Girraween Environmental Lodge

I booked in for a 2 night mid-week stay and quickly realised that wasn't nearly enough and extended my stay. I was in a 1 bedroom chalet (no.7) in a great location-very close to the outdoor spa and pools and yet nicely secluded in the bush allowing me to get the full effect of nature and the peace it brings. The neighbouring chalet was close enough for friends/family who may also be staying but far enough away for strangers. The other chalets weren't easily visible at all.The chalet itself was very comfortable and well stocked. There were a few highlights for me-firstly looking out the kitchen window making my morning cuppa to see a foraging kangaroo less than a metre away.Secondly, sitting on the deck and watching the bower bird,butcher birds and magpies while listening to their beautiful songs.Then, the brushtail possum with a joey on her back scrambling down from the roof at dusk to hide underneath the deck!The bed was comfy and warm and I never felt cold at any time although it was winter. The grounds are fun to explore with so many friendly, grazing kangaroos everywhere-I stopped taking photos after the first 20! i didn't try to at any of them as they appear to be wild but I never once felt at risk. I took an easy stroll over to look at the goats and deer in their enclosure and also enjoyed watching the chickens,rooster(which I never heard crow),guinea fowl,geese and ducks that wander freely around outside in the yard near the reception area. I could have fed the goats at 8:30 in the morning but decided to choose sleep ins that I don't usually get in my busy life. The walks on the property are an added bonus-on private property and with beautiful scenery.I walked to the Rock Pools and to Ramsay's Rest which has a picnic table in a little clearing next to a creek-not far at all from the entrance. No noise other than nature and your own thoughts-no planes,traffic,sirens,alarms and no pings on your phone.Due to the lack of phone reception, Bengu offered me the radio walkie-talkies which is a great idea.Don't forget to take a camera with you. There were many other walks available that were more challenging and no doubt also scenic. It was great to have a carport for parking my car directly at the end of the chalet.I would walk up to the reception area each morning to check for messages and emails on my phone but would advise driving if you plan to go in the dark as country/bush darkness is absolute and the roads through the the lodge grounds are dirt and bumpy. Speaking of the darkness-take advantage of the outdoor spa star gazing-just remember to book a time when it will be dark enough.The stars are spectacular with no light pollution getting in the way. Bengu was always cheerful,helpful and available and although she must have explained everything a thousand times to new guests over the years, she has a way of making you feel like you're the first and only one and special! I will definitely be back.

We spent 4 nights here between Christmas and New Year with our teenagers and loved every minute. Very private, perfect place to unwind with the outdoor spa and pools. Everyone enjoyed the deer feeding and relaxing watching the kangaroos everywhere. Next door to the National park, so perfect to go walking there. The walks around the property are fabulous as well. Perfect hosts, very helpful for anything you need

We were there in the beginning of December and thought it would be horribly hot but it was actually perfect temperature. It's an amazing place to stay at. The cabins are very comfortable and have everything you need in them. They're also very private. There are many trails to go walking, and nature is so beautiful there! Having a chat to the owners, Bengu and Peter, is just a bonus, as they're the loveliest, most helpful people! We try to go as often as we can and we recommend it fully.