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

    

    

Six Tree Top Retreats

Want to get away from the fast, busy and structured lifestyle of the city then a stay is well overdue at Australia’s tranquil hotels hiding amongst the tree tops. With relaxing facilities and natural attractions to relieve the mind and de-stress the body you will never want to leave. The hidden gems are scatted all over Australia particularly in Queensland, New South Wales and Tasmania.

Thala Beach Lodge, Port Douglas Queensland

Hidden away in the forests canopy 10 minutes from Port Douglas, Thala Beach Lodge is a tranquil oasis. With a 5 star luxury rating due to its panoramic views from the onsite world class restaurant Ospreys of the coastal lines and the earthiness of the timber bungalows Thala is at one with nature. You can bequeath yourself in the local nature by experiencing bird watching, star gazing, turtle spotting, enjoying the garden walks and many more. The cool and spacious stilt built bungalows will accommodate all your needs and the paths to the main building and sandy beaches weave amid organic eucalyptus tress. It is a highly accredited eco friendly through its awareness and sustainable practice.

Bungalow, Thala Beach Lodge, Port Douglas

Silky Oaks Lodge & Healing Water Spa

Luxury and nature are each others yin and yang at Silky Oaks Lodge & Healing Water Spa. The boutique hotel lodge is spread out along the Mossman River in contemporarily designed Treehouses surrounded by stunning rainforest adjoining national treasures including Daintree National Park and nearby Great Barrier Reef. There are countless activities including yoga, helicopter rides, drop off picnics, jungle surfing canopy tours to explore the spectacular environment.

Treehouse Silky Oaks Lodge & Healing Water Spa, Queensland

The Healing Water Spa is one of a kind, inspired by ancient wisdom to harness the power of nature. The treatments are designed to nature and nurture the mind, body and spirit incorporating the surrounding rainforest. Winner of the 2011 Spa Award you will feel rejuvenated and revitalised.

Healing Water Spa, Silky Oaks Lodge

Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa

If you want to appreciate nature and all it has to offer with the immersion of aboriginal culture then Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa is your destination. With only 15 exclusive “bayans” (houses) nestled in the Daintree Rain Forest you are definitely at one with mother nature. It is an Ecolodge with the most pampering through its spa facilities which utilises the water from the nearby waterfall and incorporates Aboriginal culture and techniques. You can immerse yourself in local surroundings by participating in horse riding, Daintree river cruises and Rainforest safaris. The native Aboriginal culture is fused into all the aspects of the lodge and can be fully experienced by joining one of the tours or an Aboriginal art workshop.

"Bayans" at Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa, Queensland

Eaglereach Wilderness Resort, Barrington Tops- NSW

Eaglereach Wilderness Resort is the perfect place to see nature in its natural form, observe wildlife and captivate the Australian essence only 2 hours from Sydney. Placed in the Hunter Valley every room has a picturesque view spreading from either the Barrington Tops to the Pacific Ocean constantly providing breathtaking scenery to just relax and unwind. On the 1000 acres there is plenty of Australian wildlife to see including kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas to the majestic wedge tailed eagle. Kayaking, mountain bikes and many more activities are complementary, perfect for the tight budget and not impeding on any enjoyment.    

Eagle Wilderness Resort, New South Wales

Stewarts Bay Lodge, Port Arthur

Located next to Port Arthur Historic Site Stewart Bay Lodge unites the water and forest into the perfect fusion accommodating every ones interests. Each day can be a new adventure either snorkeling in one of the nearby bays to bushwalking the Tasmanian Peninsular. It has a variety of facilities including Taylor’s Waterfront Restaurant which uses local sourced produce and flavours. There are countless natural attractions to explore including the nearby cascading Waterfall Bay, a remarkable cave and a riding ranch. Perfect for the active holiday.

View from cabin at Stewart Bay Lodge, Tasmania

Huon Bush Retreats, Tasmania

A lovely retreat placed in the centre of Huon Valley, Tasmania which is ideal for the person with a love of wine and a forest wonderland. The valley is home to vineyards which can be explored through the seasonal trails which let you discover high quality local produce to tantalise your taste buds. The rooms provide a warm feeling with a fireplace making you feel at home whilst enjoying the beautiful and peaceful surroundings. Very private though close to all attractions including the picturesque Huon Trail Touring Route, Hartz Mountain National Park and Recherché Bay Nature Recreation Area.

  

Tree house at Huon Bust Retreats, Tasmania

Top 10 attractions on Fraser Island

1. Scenic flight

Experience a fantastic bird’s eye view of the ancient rainforests, fresh water lakes including the amazing butterfly lake, fabulous stretches of sand dunes and bright blue sea, marine life including whales during whale season, ending with a thrilling beach landing.

2. Lake McKenzie

High in a sand dune, 100 metres above sea level enjoy the crystal clear, blue waters of Lake McKenzie and relaxing soft white sandy shore. Lake McKenzie covers more than 150 hectares and is over five metres deep.

3. Fishing

Enjoying fishing along Fraser Islands famous 75 Mile Beach, known as one of the best beach fishing spots in the world. Trailer boats can be launched in the calm water behind Indian Head and Waddy Point for fishing off the coast.

4. 4WD along the beach

Drive along the 75 Mile Beach highway and enjoy the scenic views, including a ship wreck - but watch out for dingoes! Between June and October you may also see Humpback Whales off the beach. It is advised that essential spares, a tow rope, spade, water and first aid kit are carried.

5. Eli Creek

This is the largest creek on the Eastern side of the island with a flow of eight million litres of water a day. Eli Creek is a popular swimming and picnic spot, you can walk along the boardwalk and watch everyone swimming and floating by in the swiftly flowing creek from the bridge at the far end of the boardwalk.

Float down Eli Creek

6. Champagne Pools

Just North of Indian Head, discover the Champagne pools, a very popular swimming hole. The Champagne Pools are naturally formed by volcanic rock, the ocean crashes over the rocks and into the shallow sandy pools creating foaming water, giving the pools its name. The timber walking tracks and steps enable easy access so everyone can enjoy relaxing in the water or sunbathing along the rocks or sand nearby.

7. Indian Head

Climb to the top of Indian Head for amazing panoramic views of Fraser Island’s beaches. Dolphins, turtles, sharks and huge rays can be spotted from here on clear days. During whale season you are sure to spot the humpback whales passing by.

8. The Pinnacles

The Pinnacles are an ancient sand structure from coloured sands swept assure from the sandstones of inland Australia providing an amazing example of the creative powers of nature. The beautiful mix of red, yellow, brown, and orange sand is best viewed in the morning light which highlights the beauty of all the different shades.

9. Rainforest

Majestic rainforests can be found among the sand providing homes to many beautiful native birds. The dense canopy of trees provides a cool and refreshing place to enjoy a peaceful walk along creeks that are so clear you can see leaves resting on the creek bed. 

Central Station

 10. Lake Wabby

The Island’s deepest lake is Lake Wabby at 11.4 metres which can be accessed through a walking track from the beach. It is known as both a window lake and a barrage lake; window lakes are formed when the ground level falls below the water table and barrage lakes are formed when a sand blow blocks the waters of a natural spring. Unlike the other lakes, Lake Wabby is home to several varieties of fish.