaces. No working around other events. At The Hideout, you’ve got the homestead, cabins, gardens, bar area, firepit, and the river all to yourselves. You can unpack, settle in and feel like it’s your own little world for the weekend. And when your family and friends arrive, they feel part of it too, not just like guests at a venue, but part of something more. 6. A Weekend Wedding is Often Better Value Than You Think A wedding weekend with exclusive use can seem like a bigger investment at first, but when you look at what’s included, accommodation, venue, flexibility, facilities, and time, it starts to add up in the best way. At The Hideout, you can sleep up to 23 in beds, with plenty of extra space for camping. There’s room for your caterers, musicians, and florists to set up with ease. Plus, it’s BYO,  so you have full control over what you spend on food, drinks, and styling. 7. Weekend Weddings Just Work for Regional Weddings If your guests are already travelling, and let’s face it, a lot probably are, a weekend wedding just makes sense. People are more than happy to make a trip of it, especially when they can stay onsite or close by. The area around Howqua and Mansfield is packed with things to explore, so it’s a win-win for your guests too. I’ve helped plan sit-down dinners for 200 to low-key gatherings with fairy lights and bare feet. And every time, it’s the full weekend celebrations with exclusive use that bring out the magic. There’s just something about slowing it all down, being surrounded by your people, and having space to soak it in. If you’re dreaming of a wedding that’s less rushed, more real, and completely you, a weekend at The Hideout might be exactly what you’re looking for. Keen to see it for yourself? Get in touch  — we’d love to show you around. Kellie and Saskia

Tucked away in Victoria’s High Country, the Howqua Valley is one of those rare places that still feels untouched, untamed, and full of old-world charm. It’s not just a spot on the map, it’s a place that gets into your bones. Whether you’re chasing the quiet of the bush, the thrill of a 4WD trail, or the calm of casting a line at dusk, the Howqua’s got something for everyone. We’re Charlie and Kellie Lovick, and we’ve spent our lives in these hills, riding horses, working cattle, guiding adventures, and now welcoming guests to our two bush stays, The Hideout  and Seeforth Station . If you're planning a visit, here are our top five ways to truly experience the Howqua bush, the way the locals do. 1. Hit the Howqua Trails – On Horseback or Wheels There’s no better way to see the High Country than from the saddle or behind the wheel. The bush tracks around Howqua are a mix of winding forest trails, open ridgelines, and river crossings. Riders and motorbike lovers will find plenty of open space and rugged terrain to explore. If you're keen for something guided, Buckle Up Bush Rides  runs treks that’ll show you parts of the country most folks never see and you'll stay at Seeforth Station.  2. Cast a Line in the Howqua River The Howqua River is one of the region’s most iconic waterways, and a favourite for fly fishing. Quiet mornings, glassy water, and the chance to catch trout straight from the riverbank? That’s pure High Country gold.  If you’re staying at The Hideout , you’ve got direct river access right from the garden, perfect for a peaceful solo cast or teaching the kids a thing or two about patience and bait. If you feel like a fly fishing lesson, get in touch with riverdowns . Hot Tip: Next time you see him, make sure to ask Charlie about how the river came to be full of trout. 3. Campfires and Storytelling Under the Stars There’s something about a campfire in the bush that brings people together. The stars feel closer out here, and the stories run deeper. Whether you’re gathered around the reclaimed timber fire pit at The Hideout or kicking up the dust beside Seeforth ’s big old fireplace, this is where memories are made. Hot tip: Bring a guitar, a bag of marshmallows, and an open heart. 4. Explore the Icons – Craig’s Hut, Bindaree Falls & The Bluff Make a day of it and head out to some of the local landmarks. You can 4WD to Craig’s Hut  (made famous by The Man from Snowy River ), cool off at Bindaree Falls , or hike up to The Bluff  for breathtaking views. It's a wild country, so pack your esky, check the conditions, and always let someone know your plans. Make sure you stop into the Mansfield Visitor Information Centre and go and see Pam, Colleen or Jenny as they can provide you with maps and information about the conditions of the tracks.  5. Slow Down and Just Be Sometimes the best part of the bush isn’t doing anything at all. Grab a cuppa and watch the wind in the trees. Lie on the grass and listen to the river. Sit with your thoughts and let the bush do what it does best, bring you back to yourself. Whether you’re gathering the family for a reunion, retreating with a yoga group, or just needing a weekend to breathe, you’ll find stillness out here that’s hard to come by these days. Ready to Find Your Spot in the Howqua Bush? We’d love to help you experience the Howqua the way we know it, real, raw, and unforgettable. Come stay a while, Charlie & Kellie Lovick Enquire now - The Hideout & Seeforth Station

G’day from the High Country. We’re Charlie and Kellie Lovick, father and daughter, horse lovers, cattle people, and born-and-bred bush folk with a deep love for the land we’re lucky to call home. Our family’s been on horseback in these hills for generations. We’ve run cattle, led treks, and guided folks from all walks of life into the mountains to experience something you can’t quite explain unless you’ve been there yourself. You feel it in your chest, the quiet, the freedom, the history under your boots. That’s the magic of the High Country. After more than 60 years running horse riding treks through this rugged paradise, we knew we wanted to keep sharing it, even as life changed when we sadly lost Glenda. So we turned our attention to something different that still holds the same spirit: two unique bush retreats where people can come, stay, and feel part of something real. The Hideout  Let’s start with The Hideout , tucked away on the lower Howqua River, where the water runs clear and the gumtrees lean in close. What started as humble fisherman’s cabins is now a peaceful riverside escape set across 3 acres of open lawns and European trees. It’s the kind of place where you arrive and immediately breathe deeper. There’s a treehouse dining deck, a reclaimed timber firepit, and a big undercover space that’s perfect for long lunches and slow evenings. People come for the peace and stay for the connection, to nature, to each other, to themselves. Whether it’s a yoga retreat, a wedding under the stars, or a long-overdue family gathering, the Hideout wraps around you and holds you. Seeforth Station  Then there’s Seeforth Station . This is a different kind of stay, no frills, just fire, freedom, and wide open space. It’s a self-contained bunkhouse set on our working cattle property near Sheepyard Flat, with the Howqua River just down the track. A big open fireplace sets the scene inside, while outside you’ve got trails, trees, and time to breathe. We’ve had everything from 4WD clubs and trail bikers to horse riding groups and old mates just catching up for a weekend. It’s a favourite spot for Buckle Up Bush Rides , who’ve been bringing riders through here for years. If you like your getaways rugged, simple, and full of fresh air, Seeforth’s the one. Why We Do It We’ve built these places from the heart. It’s not about polished brochures or fancy packages,  it’s about giving people the chance to slow down, tune in, and connect with something that matters. We believe in the healing power of the bush. We’ve seen what happens when people sit around a fire, cook a meal together, and listen to the river. We believe weddings don’t need chandeliers to be beautiful. That gathering your people somewhere simple and true can be the best gift you ever give them. So if you’re looking for a place to hold your next adventure, whether it’s a wedding, a reunion, a retreat, or just a long weekend with your horse, dog and your esky, we’d love to share what we’ve built with you. Come stay a while. The bush is calling. Charlie & Kellie Lovick Enquire now The Hideout and Seeforth Station

Rustic group accommodation on the Howqua River in Howqua. Ideal for nature lovers, retreats, groups, DIY to full service weddings, schools. The Hideout Originally fisherman's cabins, The Hideout is nestled on the serene banks of the lower Howqua River. Settled within 3 acres of lush lawns, European trees, and surrounded by pristine bushland, the Hideout offers an oasis of tranquility and natural beauty, making it an idyllic escape. Enjoy spectacular river access from the open garden, complemented by the treehouse open-air dining and a stunning fire pit crafted from reclaimed timber, the perfect setting for unforgettable gatherings. Weddings or milestone birthdays at the Hideout are truly one of a kind. The expansive grounds and adaptable layout of the venue provide numerous setup options, tailored to your getaway. Guests need to bring their own bedding, toiletries and consumables. Visit our FAQ for more information. Pet Friendly River Access 5 Shower Rooms Sleeps up to 23 Entire Venue Space for camping Fully Equipped Kitchen Large Open Fire Undercover Function Space incl Bar Indoor and Outdoor Dining Space Ample Space for Camping and Parking Cabin 1: 1 x Queen, 2 x Single Bunks Cabin 2: 1x Double, 2 x Single Bunks Cabin 3: 1 x Queen, 1 x Single Bunk Cabin 4: 1 x Queen, 1 x Single Bunk Cabin 5: 1 x Double, 1 x Single Bunk Check in 1pm - Check out 12pm Minimum of two nights' stay Midweek discounts Cancellation Policy - Non-refundable $500 deposit to be paid at time of booking. Balance to be paid 7 days out from arrival. Cancelations after this time are non- refundable however an alternative booking date within a 12month period can be negotiated. **As of 1st January 2025 all bookings will incur the 7.5 % state government short stay tax.

Group accommodation venues in Merrijig, close to Mt Buller. Perfect for nature lovers, horse riders, 4WD, dirtbike riders, fishing, schools or weddings. Your Perfect Getaways the hideout A secluded riverside escape on the lower Howqua River and sitting within 3 acres of bushland, the Hideout offers pure tranquility. Enjoy river access, open gardens, dine in the treehouse, gather around the reclaimed timber fire pit, and soak in the natural beauty. Perfect for weddings, milestone birthdays, or group and wellness retreats. amenities Sleeps up to 22 People Indoor and Outdoor Dining Area Fully Equipped Kitchen Shared Shower and Toilet Facilities Pet-friendly Accommodation Public River Acces Find out more seeforth station Close to Sheepyard Flat, this rustic, self-contained retreat is perfect for families, friends, and groups. Just minutes from the Howqua River, it offers a peaceful getaway nestled in the heart of nature. Adventure awaits with bushwalking, horse riding, mountain biking, fishing, and trail biking right on your doorstep. A perfect base for 4WD trips and exploring The Bluff, Bindaree Falls, and Craig’s Hut. Seeforth Station offers an unforgettable High Country experience amenities Sleeps up to 40 people Large Dining and Entertainment area Fully Equipped Kitchen Shared shower and toilet facilities Pet-friendly accommodation Undercover Horse yards for 10 Find out more Circle j horsemanship "Highly recommend this outstanding property, Seeforth Station. Relaxed atmosphere, great facilities and you will not find a better place to ride your horses with your mates or just enjoy the surroundings around a warm fire. This place is so majestic. 5 stars is not enough. Brilliant hosts and just an overall great experience. Don’t delay book now you won’t regret it” Join the Club Join our email list and get access to specials deals exclusive to our subscribers. Enter your email here Sign Up Thanks for submitting!

Find an oasis of tranquility and natural beauty. Accommodation ideal for groups, weddings, wellness retreats, schools and more. Lovick's High Country Escapes are truly one of a kind. accommodation View ABOUT View weddings View contact View