For nearly four decades, Cave Hill Creek has brought people together through meaningful experiences in nature. Set beside a private lake and surrounded by native bushland near Beaufort, the family-owned venue combines lodge-style and glamping accommodation, outdoor activities and personalised hospitality for school camps, holiday programs, retreats, weddings, community groups and family gatherings.
While its offering has evolved considerably over the years, its purpose has remained clear: bringing people together through enriching outdoor experiences.
A second-generation family story
Cave Hill Creek was established in 1988 by Ian and Julie Chandler, who combined their farming and education backgrounds to create a place where people could learn, grow and connect with nature. Today, second-generation owners Tim and Ange live onsite with their family and remain actively involved in the business and local community.
Building on its foundations in school camps and outdoor education, Cave Hill Creek was an early adopter of glamping in regional Victoria and has expanded into weddings, retreats, corporate groups, family gatherings and special-interest stays. This diversification has strengthened the business while preserving its distinctive combination of warm hospitality, authentic outdoor experiences and meaningful connection.
Strength through challenge and community
Like many regional tourism businesses, Cave Hill Creek has faced significant challenges. COVID-19 heavily affected its core school camp, group accommodation and event markets. To remain operational, the team adapted the business to run as a hotel and restaurant whenever restrictions allowed, with staff stepping into new roles and responding to continually changing circumstances.
The business faced another major setback during the 2024 Bayindeen bushfires, which caused property damage and a substantial loss of revenue. Once again, the team focused on adapting, recovering and reopening as quickly as possible.
Throughout these experiences, support from staff, guests, suppliers, neighbours and industry partners played an important role in the business’s recovery. For Tim and Ange, the experience reinforced the value of investing in relationships and building a strong community around the business.
Learning, connecting and growing with TMV
As an active Tourism Midwest Victoria (TMV) Industry Partner, Cave Hill Creek regularly participates in industry networking, destination marketing, training and business development opportunities. Tim also serves as a Board Member of TMV, contributing his experience while connecting and collaborating with tourism operators from across the region.
The team initially engaged with TMV to deepen its understanding of the tourism industry, build relationships with other operators and play an active role in growing the regional visitor economy. Since then, the business has participated in programs including Digital Essentials, Business Video Mentoring Program, Accommodation Business Support, the Accessible Experience Accelerator Program and Crisis Media Training.
These programs have provided practical tools to strengthen digital marketing, refine sales collateral, improve accessibility and communicate with confidence during challenging situations.
Being part of the TMV industry network has reinforced that when tourism businesses connect and grow, the whole destination benefits. Their advice to other operators is simple: “Get involved.”
Connect with TMV and let us help you be part of the story.