There are many and varied activities within the King Parrot grounds, nearby in the greater Otway Ranges and along the Great Ocean Road. Our in-ground salt water swimming pool next to our children’s playground. The nearby Games Room features table tennis, fuse-ball, air hockey, darts and many board games. Attached to the Games Room is a small gym for those days when the weather keeps you indoors. The gym has a treadmill, bike, rower and dumbbells. For the energetic, there are walking tracks around the valley and along Aquila Creek through the rainforest-like environment, which includes giant ferns, waterfalls and towering native trees. You can fish for yabbies in our dam at certain times of the year (equipment is provided you just need to bring the bait!)
Aquila Creek Walk
Aquila Creek runs diagonally across our property, from Aquila Waterfall in one corner through to our campground in the other, before joining with Pennyroyal Creek.
The rainforest environment is home to many giant ferns and huge native trees.
There is a walking track that runs the full length with seven creek crossings along the way. Extreme care must be taken as the height of the water can vary considerably, the rocks can be very slippery and the location is quite remote.
Animals & Wildlife
There is an abundance of wildlife at King Parrot Cottages.
Birdlife
You will be routinely buzzed by speedy rosella as you stroll around the property. Resident wedge-tailed eagles regularly glide over the valley, especially when an easterly breeze is blowing. Wrens, the Special Fairy Blue being very popular, kookaburras, parrots and magpies are abundant, and the keen watcher will spot many more breeds including owls, hawks, cockatoos and honeyeaters to name just a few.
Native Animals & Reptiles
We could just have easily been called Kangaroo Cottages. The roos are always around the property especially at dusk and dawn, and in greater numbers after rainfall. Echidnas nose there way around digging little holes as they go. Wallabies, skinks, frogs and lizards are plentiful.
This area is also home to a variety of venomous snakes – lowland copperhead and tigers predominantly. Care should be taken when walking anywhere outside on the property. Generally, if snakes are aware of your presence, they will take evasive action themselves. Aggressive action towards snakes is to be avoided (most people get bitten when trying to kill snakes)!
Farm Animals
Our farm animals are very popular with children. You will meet Coco and Gypsy, our friendly donkeys, Poncho the alpaca, our horses Tess and Spike, the cheeky highland cows, Paddy and Charlie as well as Rambo and a mob of sheep.
Picnic
There are some beautiful grassy spots on the property to set up a picnic, or you might like to have a picnic on the Lorne foreshore, at Lake Elizabeth, California Redwoods or any place! We do have some picnic baskets that you are welcome to borrow, just let us know in advance so we can have this put into your cottage prior to arrival.
Nearby
King Parrot is close to the world famous Great Ocean Road. A wonderful day trip can be enjoyed with a short trip to Lorne and then along the road with its stunning cliff top sea-views. There are many tourism attractions within the greater Otway National Park with endless waterfalls and bush walks. The Otway Fly Treetop Adventures, Lorne Live Wire Park, Trees Yeodene Park, Planet Mud (paint ball), great wineries: Heroes Vineyard, Gosling Creek, Blakes Estate and Alt Wines, Gentle Annie, Pennyroyal Raspberry Farm, the amazingly beautiful Lake Elizabeth and the towns of Forrest (well known for its mountain bike tracks and Birregurra (great pub meal).
Please visit the Otway Harvest Trail for lots of tourist information with ideas of where to eat, where to stay, market details, activities and more. www.otwayharvesttrail.org.au
