A private retreat where you can
relax and recharge
About Bindawalla
Bindawalla is located in Mountain River, in the Huon Valley, Tasmania. It is a private retreat for pastors, missionaries, chaplains, carers or others who need to recharge from the burdens of their service .
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We were carers for elderly parents for about 15 years so understand the "heavy privilege" that this service involves. Heather is a pastor's daughter and was inspired to set up a retreat when she saw how her father flourished while enjoying time away in places like this. We have also been involved in co-ordinating mission work for over twenty years and have seen how returning missionaries often need to take time out to recharge their batteries.
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Bindawalla is surrounded by the stunning beauty of the Mountain River valley. The surrounding mountains offer a constantly changing vista of colours, light and wispy clouds. Tasmania has some of the cleanest air in the world, so as the slogan says, "Come down for air."
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Living in this environment brings joy to us each day, and we would like to share this with those who are fatigued from their service to others. We believe that when God opens a door of blessing, you should pull other people through to enjoy that blessing too..
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Andrew & Heather Greatbatch
STYLISH COUNTRY COMFORT
Living Room Your living room has garden and farm views. Feel free to go out onto the deck and enjoy the fresh air and sounds of the countryside. The flooring and some furniture is made from locally-sourced Tasmanian Oak. A wall-mounted TV is connected to Fetch TV for live TV or a variety of streaming services. Free WiFi internet access is included.
Bedroom The bedroom features garden and farm views. The room comes with a comfortable queen-size bed, bedside tables, built-in wardrobe and desk where you can catch up on work (but remember that you're on holiday!)
Bathroom Luxuriate in a modern bathroom complete with a multi-head shower, electronic toilet with heated seat, built-in bidet and warm air blower. A heated towel rail and backlit mirror add a further touch of luxury.
Kitchen A fully equipped kitchen comes with microwave, cooktop, oven, dishwasher, full-size fridge, pantry, cookware, utensils, plates and cutlery.
HELPING YOU TO BE REFRESHED
Space to reflect
Our particular focus is to be a retreat where those who are burnt out from serving others can come and be refreshed.
​Being here will make you feel like you're a million miles away from your daily life. We encourage you to take the opportunity to relax, spend time with God in prayer, reading His Word and refresh your body, mind and soul.
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Whether it's sitting in a comfortable chair reading a book, strolling through magnificent forests, enjoying stunning scenery, or visiting the local attractions, one thing is for sure, this is a perfect place to getaway from the burdens of your normal hectic schedule
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Close to major tourist attractions
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The Huon Valley was ranked as one the top 10 tourist destinations in the world, and many of the main attractions are a short drive away.
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These include historic townships, art galleries, local produce markets, music festivals, vineyards, giant trees, river cruises, forest walks, wilderness expeditions, horse riding and many more.
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In addition we are only 30 minutes from Hobart with all of its attractions.
eg: Salamanca Markets each Saturday.​
Bruny Island and the D'Entrecasteaux Channel are an easy day trip.
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Country Living
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You are welcome to explore the outdoor areas of the property and enjoy the ever changing views of the surrounding mountains.
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​​On a clear, dark night the stars truly "declare the glory of God" (Psalm 19)
Winnie and Willow are friendly sheep who live on the property. They will come up to say hello when you are out in the paddock.
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It's beautifully quiet, away from the hustle and bustle of city life. At various farm gates around the area you will find produce for sale in honesty boxes e.g. eggs, jams, honey, preserves, fruits, flowers etc.
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Wildlife Sightings
You will often catch glimpses of the birds that live on our property including Superb Wrens, Kookaburras, Magpies, Wattle Birds, Tasmanian Native Chickens (aka "Turbo Chooks") to name a few.
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Matthew 6:26 Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? ​
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At night Padymelons and Bennett's Wallabies visit. During the day you may see one or more of the Padymelons who reside in the house gardens from time to time.
Mountain Ambience
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Mountain River is an area of natural beauty in a valley surrounded by mountains. We are close to the iconic "Sleeping Beauty", - two mountain peaks that form a silhouette of the fairy-tale character.
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She is sometimes powdered with snow, and at other times her face is veiled with wispy clouds. The vista changes all through the day with different hues, lighting and clouds.
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The valley is rich with opportunities to capture photos of amazing scenery and curious farm animals.
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Breathe in some of the cleanest air in the world.
Breakfast
Breakfast is included in the price. We provide the ingredients such as cereals, toast, honey, jams, eggs and juices so you can prepare breakfast the way you like it. Let us know if you have any particular dietary requirements.
Tasmania and the Huon Valley are famous for their fresh produce. We try to source locally produced products where possible.
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Lunch and Dinner
You can also prepare your own lunches and dinners but will need to provide your own ingredients which are available from nearby Huonville.
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Alternatively, eat at one of the restaurants or takeaways at Huonville (10 minutes), Ranelagh (10 minutes) Franklin 15 minutes, or Kingston (20 minutes).
GALLERY
(Click any photo to enlarge)
 Welcome to Bindawalla |  Aerial shot of Bindawalla homestead and valley surrounds. |  A great place to relax and absorb the mountain ambience. |
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 Homestead with Sleeping Beauty in the background. |  Sleeping Beauty at dusk |  Mountain River is a great place to take stunning photos. |
 Sleeping Beauty and Mountain River scenery. |  Golden hour during hay harvesting season. |  Full Moon over dam and Sleeping Beauty. |
 Apple blossoms in Spring. |  Bindawalla Orchard grows apples, apricots, nectarines, pears and plums. |  One of the many apple orchards in the area where you can buy direct from the farm in season. |
 Winnie and Willow are our resident sheep. |  Some of the local horses enjoying the valley scenery. |  Mango Dave and his flock sometimes come over to work in our garden. |
 Local Highland cattle. |  The ever-changing face of Sleeping Beauty. |
How to get to Bindawalla
Fly/Drive
We are located about 45 minutes drive from Hobart airport. Jetstar, Qantas and Virgin operate multiple daily flights to Hobart from the capitals.
Hobart is only a 1.5 hour flight from Sydney and just over an hour from Melbourne.
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A number of rental car companies are located at Hobart airport.
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By Car
​We are only a 30 minute drive from Hobart CBD. Exit Hobart on the Southern Outlet which is a 4-lane highway for most of the way. If you are heading south from Hobart, turn right into Mountain River Road at the Ampol at Grove. Bindawalla is 5.3km from there on bitumen road except for the last 700m.
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By Boat/Car
The Spirit of Tasmania offers daily sailings from Geelong to Devonport. It is an approximately 3 hour 45 minute drive from Devonport to Mountain River.