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#1 of 2 limited service properties in Patchewollock
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Passionate eco-tourism business with self-contained accommodation. Specialising in guided birdwatching and nature tours, private bird hides and photography workshops.
Bathgate Lane, Patchewollock, Victoria 3491 Australia
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We are learner birdwatchers and in the past our inexperience (maybe) meant we don't have a lot of luck in seeing much. Or is it because some known birdwatching places just don't have many birds. Well, Explore The Mallee was an experience we will always remember and the property at Michael and Louise's is teeming with birdlife ALL day long!! It's magical and we have never experienced anything like it. Michael took us on the 2 hr trip around their conservation property and there's so much birdlife of different species it was a lot to take in. Michael is passionate and very knowledgeable about every inch of the area and birds. Michael and Louise's contribution to restoring, saving and preserving the huge area of Mallee bush and it's inhabitants for future generations is invaluable and immeasurable. Entering and observing untouched virgin native vegetation that supports endangered and native bird species is a privilege. It makes you realise the huge contribution that people like Michael and Louise make. The perfect addition to our trip was we could stay on the property in The Roost, a cute and comfortable clean cottage lovingly restored for guests. We are looking forward to returning to do a half day tour with Michael searching for the pink cockatoo which oh my gosh aren't they lucky to have as residents on their property. You instantly feel comfortable and safe staying there and although we have done heaps of travelling and Airbnb's this place stunned us for being "bird plentiful" and unique. Plenty of opportunity to do your own treks on the vast property but we liked the education and guidance of friendly and extremely knowledgeable Michael and Louise. They are very easy to feel relaxed with. Gorgeous dog and all the best to little Yoda the rescue lamb. Well done Louise.
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Date of stay: April 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Buy and take food there because nearest supermarket an hour away. Besides you won't want to leave!
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Michael Gooch, Owner at Explore The Mallee
Responded 21 Apr 2024
Thank you so much for your lovely review! It really makes our day to read such kind words, and we love showing people around our slice of the Mallee :) We are so pleased you enjoyed your time and it was a pleasure to show you some new birds and a different landscape. We look forward to your next visit and trying to find you the wonderful Pink Cockatoos! Cheers, Michael
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Michael and Louise are great hosts and very passionate about the natural history of the Mallee. The roost is a clean, comfortable and affordable base to explore near by national parks or take in the abundant local birdlife. We had a very enjoyable four night stay and will be back.
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Date of stay: December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This was our second visit and both times have been the most enjoyable experiences . The Roost is a perfect location to explore the mallee , Michael and Louise are perfect hosts and there enthusiasm for the Mallee with its birds plants etc. shines through. We had a great tour of Hattah and on our previous visit went onto Wyperfield which there conservation block is on the boundry of. I have had my camera for a few years but learnt more about how to get better bird images it in one hour with Michael so thanks Michael I will practice and when we come again I should be able to show you and Louise the results. Thanks again and we will be back
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Date of stay: October 2024
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Michael Gooch, Owner at Explore The Mallee
Responded 29 Oct 2024
Thanks so much for your review, Neil! I am really happy you enjoyed your stay and are feeling more confident with your camera :) I look forward to seeing the future shots you capture. Until the next time - all the best, Michael
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Comfortable, affordable accommodation; waking up to the unique local birdsong; surrounded by Mallee parrots and honeyeaters etc. (currently 124 species on the eBird list for the property!) with daily visits from a flock of Pink Cockatoos; not to mention Max the resident Australian Owlet Nightjar… it’s a magic place to spend some time.
I’ve enjoyed many visits to the Mallee over the years, but staying at Explore the Mallee recently added a great deal to the experience. Michael and Louise are wonderful hosts, keen to share their knowledge of and interest in the local birds as well as the other fauna and flora of the region. I thoroughly recommend taking a tour of their adjoining Patchewollock Conservation Reserve, and spending time in the bird hides which provide great views of local birds. Michael also offers not to be missed tailored tours of the wider region including Wyperfeld, Hattah Kulkyne and Murray Sunset National Parks.
While I wouldn’t call myself a twitcher, I naturally enjoy seeing new bird species and got to see eight during my stay including Striated Grasswren, Gilbert’s Whistler, Chestnut Quail-thrush and Budgerigar; as well as plenty of old favourites. The simple pleasure of relaxing outside with an early morning coffee watching and hearing Bluebonnets, Mulga Parrots and Pied Butcherbirds to name but a few was another highlight. Already looking forward to visiting Explore the Mallee again.
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Date of stay: November 2022
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Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I had been referred to Michael and Louise by a fellow birder as I had never even to the Mallee and needed some guidance. My tour was amazing and Michael’s passion and friendliness made this trip so worthwhile and informative. My reason for visiting was for the wonderful flora and fauna as an amateur photographer and I was not disappointed. The rejuvenated property was brimming with wildlife and the flora beautiful. Michael manages to keep the property operating through a very modest tour cost in a comfortable 4WD . The Malle is full of areas to visit especially for birds but unless you have an idea of where you go you just drive aimlessly. I will be back and would have no hesitation recommending this trip. I’m definitely staying in the little cottage next time which was self contained and in a lovely spot.
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Date of stay: October 2023
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Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Michael Gooch, Owner at Explore The Mallee
Responded 6 Dec 2023
Thank you so much, Jo! Louise and I appreciate your review and look forward to hosting you in The Roost and finding some more special birds :) Cheers, Michael
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We spent a fabulous three days at this unique and fantastic property, right next to beautiful Wyperfeld NP. Michael and Louise are fantastic hosts, and their enthusiasm and knowledge of the area's biology are outstanding. The bird hides have been well set up with water baths, and many species are visiting them, especially in warmer weather. They even have setups right next to the house where usually hard-to-photograph parrot species like Bluebonnet come right in close. Michael does an excellent tour of the property and his knowledge of the local birds and plants is extensive. The accommodation is very comfortable, clean and cool during the day's heat. I would recommend this special place to bird photographers, birdwatchers, botany lovers or anyone who loves nature. I will definitely be back!
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Date of stay: December 2022
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Explore the Mallee was a genuinely unique experience. We stayed for four nights, and also did morning and evening tours of the property, a full day tour of Hattah-Kulkyne National Park, and spent some time at the bird hides. Michael and Louise were absolutely wonderful hosts, who were unendingly generous with their time, expertise, and company. The sunsets over the mallee are stunning and we ended up with unbelievable views of the malleefowl on the back bush property, in addition to many other local specialities.
The Roost is a cozy space with a beautiful outlook from the porch and a well appointed kitchenette - just make sure to pack sandals for late night bathroom trips, as the bathroom and shower are in the same building but accessed from the exterior. The muesli and fruit supplied were really delicious and all locally sourced.
Overall the stay felt truly special and Michael and Louise really made us feel at home and helped us enjoy every second of our experience in the mallee. Highly recommended, particularly for birdwatchers!
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Date of stay: October 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Michael Gooch, Owner at Explore The Mallee
Responded 13 Oct 2024
Hi Stephanie, thank you so much for your considered and thoughtful review and your photos! It really made our day :) It was a real pleasure to have you and Daniel stay with us, and for us to be able to show you the magnificent Mallee and quite a few of its beautiful inhabitants! We hope to see you both again some other time in the future - thanks again and happy birding! Cheers, Michael
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Ideal location to enjoy the mallee and it's unique wildlife. The quiet of the location makes a perfect canvas for bird watching and photography. The night sky was thoroughly impressive, too. Michael and Louise are fantastic hosts who are incredibly generous with their knowledge (and binoculars- we left ours at home). A tour of their patch is a MUST for any visitors. We highly recommend and hope to return soon.
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Date of stay: November 2024
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Remember your binoculars and gaitors!
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Michael Gooch, Owner at Explore The Mallee
Responded 26 Dec 2024
Thank you so much for your review! WE enjoyed showing you the delights of the Mallee and we REALLY enjoyed Phil's focaccia and biryani :) Yum! We hope to see you both again in the future. All the best, Michael
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Marvelous landscape with inspired hosts committed to the Mallee. Three nights in the Roost was cosy enough (air-con, electric blankets) even in mid-winter. Bit cool for some birds but did catch a flock of rare Regent Parrots plus Splendid Fairy-wren, with iridescent armour plate of dazzling blue. MIchael also explained the mysteries of a Malleefowl nest. Wattle season never better and keen to return next Spring. Tim & James
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Date of stay: August 2023
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Watch out for Malleefowls crossing the road from Patchewollock
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Michael Gooch, Owner at Explore The Mallee
Responded 9 Sept 2023
It was great to meet you both, Tim and we are so pleased you enjoyed your stay. Thanks for the review and hope to see you in the future! All the best, Michael
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The Roost is basic, but clean and comfortable. Michael and Louise are charming hosts and make sure you have everything needed. They advise at booking to be sure to bring enough food, as Patchewollock store has limited hours and food stocks.
Michael knows his birds! And his property. We explored their private reserve and saw Malleefowl and then later the nest mound "under construction". We spent a full day at Hattah-Kulkyne NP, and through his persistent, but steady effort, I was afforded great views of grasswrens, emu-wrens, and quail-thrushes! Which, after all, is what I was there for.
The birds right around the main buildings were also delightful! One can expect no better Mallee experience than you get at Explore the Mallee!
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Date of stay: August 2024
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Trip type: Travelled solo
Room Tip:Come prepared for a wonderful experience!
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Michael Gooch, Owner at Explore The Mallee
Responded 18 Aug 2024
Hi Dale, it was great to spend some time with you and to help you to get the hard to find but highly sought after Mallee birds onto your scorecard! We are really pleased you had such a good time here and I hope our paths cross again in the future. All the best, Michael
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There are more places to choose from in the Patchewollock area.
LOCATION
AustraliaVictoriaPatchewollock
NUMBER OF ROOMS
1
Prices are provided by our partners for one room, with variable occupancy rules as provided by the property, and reflect total costs of the stay, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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