Cedar Creek Lodges review, Queensland: Weekend away

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This was published 9 years ago

Cedar Creek Lodges review, Queensland: Weekend away

Some of the activities at Cedar Creek Lodges and Thunderbird Park might leave you feeling a little sore, but your family will love you for it.

By Simon Holt
Cedar Creek Lodges at Mt Tamborine.

Cedar Creek Lodges at Mt Tamborine.

THE LOCATION

Cedar Creek Lodges is one of those places you often pass on the way to somewhere else. The accommodation and Thunderbird Park are about half-way up the hill to Tamborine Mountain. But those who do make their way down the path will find a series of cottages and activities worth returning for.

THE SPACE

Cedar Creek Lodges at Mt Tamborine.

Cedar Creek Lodges at Mt Tamborine.

The temptation is to stay on the back deck of the wooden cottage, listening to the creek flowing in the background. But there's a big wide world out there, and it's one which will make parents popular and muscles a little sore on Monday. Horse riding takes in some of the surrounding bushland and scenery, there's a mini golf course, thunderegg fossicking and laser skirmish. But the main attraction is Thunderbird Park's tree top challenge. They call the 83 obstacles "jungle games". Those of us unfit older folk might call it torture. But one thing's for sure, it's a hell of a lot of fun swinging through the trees on one of 11 flying foxes.

THE KIT

The cottages are not new, but they are clean and neatly decked out with most of the same luxuries of their more expensive romantic retreat cousins at the top of the mountain. Each bedroom has modern décor, regular bathroom and kitchenette. The lounge has a comfortable sofa, television and a fireplace well worth cranking up in the winter. Shutters between the bedroom and living room open up to give the lodge a larger feel, even though there's ample space. The back deck has a table and chairs. Sit back and let the sound of the fast-flowing creek take you for a ride into relaxation land, before you're rudely reminded of those ziplines.

Cedar Creek Lodges at Mt Tamborine.

Cedar Creek Lodges at Mt Tamborine.

GOING OUT

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There's no real need to head to the top of the mountain, although it's a nice day trip. One of the things Cedar Creek Lodge has over the better-publicised cabins higher up is a terrific common space. There's a pool table, large television, and a nice bar area. The restaurant, called Miner's Lantern, has food well worth staying in for. Tarragon and lemon crusted chicken breast has a white bean and jamon braise, while the crispy skinned barramundi comes with avocado and lemon mash and coriander salsa. Breakfast is a selection of hot and continental fare. They call it breakfast with the birds, and it's a nice wakeup with all the chatting and colourful birds flying in and out.

THE VERDICT

Cedar Creek Lodges is an ideal family weekend getaway. The tree top challenge has far more to it than first meets the eye, and is a popular mid-week team building exercise for corporates during the week. True, it's a fitness tester, but a lot of fun and well worth the effort. Those looking after the horse riding are ultra-professional, and there are plenty of places around the resort to sit back and relax. Lodges are neat and tidy without being overly fancy, and the restaurant holds its own. At a good price, it's worth a go for good old-fashioned family fun, with a few mod cons thrown in for good comfort.

HOW TO GET THERE

The drive is about an hour from Brisbane. Head to Mt Tamborine along Beenleigh-Beaudesert Rd. Turn on to Mt Tamborine Rd, and about 6.5km up the mountain, the resort and Thunderbird Park is on your left.

ESSENTIALS

Cedar Creek Lodges, corner Cedar Creek Falls Rd and Tamborine Mountain Rd, Tamborine Mountain. Room rates are fairly consistent and start at around $179 per night, including breakfast. Two-bedroom lodges can be up to $329 on a weekend. Phone 07 5545 1468, see cedarcreeklodges.com.au.

The writer was a guest of Cedar Creek Lodges.

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