Frequently Asked Questions

What are arrival and departure times?

As most of our guests do not arrive until late afternoon, our arrival time is 3pm but departure time on or before 11am to give you a more relaxing start for your trip home or next leg of your vacation.

How many people can stay in each cottage?

Each cottage has 3 bedrooms with two queen beds and a king single. A maximum of 5 guests per cottage. One child under two in their own cot is free. For weekly specials to make it more economical for families, we have a rate for up to 5 guests. When booking these specials under "packages" leave the number of guests at 2 and advise additional guests in the "notes " section (otherwise you may be charged too much). This will ensure we make up the correct number of beds.

Do you accept children?

The cottages have been designed for singles and couples but children are most welcome from those families who don't mind paying that bit extra. Children over 2 are charged at adult rates (except for some weekly and other specials) but with a maximum of one child under two in his or her own porta cot free. Guests need to bring their own portable cot, high chair and change table or plastic protector. In providing free accommodation to children under 2, it is expected that they do not cause additional cleaning or washing.

Is breakfast included?

Breakfast (for bookings made after 24th June 2008) is an additional add-on service

Breakfast for up to 5 guests on first morning only $30 (sufficient for two days for 2 guests) Natural muesli and Sustain, 2 litres orange juice, 2 litres milk, yoghurt, cling peaches, raison toast and butter

How far are the cottages to town?

It is 660 metres from the cottages to town . The footpath is wide and level, which makes it easy for walking and suitable for scooters. It will take about 7 minutes to walk to the top of town where the cafes, bakery, shops and restaurants start. As there is a very limited taxi service in Bright, you can safely walk to and from our many restaurants after drinking our great cool-climate wines. Also, during busy periods, it is very difficult to get a park in the CBD area.

What payment methods do you take ?

Payment may be made by direct deposits, Visa Card, and Mastercard (not American Express) and cheques. Cheques are to be deposited straight into our account to confirm the booking. There are no additional fees for credit cards or other payment methods. Phone first (03) 5755 1559 for details on direct deposits and cheque payments.

How do the packages work?

The packages are add-ons. Most (but not all) can be selected when you complete an online booking. When booking weekly packages, or any package for up to 5 guests, leave the number of adults at 2 and then advise additional guests in the notes sections (otherwise you will be charged over the package rate - software incompatibility). If you decide after booking to include additional services such ad dinner, tours, breakfast, wine platters etc, they can be added during the balance payment. Other activities and tours can be booked and paid for directly to the operator or we are happy to book them on your behalf. Please see our comprehensive list of all activities and tours under local attractions and packages & specials on the home page. Links and phone numbers are included.

What is the weather like in Bright?

Except for the drought, which has now broken in Bright, we have rain each month, and this keeps the town fresh and green, and the rivers and creeks flowing. Unlike Melbourne, we rarely experience strong winds as we are surrounded by mountains, so, in winter, we don’t really have a chill factor. As the usual summer temperature at night is only 11 degrees it pays to bring a jumper. Winter is one of my favourite seasons (and I am a former Queenslander) as we don’t have biting winds and the days are beautifully sunny, and lovely for walking. Gloves are needed in winter however for those who like to get out and about early, and for the odd very cold day. From autumn to spring, as the days are sunny and the shops heated, it is best to dress in layers.

Are you near the ski fields?

We are near Mt Hotham (approximately 1 hr 10 mins), Falls Creek (1 hr 30 mins) and Mt Buffalo (45 mins) - time given in winter . You can stay more cheaply in Bright and get a bus or a tour company to take you to the ski fields or drive yourself. Chains need to be carried to all mountains and fitted when sign posts direct you to. Cross-country ski tours can also be organised. All equipment can be hired from our many ski shops in Bright or Porepunkah. For snow hire prices and links, snow information and bus timetables please look under activities and tours.

Is there a reception to collect our keys?

No. We will advise you where to collect the keys in your confirmation letter.

How are we to leave the cottages on departure?

On departure please leave all used towelling and robes on the ensuite or bathroom floor. The dishwasher should be stacked and turned on, air conditioning turned off, windows closed and keys left on the kitchen bench. The cottages should be left in a tidy condition. Last minute cups etc. can be left for your host to wash up.

Do you supply tea and coffee?

Yes - very generous provisions sufficient for your stay. This includes milk, plunger coffee, instant coffee,and several varieties of tea (English breakfast, Liptons Yellow Label, Earl Grey and green tea). There is sugar and low joule SPLENDA tablets.

What kitchen facilities are there?

There is a full kitchen with pantry, oven, microwave and dishwasher. There are frypans, a set of saucepans, a stick mixer, a toaster, an electric kettle, a rice cooker, mixing bowls, a pizza plate and server, pasta serving bowls and plates, utensils, serving and nibble plates, spices, salt and pepper grinders (cracked pepper and salt crystals) lite salt, cooking oil (spray) tomato sauce, plain flour, corn flour, salad dressing. An electric kettle is in the courtyard.

Is there Internet and phone access?

We want you to have a relaxing stay and so Internet access has not been provided. As most guests have a mobile phone and mobile phone reception is excellent, there is no phone in the cottages. The Internet can be accessed through the Visitor Centre, Bright library (next to the Supa IGA) and in an Internet Room provided in the Backpackers Hostel at the top of Ireland St. You can also call in to our home office (about 5 minutes away) to access the Internet, send or receive a fax or do some photocopying.

What happens if we have to cancel our booking?

Provided that a cancellation occurs more than 14 days prior to the booked date of arrival, the deposit (i.e. 50% of the total tariff) is refundable, less a $50.00 administration levy.

If cancellation occurs less than 14 days prior to the due date of arrival, we will endeavour to re-book the accommodation. Re-booking to peak periods will be at the discretion of the host with any difference in accommodation rates taken into account. .A $50 rebooking fee will apply.

Under 14 days there are no refunds and the full cost of the accommodation is required even if only the deposit has been paid.

Transfers can be made only to times available and to the value of the original booking, and are at the discretion of the owner. For peak and popular periods such as the Hot Rod Weekend, long weekends, Melbourne Cup, Easter and Xmas holidays, usually transfers cannot be made from these dates. Any increase in tariffs is to be covered by the guests. Once your package has been determined, you will be advised of cancellation conditions for each add-on to your accommodation.

What if we need new towels?

A bath sheet and a spare towel are provided for each guest. These will be replenished every 7 days. Should you require an additional towel, please phone us on 5755 1559 and these will be delivered to you. We are only 5 minutes away.

Pricing for longer stays

Generally this will be at a pro rata rate. If you are charged $1500 for the week then the daily rate after that will be $1500 divided by 7 and x by the number of days. You should request a quote as some bookings will cross peak and off peak times.

What if we spill something on the carpets?

Please see your compendium for action to take. These days if prompt action is taken most stains can come out easily. Please phone us if prompt action is needed.