A simple weekend away can do the world of good. We could not be luckier in Brisbane to have real paradises about an hour away from us in any particular direction. As warm days and cool nights lull us into a spring-time reverie, head to Springbrook, just inland of the Gold Coast, for an opportunity to relax, reflect and respect the amazing natural world that grows high around us.
Accommodation-wise, just a few seconds on their website will tell you The Mouse’s House is one of the best rainforest retreats on the ridge – with cosy wooden chalets, simple yet stylish furnishings, fully equipped kitchen and big bbq, spa (and bathrobes!) all the thinking is done for you and eases you into a relaxing, stress-free weekend. Just don’t forget the champagne, because the closest bubbly can only be found in Nerang.
While listening to the sound of the stream that runs past your deck, lounging in your rainforest surrounds or borrowing the pushbikes available at Mouses House can easily fill in your time, Springbrook offers some other experiences worth investigating.
By day, choose from one of the many amazing walks in the surrounding rainforest areas – some as short as 60m to a view of the Tweed caldera, some as long as 17km which see you winding around the Warrie Circuit to the meeting of the waters at the base of the valley and some breathtaking views of rushing waterfalls and lush forest vegetation. By dusk, take a short car trip to Natural Arch to witness caves illuminated by the fascinating resident glow worms. By night, be humbled by the fragility and insignificance of your existence as you take in celestial sights such as Jupiter, the Moon and Alpha Centauri at one of the only research-based observatories in South-East Queensland.
If you need to get away, there’s no time like the present.
