Swan Cove on Raymond Island

Kirsten and Tony are such a genuine and beautiful couple, you feel like you have known them for a lifetime. The Swan Cove property is the most tranquil place surrounded by nature, best of both worlds, peaceful bush and beach. Myself and a friend were only visiting for the day doing a sourdough bread workshop which was hands on making our own bread to take home. Kirsten made the most tastiest lunch from produce straight from the garden and a delicious dessert followed by a 20minute meditation that topped off the experience.We highly recommend visiting Swan Cove, we'll definitely be visiting again.

This was a magical paradise get away. A great relaxing environment, with fabulous service. A unique 70s feel with a great historical story and modern touches to provide everything you need. Lots of birds, kangaroos and koalas to see along with gorgeous lake, beaches and gardens! Fantastic hosts and well maintained property. Comfy beds, extremely clean, a delicious tray of local and Australian treats upon arrival. Definitely a great place to stay! Thank you for sharing your paradise with us Kirsten and Tony.

What a wonderful spot to stay! The little cottage was perfect for two friends (could accommodate 4 people). The bathroom is a bit tiny, but not a problem. Bedrooms are upstairs from the bath, small but comfortable. Breakfast left in the kitchen for us was lovely, homemade bread and granola was delicious. The house is at the far end of the island, right on the water. If you are up early, the sunrise is glorious! Black swans and a very friendly kelpie named Caspar welcome you back after a day scoping out koalas and walking on this lovely island. Kristen and Tony made us feel very welcome. Would go back in a heartbeat.

The sourdough experience with Kirsten and Tony is not to be missed if you are just curious or have a keen interest in this ancient bread making process. Very informative with comprehensive notes provided and starter to take home to commence your own sourdough journey. The day is hands on ensuring participants gain a real understanding of the look and feel of the dough and processes. A beautiful vegetarian lunch and free flowing conversation was enjoyed by the group along with Kirsten and Tony. On arrival we were shown around the property, gardens, the very close by lake and all that is on offer if you are staying as a guest in the self contained accommodation, something I am aiming for next year. Thoroughly recommend the day.

OMG … I attended a sourdough making workshop there today. Such a warm friendly atmosphere. The class of 4 people was held in Kirsten and Tony’s gorgeous cosy kitchen. We enjoyed a lovely lunch and meditation session in between ‘proofing time’ for our bread. A tour of the garden and lakefront beach where we were lucky to see and hear dolphins swimming and playing in the calm waters of the lake. Thankyou Kirsten and Tony for an unforgettable day and for sharing your recipe for my delicious sourdough bread. Namaste.

We stayed 2 nights in the Garden Cottage at Swan Cove Beachfront at $200+/night. The cottage is part of the main house on waterfront acreage about 4 kms up a mostly gravel road from the ferry.The cottage is fairly spacious with a small entry lobby cum lounge & a small but very well equipped kitchen cum diner. Off the kitchen is a 2m x 2m bathroom which has the smallest shower cubicle we have ever experienced in Australia (but did have a smaller one in Italy!)The narrow tread steep stairs to the 2 bedrooms would be prohibitive for less nimble folk.Whilst downstairs has aircon, it doesn't cool the upstairs bedrooms and on our hot arrival day the main bedroom was stifling. There is no ceiling fan but a pedestal fan which helps, and by bedtime the room was cooler.What didn't fit well for us was the very old fashioned, dark decor style accommodation which was not to our taste - we felt it's in desperate need of some lighter tones and a freshen up & modernisation.On the PLUS side Tony & Kirsten are lovely generous interactive hosts who open themselves, their home, their sustainable lifestyle and their garden up to guests in the lovliest way. We respected that greatly.We had delicious breakfast supplies provided - fresh eggs, Tony's sourdough bread, fruit, home made Granola & lovely jams. As a bonus Tony kindly gave us a cup of his just made tomato relish which was delicious.The property fronts the lake & has outdoor dining options, and a sundowner beverage by the lake is lovely. There are many guest toys available, and the lake's teaming with fish for those inclined to try their luck. Swimming in the lake is 'refreshing' but great, as are the many walksRaymond Island is pristine wilderness with the added bonus of 200 koalas living in the wild, so don't miss the wonderful Koala trail 4kms away where we photographed 18 Koalas in under an hour!Finally we must mention Casper the dog - what a lovely natured pup he was.

We had a fabulous day perfecting the art of sourdough making today with Kirsten and Tony. Not just a workshop, but a full experiential experience where we gleaned just a tiny bit of Kirsten's wealth of nutritional knowledge and Tony' s practised hand at making gut healthy sourdough.Plus the added bonus of a scrumptious lunch of home made, home grown goodies.Extraordinary experience overall.

Absolutely magical! No words to describe how great was our stay there! The cottage was very cosy, clean, with the best location there is and the homemade food - unforgettable! We are definitely going back again! Highly recommended place!