Raleigh Retreat

Relax with a change of pace at this interesting and tranquil getaway. Enjoy the parkland setting at Raleigh Retreat with your own waterhole, and a variety of trails to explore winding throughout the further 170 acres of scrub. Wildlife often including wallabies, koalas, bandicoots, possums, reptiles, and a wide range of birds enjoy Raleigh Park year round, particularly in the morning and evenings. Outdoor wood barbeques can make a nice change to the well equipped kitchen for many guests! The space Raleigh Retreat is a late 1800s workers cottage on the grounds of Raleigh Park, overlooking Charley's Gully. The cabin is over 130 years old and, though greatly cared for, shows its age in some places. Expect to find some loving wear, quaint aging and charming patina both inside and outside. A queen bed is available for couples, however there are many great spots for the more adventurous to roll out a swag or swing a hammock if extra space is needed. A folding cot can be available for the baby. The well equipped kitchen/dining room has a 5 burner gas stove-top and oven, an original wood-burning oven, a microwave and blender. The cold tap in the kitchen provides filtered rain water. The pantry contains oils, condiments and other basics for your convenience. Coffee lovers have a choice of espresso, plunger and stove-top boiler with freshly ground coffee to get you started. Don't despair if you love tea, we have a range here for your enjoyment. The comfortable lounge-room is heated by a wood heater. Firewood is under the deck by the stairs. A table holds games and a couple of wildlife reference books for your perusal. The bathroom includes a bath/shower, plus a front loader washing machine and tub. Soap, shower gel, and towels are supplied. Our theme room is lit with salt lamps, and equipped with a crystal light shower for your enjoyment. It also contains a small library. If you're half way through at checkout time feel welcome to take the book with you! Wifi is available but not compulsory. If you'd prefer an RF free stay we can turn it off. The northward facing porch is great for breakfast year round. Your southern verandah is shaded and ideal for relaxing with a good book, and enjoying the local wildlife. The main barbeque area is 30m from this deck. To the west, our sun deck is the ideal spot to soak up some rays. A short stroll North brings you to our swimming hole where you can also enjoy a barbeque. Swimming towels are in the bathroom cupboard. The park is frequented by a large variety of wildlife including marsupials, mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. We're starting a list of Raleigh Park regulars for the ornithologist. Yellow Tail Black Cockatoos, White Cockatoos, Rosellas x 3 types, Lorikeets x 2 types, Blue Bonnet Parrots, Red Rump Parrots, Galahs, Bower Birds, Kookaburras, Magpies, Currawongs, Butcher Birds, Finches, Stormbirds, Cockatiels, and many other breeds will share the grounds with you. Trails throughout the property facilitate birdwatching, and vary from easy and open for the stroller, to less distinct and tighter, for the more intrepid explorer. The hike to the hilltop at around 750m altitude, rewards the walker with a fine view of the Darling Downs, and the Great Dividing Range. Depending on the season, limes, figs, oranges and olives may be enjoyed from our nearby orchard. (take the olives home and treat them!) Guest access Guests are welcome to explore Raleigh Park with the exception of the main residence. Following the creek bank south will bring you to trailheads, for expeditions up the hill. Heading north along the trail from the cabin you'll arrive at our waterhole, the perfect place to cool off.