We loved staying at Second Flat Retreat!  It was marvellous to have a secret valley in the mountains all to ourselves.  We felt like we’d stepped into the Australian dream.  The view from the house is spellbinding and made us feel deeply peaceful, and the canopy of stars at night is immense.  And it was a delight to have the Murrumbidgee River at our backdoor and to swim with the platypus!  We can’t wait to return to this beautiful home hidden in the heart of the Australian bush.  Thank you!

Tom Griffiths & Libby Robin

‘I have lived on the Monaro all my life; worked in travelled to, and fished, bush-walked and skied into most of its secret and best corners. But in my opinion the position of Second Flat Retreat and its view over that beautiful stretch of the upper Murrumbidgee river is without peer on the Monaro. Moreover, there is not only great trout fishing here, but the surrounding environment is magical: with towering mountains, snow and other gums, along with a profusion of shrubs, flowers and other components of a vibrant ecosystem: all of which means prolific wildlife at all levels, with a wide variety of birds, mammals, monotremes, reptiles, insects and other creatures. That is why, whenever my family has visited Second Flat Retreat, we don’t always see something – but instead we see, hear and experience lots of things. So I cannot recommend more highly this heavenly, restful and restoring place in our magical high country.’

Charlie Massy. (BSc., PhD, OAM – Landscape manager and lecturer in sustainable rural systems and regenerative agriculture)

Second Flat brings together the things I love most about Australia.  First, it’s stunningly beautiful and wild—a lush pastoral valley nested between the high forested mountains.  Four generations of the Blyth Family have lived and worked on this spectacular cattle property in the magnificent Snowy Mountains. Oscar and Kari Blyth have built a fantastic retreat for visitors to see the beauty of this pastoral setting with the Murrumbidgee River flowing outside your room. Here is a place where you can relax, swim, fish canoe or take nature walks and discover some of the many species of birds that thrive on the property. From yellow-tailed cockatoos and crimson rosellas, to flame robins and grey shrike thrushes.  It's also a working farm in the true Australian tradition.  You drive in past the cattle and sheep, and you might see the girls on horseback moving livestock with their mum and dad. This is a magical place where I can truly savor the gift of being alive.  

Richard Nelson, PhD

Author and Radio Producer

Second Flat Retreat is a beautiful place of inspiration for writers and artists. I’ve stayed here several times and truly savoured every moment, from watching platypus swim along the river through the window, to hearing the amazing diversity of birds singing every morning. The rolling countryside and tranquil pastoral setting provides the perfect atmosphere for any writer or artist who needs creative or reflective time. The beds are incredibly comfortable for the perfect night’s sleep and you awaken to gorgeous surroundings that motivate you to explore and discover, write or sketch, or just relax and ponder in Australia’s magnificent Snowy Mountains. If you are looking for a place to gather for a quiet retreat, this is perfect!

 

- Debbie S. Miller, Alaska Author of Survival at 40 Above