Inspired by our surrounds
Chef-owner Emma Handley’s first solo venture, Templar opened in July 2018
In a historic building set amongst working cattle farms with an unsurpassed view of Mount Bogong – Victorias highest mountain.
Emma and team offer a seasonally changing contemporary Australian menu.
Emma is committed to sourcing local produce and much of the fruit and vegetables are grown on her own farm.
The Lodge |
Templar Lodge is a beautiful historical timber building with extensive verandas and a grand hall. Templar Lodge was built in the 1950’s as a meeting place for local Freemasons. Their purpose was to “make better men out of good men.” During their monthly meetings, local members would strive to “Strengthen their character by improving their moral and spiritual outlook and broadening their mental horizons.”
The new lodge was cleverly named the Lodge of Beauty in reference to the newly formed hydro electricity construction township of Mount Beauty. The lodge was also the scene of many good times and celebrations. Older locals have fond memories of weddings and parties held in the hall. The Lodge was eventually disbanded and the hall sold.
New owners conducted extensive renovations, adding a large verandah and residence, purpose-built to enjoy the views of Mount Bogong. They operated The Sandstone Galleries and Tea Rooms.
In 2005 Stan Cantwell and Tan Tryhorn bought the building and operated The Ivory Rooms, A popular local restaurant. They closed the restaurant to focus on careers as Ski Patrollers at Falls Creek. Templar Lodge commenced operation in July 2018.
Templar Lodge lies at the foot of Mount Bogong in Tawonga in the Kiewa Valley, the valley is largely untouched by development and consists of beautiful farms and bushland. Mount Bogong looms large with breathtaking views from all parts of the valley. Flowing down the valley is the Kiewa River, its aboriginal meaning is sweet water and to this day is still one of the cleanest rivers in Australia.
The Kiewa Valley’s first peoples were the Theddor-Mittung, they lived roaming the mountains and valleys extracting food according to the seasons. In Summer they ventured up to Mount Bogong to meet with tribes from East Gippsland. Traditionally at these meetings, Bogong moths were gathered from caves and crevices and prepared into patties for feasting where new relationships were formed and goods were traded. Mt Bogong means Big Fella in the Theddor-Mittung language.
Today, visitors enjoy the outdoors, swimming, hiking and mountain biking in summer and skiing/snowboarding in winter.
The Area |
