If you’re looking for a holiday destination with it all (or near enough to make the claim!), make tracks to Cedar Creek Lodges at Thunderbird Park in the Gold Coast hinterland, about 50km south of Brisbane. Stretching over 112 hectares on Tamborine Mountain, this wilderness retreat features translucent rock pools, towering rainforests, star-studded skies and activities that run the gamut of entertainment, from fossicking for your own treasures in the world’s largest thunderegg mine and testing your skills in Australia’s largest ropes and adventure games course to swimming in natural rock pools and bush walking. And regardless of your agenda - romantic getaway or family holiday - a wide variety of accommodation is on offer, ranging from luxury lodges to family options and creek side camping.
Accommodation
The tourist complex offers a range of accommodation options, ranging from luxury lodges to family options and creek side camping. If you’re looking for something special, make a reservation at the Creek Lodges. These spacious, two- bedroom, architecturally designed lodges are dotted along the banks of Cedar Creek. The decor is luxurious and contemporary with cedar timber shutters, polished timber floors, high ceilings and private balconies. In cooler months, staff set the fireplaces - and the scene - for cosy coupledom!
Dining
Nestled in rainforest, amid fountains and rockpools, the Rainforest Brasserie is open daily and serves modern Australian cuisine including the very popular “Breakfast with the Birds” BBQ on Sundays from 8am. The pavilion- style structure offers guests a uninterrupted view of the established gardens, flowering orchids and, at night, illuminated rainforest. Birdlife is prolific and diners can enjoy the passing parade of ducks, colourful king parrots, rosellas, lorikeets, bush turkeys and white cockatoos while enjoying the fresh, seasonal menu. (NB: If you’re feeling peckish mid- morning, the Devonshire Teas are a real treat, with freshly made scones, home- made strawberry jam and fresh cream.) A selection of wines from the Mount Tamborine Vineyard complement the seasonal menus.
Activities
For those seeking to relax and unwind, Ripple Massage offers a wide range of massage styles, from the lush KaHuna massage to the deeply relaxing Hot Stone or Russian massages. There’s also a special pregnancy massage for expectant mothers and Blokes packages designed specifically for men. All can be enjoyed in the privacy of your own lodge.
Venture outside your accommodation and a world of action, activity and adventure awaits. The kids will love fossicking for thundereggs in the onsite mine and swimming in the natural rock pools or the resort’s sat water pool. If you’re looking for the ultimate in outdoor action, head to the complex’s Adventure Parc, which has the largest ropes and adventure games course in the country. Included in the course is a 200- metre- long rainforest aerial walkway, 65 adventure games, seven flying fox rides, Tarzan swinging ropes, suspended trapezes, single beams, double ropes, different types of bridges and much more. Other activities include riding horse trails through ancient rainforests and gum- studded grounds, laser skirmish, mini golf and bush walks.
Change the pace and head indoors to the Gallery Games Room, which offers a pool table, juke box, darts, cards, chess and board games.
A Kids Club suitable for ages six to 12 operates during the school holidays and offers a great range of activities such as trust walks and obstacle courses, orienteering, treasure hunts, tie- dyeing, papier mâché and fabric painting.
Budding astronomers take note: according to Australian Stargazing author Gregg Thompson, Thunderbird Park is a stargazer’s paradise! Guests can observe satellites passing overhead, meteor showers, the planets, lunar features, constellations and, occasionally, eclipses and comets.
