Take it easy at this tranquil getaway. Feel the busy-ness of the city fall away as you watch birds from the deck. Take a shortcut to Purlingbrook Walk across the road to do the circuit before any day-trippers arrive. This area is wonderful for immersing yourself in nature, whether it be by hiking, birdwatching, kayaking, rockclimbing, or simply doing some yoga on our generous deck amongst the trees. There is also a tennis court, skate park and playground nearby. Perfect for a weekend away.
The space
Cockatoos Cabin is set amongst the trees, across the road from a World Heritage Listed National Park. Guests can access Purlingbrook Walk across the road, with views from the top of the escarpment towards the Gold Coast and ocean.
Go left onto Purlingbrook Track to reach the bottom of the waterfall. From there, a shorter track takes you to the best swimming hole on the mountain, Warringa Pool. Then complete the Purlingbrook circuit to loop back to the house.
If you turn right onto Purlingbrook Track from the house (instead of left), you soon reach Tannanaba lookout (a great spot for a sunrise coffee or sunset vino). Another 5 minute walk from there takes you to the town centre, where Dancing Waters Cafe can provide great food, and the General Store can supply forgotten items.
The beauty of this location is that one of Queensland's iconic walks is on your doorstep, yet there is very little traffic - no parking headaches from weekend drivers. It is a secluded street with no houses across the road, and you truly feel in the forest while retaining all the comforts of home.
The house is very pleasant, with ample heating and a full kitchen, including a coffee machine, rice cooker, stab mixer, microwave, toaster and kettle. The fireplace is cosy in winter and there is a selection of board games and books in case of wet weather. Tennis racquets are provided for those wanting a hit at the charming local court, surrounded by tall trees and the sound of a stream nearby.
Each bedroom has direct access to a bathroom, which is convenient if two couples wanted to stay without sharing bathrooms. The house can also accommodate a family with 3 children, as the second bedroom has a Queen bed and a King Single bed. That bedroom has a low table with chairs for young kids to get busy at - away from parent chatter or the TV.
It is rejuvenating to laze about on the deck here, watching the cockatoos that often roost next door. We are happy to share our getaway with you and hope you enjoy the restorative peace and quiet of our little cabin.
For more information, visit cockatooscabin(dot)com or follow Springbrook Cockatoos Cabin on Insta.
Guest access
Guests will have the house to themselves.
Other things to note
There is no petrol station or large supermarket on the mountain. Guests should stock up on food and fuel before driving up to this secluded mountain hamlet.
On rare occasions, a guest has noted that the area has a 'musty' smell, which they correctly identify as being due to the forest environment. (The rainforest can be damp and muddy outside, with humid air.) I prefer to be upfront about this so that people know what to expect if they book our place. Mould is not a problem in our house because it is high off the ground and cleaned frequently, but that doesn't stop forest fungus pervading the rainforest air in general.
Also please note that we ask for a few small things to be done when guests leave, such as checking that the fireplace is safe, putting away kitchen items and emptying the rubbish bins. There is a local refuse station and it is common for Springbrook guests to remove their own rubbish when they leave. That's because local cleaners are in short supply and often don't have time for runs to the refuse station between property-cleans. Again, I prefer to be upfront about this.
