Creating Experiences &
lifelong Memories
Hi, we’re Tim and Ange and we would love to welcome you to our little piece of paradise.
Cave Hill Creek and Silverband Lodge are two unique venues with one shared mission to create lifelong special memories for our guests by providing unique gathering places for groups, exceptional outdoor adventures and warm friendly hospitality.
Over the past 35 years, we’ve welcomed thousands of guests to Victoria’s great outdoors, from school groups and wedding celebrations to family retreats and community gatherings.
We have a deep respect for the landscape, environment and our communities. Both venues are proudly family-owned and operated driven by a passion for hospitality and creating innovative and exceptional guest experiences.
Our Story Among the Hills
Rooted in family, community, and a love of the land, our story spans generations of outdoor adventure. From Silverband Lodge’s beginnings in the 1950s to Cave Hill Creek’s founding in 1988, the Chandler family continues a proud legacy, creating meaningful, nature-inspired experiences that connect people and place across time.
1950s — Silverband Lodge operated as a Uniting Church camp
1988 — Cave Hill Creek is founded
Ian & Julie Chandler establish Cave Hill Creek on a former sheep paddock, beginning a journey rooted in nature, community, and adventure.
1994 — The Den is brought to life
A historic building is relocated from Beaufort and lovingly restored to become one of Cave Hill Creek’s first accommodation spaces.
2007 — A high-flying milestone
Founder Ian Chandler ranks #9 in Australia for hot-air ballooning and #283 globally—a testament to his adventurous spirit.
2009 — A new generation takes the reins
Tim and Ange Chandler step in to lead Cave Hill Creek, continuing the family’s legacy of creating unforgettable outdoor experiences.
2015 — Inaugural Summer Camp
Cave Hill Creek hosts the first of our Summer Camps, an amazing experience that has since been shared by thousands of kids over School holidays.
2018 — National recognition
Cave Hill Creek wins Gold at the Australian Tourism Awards and is inducted into the Victorian Tourism Hall of Fame.
2023 — Silverband Lodge joins the family
Now under the care of Tim and Ange Chandler, Silverband Lodge becomes a sister venue to Cave Hill Creek—expanding the experience to the Grampians.
Cave Hill Creek History
At Cave Hill Creek we create experiences and lifelong memories, be it the fun of school camp, the adventure of walking the Beeripmo Track, or the treasured place you were married! We are well known and highly respected for our innovative, quality, and fun programs, genuinely warm hospitality and stunning natural setting. In 2018 we were awarded Gold at the Australian Tourism Awards and inducted into the prestigious Victorian Tourism Hall of Fame.
Cave Hill Creek was established by Ian and Julie Chandler in 1988. Back then Cave Hill Creek was simply a sheep paddock with perhaps 25 mature trees, no lake, buildings or beautiful gardens. A farmer and a teacher, they saw incredible opportunity to create a spectacular lake, group accommodation and function venue on this picturesque parcel of land at the top of the Raglan Valley.
With a passion for hospitality, hard work and a keen eye for the environment, like their young family, Cave Hill Creek steadily grew.
Our commitment to tourism and education excellence, and a continual improvement program, rewards guests with new and exciting experiences every time they visit. In 2018 we were awarded Gold at the Australian Tourism Awards and inducted into the prestigious Victorian Tourism Hall of Fame.
We are often asked about the origins of the name Cave Hill Creek. It is quite simple really; the creek that flows through our lake is known as the ‘Cave Hill Creek’. The Cave Hill Creek cascades over Raglan Falls and down off the northern slopes of Cave Hill in the surrounding Mount Cole State Forest. It is at Raglan Falls, over the granite cliffs that visitors to Cave Hill Creek can try abseiling.
Similar is the logic behind the origins of the name Cave Hill. That is, the southern slopes of Cave Hill feature a large cavern created when the lower half of a large rock face collapsed leaving a large overhang. The local Beeripmo Balug Aborigines refer to the cave as Bukkertillible. It can be seen clearly to the north when driving along the Western Highway M8 between Beaufort and Buangor.
Cave Hill Creek’s logo also finds it origin in the local forest. It features a flowering Grevillea montis-cole (commonly known as Grevillea Mount Cole or The Glut Grevillea). The grevillea is endemic to the eastern slopes from the Glut picnic ground to Cave Hill Creek. It is a small shrub identifiable by its red flower from October to March. Grevillea montis-cole is listed as rare in Victoria.
Silverband Lodge History
Silverband Lodge is one of Victoria’s best school camp, group accommodation and outdoor recreation venues.
Located in the heart of Halls Gap, and set against the spectacular landscape of the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park, Silverband Lodge is the perfect base for your school camp and large group stay.
Every day we are excited create life long memories for hundreds of people, be it via the joy of school camp, the thrill of outdoor adventure, or connections made when gathering with family, friends and community for a group stay. Under new management from Dec 2023, Silverband Lodge is a sibling venue to the award winning Cave Hill Creek.
Nestled on 47 acres of bushland with emus, kangaroos, kookaburras and rosellas, at Silverband Lodge you have easy access The Pinnacle, Venus Baths and other popular walking trails. Spectacular clifftops, waterfalls and wildflowers can all be found nearby, along with Halls Gap town services.
Silverband Lodge takes it name from the nearby Silverband Falls.Silverband Lodge’s logo also finds it origin in the local environment. It features a flowering Grampians Boronia. The boronia is endemic to the Grampians prominent in the Spring wildflower seasson. It is a small shrub identifiable by its purple flower. Grampins Boronia is listed as endangered in Victoria.
Our hosts are here to guide you
Cave Hill Creek & Silverband Lodge are Australian Tourism Award winning accommodation, Quality Tourism accredited, event and outdoor recreation venues.
Tim & Ange
Owners
Tim and Ange Chandler are the husband and wife team behind Cave Hill Creek and Silverband Lodge. We took over a family business built up by Tim’s parents, Ian and Julie, in 2009, relocating from Canberra, changing career, and deciding it was a pretty amazing spot to raise an active crew of 5 kids.
We love what we do…sharing our little pieces of paradise, and our big backyards with guests, helping them create special lifelong memories, be it on camp, at a wedding, or on an adventure.
Tim is a judge in the Australian Tourism Awards. He really loves a chat and enjoys meeting guests, and sharing stories. He can often be found out scouring local trails on his bike! Ange loves to bush walk and explore… and more recently has enjoyed capturing and sharing moments at Cave Hill Creek and Silverband Lodge on Instagram and Facebook.
We love working together and sharing ideas, but also appreciate the different strengths and points of view we bring to the table. One thing we have in common, is we always want to do better!
We have a terrific team that works with, and supports us… we hope you look forward to getting to know them too…
Darren
Manager Outdoor Adventure
Meet Darren our awesome Manager Outdoor Adventure! Darren leads our team of qualified and engaging outdoor guides and trainees. A graduate of Federation University’s Outdoor Education degree, Darren is an expereinced outdoor educator. Darren is also a member of Outdoors Victoria’s expert panel reviewing outdoor education training pathways.
If you can’t find him at work, you can guarantee he will be surfing. Spending time in the ocean or in the mountains, exploring is his passion. This passion combined with the ability to challenge, learn and facilitate growth in people is why he loves outdoor education. Plus it’s a whole lot of fun!
In his spare time he doesn’t mind gardening or little DIY jobs, or on a rainy day watching a movie and keeping cosy on the couch. Say hi on your next visit!
Leighton
Manager – Silverband Lodge
Originally from South Australia, Leighton is married to Pip and with their three primary school aged boys have made Halls Gap home. They love the small village atmosphere and strong sense of community in the town. Leighton has 20+years’ experience working in management roles at camps, not for profits, sporting organisations and youth work. He loves the outdoors and is passionate about providing the opportunity for people to expereince positive connections with nature and each other – especially in the amazing Grampians where he enjoys trail running. He is also a volunteer firefighter with Halls Gap CFA.
Brad
Manager – Cave Hill Creek
Brad and wife Naomi were married at Cave Hill Creek more than 10 years ago. He loved the venue so much he returned to join our team as Head Chef! Since then Brad has risen to the role of Manager at Cave Hill Creek. An experienced and empathetic manager Brad is passionate about creating memorable experiences for guests. He has a proven track record mentoring apprentices and developing people to be their best. Outside of work he enjoys spending time outdoors gardening, camping and cooking together with Naomi and their 3 children.
Bianca
Functions Manager – Cave Hill Creek
Bianca loves a good event! She manages all things functions; including destination weddings, group retreats, reunions and corporate events at Cave Hill Creek.
With an executive assistant and administrative career background, as well as actively volunteering with community-based sporting clubs and events, her strengths lie heavily in planning, organising and coordinating. She loves exploring ideas and concepts to bring your vision and cherished memories to life, and she can’t wait to help with your special day, weekend, or event!
Relocating to the Pyrenees region in 2021 with her family and a menagerie of farm animals and pets, Bianca enjoys creating craft projects, gardening, music and sunset bonfires.