Which stay suits you best?

Both of our stays are set on the same 110-acre working alpaca farm, but each offers a slightly different experience.

Shepherds Hill Cottage
Best suited to couples, small families or guests seeking a heritage-style stay with traditional country charm.

• Original miner’s cottage with character features

• Two separate bedrooms (king + queen)

• Deep soaking bath

• Private garden and close to the alpaca nursery paddock

• Cosy, warm and ideal for longer or slower stays

Shepherds Hill Shearers Quarters
Best suited to couples or friends seeking a contemporary, design-led retreat.

• Open-plan, light-filled space with modern rustic styling

• Two queen beds in mezzanine sleeping areas

• Walk-in shower with underfloor heating

• Lily pond and sheltered veranda

• Quiet, private and ideal for relaxed adult escapes

If you’re unsure which stay is right for you, feel free to reach out – we’re happy to help you decide.

Is Shepherds Hill a working farm?

Yes. Shepherds Hill Stays is located on a working alpaca farm in Lauriston, in the Macedon Ranges. Alpacas graze nearby year-round, and farm life continues quietly around the stays.

Will we see the alpacas?

In most cases, yes. Alpacas graze in nearby paddocks and are often visible from the stays. During autumn, you may also see baby alpacas (crias) in the nursery paddocks near the Cottage.

Can we walk around the property?

Guests are welcome to enjoy the immediate surrounds of their stay and nearby paddocks, while being mindful that this is a working farm. We ask that guests respect fencing, signage and animal routines.

How private is each stay?

Both the Cottage and the Shearers Quarters are set in separate pockets of the farm and are completely private from one another. Each has its own outdoor areas and outlooks, allowing you to truly switch off and enjoy the quiet.

How many guests can each stay accommodate?

Both the Cottage and the Shearers Quarters accommodate up to four guests.

Are children welcome?

Children are welcome at Shepherds Hill Cottage, which is well suited to families.

Due to the mezzanine sleeping areas and open layout, the Shearers Quarters is not suitable for young children under 12 years of age and is best enjoyed by adults.

What is included in our stay?

Your stay includes:

• A breakfast hamper for your first morning (local sourdough, preserves, home-laid eggs, milk, and butter)

• Coffee Supreme beans and a selection of teas

• Fully equipped kitchen

• Luxurious alpaca quilts, pillows and throws

• Quality linen and bath amenities

• Firewood for the wood-burning heater

Is there heating and cooling?

Yes. Both stays are designed for comfort year-round.

• Wood-burning heaters provide warmth during the cooler months

• Electric blankets are provided

• The Cottage has a central reverse-cycle split system for heating and cooling

• The Shearers Quarters also includes a reverse-cycle split system upstairs

Is there Wi-Fi and mobile reception?

Wi-Fi is available at both stays. Mobile reception can be variable, depending on your provider – many guests enjoy the opportunity to slow down and unplug while still staying connected when needed.

What time is check-in and check-out?

• Check-in: from 3:00pm

• Check-out: by 11:00am

If you require flexibility, please contact us prior to your stay and we’ll do our best to assist.

Is parking available?

Yes. Complimentary on-site parking is available at both stays.

How far are you from nearby towns?

Shepherds Hill Stays is:

• Approximately 10 minutes from Kyneton

• About 15 minutes from Trentham

• Just over 20 minutes from Woodend

• Around 20 minutes from Daylesford

• A bit over 30 minutes from Castlemaine

• Easily accessible from Melbourne, just 75 minutes away

To ensure a peaceful and enjoyable stay for all guests, we kindly ask you to note the following:

Quiet enjoyment

Shepherds Hill Stays is designed as a tranquil retreat. We ask that guests respect the quiet nature of the property, particularly in the evenings.

Visitors

For the comfort and privacy of all guests, only registered guests are permitted on the property unless prior arrangements have been made.

Farm safety

As a working farm, we ask guests to respect fencing, equipment and animals, and to supervise children at all times when outdoors.

Fire safety

Wood-burning heaters are provided for your comfort. Please follow all fire safety instructions supplied at the property and be mindful of fire restrictions during warmer months.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted inside either stay.

Pets

To protect our livestock and wildlife, pets are not permitted at Shepherds Hill Stays.