About Us
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!
Cave Hill Creek was established by Ian and Julie Chandler in 1988. Back then Cave Hill Creek it 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. Today Cave Hill Creek is run by second-generation owners Tim and Angela Chandler. It is a year-round operation hosting nearly 10,000 guests annually on camps, walks and weddings.
A commitment to tourism and education excellence, and a continual improvement program, rewards guests with new and exciting experiences every time they visit. In 2016 and again in 2017 Cave Hill Creek won Gold at the prestigious RACV Victorian Tourism Awards.
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 small 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 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.
Please browse through our website for more information or contact us. We’d love to talk to you!
Your Hosts
Cave Hill Creek was established by Ian and Julie Chandler in 1988 and is now run by second-generation owners, Tim and Ange Chandler.
We love sharing our beautiful location with visitors to Cave Hill Creek.
Tim & Ange – Owners
Tim and Ange are 2nd generation custodians and are passionate about Cave Hill Creek and providing friendly, welcoming hospitality. They live on-site with 5 active kids (what a place to grow up) and are regularly reminded that they are ‘living the dream!’
Ange is practical and articulate while Tim is a keen photographer and loves a chat.
Simon – Outdoor Operations
Simon leads our outdoor team delivering educational, fun and challenging outdoor programs (predominantly to schools). Simon has a wealth of experience in outdoor education and expedition leadership and management with OEG and World Challenge, and also as a wilderness first aid trainer. Simon wrote our application which won the 2016 VTIC Small Business Award. Simon’s passion for the outdoors, makes him a perfect fit for Cave Hill Creek’s Live the Outdoors culture. Simon’s favourite outdoor activity is canoeing.
Brad – Catering
Brad leads our catering and housekeeping team. A qualified chef Brad enjoys creating tasty menus for our guests and is very cool under pressure. Brad has 16 years experience and always has a welcoming smile. Brad specialises in delivering high-quality catering to large groups and his experience means he can deliver – from weddings and corporate functions right through to school camps. Brad’s favourite dessert is a rich chocolate brownie with King Island double cream.
Virginie – Function Manager
Virginie leads our functions team. A qualified wedding planner and event manger she is committed to help our Brides and Grooms achieve their dream day. With a keen eye for detail Virginie will always ensure your big day is one to remember. In her spare time she is passionate about travel, food and wine. Marry You (Bruno Mars) was on the playlist at Virginie’s wedding.