A hand-built tourist destination in Inverloch with multiple income streams is coming to market after almost 30 years in the same family.
A hand-built destination in Inverloch with its own golf course, cafe and garden maze is being sold after almost 30 years in the same family.
Melaleuca Links, at 5765-5775 Bass Highway, about 5km from Inverloch and a short drive to Wonthaggi, covers 8.09ha across two titles and is being offered for sale as the owners step back after what they describe as “30 summers” to build the destination from scratch.
Fiona McMahon-Hughes from Ray White Inverloch said operational tourism properties of this size and diversity almost never came to market in regional Victoria.
“A boutique golf course combined with accommodation and a fully licensed cafe is as rare as hen’s teeth,” Ms McMahon-Hughes said.
“You simply don’t see these types of established destinations offered for sale.”
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The property features a nine-hole par-three golf course, a licensed café and industrial kitchen, two self-contained cottages overlooking a large dam, and a garden maze that has become an unexpected attraction for visitors.
Additional revenue is generated from a telephone tower under contract, while solar infrastructure and extensive shielding support the operation.
The fully operational nine-hole par-three golf course is the backbone of the business and a major attraction for visitors.
Self-contained accommodation on site provides immediate income and adds to the property’s appeal as a tourist destination.
Ms McMahon-Hughes said the business has proven profitable, but the biggest appeal for buyers is the benefit that is still available.
“They never used it to full capacity,” she said.
“It only runs four days a week, leaving enormous opportunities for a new owner to expand.”
She said options could include extending trading hours, expanding the cafe offering, leveraging the liquor license, activating the maze as a destination experience, or hosting events, retreats and golf days, subject to approvals.
The spacious main home allows owner-occupiers to live on site and run the established business at the same time.
The property also includes a substantial main home with five bedrooms, three bathrooms and multiple living areas, allowing owners to live on site while remaining separate from the guest accommodations.
Owner Lisa Sorrell said the family bought the former horticultural site in 1996 and through years of hands-on efforts transformed it into a working golf and tourist destination.
The garden maze has become one of the most distinctive features of the property and a unique visitor attraction.
“In those early days, we would have all four of our children plant grass branches in muddy water and walk on the fairways,” Mrs. Sorrell said.
“When we first moved into the house, there were six of us living in one room with two dogs and a cat. It was the best six months we ever had.”
One of the property’s most distinctive features, the garden maze, was later constructed using locally pruned Euonymus Japonicus hedges.
“My husband used the bushes we cut to create the maze,” Mrs Sorrell said.
People come from far and wide to eat at the on-site Beach Box Café, which has built up a loyal following.
The cafe is equipped with an industrial kitchen and a seven-day liquor license, allowing for high-volume service.
She said the cafe had developed a loyal following, attracting visitors from far beyond the area.
“People come from far and wide to eat in the café,” she says.
“Everything is made from scratch, except the bread, which comes from the local bakery. Nothing is processed.”
Indoor and outdoor dining areas cater to golfers, tourists and locals visiting the destination cafe.
Two self-contained cottages overlook the dam, offering guests a peaceful stay on site.
Now that the Sorrells have four adult children and four grandchildren, they have decided to retire.
“We are sad to have to sell, we have many good memories here,” Ms Sorrell said.
“But someone with knowledge of turf and hospitality could continue what we have built.”
Expressions of interest for the property close on February 9.
The main residence features a well-equipped kitchen designed for comfortable family living.
Multiple living areas in the main house provide space to relax or entertain after a day running the property.
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