Romance or adventure, your ideal getaway at Cedar Creek Lodges awaits.
Romance or adventure, your ideal getaway at Cedar Creek Lodges awaits.
Amid the whirlwind of life’s demands, we’re often struck by the sudden temptation to throw our most treasured possessions at a suitcase and start a new life somewhere exotic – though, thankfully the answer to what ails us need not be so extreme.
Escape the everyday hustle and bustle and schedule a #staycay stat – because the stunning surrounds of Cedar Creek Lodges await with the antidote our tired souls seek. A hinterland haven of R&R that’s been hiding in plain sight of our weary eyes all along.
Because let’s face it *gestures vaguely* with absolutely everything we need at our fingertips, Gold Coasters need not stray farther than our own backyards – and when it’s rest and recuperation we seek, we’d be hard-pressed to top the enchanting surrounds of Cedar Creek Lodges.
Offering up a slice of idyllic hinterland serenity, Cedar Creek Lodges has long been adored among locals and holidaymakers for some 25 years now – so it’s safe to say the crew has the art of rejuvenating, reinvigorating and reconnecting down to a fine art.
Set amongst 114 picturesque hectares of Scenic Rim subtropical rainforest and open woodlands, Cedar Creek Lodges captures that elusive feeling of being ‘a world away’ packed with mod-cons and perfectly poised for adventure or romance aplenty.
The sprawling rainforest property, which is also shared with Thunderbird Park, offers plenty of space to cater to caravans and campers for those those who prefer to BYO digs. While for families, the adjacent Park’s range of adventure activities (also available for day visitors) will be especially appealing – including fossicking for ancient thundereggs and crystal panning, the Tree Top Challenge & Canyon Flyer Zipline, Laser Skirmish in a rainforest battlefield and Championship Mini Golf.
Neighbouring Cedar Creek Falls, and nearby – Tamborine Mountain village and National Park are all waiting to be explored, meaning there’s no shortage of things to see, do or experience.
Though you can just as easily succumb to those calls to slow down, curl up beside your one and only and churn through a good book (or three).
If the latter sounds like your idea of heaven, might we suggest the Luxury Glamping tents, all perfectly poised to unplug and unwind with your beloved with your own private spa bath and fire, right on Cedar Creek. Which poises the conundrum: as blue skies beckon will it be a bush walk or a refreshing dip in the Falls to start your day? Trick question, the correct answer is of course c: both.
Alternatively, the brand new accommodation offering “The Vistas” offers the best of both worlds, cosy and chic modern mid-cen inspired suites surrounded by the sprawling treetop expanse beyond your private balcony. Which you’ll definitely be spending plenty of time perched upon, thanks to the inclusion of an inbuilt Teppanyaki cooking facility and plenty of downtime to work on those flips… itadakimasu, indeed.
Suddenly, it’s not hard to see why this choose-your-own-adventure style mountainside escape remains a perennial favourite among visitors of all ages, whether it be weary travellers, couples wanting to cosy up, or families seeking a fun-filled escape to wear out the little tykes (srsly tho, where do they get all that energy).
Where: Cnr Cedar Creek Falls & Tamborine Mountain Rds, Tamborine Mountain
Words by Kellie Leader.
STORY SPONSORED BY CEDAR CREEK LODGES
Ahhh glamping. If it weren’t for you, many of us would recoil and chant “hells to the no” with even the slightest whiff of our man folk trying to coerce us into a tent like structure. But, chuck ‘glam’ at the beginning and we’re all for it! The soaring popularity of this genius concept is ever strong in these post pandemic times when the appeal of exploring our own backyard in all its raw glory is showing no signs of wavering. And now, the cooler weather is upon us which screams campfire, toasted marshmallows, red wine (especially red wine) and outback star gazing on a crisp wintery night.
Thanks to the La Niña rains of late, the rolling planes of red in outback Queensland are more vibrant than ever…and you won’t even need a filter because their a-la-natural beauty is that phenom #nofilter.
Here are seven spots in this ravishing region for you and your other half / gal pals to get your glamp on.
Rangelands Outback Camp
If you’re into epic burning sunsets with a generous dose of luxury, Rangelands Outback Camp ticks those boxes…and many more. Boasting six exclusive supersize tents, you’ll be treated to a king size bed (or king singles) with top designer comforts and air con to wind down after a day exploring the stunning cattle property. Located atop a jump-up on Rangelands Station, it’s a true-blue experience in comfort and style.
Where: Rangelands Station, Kennedy Development Road, Winton
Gilberton Outback Retreat
Want to get off the grid but in five-star luxury? As mildly anxiety-inducing as that may sound, a technology detox is the ultimate way to switch off (literally), unwind and chillax. This stunning retreat set on a working cattle station is one of Australia’s hidden jewels, with international celebs flocking to the retreat for some R&R. If it’s good enough for the rich and famous…
Where: Gilberton Road, Einasleigh
Undara Railway Carriage Accommodation
Return to yesteryear with a turn of the century camping vibe…but in a 2022 kinda way, with the creature comforts we’d rather not leave at home. Offering visitors a unique eco-friendly holiday experience with bygone era charm, you’ll be in awe of the famous Undara Volcanic National Park. From rolling savannah plains to ancient lava tubes and volcanic craters, it’s bucket-list natural beauty at its finest.
Where: Undara Road, Mount Surprise
Mitchell Grass Retreat
If you popped your must-have luxuries from home and an authentic outback experience into a blender, you’d get Michell Grass Retreat. Surrounded by vast grasslands and visiting sheep and cattle, guests are welcome to visit surrounding local properties to hear the DL on outback living. Immerse yourself in nature and spend quality time with your love or your posse, as the golden red sun goes down.
Where: Lot 162 Longreach Muttaburra Road, Longreach
Saltbush Retreat
Is it just us or is an outback soak in an exclusive outdoor bath terrace – complete with sunset canapes – the definition of #goals? Located within walking distance of the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame and Qantas Founders Museum, Saltbush Retreat invites you to indulge in their luxury package for two, including two nights’ accommodation, breakfast baskets, BBQ and salad pack, pantry essentials, pamper pack, cheese and antipasto hamper and bottle of wine. We accept!
Where: 63-65 Ilfracombe Road, Longreach
The Staging Post
If a boutique heritage-themed stay with a rustic-luxe feel is your vibe, then pay attention! Situated in the heart of Longreach, The Staging Post draws inspo from the pioneer era with a unique outback experience enhanced with their lovingly crafted outback quirks. Kick your boots off after an adventure-filled day and immerse yourself in a unique rain-shower feature in your rustic ensuite.
Where: 128 Eagle Street, Longreach
Julia Creek Caravan Park
With six Artesian Bathhouses to help you unwind after frolicking in the outback, the therapeutic properties of water from the Great Artesian Basin will renew your mind, body and soul. Each bathhouse has two huge comfy claw-footed tubs with unparalleled views of the outback sunset. Then, nosh up with one of Julia Creek’s scrumptious award-winning bush dinners…and we’ve just described the perfect day.
Where: Julia Sreet, Old Normanton Rd, Julia Creek
Words by Bianca Trathen.
With a name like Franquette (pronounced Fraen-ket), our minds conjure up images of all kinds of French inspired splendour.
And well done us, because this is precisely what Franquette Bakery on Tamborine Mountain is all about.
Meaning ‘without any fuss’, the name is reflective of the food; simple, unpretentious, and made on the premises using sustainable flours and Australian ingredients when possible.
The result is crust what the doctor ordered, with THE most delicious artisan French carby goodness, making Franquette a legend in the baking.
Founder and Head Baker Jérôme Favier has the perfect ‘blend’ of skills, with a resume any baker would be proud of.
Being somewhat of the Doogie Howser of the bakery world, Jérôme graduated from the typically two-year professional Baker Diploma course in just six months, yeah, as you do.
He then returned to Europe to master traditional artisan methods to produce quality, crafted baked goods, with the intention to come back down under to wow us with his skillz.
Baking for several big names, he spent two years in France, one in Switzerland, plus one in Germany, and this reads like our Contiki tour itinerary circa 2001.
Moving on to the Gold Coast, he enjoyed an eight year stint at Burleigh Baker, where he held the prestigious ‘Master Baker’ post and played a key role – both front and back of house – in the GC institution’s success story.
Jérôme chose the beautiful Tambo location as the village size is similar to his French hometown in Bourgogne.
It also has that unmistakable mountain atmosphere, a relaxed and peaceful lifestyle, and of course, it’s a mecca for locals and tourists alike.
Engaging Shopfit Co for the design, we’re pleased to confirm that from bread to dough, Franquette rocks a French style bakery and bistrot (small café) look and feel.
Everything about this gem is warm and inviting, starting with the striking green and white logo, reminding us that it’s ‘without any fuss’.
The roof forms an eye-catching peak, featuring dark wooden panelling and matching weatherboard, contrasting white bifold doors, bare bulb pendant lights, and lots of on-brand green accents.
The large windows allow people to see the bakers in action #NoSecretsHere, and although it’s geared primarily to the takeaway market at this stage, patrons are invited to sit and relax under the terrace and on the deck.
Around the back is where you’ll find the cute deck space with an outdoor seating area accommodating 40+ people, plus a green area for kids and doggos to hang.
So what sort of bakery wizardry can we expect to unearth?
Firstly, we’re talking more loaf varieties than you can poke a bread stick at, including white, multi, olive, fruit, sandwich, ciabatta, napoleon, spelt, Josephine, miche, and the French bakery staple, baguettes.
Or, if you’re not interested in DYI-ing your sanga or baguette at home, hook yourself up with one of Franquette’s freshly prepared sandwiches, toasted sandwiches or baguettes.
Overflowing with THE most scrumptious fillings (think European influenced deli meats, cheeses, and other quintessentially Euro ingredients), the photos alone induce a drool reflex.
There’s also an assortment of rolls, scrolls, and pasty-infused deliciousness.
Oh and if you’re partial to a croissant and duh, who isn’t, there are melt-in-your-mouth good almond croissants, savoury croissants, or you can order them a-la-natural.
The signature item here is called The Mountain Top which is both intriguing by name, and totes fitting for obvious reasons.
And the signature beverages are their Blackboard coffee bean-based brews, straight outta Burleigh #LocalsSupportingLocals.
Plus there is a range of Blackboard products stocked in the bakery so you can buy some for ‘ron.
Our advice?
Just dough it!
Jump in your car and head for the hills (mountain hills, potato potahto) to experience the best bakery goods since sliced bread.
Where: 155 Long Road, Tamborine Mountain
When: 7am – 3pm Thursday to Monday. Closed Tuesday & Wednesday
Words by Bianca Trathen.
