About The Property

Deeply rooted in the history of the Upper Goulburn Valley, Goulburn River Lodge stands on the traditional lands of the Taungurung people, the First Nations custodians who have shared a deep connection with these waterways for millennia.

The property’s unique landscape was shaped by its former life as a gravel quarry, with the excavations later transformed into a renowned fly-fishing destination. Set across 16 acres of private lakes and waterways, today it is a haven of natural beauty and sophistication. While trout fishing was once its hallmark, today the picturesque lakes and waterways are alive with turtles, vibrant birdlife, frogs, and rakali.

The lush, manicured grounds and enchanting gardens, framed by tranquil ponds and waterways, are so spectacular you’ll never want to leave. With the Goulburn River as your backdrop and sweeping views of the Cathedral Ranges, our location is what guests remember long after their visit.

The property has been beautifully renovated, exuding both charm and elegance. At its heart stands the Lodge, a striking mudbrick building accented with local hardwood posts, slate floors, and a welcoming open fireplace. Upstairs, the Masters Bar and dance floor provide a sunlit space for celebration, with stacker doors that open onto the deck, seamlessly blending the indoors with the outdoors.


Accommodation includes three spacious cottages, offering comfort and privacy for up to 12 guests. Each space is thoughtfully designed to complement the natural surroundings, ensuring a seamless stay for you and your guests.


Located in Thornton, between Eildon and Alexandra and just 1¾ hours northeast of Melbourne, the Goulburn River Lodge is a bespoke events venue. Nestled amidst breathtaking landscapes, the Lodge, its ponds and waterways, and its charming gardens create the perfect backdrop for any occasion. Whether you’re planning a grand celebration or an intimate gathering, we provide the flexibility and support to make your event truly unique.

We offer the freedom to choose the caterer that best suits your taste, budget, and dining style. The Masters Bar can be stocked with locally crafted wines, beers, and bubbles, ensuring your celebration reflects your personal touch.


Host an unforgettable event at the Goulburn River Lodge. With its unique mudbrick architecture, picturesque gardens, and serene waterways, it provides a sophisticated and enchanting setting for any occasion — from private gatherings and milestone celebrations to location shoots. Let the Goulburn River Lodge be the place where memories are made.

Our Wildlife

The grounds of the Goulburn River Lodge offer a rare sanctuary where lush landscapes meet a thriving, interconnected ecosystem. Our extensive waterways serve as the lifeblood of the property, winding through a rich tapestry of diverse flora that provides a changing backdrop with every season.


This vibrant habitat is a haven for wildlife; if you look closely, you may spot the elusive native Rakali, (Australian Otter/Water Rat) or an Eastern Long-necked Turtle sunning itself on the banks. Below the surface, the waters remain a healthy home for fish, while the skies and reeds are alive with a symphony of birdlife—from majestic aquatic hunters to colourful woodland songbirds.

Connect with us

A close-up of a wedding bouquet featuring white roses with embedded crystals, green filler flowers, and baby's breath.
A calm river flows along a lush, tree-lined bank under a clear blue sky, with the text
A person performs a scorpion handstand on a rocky surface against a clear blue sky.
Two chefs in white uniforms and black aprons prepare oysters and small dishes in a professional kitchen.
A modern dark-gray cabin with a wooden deck sits at the edge of a pond, surrounded by green trees.
A landscaped garden featuring diverse green shrubs, tall ornamental grasses, and metal sculptural elements.

Welcome to Goulburn River Lodge.

The Goulburn River Lodge, once a renowned fly-fishing destination set across 16 acres of private lakes and waterways, has transformed into a haven of natural beauty and sophistication. While trout fishing was once its hallmark, today the picturesque lakes and waterways are alive with turtles, vibrant birdlife, frogs, and rakali. The lush, manicured grounds and enchanting gardens, framed by tranquil ponds and waterways, are so spectacular you’ll never want to leave. With the Goulburn River as your backdrop and sweeping views of the Cathedral Ranges, our location is what guests remember long after their visit.


The property has been beautifully renovated, exuding both charm and elegance. At its heart stands the Lodge, a striking mudbrick building accented with local hardwood posts, slate floors, and a welcoming open fireplace. Upstairs, the Masters Bar and dance floor provide a sunlit space for celebration, with stacker doors that open onto the deck, seamlessly blending the indoors with the outdoors.

Our Offering

Explore our range of specialised offerings designed to meet your every need. Whether it’s your special day, an event, conference or weekend getaway we can provide it all.

Tailored to your every needs.

Contact our team to enquire about your next stay at Goulburn River Lodge.

In the heart of Thornton

Located in Thornton, between Eildon and Alexandra and just 1¾ hours northeast of Melbourne, the Goulburn River Lodge is a bespoke events venue. Nestled amidst breathtaking landscapes, the Lodge, its ponds and waterways, and its charming gardens create the perfect backdrop for any occasion.


Whether you’re planning a grand celebration or an intimate gathering, we provide the flexibility and support to make your event truly unique. We offer the freedom to choose the caterer that best suits your taste, budget, and dining style. The Masters Bar can be stocked with locally crafted wines, beers, and bubbles, ensuring your celebration reflects your personal touch.


Host an unforgettable event at the Goulburn River Lodge. With its unique mudbrick architecture, picturesque gardens, and serene waterways, it provides a sophisticated and enchanting setting for any occasion — from private gatherings and milestone celebrations to location shoots. Let the Goulburn River Lodge be the place where memories are made.

Happy Clients

We’re proud to have earned glowing reviews from clients who love the quality and care we bring to every cleaning. Our reviews reflect the trust and confidence our clients place in us

A modern house with a unique curved, wave-like roof sits beside a calm, reflective pond under a clear blue sky.

Lynda from Prahran

“The cottage was sparkling clean and had everything we needed. The location was perfect - close to Lake Eildon, Tumbling Waters, Alexandra Town Centre and a 1 min drive to a general store, a butcher, a bottle shop and a pub if you are after pub meals. The kids and I loved taking walks around the property grounds, watching ducks in the ponds and bird watching. The veranda and bbq area which overlooks the main pond was a lovely and relaxing area as well. Just beware of the fake plastic snake under the tree meant to scare birds away, it might give you a fright too!!!"

A modern house with dark siding sits by a reflective pond, surrounded by trees and a deck with potted plants.

Bon from Melbourne

"My kids, dogs and I loved our stay. The location was great for us, close enough to the cathedral ranges. The unit was adorable with a great contained yard even having a fire pit and logs ready to use. Great deck overlooking a lake and you can walk to and access the Goulburn river at the rest of the property. Fully contained kitchen was useful. It even had electric blankets, books and games. We were impressed."

A landscaped garden featuring diverse green shrubs, tall ornamental grasses, and metal sculptural elements.

Mel from Berwick

"Honestly, a very lovely place..... we are in love with this place...... They have created an amazing sanctuary to relax and be close to nature in luxury.... Loved the water views from the cabins and the walks and bike rides around the property and wayerwsys..... Sure to return soon. "

A modern house with dark siding and a deck overlooking a calm pond surrounded by trees and vegetation.

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