Greenlee Cottages

Set in the hills of the Darlington Range in the Canungra Valley, Greenlee Cottages offers guests the opportunity to unwind, disconnect and recharge, just an hour's drive from Brisbane. 

With a beautiful view of the Valley from each of the four cottages and the sound of a bubbling creek on the property's border, the scene is set for rest and relaxation. 

Situated on Greenlee Farm, a working macadamia and honey farm, the cottages are tastefully decorated, with rustic touches and family farming memorabilia adding to the charm of a stay at Greenlee Cottages. Queen size beds, air conditioning, ceiling fans and well appointed decks make for a very comfortable stay. Visitors are likely to spend  a lot of time relaxing on the deck, watching the changing weather and passing wildlife.

There are no ovens or hotplates in the cottages, but the kitchenettes provide a microwave, kettle and toaster and are well equipped with crockery, cutlery, coffee plunger and utensils. An inviting BBQ gazebo (for the sole use of guests) beside the creek is a great spot to cook a meal, relax with a picnic and enjoy the fire pit. Wood is provided for the fire pit and BBQ packs can be ordered from hosts, Robyn and Paul. 

It is a 12km drive to the township of Canungra, so consider packing provisions to save the trip back to shop. A generous breakfast basket (stocked with local produce) is included in the tariff and provides items like Scenic Rim 4Real milk, Norco butter, locally baked bread, muesli containing Greenlee Farm macadamias, Greenlee Farm honey, local strawberry jam, Mt Tamborine's Green Lane Coffee and fresh eggs.

Whilst there's no TV or radio in the cottages, reliable and free WIFI is available. A small selection of reading material is provided and foodies will be pleased to know that amongst these books is a copy of the recently published coffee table book "Eat Local"  by Brenda Fawdon and Christine Sharp. Of an evening, the night sky puts on a spectacular show, with the Milky Way and thousands of stars clearly visible - who needs TV?

Robyn and Paul are very welcoming hosts and happy to pass on local knowledge - Robyn takes guests on a tour of the property (finishing at the farm's lookout) and Paul is happy to show visitors around the macadamia and honey farm. The farm grows two varieties of macadamia trees and has several bee hives. The bees are necessary for the pollination of the macadamia trees and produce delicious raw honey. Guests are also welcome to collect nuts from the orchard floor - nut crackers are provided in the cottages.

A "Land for Wildlife" property, Greenlee Farm is home to wallabies, kangaroos and hares - all easily spotted around the cottages. The Richmond Birdwing Butterfly frequents the property, enjoying its favourite vine, whilst blue gums attract local koalas. Red-tailed glossy black cockatoos alsop visit to feed on the seeds from the cones of mountain sheoaks - it's a rare treat to see these birds so have a camera ready. The farm's close proximity to Lamington National Park sees a wide variety of birdlife visiting.  Keen bird watchers should pack binoculars to spot birds like finches, lorikeets, galahs, sulphur crested cockatoos, red tailed glossy blacks, magpies, pheasants, mopokes, kookaburras, kingfishers, wedge-tailed eagles and king parrots - just to name a few. 

Guests are free to explore the property and may find themselves with some canine company - Charlie, the family's friendly fur kid enjoys the extra attention from guests. Canungra Creek (with its headwaters beginning in Lamington National Park) borders the farm and it's here that those with patience may be rewarded with a glimpse of a platypus or maybe a tortoise or two. This is also a great spot to cool off or throw in a line. Australian Bass, Mary River Cod and catfish can be caught by keen anglers.

Whether it's bush walking, cycling, wine tasting, dining out, sightseeing or just relaxing amongst nature, Greenlee Cottages is the spot for a thoroughly enjoyable break away from the everyday routine. Wonderfully warm hosts, very comfortable and charming accommodation, beautiful scenery and a lush valley to explore - it's as good as it sounds!

Need to know - Callistemon, Silky Oak and Casuarina are one bedroom cottages, whilst Woodcutters Cottage is a two bedroom cottage which is wheelchair/disabled friendly.

Things to see and do nearby:

Sarabah Estate Vineyard is very conveniently right next door and open on weekends.

O'Reillys Canungra Valley Vineyard is a very short drive from Greenlee Farm.

Albert River Winery is close by, as is Mt Tamborine, where there's much to see and do.

Visit the township of Canungra and call in to the Visitor Information Centre. Browse through the shops, stop at one of the cafes or enjoy a cool drink at the Canungra Hotel. There's a lot of history in Canungra, much of it connected to the woodcutting industry which thrived here in the 1880s.

The Gold Coast and its many attractions are a 50 minute drive away.