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

    

    

Quiet Summer Retreats Around Australia

Hatchers Richmond Manor

Located 20 minutes from Hobart, Hatchers Richmond Manor is a modern day old fashioned hideaway. This family run business which is settled on 100 acre working farm and orchard is just remarkable and truly an insight into the process of fresh produce to the finished good. You can sample the domestic wines and witness the harvesting process in January. Take a horse-drawn carriage around the property on the famous Clydesdale horses. With a variety of comfy home style rooms on the panoramic acreage it is perfect for the family to relax and enjoy what nature has to offer.

Clydesdale Horses at Hatcher Richmond Manor, Tasmania

Cradle Mountain Chateau

Cradle Mountain Chateau is an absolutely breathtaking destination situated in the serene alpine woodland setting of Cradle Mountain. Near is the world-heritage Cradle Mountain Lake St Clair National Park which has some spectacular bush walks and look outs to explore that lead to the gorgeous Dove Lake. You can explore the surroundings and local cuisines by participating in regional beer tasting and complimentary foods, Tasmania’s Tiger exhibition and Night time Animal exploration. Onsite there are multiple dining areas including The Grey Gum, Quoll’s Restaurant and Brushtails Bar which provide warm hearty meals all from local produce to match the rugged atmosphere. You will definitely find a warm burning fireplace to rug up next to and enjoy the spectacular views. 

Picturesque Cradle Mountain Chateau, Tasmania

Chardonnay Lodge

For the fine food and wine lover you need to enter paradise at Chardonnay Lodge in the heart of the Coonawarra Vineyards midway between Adelaide and Melbourne is the pinnacle to places to go. With a modern and modest feel and ample landscape ground to wonder it is perfect for families and anyone who needs a quite and relaxed getaway. Some attractions and facilities include a pool, the world heritage listed Naracoorte Caves, Blue Lake, Penola and the Mary MacKillop Centre.


Across the road is The Poplars Cellar Door Precinct which is an enjoyable location featuring a cheese bar and local produce store. It has an award winning onsite art gallery which displays the works of Australia born artist Jenny Johnson and others. This is an easy going, relaxing destination perfect to unwind and appreciate the local produce and wine. 

Chardony Lodge, South Australia

Bloomfield Lodge

If you want to experience Cairns in a picturesque, quiet sanctuary then Bloomfield Lodge is the place to escape. Located 140m north of Cairns, in the world heritage listed Daintree Forest also boarder line with The Great Barrier Reef this is a match made in heaven. You can indulge in the breathtaking scenery of either water or wilderness and experience all the beauty Cairns has to offer. With ample relaxation facilities and actractions to discover including the secluded Kangaji Beach, it has something for everyone.

The 17 individual retreats all built from local timber with colonial-style elegance and first class amenities really embraces and displays the natural heavenly surroundings. 

View from balcony at Bloomfield Lodge, Queensland

Davidson’s Arnhemland Safaris

If you want to experience nature it is natural form and to learn and enjoy Australia’s history then Davidson’s Arnhemland Safaris is a great destination. Situated in an exclusive area of the Northern Territory on the sacred Arnhemland it is truly an escape from the busy city and  allow yourself to unwind. This national treasure chest has countless experiences and activities including guided tours through ancestral caves with stunning original rock paintings and carving. It also accommodates for the more adventurous by providing bushwalks, 4WD adventures, wildlife spotting through the adjacent Kakadu National Park as well as fishing and swimming.

There is a variety of accommodation from luxury to earthly options of campfire cabins. No matter where you are you will see and appreciate the beautiful wilderness and atmosphere of this sacred land. 

Cabins at Davidson's Arnhemland Safari Lodge, Northern Territory

Eco Beach Broome

Eco Beach Broome is a lovely quite escape hidden at the top of Wester Australia near Broome. This award winning resort is the perfect blend of beach and bush referred to as an ‘accessible wilderness’.

The modern and stylish accommodation located right on the beach front and a backyard of bushland really captures all of Northern Territory’s beauty. You can explore the remarkable wilderness by participating in turtle and whale spotting and talking, multiple bushwalks, kayaking and end the day with yoga or a Kimberly Taste where you try some local delicacies. Another unique and fun activity is the Mud ‘n’ Fun which is a natural local treatment comprising of sand exfoliation and covering yourself in mud crab mud.

Beach and Bush blend at Eco Beach, Western Australia

After a long day of adventure and exploring you can reenergise at Jack’s Bar & Restaurant. It is an onsite water coastline restaurant providing outstanding cuisine looking at a picturesque view. 

Outstanding Cuisine at Jack's Bar & Restaurant

For assistance booking your Australian holiday call Sunlover Holidays on 13 88 33.