What to Do – At the Estate
There is much to do at Old Coach Road Estate, so leave some time in your itinerary to make the most of this special place, even though there is so much happening on the Fleurieu Peninsula!
When you stay on-site you can enjoy a picnic beside one of our dams, take a short hike along Croaking Creek or through the Heritage scrub (either self guided or with one of our guides), partake in forest bathing, enjoy our adult swing with its beautiful views, have a Pause In-house Wellbeing massage or yoga session on-site or undertake a cooking class in the gourmet kitchen led by our highly successful Cooking Teacher (Anita Robin).
There are plenty of board games for indoors and some outdoor favourites too, such as Finska, to enjoy with your friends. At night, by prior arrangement and assuming the clouds are clear we can arrange for a personalised Astronomy Experience. During the cooler months we also have our uniqure, outdoor open fire-pit available for guests to enjoy.
For a very special occasion you may choose to take a helicopter ride. We use Helivista to collect guests from our own helicopter landing pad and we have a range of helicopter tours available.
Of course it's just fine to relax and enjoy OCRE. The stunning master bedroom is so beautiful that you might want to just watch the world go by from its comfy king bed or through the cathedral lounge windows while enjoying the ambience of the open fire!
Wellness Experiences
Forest Bathing
Enjoy a rejuvenating journey amidst the beauty of winter at Old Coach Road Estate. Our Forest Bathing Escape invites you to be immersed in the calmness of our Heritage stringybark forest and expansive fields, framed by stunning vistas. Led by qualified Nature Therapy and Forest Bathing guides from Big Heart Adventures, this winter experience offers our guests a unique opportunity to reconnect with nature, breathe in the crisp winter air, and find solace amidst the beauty of the Fleurieu Peninsula landscape. Leave behind the stresses of daily life and find inner peace during this immersive and restorative experience.
Massage and Yoga at OCRE
Would you love to add a little extra relaxation to your stay at Old Coach Road Estate?
We are delighted to offer guests the opportunity to arrange a personalised yoga class or massage treatment onsite during your visit. Imagine starting your morning with a private yoga session on the deck, surrounded by native gardens and the calming sounds of nature, or unwinding with a soothing massage after a day spent exploring the Fleurieu Peninsula.
Pause In-House Wellbeing, a trusted local provider, offers professional, tailored sessions to suit your needs — whether you're seeking energising movement, deep relaxation, or a restorative blend of both.
To enquire about availability and pricing, please contact Pause In-House Wellbeing directly. We recommend booking early to secure your preferred time, and note that there is no travel costs for these services at Old Coach Road Estate.
Australian Rural Experiences
Bushwalking at OCRE
When you stay at OCRE you are welcome to enjoy several walks on the property. You may wish to take advantage of a guided nature walk with a highly experienced local naturalist. Subject to availability, join Neale Dyster (who also took many of our nature photographs) on your personalised tour. You will see wildlife up close in their natural environment, learn about the native wildflowers and, at certain times of the year see beautiful native orchids. Make an enquiry to learn more about our on-site guided nature-lover's bush walks and their availability.
Birdwatching at OCRE
Beautiful native Australian birds are numerous at OCRE and the variety is wide ranging from the huge wedge tailed eagles that nest in the tall trees in the scrub through to the tiny blue wrens frequently seen around the house. See how many different varieties you spot during your stay! A listing of potential sightings is provided for visitors, together with bird identification books and binoculars.
Take a look at some of the beautiful birds we have photographed at OCRE in the Gallery. You are welcome to forward your photos to us for possible inclusion in our gallery too!
Campfire cooking
Would you love to try authentic Australian campfire cooking over the coals? We make this easy for you with all the equipment, instructions and readily accessible outdoor firepit. We can even come and show you how it is done, should like to observe before trying it out yourself.
On-Site Fun, Games and Learning
Games & Activities Provided
Enjoy some games on the back lawn with family and friends! Finska, Jenga and Boule sets are provided for all to use. There are plenty of board games and puzzles for inside pleasure as well, with Catan being particularly popular.
And who doesn't love a swing? Take a walk down the hill from the villa and you will find our gorgeous adult swing, situated amongst the gums.
Cooking Classes at OCRE
Wanting to learn some bread-making skills, how to make the best cocktails or perhaps cook your own fine dining experience for two? With the large, well-equipped kitchen and the assistance of a delightful and internationally experienced cooking teacher and chef, Anita Robin, you will not only learn new skills, but have lots of fun at the same time. Anita's bread-making classes are incredibly popular!
Alternatively you may be interested in learning the art of cooking authentic Indian food or Asian cuisine, and we also can arrange this for you. Make an enquiry to find out more!
Authentic Smoking Ceremony - A deeply moving experience
Imagine standing on the infinity lawn at Old Coach Road Estate, the scent of eucalyptus leaves drifting on the breeze, as you take part in your own private, traditional Smoking Ceremony.
This powerful and moving experience can be arranged through Mark Koolmatrie of Kool Tours, a respected Ngarrindjeri Elder and guide. A Smoking Ceremony offers a timeless connection to Country — cleansing the spirit, welcoming you to the land, and deepening your understanding of the stories that have shaped it for thousands of years.
If you would like to include a Smoking Ceremony as part of your stay, please contact Kool Tours directly to enquire about availability. We recommend arranging this in advance to ensure this unforgettable experience can be made available for you.
Spectacular Stargazing! Exclusive Onsite Astronomy Experience
The location of OCRE, being well away from bright city lights and with an uninterrupted view of the night sky, is perfect for the novice astronomer. Should you like to see and learn more about the brightest stars, or some of the constellations, you can book an on-site astronomy session, subject to availability and weather of course. Make an enquiry to find out more!
Stay at Old Coach Road Estate
OCRE sits majestically on the hillside overlooking a valley of open fields and native vegetation, down to the Southern Ocean. The villa provides exceptional secluded accommodation perfect for a luxurious escape. Its central location makes it the perfect base to take in and explore the lower Fleurieu Peninsula!
Enquire about On-Site Experiences
Please let us know if you are interested in booking any of our on-site experiences and we will help organise them for you.