High Country Estate

Nancy and Jen weren't new to hospitality when they discovered High Country Estate.

After years of running wedding and corporate catering businesses, they had been searching for a place they could truly make their own.

With its beautiful gardens, iconic maze and welcoming café, High Country Estate had the character and potential Nancy and Jen had been searching for.

The property, located in Goughs Bay and formerly known as High Country Maze, had a long history as a much-loved High Country destination, welcoming day trippers, families and visitors exploring the region.

Recognising the natural beauty of the land, Nancy and Jen also saw the opportunity to breathe new life into the property. In December 2025, they took ownership and began a new chapter, investing in upgrading the property. They focused on restoring the gardens, enhancing the café offering and celebrating the estate’s unique character.

Just weeks after taking ownership, the summer 2026 bushfires impacted the region, bringing an unexpected challenge for Nancy, Jen and the wider community.

The extreme heat and damaging winds took a heavy toll on the gardens at High Country Estate, affecting the very heart of what makes the business so special.

Local farmers and residents suffered significant losses and the impact on tourism was felt across the region. Visitor numbers dropped dramatically during what would normally be one of the busiest holiday seasons. This created uncertainty for local businesses and the region’s ability to recover.

Nancy and Jen’s vision for the estate was heavily impacted, but rather than putting their plans on hold, they focused on what they could control. They rallied alongside the local community and looked for ways to move forward, connecting with business adviser Melissa (‘Mel’) through Business Victoria's Business Recovery Advisory Service.

They described Mel as supportive, approachable and accommodating from the outset, providing them with someone to talk through ideas with, explore options and navigate the uncertainty ahead.

Throughout the process, Mel became a trusted sounding board, helping Nancy and Jen explore new opportunities and build confidence in the path forward for High Country Estate.

Mel reflects on supporting Nancy and Jen as new owners in the region:

‘It has been such a pleasure to work with Nancy and Jen, not only as new business owners and new to the region, but also because the impact of the fires and road closures made this experience all the more stressful. It was a very humbling experience to be able to support and add value to their business operations.’