Tucked away in the Gippsland countryside, about 90 minutes from Melbourne, sits one of Victoria’s most imaginative stays: Mira Mira. Located near Merrijig, this hidden bushland retreat feels less like accommodation and more like stepping into a real-life fairytale — where art, nature and creativity blend into something completely unexpected.
Set across roughly 22 acres of forested land, the property is surrounded by dams, fern gullies and native wildlife, from wombats to wallabies. It’s quiet, secluded and intentionally off-grid in feel — the kind of place where the outside world fades away quickly.
Mira Mira was created in the early 2000s by builder Norman “Nobby” Ward, who left city life behind after a cancer diagnosis and began building freely from imagination rather than convention. Alongside his son Carl, he transformed raw bushland into a fantasy-like estate, planting over 1,500 trees before constructing the first of several artistic dwellings.
What followed was anything but ordinary. Instead of standard cabins, Mira Mira became a collection of immersive art spaces — each one designed as its own world. A Japanese-inspired retreat came first, followed by more ambitious creations including a cave house carved into the earth and a whimsical treehouse straight out of a storybook.
Today, guests can stay in three main accommodation styles, each wildly different. The Cave House offers an underground, cocoon-like escape with natural insulation and moody lighting. The Magic Faraway Tree (also known as Tanglewood) is a colourful, Gaudí-style treehouse with curved walls and a crystal-topped bedroom. Then there’s the Japanese Zen retreat, a calm, lakeside space inspired by traditional Kyoto design.
Beyond the stays themselves, the property leans fully into its theatrical side. A giant dragon sculpture marks the entrance, while a castle-like structure features soaring ceilings, detailed artwork and even dungeon-style spaces. It’s no surprise Mira Mira has been featured on shows like Postcards and Coxy’s Big Break, earning a reputation as one of Australia’s most unusual stays.
In recent years, new ownership has looked to expand the vision further, with ideas around events, performances and creative gatherings — turning Mira Mira into more than just a place to stay, but a destination for artistic expression.
What makes Mira Mira truly special is that it wasn’t built to follow trends — it was built from pure imagination. In a state known for its coastal drives and alpine escapes, this hidden fantasy world stands apart: a place where you can sleep in a cave, wake in a treehouse, and spend your days surrounded by art, nature and a little bit of magic.
Find out more about Mira Mira Here