Ferny Hill Retreat, Emerald

15/04/2024

Save a baby's life....

We are starting to see lots of viable joeys inside of their dead mother's pouches (babies both dead and alive).
This is the time where it's imperative to do the following:
1. Slow down your speed in areas where wildlife share their homes, too, before dusk AND after dawn.

2. If you see a dead marsupial on the side of the road, stop and check their pouches for any joeys.

3. If checking pouches isn't an option (it can be very confronting and at times, gruesome), call a wildlife rescue organisation or your local wildlife Shelter's for assistance with pouches checking and/or rescue.

Thank you to the beautiful Judith at for taking in this little swamp wallaby joey that we had rescued this afternoon. ❤️

15/04/2024

A step back in time...

The first butcher's business in Emerald was established in the early 1900s by Robert John Couper.

Robert John Couper was born in 1871, the youngest child of Robert (Snr) and Isabella Couper from Scotland. They arrived in Australia on the passenger ship "Dominion", disembarking at Portland, Victoria on October 9, 1852.

As a young man, Robert John Couper was raised in the Macclesfield area. He began working by farming land. Later, he married Harriet Hunt, and together they opened the first store in the front of their house in 1872, and added a post office in 1891.

Around this period, Robert established the first butcher's business on the corner of Main Street and Monbulk Road, Emerald. In the early days of its operation, cattle were killed on the property when required, and the carcasses stored in a cellar dug into the ground. The meat was then delivered in horse-drawn carts and carved down as required at the various homes in the district. Not long after the business started, Harriet passed away in 1908.

Robert later married New Zealand-born Mabel Blanche Hill from Ascot Vale. Together, they built a shop with attached dwelling on the property and the business began to be run in a more business-like manner. From all accounts, Mabel must have been a considerable influence in this respect. It is reported that most customers visiting the shop preferred to be served by Mabel because of her manner and the way she cut the meat.

To supply the shop with meat, cattle would be purchased at the Melbourne stock market, transported by train to Ferntree Gully, then by train—Puffing Billy—to Emerald.

Around 1919, the butcher's business was sold to the Madigan family.

15/04/2024

Spring garden blooms

12/04/2024

Want to make the most of your weekend? Head on down to the grounds of the Puffing Billy Park in Emerald this Saturday at The Lost Woods Market!🌳✨ Discover an array of handpicked makers and creators from across Victoria, showcasing their one-of-a-kind creations!

Bring the kids along for some face painting fun, get up close with adorable animals, peruse the delicious food stalls, and discover vibrant market finds, live music, and so much more! 🎨🐾🍔🎶 Best of all, it's FREE entry and dog-friendly, so make sure you bring the whole family! 🐶🌳

Once you're done at the Lost Woods Market, continue your day at Emerald Lake Park! 😋 Head over to the Lakeside Visitor Centre for a delicious lunch and soak in the tranquil lakeside views. While you're there, indulge in a bit of train spotting and watch as our iconic Puffing Billy services come chugging through.🚂🍃

Visual description: A social media tile with the words 'The Lost Woods Makers Market' displayed across the middle of the image.

12/04/2024

There's a NEW market for Emerald! The Lost Woods Market takes place this Saturday 13th April from 9am–2pm at Puffing Billy Park by Emerald Station. The vision of Jaq of Behind The Trees and Emily of Alkira Eco-Glamping Retreat, it will have over 100 stalls by local and Victorian makers and will also include a flea market, live music, food stalls, plus face painting and a petting zoo for the kids!

12/04/2024

Here's an updated photo of Cloudehill’s new Upper Terrace with Miscanthus catching the afternoon light. The glazed pots by Graeme Foote are planted to the silvery Astellia chathamatica.

08/04/2024

08/04/2024

One of my favourite gardens in the hills ...

03/04/2024

A secret inside source told us a long-eared, fluffy-tailed creature has delivered some chocolate eggs to the Emerald Museum! 🐰 Visit us today between 12-4pm to collect your Easter eggs and discover the history of your local area.

03/04/2024

28/03/2024

27/03/2024

Attention artists . ..

We are delighted to announce that the John Dudley Portrait Prize will be happening again in 2024. This annual exhibition celebrates the life of a great artist, past president and proud supporter of the arts. This year, thanks to the…

27/03/2024

Easter fun in the hills

22/03/2024

Just down the road from Ferny Hill Retreat, Emerald

Facials are more than just clean, fresh, glowing skin......................
💜Relax the mind, talk if you need to, I feel like a counsellor most days, and it makes me feel normal to, we love to listen!

t

22/03/2024

22/03/2024

22/03/2024

Looking for something fun to do?

SkyHigh's Children's Festival runs from Tuesday 2nd April to Thursday 11th April, excluding weekends.

The below is an indication of daily activities for Tuesday 2nd April – the schedule may change due to weather conditions and availability of performers.
Please call, revisit our website or check our page for our regular updates.

11:00am to 4:00pm – Bouncy castle (5 to 12 year old children only)

12:00pm to 5:00pm – Igor the Giant’s treasure hunt

12:00pm to 5:00pm – Mini golf

3:00pm to 4:30pm – Cooking classes with the SkyHigh chef (Maximum 20 children 5 years old to 12 year old children only)

12:00pm to 2:00pm – Stilt walkers

2:00pm to 4:00pm – Ruccis Circus workshop with juggling, hula-hoop, devil sticks and more

All Activities are FREE of charge - Parking Fees Apply!
⛳️🏰🤡



https://www.skyhighmtdandenong.com.au/whats-on/april-school-holdays/

30/07/2023

And even more awesome shots by Grace.