Paradise Gardens is located some 7km from the heart of Apollo Bay. Accommodation is made up of three cottages; we stayed in the one-bedroom unit. The cottage is quaint in a Martha Stewart/Laura Ashley/shabby chic kind of way. It is fully self-contained with good quality appliances and some homey touches like some locally sourced bread and homemade jam. Despite the country feel, there are some mod cons: spa, ceramic top stove and DVD player.

There's the expected fireplace as well as an air-conditioning unit in case you don't want to smell like smoke. There's no TV reception, so enjoy the air.

The cottage is located on a small man-made lake which can be accessed by a little bridge. It all looks very little house on the prairie but nonetheless a good getaway. The hosts (Jo and Jock) are kind, although we didn't see them much.