Sometimes, you just need to get away from it all.
That’s what we were looking for when we booked a weekend at Wallaby Ridge Retreat for our recent wedding anniversary, and it definitely delivered.
We were in desperate need of a break from the cleaning, the mowing, the washing, the family responsibilities, and the one thousand and one other things that seem to consume a typical weekend.
Ideally, we were looking for somewhere comfortable and not too far from home, that gave us the option to explore – but at the same time would be a place where we could relax, sip our favourite beverage, enjoy some good food, and most of all, enjoy each other’s company.
Located about 6km outside of Canungra, in the beautiful Gold Coast hinterland, Wallaby Ridge Retreat is the perfect place for a couple to relax and unwind.
We actually had planned to do some exploring of nearby Mt Tamborine, but were so very comfortable in our little retreat that the only reason we ended up leaving the property was to buy a couple of life’s essentials (chocolate!) in nearby Canungra. Otherwise, we could have happily stayed put all weekend.
As soon as you first head up the rather steep driveway, you can see how this little oasis gained its name, as wallabies graze happily on the slopes.
The main house is a B&B, and houses the reception area, however we opted for the total peace and privacy of one of the two self-contained villas which were added only a couple of years ago.
When our hostess learned that it was our anniversary, she insisted that the breakfast basket she’d placed in the villa just before we arrived, was on the house – a lovely surprise. It included home made bread (to die for), an assortment of cereal options, jams, and inside the fridge we found a litre of REAL milk (so much better than the little UHTs you normally find), as well as tomatoes, eggs from their own chooks, and streaky bacon.
The kitchen contained everything we needed to not only cook our breakfast, but to prepare other meals with the handful of groceries we’d brought with us.
We were serenaded by beautiful birdsong each day, and spent a lot of time sitting out on our verandah just enjoying the fresh air. We even had a visit from a wallaby one evening.
No stay at Wallaby Ridge Retreat is complete without a soak in the spa as you watch the sun set over the mountains in the distance.
There were only two things that marred our experience and these were relatively minor.
First was the people in the next villa, smoking out on their verandah one morning as we ate breakfast on ours. Fortunately this was the only time during the weekend that it really bothered us.
And while we were relaxing in the spa, a fellow passed nearby to feed the wallabies. Although we smiled and gave him a friendly greeting, we received no response. Giving him the benefit of the doubt, perhaps he didn’t hear us – but even so, surely he could have returned our smiles? Such a shame really, as our hostess Robyn was absolutely lovely.
Wallaby Ridge Retreat in Summary
What we particularly loved were the personal touches, such as the complimentary breakfast for our anniversary. The villa was well stocked with all the basics (tea and coffee, soap, shampoo, towels, tourist brochures, etc) as well as little extras – bathrobes (which we pretty much wore all weekend), a few basic groceries including salt, butter and tomato sauce.
Beneath the TV we found a selection of books, magazines and movies, board games and even a couple of jigsaws. The 1000 piece cat jigsaw puzzle made this crazy cat lady’s heart beat a little faster, although I didn’t give into temptation – I knew if I started it I would have to finish it, and that wouldn’t have been fair on my Bear!
Although the hubster had no problems with the free wifi, it wasn’t as easy to access on my phone – we are with different networks – although it seemed to work better out on the verandah. But then again, isn’t the point of a weekend getaway to escape phone calls, texts and social media?! So I’m not complaining!
We were quite sad to leave and head back to the real world, which pretty much sums up how much we enjoyed our stay at Wallaby Ridge Retreat.
What is your favourite place for a weekend break or getaway?
NB Not sponsored, just sharing our experiences.
Sounds like you had a great weekend away!
It was … wish I could go back there this weekend …
Oooo, I need to do this asap!! Kel has planned a fishing trip in August and I’m planning to visit a friend up north, but what we NEED to lock in is a weekend or two just like this. It looks amazing. Soooo relaxing.
Taking time-out as a couple is so precious, especially as we have a house guest at the moment … yes there’s a story there but one I can’t go into.
How wonderful Janet and what a perfect way to celebrate your wedding anniversary. I’ve never heard of this place but it certainly would rate pretty high on my wishlist. I love places that have bushland settings and lots of cute animals.
We normally head for the beach or water for breaks like this, so it was a bit different for us and we loved it!
It looks like a lovely spot + a spa! How kind of them to give you the breakfast basket as an anniversary gift – just a little touch, but it makes all the difference doesn’t it? You’ve made me realize how long it’s been since we went anywhere for a weekend retreat – I might need to suggest something soon for the two of us. Happy Anniversary BTW x
Thanks Leanne it was lovely putting this together, such good memories almost as good as being back there!