Refuge Forrest Caves

About the home

“Forrest Caves Retreat” is a newly renovated wheelchair friendly home that is one of a collection of 4 homes that have been tastefully renovated, located just 900m from the Hot Springs (opening 2026), 280m from Surf Beach (a 3-4 minute walk), and just a short drive from the supermarkets, restaurants & cafés of Cowes. Some of the many features of this lovely home are detailed below:

Indoor Areas

The wheel-chair friendly premises are accessed via a ramp into the open plan Kitchen/Dining/Living Room (with 40" smart TV) provides access to Bedroom 1 (with 40" smart TV) and Bedroom 2, plus the Bathroom (with shower & toilet).

Outdoor Areas

The huge corner block, surrounded by native trees, has parking for up to 3 vehicles (as per the photos) for Forrest Caves Retreat. There is a fantastic 4-seater electric heated spa providing year-round entertainment, plus a communal BBQ area next to the home (shared with the Seafoam Retreat) with two long tables (seating up to 20 people) and a gas BBQ. The long driveway provides an outdoor area if required.

The Retreat

There are four dwellings on the block, just metres from each other, sharing the amazing facilities. The Original Beach Retreat is a mud brick 3-bedroom dwelling that has been completely renovated, extended and tastefully set up, providing premium accommodation. The second dwelling is the Island Beach Retreat - a brand new one-bedroom addition that is perfect for a couple or small family. There is a gate that can be closed off to provide two separate spaces (with their own access) or opened up to create one fantastic Retreat with some shared facilities. The third dwelling is the newly renovated Forrest Caves Retreat - a 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom wheelchair friendly accommodation. The fourth dwelling is the Seafoam Retreat - another newly renovated home with 3 bedrooms and 1 bathroom.

Kitchen

The kitchen is equipped with cooking utensils, crockery, cutlery, microwave, Nespresso compatible pod coffee machine, toaster, kettle, etc. plus a sink, fridge, electric oven and stove.

Heating/Cooling Systems

There is a wall mounted reverse cycle air conditioner in the Living Room, plus two additional stand-alone heaters which can be used where required.

Bedding Configuration

This home has 4 beds, and 1 sofa bed, accommodating up to 6 guests.

Bedroom 1: One King bed (which can be converted into Two Long Single beds)
Bedroom 2: Two Long Single beds (which can be converted into a King bed)

There is also a Double sofa bed in the Living Room suitable for two adults or children.

Please note that if you want the Long Single beds to be converted into King beds (or vice versa) prior to your arrival, we need at least one week's notice before checking in.
Long single mattress dimensions are approximately 91cm x 203cm and converted king bed dimensions are approximately 180cm x 203cm.

Linen

It is common in the region for some linen to be provided for bookings, and some linen to be available as an optional extra. By default, a booking at this home does not include optional linen (top & bottom sheets, bath towels and pillowcases). What is included are doonas (quilts) with covers, pillows without covers, tea towels, hand towels and bathmats. If you would like the optional linen included in your booking, please let us know, including which beds you would like it provided for. The additional cost would be a one-off charge of $30 per bed (some sites add a service fee to these costs) - and we prefer 7 days' notice prior to your arrival to get that arranged.

Peak Periods

Please note that during the peak summer period and other peak times, check in times are set as 3pm unless by prior arrangement. Please also note that if you avail of the optional linen hire over these times, it may involve linen being left out but beds not being made up.

Functions, Celebrations and Schoolies

Please note that the home is not suitable for celebrations, parties or large events. The home also does not take bookings over Schoolies. All bookings are subject to approval, pending Guest verification process - Local council restrictions are in place for this property and compliance is mandatory.