Little Bunyip Studio Accommodation
Once the working studio of watercolour artist Murray Edwards, Little Bunyip Studio has been used by our family in recent years as a weekend retreat. Now we would like to share this wonderful place with you.
Little Bunyip Studio is built of mudbrick made from clay sourced onsite.
It is a simple and generous space with gorgeous views across the Skilly Valley. There is one main room with an adjoining bathroom and a large slate paved verandah. Inside it has high timber ceilings constructed with timber salvaged from historic wool stores in Port Adelaide. The walls are plastered with natural earth and large timber windows connect the space with the bushland outside.
The views north are across native woodland and to the west down into the Skilly Valley. A scramble through the gully or stroll up to The Big Tree reveal a variety of significant eucalypts, native grasses, shrubs and flowers. The bird life is prolific and from time to time you can see kangaroos and echidnas. Guests are welcome to walk around the property anywhere west of the ridgeline, an area of about 20 acres.
Little Bunyip Studio is located in Watervale, approximately two kilometres from the Watervale Hotel and the Watervale Store. We are roughly half a kilometre from Watervale Station on the Riesling Trail.
Cooking and Meals
The compact kitchen and outdoor BBQ on the slate verandah will enable you to prepare breakfast and light meals should you choose not to wine and dine at the Clare Valley’s many eateries.
Relax and Unwind
The bathroom has a steaming hot shower and an odourless composting toilet, minimising our impact on the surrounding environment. Simple, comfortable and stylish furnishings complement this charming bush retreat. The queen bed is fitted with French linen sheets.
Unplug!
To ensure a relaxing getaway there is no wifi or television. For us, the Studio evokes the possibility of experiencing simplicity and we want to share this with you as you take a break from your ordinary life. (Mobile coverage however, is quite good for most providers, should the need arise).
Inside & Outside
A slow combustion fireplace keeps the Studio toasty warm on cold nights. Or if you prefer to sit by the fire outside, a short path takes you down to the firepit next to a giant native cypress. It’s the perfect place to sit and watch the sunset.
Our top picks in the Clare Valley.
Whitecliffs
White Cliffs reserve is a family picnic ground and swimming hole on the Broughton River. It is located 30 minutes drive north of Clare just to the north of Yacca. Take the first left after the Broughton River bridge (gravel road) and head straight for about 6kms then a left at the sign to Whitecliffs Reserve. Great for a dip on a hot day.
Burra Gorge
Burra George is located 20 minutes to the east of the township of Burra, 50kms to the north-east of Clare. It's a great place to sit under the River Red Gums and enjoy a cup of tea and there is a small walk along the creek. Camping is permitted and there is good access all year for all vehicles.
The Rocks Reserve
The Rocks reserve is another lovely swimming hole in the Mid North. It is located just to the east of the township of Balaklava. Easy access and picnic facilities are provided.
Seed Clare Valley
Seed Restaurant, in the middle of Clare, is not only a restaurant but a wonderfull deli. Pick up some of their in house grass fed lamb or free range pork sausages and cook them back at Little Bunyip Studio after haveing a glass of wine at their roof-top bar. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner.
Mt Horrocks walk
This 12km walk takes you to the summit of Mount Horrocks, the highest point in the Clare Valley. It is an easy walk right from Little Bunyip Studio down Mount Horrcks Road and is fully signed. Expect to take about 3 hours return and get your heart working.
Reisling Trail
The Riesling Trail is a 30km bike and walking trail taking you from Auburn to Clare. You can join the trail just down the road from the studio and head either North to Clare (22kms) or South to Auburn (~8km). Bring you bike and head off for a day forraging the wild plums, apples and if your lucky, pine mushrooms!
Spring Gully Walks
Spring Gully conservation park runs along the western edge of the Clare Valley as the range drops down the the plains. The park has many walks that can be access from Spring Gully Drive. You may be even see the spring gully waterfall after a good rain.
Coffee - Seed, 1871, Watervale Store, Velvet and Willow
Take your pick from the above list of fine coffee shops and restaurants. We can't decide which is the best so you'll have to try them yourself but the Watervale Store has the yummiest quandong cheescakes.