If you’re the kind of family who loves fresh air, muddy boots, ice cream after a long day out, and letting the kids run a little wild, the High Country is your kind of place. Out here, things are simple good views, good company, and endless space to explore. And whether you’re staying at Seeforth Station  or The Hideout , you’re perfectly placed to get out and enjoy the best of it. Here are some of our favourite family-friendly activities around the region: Mini Golf, Mansfield Right in the middle of Mansfield town, you’ll find the mini golf course, perfect for a morning or afternoon when you want something fun that doesn’t require a big plan. Let the kids challenge the parents to a mini-golf match and celebrate with an icecream or delicious donut. The Maze, Goughs Bay 15 minutes from Mansfield or 20 min from the Hideout. New owners and management Nicky and Tony have given the garden space a beautiful refresh and re-opened 20 December 2025. Enjoy adventures across the gardens, think fairies, gnomes, and relax with a tasty treat. Paw Print Walk, Jamieson An easy wander through the beautiful riverside town of Jamieson, following colourful paw prints that lead you through town and along the river. Great for younger kids and a gentle way to explore a picture-perfect township. Fishing Mansfield's and Mt Buller’s clear streams and inlets ensure a magical fishing experience for the whole family. The Howqua, a Victorian Heritage River, is a fly-fishing icon. For a different perspective, you can drop a line off the back of a tinnie while you enjoy the view from Lake Eildon, or take in the wild High Country at the edge of Mt Samaria and fish the waters at Lake Nillahcootie. Lake Eildon, Goughs Bay On a warm day, there’s nothing better than a swim in the lake. Pack towels, snacks, and let the kids splash around. Simple, free, and always a hit. If you’ve got a boat, kayaks or inflatables, bring them! You can have a refershing lunch or beer at the Goughs Bay boat Club . Trampoline Park, Buller Airzone If the weather turns or the kids have way too much energy (it happens), the trampoline park up at Buller is an easy fix. They can bounce themselves silly while you relax. Mountain Bike Trails on Mt Buller – Northside Express Chairlift Open in Summer For older kids or families who love a bit of adventure, Buller’s MTB trails are some of the best in the state. Some of the lifts run through the warmer months, and the trails range from beginner-friendly to more challenging. You can make a whole day of it. Mansfield Zoo   Located just outside Mansfield, Mansfield Zoo spans 30 acres and is home to over 220 animals, including deer, kangaroos, crocodiles and even African lions. Visitors can hand-feed some of the animals, a hit with kids and families. Great Victorian Rail Trail   This 134km rail trail runs right through Mansfield and is perfect for an easy ride, a walk, or a family-friendly cycle. It’s the kind of day out where you don’t need much planning, just hop on and go. Popular stretches include riding over the Bonnie Doon Bridge with lunch at the Bonnie Doon Hotel , a coffee stop at Wild Mint Acres in Maindample, spotting artworks along the way, or finishing at the Mansfield Station Precinct and rolling straight into town. We also recommend popping into the Visitor Information Centre for a chat, the local staff know the area inside out. Markets Mansfield has several markets from the Farmers market  held on the 2nd & 4th Saturday of the month from February to December, and the Outdoor Providore  market held 3rd Saturday of each month, to the quarterly Bush market  with the next one scheduled for the Australia Day weekend on  24 Jan 2026. Ashowcasing the high country. Simple Fun, Close to Home: Hideout & Seeforth Sometimes the best family days are the ones where you hardly leave home base. At Seeforth Station , you’ve got bush tracks, horse yards, and kms to explore right on your doorstep. Kids can climb, roam, and burn energy the old-fashioned way, outside. At The Hideout , the river is the star. Skimming stones, paddling, fishing, or just sitting in a camp chair watching the kids splash for hours... it’s slow living at its best. Firepit, open lawns, shady trees, wildlife at dawn, simple, real, no luxuries needed.

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

Let’s be honest, trends come and go, but the best weddings are the ones that feel like you . That said, we do love keeping an eye on what’s coming up, not to follow the crowd, but to spark ideas that help you skip the cookie-cutter stuff and create something truly yours. If you’re planning a wedding for 2026 (or helping someone who is), here are a few fresh trends we’re loving, and easy ways to make them work for your own celebration, especially if you’re dreaming of a laid-back, nature-inspired or DIY wedding weekend like the ones we love hosting at The Hideout. 1. The Wedding Weekend Is Here to Stay This one’s not just a passing trend, it’s a total shift in how people celebrate. More couples are ditching the one-day rush and booking full weekends instead. And no, we’re not saying this just because we offer accommodation, it’s because weekends give you space to actually enjoy it all. Make it yours: Look for venues (like the Hideout!) where you’ve got the whole place to yourself. Spread out the festivities with welcome drinks, long-table dinners, games, recovery brunches, riverside hangs… and time to just be  with the people you love. It’s like a mini holiday with your favourites. 2. Sustainability, But Make It Simple Eco-conscious weddings aren’t just a “thing”, just like with everything else we do, eco is becoming the norm. We’re seeing more couples go for locally-sourced food, reusable or hired décor, and second-hand outfits. Make it yours:  Use native flowers, forage from your garden (or your local park, like I did), and check out op-shops for styling gems. Hire what you can and work with local suppliers, it’s better for the planet and your budget. 3. Unplugged & Present Moments Weddings are leaning more toward presence over posting. Couples are creating screen-free ceremonies and carving out chill zones where people can actually connect. Make it yours: Add a friendly note in your invite or a cute sign at your ceremony asking guests to put phones away. Set up a few quiet spots, picnic rugs, benches under trees, or a seat by the firepit, where people can soak it all in. 4. Editorial-Style Photos, Without the Fuss Overly posed shots are out. More natural, “in-the-moment” photography is in. You want to look back and feel the vibe, not remember how long you were told to stand in that one spot. Make it yours: If your budget can’t stretch to a pro, we’ve all got those few friends who are amazing with their phones, ask them to help out as their wedding gift to you. You’ll end up with a whole bunch of real, candid moments. Plus, you’ll look more natural since you’re comfortable around them. 5. All the Personal Touches 2026 is all about making your day feel unique to you, from the décor to the drinks to the dancefloor. Make it yours: Write your own vows. Create signature cocktails. Make your own signage or keepsakes. Add personal notes to your table settings. Use a family recipe in the menu. It’s your day, tell your story. 6. Bold Colours & Playful Styling Think warm terracottas, deep greens, peachy pinks or even moody jewel tones. And styling? Less matchy-matchy, more fun and free. Make it yours: Add colour through linen napkins, mixed glassware, or wildflowers in old bottles. Let the area speak for itself and let your wedding party wear different shades that suit them. It’ll feel more relaxed, and the photos will pop. 7. Let the Space Set the Flow Gone are the days of one big room with assigned seating. Now it’s about moving through spaces, ceremony under the gums, drinks on the lawn, dinner under the stars, dancing by the fire. Make it yours: The Hideout has a bit of everything, undercover spaces, the treehouse, lawns, a firepit, river access. Use it how it suits you. Let guests wander, relax and enjoy the setting at their own pace. 8. Comfort Food with a Twist Forget formal sit-down dinners if that’s not your style. Long-table feasts, grazing boards, pizza vans, BBQ spreads, anything that brings people together, fills them up, and keeps things moving. Make it yours: Work with a local caterer who gets your vibe. Love tacos? Have a taco night. Obsessed with homemade pasta? Add it in. Your food should feel like home. 9. Entertainment That Feels Like You Yes, DJs and bands are still going strong, but couples are mixing it up with acoustic sets, Spotify playlists, lawn games, karaoke, even mini concerts by muso mates. Make it yours: Ask friends to add songs to your dance playlist. Hire a local duo to play at golden hour. Or bring in something unexpected. I did a few things but the most popular one was a surprise Flemish medley I had a friend make for me (surprise surprise I am Belgian). Everyone, even all the Aussies went crazy on the dancefloor. Still one of my favourite moments.   In the End… It’s About You Trends are just ideas. What matters is that your wedding feels real, relaxed and you . Whether you go all-out with bold styling or keep it stripped back and simple, trust your gut. And if you’re dreaming of a wedding that’s relaxed, real and a little off the beaten path? Come visit us at The Hideout. We’ve got river access, firepits, stars, space and time, and we’d love to help you create something truly yours.

We get asked this a fair bit “Is The Hideout the right spot for our group?” The short answer? If you're after something fancy and polished, probably not. But if you want a place where you can slow down, let the kids run wild, cook together, laugh around a fire, and hear the river bubbling in the background, then yes, this is your kind of place. The Hideout started off as a few old fisherman’s cabins, tucked along the lower Howqua River. We’ve added to it over the years, but kept its simple charm. It’s not flashy, it’s honest, real, and full of character. And over time, we’ve learnt all the little secrets that make it perfect for group stays. Why Groups Love It It’s all yours. No sharing, no strangers, no interruptions. It’s flexible. Whether you’re hosting a yoga retreat, 50th birthday, or family reunion, you can spread out, set up how you like, and make the place your own. Nature’s the main event. You’ve got river access right out front, open skies, towering gums, and the kind of calm you only get in the bush. Our Favourite Spots  Want to know what really  makes The Hideout work for groups? It’s the little corners that don’t look like much at first, but somehow become the heart of your weekend. The Fire Pit Area Built from old reclaimed timber and stones we’ve collected over the years, it’s big enough for everyone to take a seat, pull up a camp chair and sit under the stars. Some of our best yarns, marshmallow roasting sessions, and late-night music have happened right here. Insider tip: sneak down early in the evening and watch the light change on the river as the fire gets going, pure magic. The Treehouse Dining Spot Not up in a tree, but nestled around one, this spot is a big open-air dining space that seats up to 100. If the weather’s kind, it’s hands-down the best spot to share a long meal, surrounded by fairy lights, or you can even host a casual workshop. There is truly no other place like it.  Insider tip: set up a craft table for the kids or a game night, there’s plenty of room for whatever fun you’ve packed. The Hidden Creek Bend Just past the main river access, if you wander through the garden you’ll find a curve in the river with some rocks perfect for perching on. Insider tip: this is our go-to for quiet moments, reading a book, morning yoga, or just soaking it all in. The Big Lawn We call it the “kid entertainer”, they run, roll, chase each other for hours. It’s also where the cricket bats come out, the gumboots get tossed, and the grown-ups kick back with a can or wine and a few snacks. Insider tip: chuck down a picnic rug and just let the arvo do its thing. What You’ll Need to Bring It’s a self-catered stay, so don’t forget the essentials: Food, drinks, tea/coffee, condiments Bedding, towels, and toiletries Firewood (we leave a load, but you’ll want more if you're staying a while or if you are known for loving fires) We’ve got the gas, power, and water ready to go for you when you arrive, and if it's your first time at the Hideout, we’ll be there to show you the ropes. Who It’s Best For Retreat organisers looking for peace and flexibility Big family groups and reunions wanting space and connection Groups who are happy to bring their own gear and don’t need everything done for them Anyone who values nature, simplicity, and a bit of bush magic So, is The Hideout right for your group? If you love the bush, a fire, some river time, and letting the days run slow and full, then yes, it probably is. Check it out here:   https://www.lhcescapes.com.au/the-hideout   And if you're still not sure, send us a message,  we’re always happy to help. Hope to see you soon, Kellie and Charlie