Jara II is the ultimate rural getaway. Located about 70 km from Canberra along the Hume Highway towards Melbourne, it’s a place I can easily see becoming very popular for Canberrans looking to escape the city.
We were fortunate enough to stay just one night while passing through from Queensland to Victoria, and I truly wish we’d booked longer. I’d say a minimum of two nights is ideal, and four would be amazing — there’s so much to explore in the region, yet simply sitting back and watching life drift by would be just as rewarding.
Ben, the host, has provided absolutely everything you could want. His attention to detail and the small luxury touches are second to none. There’s another bungalow identical to Jara II a discreet distance away — close enough that two groups could book both and stay connected, yet far enough to ensure complete privacy.
Down the hill beside the river is a large, flat paddock where Ben hosts campers in caravans, tents and the like. It’s an impressive spot in its own right, right next to a beautiful flowing river. While we were there, a group in canoes paddled by, taking on the gentle rapids.
My wife found time to meditate on the hill, taking in the bird calls, while Ben’s cows wandered past — just as curious about us as we were about them.
And the nights… oh, the nights. A sky full of stars, the kind you can only see in places like this, while sitting around a cosy fire.
I’ll be dreaming about coming back to this majestic place.