REST and RESET in this peaceful place; an idyllic getaway for two in the lush Byron hinterlands. Daydream to the flow of rural life, the spectacular wildlife, soundscapes and scenic blissbombs of the valley. Handy to Byron's best beaches and entertainment, or enjoy the shopping, dining and pamper treats of our charismatic hinterland villages. Then sleep-in to the sounds of nature. This is living! The space * * * * * 9/10 GUESTS WISH THEY'D BOOKED AN EXTRA NIGHT. So if you’re booking two nights between Thursday and Monday, message me for $40 off your third. ** Please note: not available during local festivals or public holidays. * * * * * Birdsong is an airy, light-filled open plan eco-cottage with a stylish LIVING SPACE looking out onto beautiful tropical gardens and rural landscape. Furnishings are comfortable and modern, in calm subtle tones that complement the beauty of the surrounding hills. High speed wifi, a bluetooth speaker and tv with complimentary netflix are all included (although we're sure you'll agree there's much more interesting stuff to look at here than screens). There's also a ceiling fan, reverse cycle airconditioning and a heater. The KITCHEN is equipped to make simple meals (see our inventory below); then leads out onto a leafy deck where you can relax with a sundowner and enjoy your meal after a busy day of daydreaming and sightseeing. The restful BEDROOM niche has a medium firm queen bed (to which we can add a feather topper if you prefer a soft mattress), premium bamboo and cotton linens and a selection of soft and firm pillows to ensure a deeply restful sleep. * Top tip: drawing the honeycomb blind in the bedroom will add zeds to your sleep-in.* There is a TINY WALK-IN wardrobe to hang and store your belongings and a steamer to freshen up anything that was creased in transit. The ENSUITE BATHROOM also offers plenty of storage for your amenities and the shower has a large rain shower head to help unwind at the end of a scenic hike or shopping expedition, with overhead heater lamps and heated towel racks for the essential luxury of warm fluffy towels. Now, can we talk toilets for a moment? As an eco dwelling, Birdsong boasts a state-of-the-art indoor waterless composting ENVIRO LOO which recycles waste for composting and watering our rainforest trees. If we hadn't said so you probably wouldn't even have noticed until it came to flushing because, well, there isn't a flush. Instead you simply drop in a scoop of the wood shavings provided when you've finished, then close the lid. It's all super hygienic and easy to use - and you'll be making a contribution to the environment each time you go! We pride ourselves on providing optimal comfort for your stay with us at Birdsong in beautiful Possum Creek, and it's fair to say that environmental responsibility becomes a way of life when you live here in paradise. We minimise our environmental impact through solar power generation and storage, rainwater collection, instant gas hot water and instant induction cooker. All our shower and kitchen greywater is recycled through extensive underground gravel pits and reedbeds for garden irrigation. I guess it will go without saying that we love having like-minded guests who also value nature and are thoughtful in their use of these resources. We put a lot of thought into making Birdsong an idyllic retreat for one or two adults and we hope you love it! However due to free-ranging animals and wildlife, it is not suitable for children or infants, or for pets. WHAT YOU'LL FIND INSIDE: The kitchen is equipped with the following COOKING FACILITIES: - an induction cooking plate and range of pots, pans and implements, - grill oven and trays, - microwave, - toaster, - kettle, - espresso coffee machine, - plates, bowls, coffee mugs, tea cups, stemless wine/water glasses and cutlery, - some tupperware to keep leftovers fresh, - mini fridge. We also provide the following COOKING BASICS: - an initial quantity of milk, - a selection of teas plus pod coffee, - sugar, salt and pepper, - olive oil. (When in season, we like to offer fresh organic fruits from our garden). Complimentary BATHROOM BASICS: - shampoo and conditioner, - shower gel, - handwash, - hair shower cap, - disposable toothbrush, - hair dryer, - towels. In the BEDROOM and WARDROBE: - quality bed linen, - a selection of pillows, - extra blankets, - blackout blinds, - clothes hangers, - clothes steamer, - disposable slippers. And the LIVING ROOM: - TV with complimentary Netflix plus, - bluetooth sound speaker, - USB connector plugs. CONNECTED: - We provide unlimited STARLINK high speed wifi to keep you technologically connected and entertained. You can set your phone to WIFI DIALLING for phone signal however Telstra is the only carrier servicing the valley. A smoke alarm, first aid kit and fire extinguisher is provided in case of emergency. Please note there is no laundry at Birdsong but there are facilities in Bangalow, our local town, just a short scenic drive away. GO AHEAD, FALL IN LOVE WITH THE WILDLIFE Last but not least, we share this incredible valley with an abundance of wildlife including all the Aussie favourites: wallabies, echidnas, koalas and platypus, plus a multitude of mammals, reptiles, insects and birds. They can be surprisingly vocal and are not always shy, however they are still wild so it's important to not feed or touch them! Even the cute fluffy ones can bite or scratch if they feel threatened. It is the perfect balance of the fluffy, spiky, scaly, hoppy, scurrying, buzzing and flappy that makes this valley so extraordinary. PLEASE NOTE: We love domestic fur kids, but because our property has free ranging chickens and wildlife, pets cannot be accommodated. * * * * * ID VERIFICATION: For insurance purposes we kindly request a picture of your Drivers License photo ID (front and back) with your booking request. * * * * * Thank you for your interest in Birdsong eco cottage in the lush Byron hinterlands! We look forward to hosting your hinterland retreat. 🙏 Guest access There are sometimes other guests staying on the property, and farming operations being carried out on neighbouring properties (such as paddock maintenance and animal care) so it's important that guests use the parking and accommodation specified. Other things to note 10 THINGS TO DO WHEN VISITING From Birdsong you are in easy proximity to the very best of the Byron shire. We are a short, scenic drive to the charismatic hinterland villages of Bangalow, Federal and Newrybar; spectacular bushwalks, swimming holes, beaches; so many culinary delights and shopping therapies ... all while revelling in nature and falling in love with the wildlife! REVEL IN NATURE WITH A WALK, HIKE, DIP, PADDLE OR SWIM 1. Jingi Walla! - welcome to Bunjalung Country. Before European settlement, the Arakwal-Bundjalung people lived in the Byron Bay region for more than 20,000 years. The area’s Indigenous history is artfully retold by Arakwal-Bundjalung woman Delta Kay from Explore Byron Bay who offers tours, sharing her knowledge of bush tucker, natural medicine and traditional culture. 2. Rainforest Walks and Water Falls: If it's a quiet hike you're feeling, there are lots to choose from. The Byron Shire, Northern Rivers is home of the Big Scrub Rainforest and myriad other serene walks amidst nature in the many national parks. Take a short drive to witness the stunning Minyon Falls in Nightcap National Park, or Killen Falls in a special patch of rainforest, part of the Big Scrub in Tintenbar. Both are ideal for hiking, bathing and quiet picnics. 3. Water Wings: Locals' favourite swimming holes, Keys Bridge and Killen Falls can be found on the way to Federal village and Tintenbar respectively. Or do as the Romans do with a quick dip right here in Possum Creek at the bridge or causeway waterholes where you'll share the valley with platypus, fish, yabbies, water dragons, koalas, echidnas and so many birds. For a kayak or paddle board, head to Brunswick Heads both for equipment hire and one long lovely river to explore. (Plus some great eateries and the Bruns Hotel beer garden). If you’re keen for some surfing and to spot dolphins, whales or turtles, head down to the Bay. The Pass and Wategos are spectacularly beautiful and full of all those wonderful things. You can book a whale watching trip and snorkling tour of Julian Rocks to see the turtle breeding grounds. While you’re down that way you might as well relax in the sun and top up your tan. SCENIC DIVERSIONS 4. Scenic Drives: Take leisurely drives through the Byron Bay hinterland, enjoying the beautiful countryside and panoramic views. Start at the St Helena Lookout at the beginning of Coolamon Scenic Drive and give yourself a couple of hours to meander through the hinterland, stopping for yum yums at the little villages you find and by the side of the road for a whole lot of oohing and ahhhing. 5. Crystal Palace and Shambhala Gardens: home of the world’s largest and most beautiful natural crystals known as the Crystal Guardians, where you can climb into an ancient amethyst cave called the Dragon Egg for a selfie and revel in the wonder of sacred statues and the World Peace Stupa, a project blessed by the Dalai Lama. Why not have a photo of your aura taken while you’re there? 6. Macadamia Castle / Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary is a great place to experience the wildlife if you prefer your animal encounters to be managed by skilful handlers. There’s also lots of great local macadamia-based produce. Once you've feasted your eyes, fine dining is a 5 minute stroll from Birdsong along Friday Hut Rd to the award-winning Hut Dining. For a wider range of gastronomic delights and entertainment, take it beachside to Byron Bay. Or for some small town hospitality, cosmopolitan shopping therapy and a wide range of specialist health and relaxation treatments, wind your way through the hinterlands to our much-loved villages of Bangalow, Newrybar and Federal. COSMOPOLITAN DELIGHTS, SHOPPING & OTHER THERAPIES 7. Arts and Culture: Explore local art galleries and cultural centers showcasing the area's artistic talent. There are many but we’d begin at the arts precinct in Station Street, Bangalow (up near the A&I Hall) as there’s also a great cafe with a lovely relaxed al fresco vibe. 8. Markets: There are Saturday night markets in Byron Bay and the much larger, vibrant local market of Bangalow, held on the fourth Sunday of each month for crafts, produce, and entertainment. 9. Cafés and Restaurants: Indulge in the diverse culinary scene, with various eateries offering local and international cuisine. There’s lots of choice in Byron and there are some great finds in the villages of Bangalow, Newrybar Nashua and Federal. Special occasion? You might like Hut Dining (a short stroll from Birdsong), Doma (in Federal), Frida's Field (in Nashua), Raes on Wategos (Watego Beach). One of our faves for a very casual vibe, with spectacular hinterland and ocean views - and a closely guarded local secret - is the great pop up eatery at Coorabell Hall on Coorabell Scenic Drive. The type of fare and the chefs change daily in the pop up style. Look them up to see what’s cooking on the days you’re here. 10. Yoga and Wellness: Engage in yoga classes, all types of massage, reiki and other wellness modalities offered in and around the shire. The community board at the Bangalow Post Office is a great place to find local practitioners, as are the local papers. * * * * See DEE'S GUIDEBOOK in this listing for links to our favourite people, places and things to do while you're here. FOR A MORE SPECIFIC LIST OF WHAT'S ON WHILE YOU'RE HERE, grab a copy of the Bangalow Herald and the Echo, both excellent quality free publications full of what’s what and when in the Byron Shire. Both are also available online. * * * * Registration Details PID-STRA-63007