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 two 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
- We stayed 5 nights in the Sunrise Suite and couldn't have found a better place to enjoy observing the moods and scenery of the amazing Porongurups.
Thanks to Mike and Pam the accommodation is luxurious, comfortable, clean and private, meeting all our needs. The views are stunning, and the property must be one of the most scenic in the centre of the Porongurups.
Mike is truly passionate about giving his guests an awesome experience. Thanks to his helpful maps and instructions we hiked Manyat Peak; Angwin Peak; and Mike's fantastic private trails twice. His knowledge and connection with the area is invaluable, and he is a wonderful host.
We'd love to return for more adventures. Thanks so much, Mike and Pam, for an unforgettable experience!
Lesley and Phil HollettLesley Hollett5/20/2024We had an absolutely wonderful 3 night stay in Mountain View. The property and area is gorgeous, cottage lovely and comfortable with a genuinely well-appointed kitchen, and host Michael is super helpful. Everything is as pictured.
Thanks, we hope to come again one day.Yhana Lucas4/16/2024 - Whilst Pioneer Cottage has a well stocked kitchen, comfy beds, a bath (unusual in my experience of holiday cottages), a cosy sitting room and authentic pioneer charm, it is so much more than just the sum of these tangible things. It rebounds with fairy wrens, honey eaters, black cockatoos and kangaroos. We even saw a wedge tailed eagle! It is on a block with stunning views you and your dogs are made welcome to range on, and has a beautiful swimming dam with the most incredible sinking jetty. But, the thing that makes it paradise is the love and enthusiasm of Michael for this property and how much he wants you to love it too. He and his family have worked hard to regenerate this area of the Porongurups and their love shines through, evident in the detailed maps to encourage you to explore, or the casually placed seat inviting you to do nothing more than relax and enjoy. We truly found paradise here, thank you Mike and Pam for your incredible hospitality. Pip, Rich and Sandyfive lole1/04/2024We spent 3 nights in the Sunrise Suite, and it was truly delightful. The Suite was well appointed and the décor was beautiful. The views from the bay window across the plains to the Stirling Ranges were breathtaking.
Mike was very charming and was a font of knowledge about the Porongurups , Stirling Ranges and surrounding areas. The private hikes into the adjacent national park were excellent with more stunning views of the area to be had. We had the added bonus of attending a cricket match at the field of Dreams!
It was an amazing weekend, and Mike was very diligent in ensuring our stay was perfect.
Highly recommend Thorn's Mountain Retreats as the perfect base camp to explore this beautiful area of WA.
Thanks again Mike!
Lou & Jenine.Luigi Santovito12/12/2023 - 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 Seshamani10/25/2023We 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 serenityBarrihol10/25/2023 - 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 sethy9/11/2023An 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 LTapia6/29/2023
- 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 Clarke6/27/2023Thoroughly relaxing getaway staying in this wonderful part of the Porongurups, made to feel welcome from the moment we opened the door to a lovely warm fire in the cosiest cottage. Highly recommend and will definitely be returning.Just Jones9/08/2021
- What a wonderful cottage located in the shadow of the Porongurups. A beautiful property with kangaroos, private walks and views across the plain to the rugged outline of the Stirling Ranges. We didn’t have perfect weather for hiking and views (although we loved the mist). Michael’s cottage was a cosy, well presented and equipped hideaway and he was a terrific host - even producing wet weather gear for me, when I’d forgotten mine, and he welcomed my cat. Highly recommended.Pamela Watson7/08/2021We had the most wonderful stay at Thorns Mountain Retreat. It is a magical place, the cottage is beautiful, well furnished and equipped, super comfy beds and glorious views from the property. Mike is a wonderful host and please do take time to enjoy Mike's company, he is so knowledgeable about the local area and very generous with his time, explaining where all the best places to go are. The Porongarups is a hidden gem and we will most certainly be back.Poggy4/08/2021
- Stayed here with the family and loved by all. Copy Pioneer cottage with a authentic spirit. Mike was a good host and knowledgeable.Michiel Harberts2/08/2021Great place to stay. Good friendly hospitality with helpful information.Ben Grummels1/08/2021
- What a gorgeous place with spectacular views of the Stirling Ranges to base ourselves while we explored the Porongurup region of WA. The cottage (Mountain View) was very cosy and Mike had the fire ready for us upon our return from an afternoon hike on our first day. Mike's passion and knowledge for the region was clear in his detailed guides provided in the cottage but we were also lucky enough to hear many stories first hand from Mike while we were there. The cottage's location makes it an ideal base for not only the Bluff Knoll climb but only a 5 min drive from the iconic Castle Rock and across the road from a delightful winery.
Beds were comfortable, kitchen had everything we needed and having the extra bathroom was handy as there were 3 of us. We closed out one evening up the top of the property with a special sunset view over the vineyards and woke up to the misty mountain views from our verandah. Could not recommend a stay here more, not only for the accommodation but for such a wonderful guide that comes with it! Only regret is we did not have time to stay longer.Lauren Phelan1/08/2021Loved our stay at Thorn Mountain cottage, it was cosy, clean, had everything we needed and we loved the views. Mike was super helpful with what to do and where to hike in the area. Great maps of walks from the property and paths were well marked. Location was perfect for accessing walks in the Porongurups and local wineries/pub. Thanks for a great stay Pippa and Pete.Pippa Lane1/08/2021 - Awesome place, clean, well kept, great cooking facilities. Awesome private walk trails, well marked. we had breakfast on one if the Rock formations overlooking the valley. There is do many great points to this private secluded accommodation.adrian moore10/01/2020Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful!! Can't wait to go back!
Carol-Ann Lynch9/30/2020 - What a gorgeous place with spectacular views of the Stirling Ranges to base ourselves while we explored the Porongurup region of WA. The cottage (Mountain View) was very cosy and Mike had the fire ready for us upon our return from an afternoon hike on our first day. Mike's passion and knowledge for the region was clear in his detailed guides provided in the cottage but we were also lucky enough to hear many stories first hand from Mike while we were there. The cottage's location makes it an ideal base for not only the Bluff Knoll climb but only a 5 min drive from the iconic Castle Rock and across the road from a delightful winery.
Beds were comfortable, kitchen had everything we needed and having the extra bathroom was handy as there were 3 of us. We closed out one evening up the top of the property with a special sunset view over the vineyards and woke up to the misty mountain views from our verandah. Could not recommend a stay here more, not only for the accommodation but for such a wonderful guide that comes with it! Only regret is we did not have time to stay longer.Lauren Phelan5/30/2020My wife and I are keen birders, we love walking and I am a runner. This is a perfect spot to tick all of these boxes. It’s very conveniently located for Castle Rock and the Devil’s Slide (along with other beautiful trails in the Porongurups). There are plenty of trails and beautiful walks around the property if you don’t want to drive anywhere too. The Stirling Range is only a 40 minute drive, if you fancy a change of scenery. For birders; we would see plenty of Purple Crowned Lorikeets, White Breasted Robins, Splendid Fairy Wrens, Baudin’s Cockatoos, Yellow Rumped Thornbils, Western Rosellas and the ubiquitous New Holland Honeyeaters just while we had morning coffee! We will return I’m sure.
Matt Rolfe11/07/2019 - Thanks to Peter and Mike for being such great hosts, they are very enthusiastic ambassadors for a great part of the World. We spent three nights at the Mountain View accommodation which is comfortable and very clean. The view to Bluff Knoll whilst warming up in front of the fire is exceptional.
We spent a few days hiking in both the Stirling Range and Porongurups and will definitely be back in the area and back to Thorns Mountain Retreat.
Thanks again Peter and Mike
Bradley Stringer11/05/2019Our 5 nights at the Pioneer Cottage on the extensive Thornes Mountain Retreat acreage was wonderful. Our hosts Mike and Peter provided everything we required to have an interesting and restful break from the Perth City hustle. Detailed maps of bush and forest walks were excellent. The Mountain Retreat location nestled in the Porongurups on the doorsteps of the beautiful Stirling Ranges was sensational. We loved the fluffy white bath towels and wood stove. The little library and coziness of the cottage was very special. We'll be returning in the Autum. 4 1/2 stars.
Gillian Ingram10/09/2019 - We loved our stay in Pioneer cottage! Peter and Mike are great hosts, the location is fantastic, and the cottage was so comfy with everything we needed. There are beautiful bushwalks straight from the property, with stunning panoramic views.
Snork Banana8/03/2019Peter and Michael's place is brilliant and exactly as described by others and on their website. My wife and I stayed there for 6 nights in the Hillside Cottage and were joined for 3 nights by our daughter, husband and grandson for 3 nights, with them staying in the Pioneer Cottage. Both cottages are excellent, the property location perfect and the information about the area supplied by the Thorns was fabulous. Highly recommended!!
Peter Rich7/29/2019 - Peace and tranquillity in the Porongurups. Excellent stay in Hillside Cottage with all the amenities you need. Peter and his son Michael couldn’t have been nicer hosts and their knowledge of the area and its history is extensive. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay.
Sharon Dehmlow4/11/2019Really nice place. It has a lot of kangaroos, beautiful landscape and very good wine.
Thorn and his father are very helpful.Michael Wüthrich1/08/2019 - Really nice place. It has a lot of kangaroos, beautiful landscape and very good wine.
Thorn and his father are very helpful.Michael Wüthrich12/01/2018
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!!