Arborlee Rainforest Retreat
Property Information
Property Locality: Border Ranges, Warwick, Qld
Type of Property: Bed and Breakfast
Children: suitable for children
Rates (per couple per night)
Price Range: $95-$120
Special Conditions: Rates are inclusive of GST and are subject to change without notice
Property Description
Arborlee is situated high in the Border Ranges overlooking the Condamine River Gorge. It is 2.5 to 3 hours drive from Brisbane. The drive covers some very scenic country. The closest town is Killarney 25mins and Warwick 40mins. The small settlement of Mt. Colliery is 7 kilometres down the mountain.
The special features of Arborlee are birds, frogs, plants, fungi and other wildlife of the rainforest setting, the peaceful atmosphere, retreat context without other tourists, guided walks and scenic views. The setting is perfect for the bird watcher, amateur botanist, artist and photographer.
Arborlee is an affordable rainforest sanctuary. It shares this sanctuary with Australia’s rare Albert’s Lyrebird and many other uncommon birds.
Bed and Breakfast Accommodation
The Guest Unit opens through French doors onto a verandah and views to the rainforest. The unit is self contained with two burner gas stove, bar fridge, sink, cooking utensils, ensuite, a king bed or two long singles, linen and blankets provided and made ready for your first night.
The owners will usually be at home on the other side of the house and are available as needed. They will offer you space and privacy or you are welcome to join them for drinks on the back verandah. Guided walks can be arranged around the property. They are familiar with the local and district sites and drives and are only to happy to help you plan your visit to the area.
Environmental Initiatives:
Energy
- !00% use of energy efficient lighting, compact fluorescent and LED lighting.
- Solar hot water installed to heat water.
- Gas is used for boosting of hot water when required.
- Walls and ceiling of the house are fully insulated with aluminium and acrylic batts
making air conditioning unnecessary.
Waste
- Grey and Black water waste are separated. The grey is distributed
through a perforated pipe in a sand trench.
- Kitchen waste is separated into compost, recycle and other garbage.
- Green waste is composted in a tumble composting bin
- Recycling of bottles and paper goes to the Council recycle station.
Water
- Rain water is collected in 2 X 5000litre tanks. There is a filter for drinking water.
- Smart flush toilets.
Product Use
- Toiletry paper is from recycled paper
- Cleaning product are environmentally friendly
Other Initiatives
- In 2009, Arborlee finalised a nature refuge agreement with the Queensland State Government to create the Arborlee Nature Refuge, resulting in the protection of 100 acres of rainforest. This is not only absorbs carbon in the atmosphere but is a biodiversity hot spot . There are Alberts lyrebirds living on site. A photographic audit is kept of the plants and animals in the protected area.
- The area on which Arborlee was built was an old logging camp site. It wasn't necessary to clear the rainforest to build the house.
- Local native plants have been planted in the gardens around the house.
- The owner has also been coordinator of the Killarney Bushcare Group and has also held a botanical art exhibition with 50 works of the fruit of the rainforest trees of the local area. This was held at the Warwick Art gallery 2010. There will be a Biodiversity Weekend on the 20th/ 21st October 2012.
Contact Details
Host: Susan Savage
Address: Arborlee rainforest Retreat
67 Sunday Plains Road Mt. Colliery
Warwick QLD 4370
environmentally friendly accommodation, ecotourism, green travel