Escape the heat with these cool Rainforest Retreats

O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, Gold Coast Hinterland

Comfortably cooler than coastal areas, O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat in the Gold Coast Hinterland is the perfect place to escape the heat. Soak up the fresh mountain air and natural beauty of World Heritage listed Lamington National Park. Offering much more than comfortable accommodation, this property showcases the amazing views, waterfalls and 160km of walking tracks this region is famous for.



McPherson Ranges from O'Reilly's

Don’t feel like walking? Then one of their new Segway tours may be for you! Virtually silent and with zero emissions, you will tour through a creek crossing, back into rainforest and then into a Eucalypt forest for some spectacular views of Morans Falls and the Great Dividing Range.

Segway tour at O'Reilly's

If a spa treatment is more your speed O'Reilly's Lost World Spa embraces the natural elements of the surrounding environment, offering discerning guests a chance to be nurtured amongst nature. The soothing sights and scents of the rainforest will calm your mind and refresh your soul as you surrender to the healing touch of qualified therapists.

Binna Burra Mountain Lodge, Gold Coast Hinterland

Looking for a more rustic feel but still want to enjoy Lamington National Park? Settle into the natural charm of Binna Burra Mountain Lodge. The unique isolation provides the perfect escape from the stresses of every day life and a chance to get back to basics, interact with nature and experience a freedom and sense of peace that few places can offer. Surrounded by cool-temperate rainforests, this region is up to 5 degrees cooler than the nearby Gold Coast and even cooler in the evenings!

Binna Burra Mountain Lodge

  

Wile away your days being pampered in the Rejoove Day Spa, or get amongst the rugged mountain scenery with a huge array of walks from easy family friendly paths to guided full day hikes with a packed lunch. Want more adventure? Try your hand at some exhilarating nature based activities like the flying fox, the ropes course or my favourite, abseiling. With some expert advice and guidance from the Binna Burra crew, you could be abseiling down a 10m volcanic escarpment in no time. Then, challenge the knee-shaking, specially selected, 40m or 90m cliff-face – Wow!

Abseiling at Binna Burra

After a hearty country style meal you may wish to join the complementary Spotlight Walk and see possums, frogs or even a tawny frogmouth. Then back at the lodge swap stories around the open fire in the lodge’s communal lounge while sipping a delicious hot chocolate. Or if its Bush Dance night, you could be spinning new friends around the dance floor to the tunes of a real bush band. Too tired from your daylight activities? A glass of wine as the sun sets in the Numinbah Valley may be the perfect end to your day.

Binna Burra sunset

Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat, Sunshine Coast Hinterland

Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat in Montville offers peace, seclusion and romance with 6 luxurious cottages set in lush rainforest. Privacy is assured with cottages nicely separated by surrounding tropical vegetation, some overlooking the refreshing waters of a freshwater creek. Each self contained cottage is beautifully furnished with quality appointments and contains a fully equipped kitchen, bathroom and a double spa bath, air-conditioning, ceiling fans, log fire, TV and more.

There are many fine restaurants within a few minutes drive of Narrows Escape; however should you wish to stay in your cottage for the evening, ask the staff to prepare a gourmet BBQ hamper for you, so you can light a candle or two and enjoy intimate dining in the privacy of your cabin.

Narrows Escape creek side cottage

Wake up to the morning calls of the native birds and the faint creak of foot on wood as a basket of warm croissants and breakfast treats is delivered. After the last of the homemade jam is licked from your fingers, the large verandas invite you to sit and watch nature at its best or you may want to relax under a tree in a creek side hammock. Towering trees, babbling brook, king parrots and sugar gliders make this a paradise to treasure.

Your luxurious creek side cottage may be nestled in seclusion but the pretty towns and villages of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland are just a stones throw away. Spend a day touring the wineries, art galleries, craft shops, restaurants, cafes, cheese factories, day markets or partake in some water sports on Lake Baroon. As a real holiday treat why not borrow a rug from the cottage, gather wine and cheese from the local providores and enjoy a picnic with an amazing view of the Glass House Mountains.

Picnic overlooking the Glasshouse Mountains

Rose Gums Wilderness Retreat, Atherton Tablelands

If it’s time for a cool change in North Queensland then it’s time to head to Rose Gums Wilderness Retreat in the Atherton Tablelands. It’s an easy 80 minute drive from Cairns or 2 hours from Port Douglas but you are a million miles away from all your cares. Escape to total privacy in your pole and timber treehouse with no sign of civilisation (not even another treehouse). Soak away the stresses in your own private spa bath, or view some of the over 160 bird species from the privacy of your verandah. Once you’re ready to stretch your legs there are beautiful walking tracks and even the chance to spot platypus in the pristine rainforest creeks.

Rose Gums Wilderness Retreat

But don’t feel that you are a million miles from the regions attractions; you can hop in your hire car and within 60 minutes drive visit:

• Villages & markets of Malanda, Yungaburra & Atherton
• Numerous waterfalls – Millaa Millaa, Malanda, Millstream
• Crater Lakes Eacham & Barrine
• Arts, craft & antique shops
• Historic sites - Chinese Temple & Herberton village
• Giant trees - Curtain Fig & Cathedral Fig
• Wetlands – Bromfield, Nyleta (Hasties) & Mareeba
• Tinaroo Dam & Ravenshoe Wind Farm
• Malanda Environmental Park

Milla Milla Falls

    

    

5 weekend escapes from 5 cities

Brisbane   -   Maryvale

Spicers Peak Lodge

If you are looking for a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of Brisbane, a short drive to picturesque Maryvale is the perfect getaway. Sit by the fire and read a book or sample some of Queensland’s finest wines and gourmet foods.For the adventurous,  why not take a bushwalk through the World Heritage listed Main Range National Park, or enjoy a day mountain biking. The 5-star (self rated) Spicers Peak Lodge will look after your every need for your backyard getaway.

Sydney   -   Blue Mountains

Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa

Less than a two hour drive from Sydney, the Blue Mountains will allure you with its breathtaking scenery. Check out the Three Sisters at Echo Point in Katoomba, or follow one of the many walking tracks into the Blue Mountains National Park. Take a guided tour and be intrigued by the fascinating limestone Jenolan Caves. There is a multitude of accommodation options from heritage listed buildings, boutique hotels and the luxurious 5-star (AAA rated) Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa.

Melbourne   -    Mornington Peninsula

Peppers Moonah Links Resort

Just an hour and a half drive from Melbourne lays this seaside bliss, filled with art galleries, golfing and great food and wine. Take a walk along the calm waters of Port Phillip Bay or visit the sea-battered cliffs around Cape Schanck. Visit one of the vineyards, indulge yourself in some locally produced delicacies or pick strawberries at the Sunny Ridge Farm. The 4-star (AAA rated) Peppers Moonah Links Resort offers luxurious accommodation for the avid golfer or spa indulger.

 

Adelaide   -   Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island Seafront

One of Australia’s great natural wonders, Kangaroo Island is often known as the ‘zoo without fences’. Meet local sea lions at Seal Bay, sandboard dpwn the Little Sahara dunes or have an encounter with penguins at Kingscote and Penneshaw. Hang ten at one of the islands sensational and uncrowded surf breaks like Pennington or Stokes Bay. Taste locally produced wines, pure honey and gourmet cheeses and yoghurts from the Island Pure Sheep Dairy. The 3-star (AAA rated) Kangaroo Island Seafront offers delightful seaside accommodation for an affordable price.

Perth   -  Margaret River

Quay West Resort Bunker Bay

The Margaret River offers a little piece of everything. You’ll find yourself lying on a beach one day, exploring forests and caves, to indulging in locally produced wines and gastronomic delights the next. Check out some waves at Surfers Point, or sit back and watch the experts take on breakers at the world famous beach. The Quay West Resort Bunker Bay offers fantastic 5-star (AAA rated) accommodation located right on the beach.  

To view more city escapes visit http://www.sunloverholidays.com.au/. For assistance booking your city escape call 13 88 33.

Romantic Holidays

A great romantic escape starts with the destination. Here are some great options for your next dreamy getaway.

Hinterland Retreats

Sunshine Coast Hinterland

The romantic hillsides of hinterland villages of Maleny & Montville on the Sunshine Coast and Mt. Tamborine & Lamington National Park on the Gold Coast offer cute villages full of antique stores, local fudge producers, cheese shops and cafes. Take the chance to interact with nature with a stroll through bushland, trek to a waterfall or picnic at one of the many lookouts. A little further south is Byron Bay Hinterland, well known for its gourmet produce, cheese and coffee. Don’t miss the 19th century town of Bangalow, with veranda clad buildings featuring homeware stores, book shops, art galleries and clothing boutiques.

Mountain Hideaways

The Blue Mountains, just an hour train ride and two hours drive from the heart of Sydney, offers villages and towns perfectly suited to a romantic escape. Take in the Three Sisters and surrounding views from Katoomba, or hold on tight to your loved one while riding the very steep 400 metre Scenic World railway. Bushwalk to Wentworth Falls or enjoy a meal at the township of Leura after a spot of antique shopping. For a cooler climate retreat where you can snuggle by the fire don’t miss Cradle Mountain. Visit in winter and you may be blessed with snow coverage, but don’t worry, this place is picturesque all year round. Short walks through the rainforest will bring you to waterfalls or historic wooden cottages and longer hikes will take you up into the peaks of the mountains.

Vineyard Indulgence

A short drive from many of Australia’s large cities including Melbourne, Adelaide, Sydney and Perth are world renounced wine regions. Enjoy a local Shiraz, Semillon Sauvigion Blanc, sparkling or fortified wine. Amongst the vines are well known hotel chains, country retreats and quaint bed and breakfasts. The local communities don’t just love their wine; they also love a great meal too. Enjoy fabulous local produce in award winning restaurants or find a great local chocolate factory for a sweet treat.

Don’t miss: A balloon ride over the hills of the Hunter Valley, Healesville Sanctuary’s zoo and hospital at Yarra Valley, Mammoth Cave at Margaret River and a cycling tour through the Barossa Valley. 

Coastal Paradise

Australia offers some of the best variety of beaches in the world. From the busy Surfers Paradise, to the pristine, quiet beaches of Tasmania’s East Coast and reef fringed Coral Bay and thousands in between, we have it all. Enjoy the sheltered Main Beach at Noosa, enjoy the calm waters off Port Douglas and Palm Cove or enjoy the rough beauty of cragged coastline in Southern Western WA. The sea air soothes the soul and the sight of waves swelling in rhythm relaxes the mind. Step off the beaten track and you may find a beach all to your own to enjoy in peace and quiet.

Tropical Island Escapes

From the Whitsundays to the coral cays of Heron and Lady Elliot and the tropical paradises of the South Pacific, an island getaway is unforgettable. Friendly, adventurous in a ship wreck sort of way, private and pure escapism you can spend days sunbaking, kayaking, snorkelling with the ocean life or lying in a hammock with a good book. From tropical fruit for breakfast, a dip in the ocean after lunch and a beachside evening stroll where the only sounds around are of the palm trees swaying and the ocean lapping on the shore, nothing compares to an island holiday.

City Celebration

Sydney Harbour

Indulge in boutique shopping, take in a theatre show, eat at the country’s top restaurants or hunt for bargains antiques at inner city markets. For those who love a night out, enjoy the trendy laneways bars and dance into the night at a rooftop club. Many of Australia’s cities also offer coastal or riverside activities, from rock climbing at Brisbane’s Kangaroo Point, trekking up Sydney Harbour bridge, dining along Melbourne’s Southbank and coffee cruises along Perth’s Swan River.

For the perfect couple’s holiday don’t miss our Romantic Escapes packages. From spectacular islands, casual coastal beach resorts, gourmet food and wine regions and the secluded luxury of majestic mountains and rainforests, all our packages are ready for you to explore here.