Mountain Valley is a secluded retreat in the Loongana Valley, we first discovered while on holiday here.

50km inland from the coast of northwest Tasmania, this 61 hectare Private Nature Reserve nestles beneath the majestic Black Bluff.

There are six eco-cabins to choose from, our favourite is Blue Wren.

The Leven River flows through the property

and many an hour has been spent idly waiting to spy the elusive platypus.

Across the bridge,

the path follows the river. Trout can be seen jumping in the shallows

and the native hens appear when you least expect them.

The path becomes narrow and we still search for that perplexing platypus.

Native creatures abound in this sanctuary – wallabies, possums, quolls, birds and of course, our gorgeous pademelons.

We watched Tasmanian Devils and quolls eating their evening meal on the verandah. Our host placed tasty morsels for them at dusk and they slowly came after dark as Michael sat motionless among them while I opted to watch through the window.

The guided walk to the glow worm grotto took us through serene grassland,

and we learned the beautiful foxglove is regarded as an environmental weed in Tasmania.

There are many walks to take through fern glades

and rainforest

to discover hidden caves.

There is much more to explore at Mountain Valley, it is a wonderful experience and for those who are feeling energetic, there is the walk to the top of Black Bluff.

I am looking forward to our next visit. http://mountainvalley.com.au