Bylands Cottage. Historic home with Tambo River views
Bylands Cottage offers sweeping views of the Tambo river which can be enjoyed both from the vast front deck or from the comfort of the home.
The Tambo River is located right across the road from the cottage with water access via a 2 small platforms suitable for fishing within a 2 minute walk. Metung is 5 minutes away, Lakes Entrance is 15 min and the Johnsonville waterfront precinct, which includes a boat ramp and jetty is located just under 5 minutes away. Bairnsdale is also only a 15 min drive. The Metung Hot Springs, as well as the Metung golf course are also just a 7 min drive from the property.
The Cottage sleeps 6 - it is the only residence on the property so you will have not he whole place to yourself and owners will not be looking over your shoulder. The master has a Queen size bed, bedroom 2 has a double bed and bedroom 3 has a single beds. Sheets and towels are supplied along with all other necessary bedding. A portable cot is also available (guests to supply own cot bedding). There is a split system for heating and cooling, a wood fire in the lounge room is available for guest use, as well as 3 oil heaters for added warmth and fans in bedrooms for summer use. A box of wood and kindling will be provided every 2 nights for the duration of your stay from the first weekend in May until the end of September. Tea/ coffee and milk are also provided for the first night of arrival.
The kitchen facilities are basic, but they provide guests with all the necessary items to be able to cook from home or to enjoy the views while cooking a BBQ on the veranda. The laundry facilities include a washing machine, iron and ironing board. A cloths hose and 2 outdoor lines are also available.
The property is on 1.2 hectares (3 acres) with the house on approximate .4 hectares (1 acre) of this which is fully fenced. The resident alpacas live in the paddock area and if you are lucky will hopefully come over and say hello.
There is also a smaller fenced in area at the back of the house where we securely keep our dog when we go out. A herb/ vegetable garden and a sandpit for the kids are also located in this smaller area where the outdoor toilet is also located (there is also an indoor one).
There is plenty of space available for parking of boats or trailers with a large undercover area also on the property.
The property is dog friendly, but we kindly ask that dogs remain out of bedroom areas and off furniture to help us keep our house clean and fresh for all guests. Guest must supply their own pet bedding. There are also two outdoor dog kennels and we ask that you please pick up after animals prior to departing.
Wireless broadband has recently been connected at the property to allow guest Wi-Fi connectivity.
The cottage was first named in the late 1800s by the original owner of the property and was named after Byland Abbey located in Yorkshire, England where he immigrated from. We took over the property in late 2021, began renovating and gave the whole house a freshen up to ensure was clean and inviting. We are continually improving the property and are so happy with how our old house now looks. However, we must stress that the house is over 100 year old and has its quirks. These include a few creaking floorboards and slight imperfections in the 100 year old doors and walls. Other projects such as the gradual replacement of some windows, that are not as good as they once were, to custom made heritage style but double glazed are continually happening between guests.
This is a self-check in property. Although we don’t live there, we are always just a phone call away should you have any questions.
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The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Remove personal items and remove leftover food and drinks
Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys
Ensure all dishes are washed and stored.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Important information
You need to know
Property # 9595386
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
About the area
Swan Reach
Located in Swan Reach, this holiday home is in a rural area and on the waterfront. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Bumberrah Bushland Reserve and Tambo floodplain Gippsland Lakes Reserve, while Griffith's Sea Shell Museum and Marine Display and Paynesville Maritime Museum are cultural highlights. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and power boating nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking and mountain biking.
Kings Cove Metung Golf Course - 6 min drive - 8.0 km
Metung Bushland Reserve - 6 min drive - 9.2 km
Lakes Entrance Lookout - 8 min drive - 14.5 km
Getting around
Bairnsdale Station - 18 min drive
Restaurants
Aroma @metung Coffee House & Eatery - 6 min drive
Metung Hotel - 6 min drive
Seasalt Sourdough Bakery - 13 min walk
Over The Hedge - 7 min walk
Tab - 10 min walk
Frequently asked questions
Is Bylands Cottage. Historic home with Tambo River views pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 3 total). Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.
How much does it cost to stay at Bylands Cottage. Historic home with Tambo River views?
As of 14 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Bylands Cottage. Historic home with Tambo River views on 2 June 2026 start from AU$240, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Bylands Cottage. Historic home with Tambo River views?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Bylands Cottage. Historic home with Tambo River views?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Bylands Cottage. Historic home with Tambo River views?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Bylands Cottage. Historic home with Tambo River views located?
This family-friendly Swan Reach holiday home is located on the waterfront, 2.5 mi (4.1 km) from Bumberrah Bushland Reserve, and within 6 mi (10 km) of Tambo floodplain Gippsland Lakes Reserve and Lake King. Metung Bushland Reserve and Slaughterhouse Creek Gippsland Lakes Reserve are also within 6 miles (10 km).
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
The host was amazing. Very helpful, communication was great and everything we needed was supplied. Great little place with an amazing view of the Tambo. Would definitely stay again
Mel L.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Apr 2026
Thank you very much for you lovely review. We would love to have you back.
The host was very helpful and ensured that everything was ready for us. The house and its location were very pleasant and suitable to accommodate us and our two dogs who loved looking at the alpacas and rabbits. A very nice, comfortable place to stay.
Helen W.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Apr 2026
Thank you for your lovely review. The Aplacas really are characters, but I am not sure I share the same love for the rabbits as your dogs do. Thankfully, we can keep them out of the secure backyard area.
Meticulously restored and renovated country home getaway. Great location only 8 min drive to the Hot Springs and beautiful location with horses, lamas and cows with everything you could need. Home away from home and really comfortable beds !
Catherine D.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Apr 2026
I am so please you had a great stay. We always have our Aplacs, but the other animals can vary depending upon what else is eating our grass on those that the neighbours have. I do personally love the neighbours cows.
As a family, this is excellent place to stay.
We recommend to add an exhaust fan to bath room.
Dharmasiri S.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 9 July 2022
Thank you for your feedback.
We completely agree about the need for an exhaust fan in the bathroom. We have given our electrician a job list and the fan is definitely on it. As soon as we can get him here we will have one.
Great place to stay, dog friendly with plenty of space for them to play and fully fenced if you want to leave them to go out, very relaxing sitting on the front veranda watching over the Tambo river, Lovely old house with lots of character.
Ken B.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 9 July 2024
Watching the Tambo is such a relaxing way to send the day. We are glad you enjoyed the house as much as we do.
The propery is amazing.The house was clean and is well maintaned. The location is perfect. Beautiful place to stay with family and friends. Our pets enjoyed the dtay. Our pets.loved the place and then
Sindhu M.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Oct 2024
I am so pleased that everyone, pets included, had a lovely few days away.
Very very charming cottage, great location, beautifully appointed - everything you need for a relaxing no-fuss weekend away. The alpacas, and the sunset from the front verandah give it the magic touch.
Had a great time at this property. It is where you feel the history of the property in today's style. Great location for easy access to main towns with things to explore. Property was clean and well presented and so close for river fishing.
Sharon P.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Jan 2022
It was a pleasure to host such a wonderful group of people who appreciated the history of our old cottage.
We loved this house it is gorgeous sitting up on the hill. It was very comfortable for our family and close to all the local attractions. Our host was very welcoming and there was great communication. Definitely recommend staying here. Being able to bring our dog and leave her in a secure yard outside was a bonus.
Caroline T.
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 9 July 2024
We are so pleased you had a lovely time away. We welcome you, and your dog, back at any time.
Gorgeous home, immaculately clean and dog friendly. Had everything we needed. Kristy was a fab host making check in and out super easy. Would recommend to others.
Linda L.
Stayed 6 nights in Jan 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Jan 2024
Thank you for your lovely review. We are pleased you enjoyed your time in the cottage.
Beautiful cottage with an amazing garden in bloom when we visited. The roses were absolutely stunning and so nice to sit outside in the warm weather and enjoy the sunset over the river. It’s a very unique property and nice to stay in a house that obviously has a lot of history.We also particularly enjoyed how well set up the cottage was for younger children with a trampoline, sandpit and building blocks/puzzles. Lots of bunnies in the morning to look at out the window from the kids’ bedroom too. The house is very comfortable and found everything we needed. A/C worked well on the hot days we were there. Very close to Metung and the hot springs and not far from a fishing platform if you want to try your luck. Only things to note are the noises from the cars outside going past on the road (maybe because of the long weekend there was more traffic) and the floorboards are very creaky so difficult to tip toe around if you have sleeping kids who are noise sensitive. Host is great and very responsive. Overall, we really enjoyed the stay.
Hem W.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Apr 2026
Thank you for your lovely review.
We are so please you and your children had a lovely stay. Although I am not sure I share the same love for the rabbits as your children do and I am thankful that I did not see a single one on my last visit, they do add a feeling of country charm.
Metung Road can get busy on long weekends, but we have progressively worked to reduce noise through the addition of double glazed windows and improved insulation, with this work continuing as we improve the old house over time.
Great location, delightful garden & house. Would have liked wifi but hot spot to the phone mostly ok. Kristy very clear communicator . Love the house
bev b.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Jan 2025
Thank you for your review. In response to guest feedback, we are currently working through the process of connecting internet to the property which we have found involves some updates of the NBN infrastructure at the house. Once this is connected it will be updated in the facilities list on the booking platform.
In the meantime, we have found that using our phones as hotspots works reliably well for both work and streaming.
About the host
Hosted by kristy cusack
We are a family of 5 who love the country and the water.
Why they chose this property
We fell in love with the character of the house on our first visit and purchased it in mid 2021. We have given the whole place a freshen up and continue to renovate the house to improve and reinstate its historic charm.
What makes this property unique
Bylands Cottage is central to Lakes Entrance, Metung, Bairnsdale and Swan Reach and the many attractions the Lakes region has to offer. The Metung Hot Springs is just a 10 minute drive from the house. With the Tambo river right across the road, fishing is also a popular activity with our guests. The cottage offers a fully fenced yard area for guests to safely keep pets while they explore the surrounding attractions. The historic home offers unique charm with some original late 1800's features remaining at the property. This is further enhanced by the warmth of the fire in the winter.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests