Saunders Gorge Sanctuary
Property Information
Property Locality: Sanderston on the eastern slopes of the Mount Lofty Ranges - 90 minutes from Adelaide.
Type of Property: Self-contained cottages
Number of Bedrooms: Two in Boundary cottage, one in other styles
Number of Bathrooms: One in each cottage
Maximum Persons: 6 in Boundary cottage
Children: Suitable for children
Rates (per couple per night)
Price Range: $120 - $160
Boundary Cottage: $160
Hideaway Retreat: $150
Nature Lodges: $120
After two night all additional nights are $100 per night
Special Conditions:
Rates are inclusive of GST and are subject to change without notice.
Description
Nestled at the foothills in Saunders Gorge Sanctuary a privately owned Wildlife Sanctuary and Sheep Station.The towering red gums are home to abundant bird life. Relax and watch the kangaroos come out of the hills to graze at sunset. There are three accommodation styles to choose from:
Boundary Cottage
Two bedroom stone cottage over a hundred years old, adjacent to Boundary Cottage is the Spectacular Australian Heritage listed Saunders Gorge with its majestic towering River Red Gums. Two queen beds and two single beds.
Hideaway Retreat
Romantic retreat for two. This fully self contained cottage is set in a secluded valley with scenic walks along the adjoining creek. From its position on the verge of the Mount Lofty Ranges, you overlook the vast Murray Plains through which flows the Mighty River Murray. One queen sized bed.
Nature Lodges
New unique twin share accommodation Lodges
Only a short walk over the ridge behind is the spectacular Australian Heritage listed Saunders Gorge ideal for enjoying nature especially bird watching. These lodges overlook the flood plain of the Saunders Creek with its majestic towering River Red Gums. One king sized bed.
The Tourism Centre/Restaurant overlooks the rugged Saunders Gorge and offers meals and information. Enjoy a quite romantic meal for two, a get together with family and friends or if you prefer share a table with the owners Brenton & Nadene and learn about the conservation work and history of the sanctuary.
Environmental Initiatives:
This spectacular rugged property on the eastern slopes of the Mount Lofty Ranges was once the family sheep grazing property, but now boasts conservation and eco-tourism status.
The owners Brenton & Nadene have dedicated their time and effort to returning the 1364ha property to nature. With conservation and eco-tourism now the main business, this has seen sheep grazing on the property slowly being replaced with people exploring and enjoying nature. One third of the property is now dedicated to conservation with the remainder being a mix of conservation and sheep grazing.
Saunders Gorge Sanctuary is the largest privately owned tourism/conservation project on the Eastern Mount Lofty Ranges. It offers a mix of accommodation from the historic 140 year old stone cottage to the new solar powered eco friendly lodges.
Some of the initiatives being undertaken by Saunder's Gorge include: t
- Removing sheep grazing from the property (top priority more people = less sheep)
- Fencing to protect vulnerable species and habitats
- Rehabilitation of creeks and water courses
- Weed & vermin control
- Tree planting to rehabilitate areas
- Maintaining walking trails (these range from a 1 hour walk to a 5 hour hiking trail)
- Seed collecting and propagation of vulnerable species
- Plant identification (190 native plants species identified)
- Bird identification and number counts (60 native bird species identified)
A visit to Saunders Gorge is not just an enjoyable and rewarding holiday experience. Whether a a scenic walk, overnight accommodation or a meal at the restaurant, your visit and patronage helps finance the preservation of this natural habitat.
Contact Details
Host: Brenton and Nadene Newton
Address: Saunders Gorge Sanctuary
Sanderston RSD 72 Palmer 5237
environmentally friendly accommodation, ecotourism, green travel
