Girraween Environmental Lodge

Watching the staff feed and look after the animals was lovely, and the local hikes were a real pleasure. My partner and I spent a long weekend at Girraween Environmental Lodge and found it a wonderful break from city life. The rooms were cared for, and we made the most of the spa bath in our chalet. It was so easy to switch off and get a proper breath of fresh air. The staff were great too. We’d absolutely come back, and I’d recommend it to anyone wanting to get away and unwind.

Those private trails were the highlight for us, even more enjoyable than some walks in the nearby National Park. They’re well marked and offer a nice mix of walking, scrambling and climbing. Since they’re less worn, they really add to the bushwalking feel. We came for two winter nights and wished we’d booked more. The rustic one-bedroom chalet had what we needed, and its log fire was just right on cold evenings. I’d wondered about privacy, but the cabins are spaced out, with some more secluded than others. There was one other cabin around 30m away from ours, but no one was staying there, so we felt tucked into the landscape. The pools were good for a cold plunge, and there were plenty of kangaroos and deer around. The owner gave us a friendly welcome at reception, explained everything, and supplied trail maps and a detailed compendium. A really enjoyable escape.

A few days after our visit, an unexplained $282 charge appeared on our card. After several days, someone finally replied and said it was for sleeping in a bed we weren’t meant to use. There were three adults in our chalet and we used three beds, but apparently that brought an extra bed fee. Nobody had told us about this policy. When we tried to sort it out with the property managers, they stopped replying. The lodge itself is beautiful, but this has spoiled the stay for us. I can’t recommend it when others might also face extra charges without an explanation or any communication.

The morning deer feeding was a hit with the whole family, and the walk to cathedral arch was another highlight. Our cabin at Girraween Environmental Lodge was warm, tidy and comfortable. We also loved having a spa beneath the stars, and the private walks on the property made for a great stay. Already looking forward to booking another trip to this special place.