Nestled in the heart of a protected nature refuge you will find a high-end guest house and lavish cabins, perfect for your next escape.

At Mt Cotton Retreat, you can wake up to a picturesque sunrise, surrounded by stunning bushland and to the sound of birds on your balcony. Mt Cotton Retreat is located just 30 minutes from the Brisbane CBD as well as Gold Coast Northern Beach and is positioned on a 20-hectare private nature refuge. The refuge is called Boom-Ber-Pee, meaning Koala, as the property lies on the Koala Coast Corridor. This boutique retreat offers an array of bed and breakfast (B&B) options including rooms, suites and self-contained eco- cabins.

The Main House

Mt Cotton Retreat has a main guest house which has a variety of B&B suits and rooms. On the Garden level, there are two, 2-bedroom suits which are perfect for family groups or a double date weekend away. In between the two rooms is an ensuite, kitchenette and a separated private TV lounge. As well as the family suites there are also four B&B Deluxe Rooms. Here you will have to make some tough choices; would you like a king or queen bed, are you okay with a shower or would love a relaxing bath, are you looking for a middle eastern escape or maybe a more zen vibe with oriental decor? Each of the four rooms has different décor and bedding and most have their own private deck, perfect for a relaxing afternoon.

Self-Contained Cabins

If you are after a more private escape the self-contained cabins are perfect. On offer are two luxury pavilions that overlook the lake, so you have a stunning water view. These pavilions have full kitchen facilities with beautiful timber floors and a stunning screened decking area. However, if you are looking for accommodation that will cater for the whole family, look no further than the Family Cottage. This cottage has 2 bedrooms, an open plan lounge/dining and laundry facilities.

There are also five Pavilions in the Treetops with heaps of windows and natural light. Here you’ll discover a variety of native birds amongst the trees and flying overhead. Two of these Pavilions are actually pet friendly, so you don’t have to leave your best friend behind. All of the cabins have direct disabled access and the open-plan design, including walk-in showers which allow for eased mobility.

Things to do

While you are staying at Mt Cotton Retreat there a variety of fun activities to keep everybody happy. Within driving distance, you will also find Sirromet Winery and a few golf courses. If you’re bringing the kids, make sure you arrange a time to check out the Gold Coast theme parks and northern beaches. Other day trip ideas include a trip to North Stradbroke Island, Moreton Bay Island and Mt Tamborine. Make time for a beautiful nature walk around the retreat and keep your eyes open for native wildlife including birds, wallabies, echidnas, gliders, possums, goannas, rocket frogs and of course koalas.

Sustainable actions

Koala’s mean a lot to Mt Cotton, so as well as the refuge, they have a Koala Conservation agreement in place. Mt Cotton is also part of the Land for Wildlife Program. To help the refuge thrive, they also undertake weed management and revegetation programs which enhances the ecological value of the land. Thoughtfully, when building the retreat, the owners carefully positioned the cabins in natural clearings to minimise tree loss and built the cabins with natural timber, so they blend into the surrounding bushland environment. Due to their hard work and environmental commitment, Mt Cotton Retreat has held Advanced Eco Accreditation from Ecotourism Australian for the past eight years. They have also joined TripAdvisor’s GreenLeader programme.

Mt Cotton allows for the perfect bushland, near-city escape. Here, surrounded by pristine nature you can kick back and relax surrounded by beautiful Australian flora and fauna. Rest easy knowing Mt Cotton Retreat takes sustainability seriously and protects native species like their prized koala. Who knows you might even see one when you stay here.

Where?

Address: 355 West Mount Cotton Rd., Mt Cotton

Website: www.mtcottonretreat.com