Nestled into the inspiring mountains of the Porongurup Range…
is a remarkable place we want to share with you.
Thorn’s Mountain Retreats creates a holiday to remember with a choice of three wonderful character cottages in a mountain setting.
We provide everything for your comfort, and at a reasonable price all year round!
We look forward to welcoming you soon.
Peter and Michael Thorn
Castle Rock and the Granite Skywalk as seen from Razor Back Rock. An untracked route for the experienced hiker.
Our Dorper sheep lining up for a feed
Original homestead chimney
Glorious wildflowers in our 40 acre revegetation area
Spendid blue wrens are always a delight when they flit around.
- We stayed five nights in Mountain View cottage. The cottage is comfortable and in stunning surroundings. Michael has gone above and beyond to share information about his much loved home and all the walks there are to do and the places to visit. He was an exceptional host and we thoroughly recommend staying there.
Joanna15/11/23We had a lovely stay in the Pioneer Cottage again. Mike is a wonderful host and gave us terrific suggestions for walks and places to see. The historic cottage is very comfortable and cosy, and the bird life is all around. We love it there and it is a great place to stay to explore the Porongurups and nearby south coast. Can’t wait to go back again.
Sharon09/11/23Beautiful cottage in an amazing location. There s plenty to do just on the property, and Mike is very committed to provide a unique experience to Porongorup. We ll be back.
Charlie29/10/23 - Excellent retreat with good ambience and tasteful decor. Interiors and cutlery are tastefully done and selected. Michael was very cool and walked the extra mile to make one's stay comfortable by adding good notes to the maps.
Sriram Seshamani25/10/23We stayed 5 nights in the Sunrise Suite. It was a very comfortable accommodation. Though it wasn't cold, Mike, our host delivered us some wood so we could enjoy the fireplace in the evening. We loved everything the property had to offer. All the wildlife to see and the walks within, carefully noted on Mike's magic maps which kept us exploring for 2 days, before venturing further afield. Such a relaxing atmosphere and the views of the Stirling Ranges from the cottage are truly "atmospheric".
Mike is a great host ensuring we have everything needed.
Spectacular place, loads of walks and a great sense of serenity
Barrihol25/10/23Beautiful location. Great bird watching. Peaceful
Angela20/10/23 - Best holiday for sure! Thank you. Kids had so mush fun. Great location. Amazing host. Best pots and pans I’ve ever had in any AirBNB 😂. We will be back
Berol09/10/23What an amazing stay, Mike was so accommodating and insightful about the nearby trails and provided detailed and easy to follow maps to assist our exploration of the property and the incredible surroundings. Mike’s property is more beautiful than we could have imagined, the trails were easy to follow and instantly rewarding with stunning views. Our only regret was that we couldn’t stay longer. We will be returning as soon as we can.
James01/10/23Tremendous stay. Loved the location, a most picturesque setting. Mike was so helpful providing us with local knowledge so that we could get the most out of our stay. Lots of beautiful walks on the property itself so we had days when there was no need to drive anywhere. Loved watching the kangaroos above the dam and the bird life was prolific. The cottage has a well equipped kitchen, comfy beds and verandah with view. Great location from which to explore Stirling Ranges, Porongurups and National Parks around Albany. Highly recommend.
Sarah29/09/23 - Had a lovely stay at Thorn's Retreats - peaceful, green and very relaxing. Mike is master of the area and knows all the whereabouts - whether for some treks or restaurants. He also gave me some wood chopping lessons! There are lot of activities to do nearby - hikes, climbing peaks or going off to the beaches to hear the waves.
anmol sethy11/09/23Mike was very helpful about what to do in the local area. The property has amazing views and I would highly recommend staying there.
Tayla Nash07/09/23We had a great stay at the cottage and were very comfortable for our short visit. Michael and Pam already had wood for the fire ready to go and the cabin was cosy and warm in no time. We unfortunately didn’t have time to explore the property or surrounds, but Michael has ample information and guides to help you have some great adventures in the Porongurups.
Roseanna27/08/23 - Lovely setting, Michael was very welcoming and helpful.
Melinda08/08/23If you are looking for a quiet peaceful break away from everything, in beautiful surroundings, then this is a perfect choice with plenty of spaces to walk and be in nature just on the doorstep, this comfortable and cosy cabin is a blissful retreat.We thoroughly enjoyed our two week stay and our two dogs who are young and lively had a fabulous time as well.Thanks Mike!
Ben31/07/23Quaint and delightful getaway.
Zebedee18/07/23 - The second time at the is lovely retreat. We have 3 happy tired boys and two happy tired dogs. Could never get tired of the views. We will be back.
Oana17/07/23Once again our stay at Pioneer Cottage with our pets was amazing. The locaton is so peaceful and energising. We love it here and thank Mike for sharing this beautiful location.Steve & Robyn
Steve08/07/23We loved the serenity and beauty of Michael’s property. The cottage was very cosy - the fire warmed the whole place easily. Nearby wineries and hikes. Perfect winter getaway.
Jenny08/07/23 - Two couples having a rare weekend away from kids to climb Bluff Knoll. It was peaceful and comfortable and had all we needed for a wonderful weekend away. We particularly loved the trails around the property and the views from Burchell Peak just behind the cottage.The only tiny complaint was that it states that there is an oven at the cottage we stayed at but there wasn’t one. I brought food to cook in the oven and couldn’t. But as I said a TINY complaint overall.Highly recommend for families too - so much for kids to do!
Meredith03/07/23An absolute delightful retreat. We stayed in the Pioneer Cottage and had everything we needed to make our stay perfect. Mike is a very welcoming and informative host. The views are just spectacular. There are lovely hiking trails, beautiful wineries and even a distillery nearby serving great light meals. We will most definitely be returning to enjoy this incredibly beautiful place again.
Carla LTapia29/06/23It’s obvious Mike takes a lot of care and passion in making sure his guests have an amazing stay.His property is nothing short of magical, this was my second trip down here staring at Mikes cabin and I could probably do another. The property connects up to the national park, if you’re here to explore or hike, definitely take Mikes tips. The trails he recommends are beautiful, scenic hikes that are accessible without needing to drive anywhere, you can just start walking and enjoy yourself.
James28/06/23 - Beautiful hidden gem. Great scenery. Our host Mike made sure we were well looked after. Definitely recommend to stay if heading down this way. Will definitely be back.
Jamie Clarke27/06/23This place is an amazing place to rest and relax and enjoy nature. We loved that we could bring our dogs and they had lots of fun on the beautiful property. Mike is an excellent host and gave us lots of info and space to just relax. We will definitely be back here again, hopefully soon.
Amanda21/06/23Spent the weekend there with a few friends, and it was exactly what we all needed. Michael was a great host, had the fire going before we got there it made everyone feel relaxed after our long day. Will definitely be back again.
Dean18/06/23 - A little slice of paradise, this place fulfilled all our cabin in the woods desires. Mike was the perfect host, had the fireplace going before we arrived, had the bbq and kitchen spotless and prepped and when we mentioned wifi he enthusiastically encouraged us to come over to his house, also on the property, to use their wifi anytime. The views were stunning, with plenty of local roos and birds to compliment the beautiful landscape. We packed our bags and discussed when we should come back before we even left the property!
Conor12/06/23Location: Perfectly located with plenty of trails & wildlife. Mike’s property has a lot to offer. One big highlight for my children was tree-climbing. Mike pointed out a pine tree right outside our cottage that he recommended my kids to go on and he was right! Could not get them down. Accomodation: One of the best. Extremely clean, well-maintained, stylish, elegant & cozy. And most of all, spacious and well-thought out space to make this place feel like home - especially for our family of 5 (with children under 7). Mike’s attention to detail is amazing! Electric blankets on every bed, constant hot water supply, lovely fireplace and quality fixtures & appliances. There are even handmade walking sticks provided for trail-walking that Mike makes himself out of branches from his property. Simply the best in Porongurup. Thumbs up!
Trent09/06/23I had the pleasure of staying four nights in the Pioneer Cottage in early June. The accommodation was outstanding, and Mike's local knowledge and guidance on local hikes was very helpful. The location is incredible, and central for visiting both the Porongurup and Stirling Ranges. I would heartily recommend, and will hopefully be back to stay again.
Chris09/06/23 - A lovely cozy, restful and homely cottage,beautiful surroundings with excellent maps and information provided by host .We walked, climbed , read by the fire and on the rainy day watched several of our old favourite movies on provided dvds!( accompanied by a good red wine from a local winery ) HEAVEN .
Anne02/06/23We had a great long weekend in the Pioneer cottage. Lovely views of the Kangaroo paddock. Cosy, clean, well equipped with electric blankets! Our dog Tashi had a great time and enjoyed his walks within the property. You can get into the National Park from the property and explore some trails that Michael has helpfully marked out. It really is a lovely place to stay in a wonderful part of WA. Would certainly return. We only scratched the surface of activities and Michael is a wealth of info.
Harvey22/05/23Upon driving up onto the acreage property, Michael came out to say hello. He gave a brief introduction to the property, and its lovely views, before coming along to the accomodation and talking me through it.Michael provides very helpful maps and has useful suggestions as to walks/hikes to do.He was a pleasure to deal with.The accomodation was pleasant, functional, and clean. I would stay there again.
Dominique21/05/23 - A lovely cottage in beautiful, peaceful surroundings with a wonderful host! A great place to stay to escape city life and wind down, with amenities and national parks just a short drive away! Thank you, we had an amazing break!
Louise16/05/23We had a great stay here, the detailed info provided by Mike was super helpful. The cottage was charming, cosy, clean and perfect for our group of four. Beds were super comfy.The property is majestic and perfect if you love nature and exploring!
Kel16/05/23We had such a lovely stay at Thorns Mountain Retreat.. didn’t turn the TV on once! Instead we walked everyday. Lit the wood stove and enjoyed playing board games that were provided. Thanks Michael
Zoe11/05/23 - We spent 3 nights in this hidden gem of a place, so much history, beauty and all the comforts of home in our well looked after cottage. Fantastic walks on the property and nearby national park, we will be back to do some more exploring. Thank you for making us feel so welcome Michael.
Bettina28/04/23Thanks Michael for providing us with such wonderful accommodation. Clean, and comfortable with everything we needed. Your wealth of knowledge of the local area, Porongorup trails , your farm and best places to visit were truly worthwhile. John and I were first time trail walkers and having close and easily accessible trails right next to the cottage were perfect to begin with. The stunning views from the cottage and your farm of sunset and sunrise were magnificent too. We wished we had stayed longer.
Tiarna25/04/23The mountain view chalet was exactly the kind of stay we were after. The location is peaceful, and we enjoyed exploring and the beautiful views especially at sunset. Michael was a great host and the information he provided was brilliant.
Lisa22/04/23 - Cosy cottage just as the host described. We found everything comfortable and were very impressed that the kitchen was so well equipped (not always our experience at self catering air bnbs). Michael provided extensive advice and recommendations for areas to visit and walks, plus local knowledge. We had a great time! The walks on the property were some of our favourites.
Lyndsay22/04/23This is the perfect place if you are looking for seclusion, walking trails straight from your door and cosy accommodation. We enjoyed our two nights here and suspect we will be back in the future.
Lindsay19/04/23Magical Place, the history and cosiness of the cottage makes it a unique stay, and the walks all around are fantastic.
John17/04/23 - If you want to get back to nature - this is the place. Beautiful hiking trails right on your doorstep to suit all fitness levels. The house was kitted out with everything our family of 4 needed and very pet friendly for our Cavoodle. Mount Barker is a short drive away with a very good iga if you need to stock up on food. Michael has so much knowledge of the area and things to do that we were happy we chose to stay for 6 nights. We would love to go back again in the future.
Ilka16/04/23We had a lovely time and Michael is a fabulous host, very helpful, friendly and knowledgable. And the cricket ground was awesome! The cabin is comfortable, warm and inviting and we were within easy reach of most of the sights and attractions of the area. Thank you Michael!
Yvonne Marie Genevieve13/04/23The place is exactly as described! We loved the views of Stirling Range from the verandah & dining table whilst enjoying a cuppa or a meal. It was beautiful to come back to a fire & beautiful views after hiking.Michael was extremely helpful & the walks in and around the property were fabulous and only accessible to guests (with detailed printed out maps to take with us). Suitable for 4 adults (if 5 persons be aware the 5th bed is a sofa bed) & it's a great base to the nearby Porongurups, Stirling Ranges & Albany.
Mariana10/04/23 - We had 3 nights at Mountain View Cottage and wished we had more. The walks and hikes on and from the property were amazing. Michaels maps and knowledge of the area made it easy to explore and discover at our own pace. The cottage was bigger than the pictures portrayed and the 2 bedrooms and bathrooms separated for privacy. Very cosy, well equipped and we felt right at home. Peaceful, beautiful setting to relax. Didn't turn the TV on once, just enjoyed the ambiance. We did go out to eat at theThai restaurant just down the road and it was outstanding. Mt Barker is 10 minutes drive away for groceries and supplies. Overall we were extremely happy with our accommodation and Michael as a host is the best!
Patti And Marty21/03/23We had a wonderful time at Michael’s place. It is so beautiful and interesting and has lots of walks you can do on the property. It’s a great location and the cottage was so comfortable. Michael’s knowledge and maps of the area were wonderful. Will definitely be returning. Thanks Michael.
Beth18/03/23Beautiful location and cottage. Will definitely be back.
Samantha12/02/23 - A lovely spot to set as a base to explore the surrounding ranges, while enjoy the relaxing Aussie country vibe. Mike was a great host and made us felt like home.
Da20/01/23Beautiful location, gorgeous house, great spot to get away. Can’t wait to come back
Lisa17/01/23Very interesting and picturesque property surrounded by incredible nature and an enthusiastic host.
Jackie13/01/23 - If you are looking for a peaceful getaway in nature this is the place to stay. From the serene bush walks to the delightful hideouts around the property, a real fireplace and local secret spots, it’s got you covered. We are well rested and rejuvenated after our stay at thorns mountain retreat. Will be back!!
Justina05/01/23The surrounds were peaceful, beautiful and ideal for birdwatching and kangaroo spotting. Mike was friendly and helpful in addressing the issues we had (e.g. mosquitos getting inside at night, a stovetop burner broke). Our stay would have been better if more of the windows or either of the doors had fly screens to prevent bugs from coming in when we opened them for air flow, but luckily there weren't too many warm days during our visit. Telstra reception was a bit patchy in the cottage but improved when standing outside. There are some great walking trails on the property with interesting history and several in the surrounding area - Mike had a lot of recommendations. Overall, we had a great stay!
Yanqi29/12/22We loved our stay at Thorn's Retreat! It was amazing to have the national park at our back door and Michael was a gracious host.
Andrew18/12/22 - We were delighted with this beautiful cabin in the hills, waking to bird song and walks in the woods around the property. A very relaxing and homely setting. Michael was a genial host and met us on arrival to give us an overview of the property and walks in the foothills of the porongorups. A real bonus to be able to bring our dog.
Sarah20/11/22We only stayed at Thorn’s Mountain Retreat for 2 nights but it has already given us plenty of unforgettable memories to last a long time. Nature lovers and those who seek tranquility will find this a great place to destress. There are plenty of walking trails around the property. During our walks, we had the pleasure of watching wild kangaroos grazing and hopping freely on the plains, breathing in the wonderful fresh air and indulging in the panoramic views of Porongurup Mountains and the Stirling Range. The cottage we stayed in is very clean and tidy with everything provided to ensure a comfortable stay including a fireplace. It was certainly a pleasure to wake up in the morning to see the lavender flowers outside the bedroom window and hear the happy chirping of numerous birds.The Retreat is located just 6 mins drive to Castle Rock (a must do!) and about 50 mins drive to Bluff Knoll (another must do). Nearby Mount Barker has a good IGA to get supplies.Thanks Mike for a great stay!
Alice18/11/22Pioneer Cottage is a rare find and I felt like we had stepped back in time. Great walks as suggested by Michael.
Linda18/11/22 - An absolute gem! An amazing property with plenty to explore including direct access to some great little hikes that you will have all to yourself, plus what has to be the most scenic cricket ground in WA. Mike is really passionate about the area and will give you great advice on what to do. The cottage was rustic and really comfortable and warm. Will be back for sure!
Justin Fletcher16/11/22Mike has created the most amazing retreat. So much care to detail, comfy beds, modern kitchen and bathroom, and very clean. The cottage was incredibly cosy and relaxing with beautiful views to the mountains. There are amazing walking trails fromt the cottage and lots to explore on the property itself - it's also across the road from Ironwood winery which do a lovely lunch and have a nice selection of wines. We'd come back here in a heartbeat.
Esther Schwald16/11/22This place is special. Backing onto the magical Porongurups, 100 acres of serenity and beauty. Pioneer cottage is cosy and well-equipped and Mike is a great host with a lifetime of local knowledge and great hiking suggestions
Tor Ercleve16/11/22 - Lovely natural environment. Great bush walking. Wonderful mountain view.
Denis Lai16/11/22Excellent accommodation in a great location. Faultless in all respects, they provide exactly what is advertised - exceeded expectations. Michael provided us with many options of experiencing his property by walking but unfortunately the rain limited us to fully appreciate the bush walking trails on the property.
Robyn14/11/22A great place to stay. Warm and inviting, beautiful property, and great central location to explore the Porongarups. We appreciated Mike's great local knowledge and maps.
Ashlee14/11/22 - The cabin is very nice, but there is no WiFi. This is something that the host should correct. If you want a pre-internet experience, then there is no problem, but phone reception in the Porongurups is carrier-dependent, and not being able to make arrangements for the next stages of my travel was a bit inconvenient.
Eric11/11/22The Mountain View Cottage is cute in the best sense of the term. The location is ideal and there is enough of interest in the immediate surroundings to keep visitors happily occupied for days. We would certainly have stayed much longer had that been practical for us. Everything we needed was provided in the extremely clean, comfortable, and well-decorated accommodation. This was one of the best places we have stayed in every respect, and the value for money was exceptional compared with many other Airbnb properties. We fully recommend Michael's place without hesitation.
Hugh10/11/22Comfortable and cosy. Great location. Michael was a lovely host. Would definitely recommend this as a location to stay.
David02/11/22 - Beautiful property and cosy cabin. A perfect get away in the mountains. Michael’s local knowledge was next level and made the trip even more special ❤️ 🏔
Kim25/10/22Peaceful cottage in a beautiful location. Michael a very helpful host.
Dominic23/10/22Wow, what a beautiful place to stay! Michael's property was not only stunning but his knowledge of the area and the fact he was happy to share his whole property with us to explore, made this getaway a 10/10. Thank you for opening your property to us to enjoy and we look forward to staying with you again.
Monique19/10/22 - Awesome location, super friendly and helpful, responsive host. Perfectly located in the Porongurup and has everything needed for a enjoyable self-catered stay. Thank you !
Tobias25/09/22From check in the cottage was absolutely stunning, every room has tons of character, not to mention the views from any window looking out of the cottage! Michael's hospitality was simply unparalleled, so much advice and helpfulness extended at every turn. Ultimately an unforgettable experience and somewhere I would visit again in future.
Jaimee19/09/22We spent two nights at the cottage, which was comfortable and well equipped. Mike’s property is amazing! Many acres of wild flowers, woods and meadows, with incredible views across to the Stirling Ranges and lots of birds and kangaroos. Mike was very generous with his time, telling us of good walks in the region, wineries and restaurants, scenic drives and hidden spots. He made the visit so much more memorable. We only had 2 nights here, but wish we could have had 4 or 5.
James16/09/22 - The stay was amazing! both the house and the property were beautiful. Mike was more than happy to help out and gave us some great suggestions on things to do. I only regret that we didn't spend more time there to explore everything!
Robert12/09/22What a remarkable property. Spectacular waking trails and quite the hidden gem. Mike was a great host - we enjoyed his guide book and learning about his special connection to the property. Highly recommend Duke’s Winery and the new gin distillery. We’ve never stayed anywhere like it and are already planning our return (for a week next time).
John & Lauren06/09/22A wonderful place to stay full of history and adventures on your doorstep. Thank you for being such an informative and helpful host. The cottage was just perfect and cosy with everything we needed and more.
Lauren04/09/22 - Instructions and check-in was all great. It was disappointing having to clean the BBQ plate before I could use it on the first night.Those road trains passing so close at 5 in the morning was something I was not expecting.It would have been good to know about the planned power outage beforehand.other that that cottage was lovely and exactly as in pictures
Stuart31/08/22Fantastic little cottage at the foot of the Porongurups. A perfect location for exploring the region and going on some wonderful local hikes. Mike was a great help in recommending local walks and attractions.
Alexandra28/08/22We loved everything about our stay at Michael’s place. The cottage was beautiful, the fire was a bonus. The surrounding grounds were amazing. Fantastic place for a few days.
Tim22/08/22
With Mike as our host, we came away from the Porongurups feeling really connected with this beautiful area and connected to its significance. Mike is very knowledgeable about the national park’s features and its heritage. This family and the property are part of the region’s makeup. Bush walks from the property with spring wildflowers and great views were a highlight. The cottage was really comfortable and inviting; nicely fitted out and finished with artworks of the area. Mike, and his dad, Peter, are very warm and welcoming, and their wines, very enjoyable. Russell Dilley
Wow! All I can say is if you are looking for an outstanding location and hospitality this is the place to go. The accommodation is truly lovely and has everything you need and more but the location is awesome. A true Aussie experience without leaving the property grounds. Kangaroos in the paddock, trail bush walks to a fantastic viewpoint, wine tasting twinned with the knowledge of Peter (a true gentlemen) what more could you ask. If you can drag yourself away there is the granite skywalk 3 km away and the best beaches I have ever seen with the clearest waters around two peoples bay and Bettys bay, ask Mike the best places to go. We ran out of time on our4 night stay to see more of the area so suggest to stay as long as you can ideally a week you will not be disappointed. Just book it! Tracy Marsden
My family absolutely loved staying here! Mike was very responsive to any communication & provided very useful information about utilising the property & surrounds. He & Peter went out of their way to ensure we had a great stay. The cottage has everything you need for a comfortable stay. It’s so peaceful and relaxing, sitting on the verandah enjoying the view was beautiful. We loved being able to walk around the property & head straight into the National Park. Awesome! Highly recommend, we will be back!
A perfect little cottage getaway literally in the middle of the Porongorup National Park with sweeping views of the Stirling Ranges, amazing scenery and quite a few hikes and walks right at the back door which took our breath away! Amazing couples getaway but next time will take the kids and explore some more. Thanks Mike and Peter for your hospitality and amazing knowledge of the area. Debbie Chapman
Simona and Andreas B
We had a wonderful time here. The cottage is lovely and we had great hiking weather. Thank you Peter and Mike for your great hospitality! ....oh and the great wine too.....
Stephen and Vicki B
Thank you for the wonderful warm welcome. An absolutely beautiful tranquil place to stay. Thank you for your hospitality wine and incredible scenery.
Kimbra and Darren B
Our third visit and we immediately wondered why we took 3 years to come back! A wonderful stay-cottage is perfect and the surroundings sublime. The night sky after years of light pollution in Perth is something to behold. We enjoyed our stay immensely and made good use of the suggestions in the visitors guide along with Peter's ideas for things to do and places to go. Beautiful location amongst the friendly kangaroos, and thank you for you wonderful hospitality. See you again! Cheers. Kimbra and Darren B
Simona and Andreas B
Exquisite, rejuvinating setting, beautiful wines, welcoming hosts. The hardest thing is leaving!!