Where can I find a pet friend accommodation for my family to travel together? My mum has two dogs and she will never leave them for holiday. So dad asked me to find a place for our family Christmas getaway. This was the first driveaway trip for my family in Christmas.
So I used the most powerful tool 'Google' of course to find this place called Riverwood Downs Barrington Top. Where the hell is that?! Being in Sydney so long and never actually driveaway to anywhere other than Wollongong (2010). It's quite sad and missed out a lot.
So I decided to do this short trip. Paid the deposit for self-contained cabins (x3).
On the day, my family, mum, dad, my bro and 2 dogs and my sister family, 3 cars, we met at McDonald somewhere before entering Freeway 1 at 7am for Breakfast. I ♡ McDonald Breakfast!
We were so excited about this trip.
After Breakfast we started our journey to Barrington Top. The weather was partly cloudy from North of Sydney.
Riverwood Downs is located in a valley on a beautiful Mountain River, in the foothills of the Barrington Tops "World Heritage Wilderness", just 2.5 hours north of Sydney and only 1.5 hours north of Newcastle.
Located in a beautiful rural area known as the Monkerai Valley between the towns of Stroud and Gloucester. Riverwood Downs is a Multi Award Winning Property on 5kms of River Frontage with 750 acres to enjoy.
Tall mountains, cool mountain pools, crackling log fires, fresh air and bright stars, abundant wildlife, friendly staff and relaxed country hospitality complete the peaceful setting.
What are the attractions there? I didnt know much when I booked this place at the time and I thought when I reaches there would plenty of time to decide.
There was a gift shop features beautiful paintings by Australian artists, unique pieces of hand made pottery, craft and articles of Australiana, clothing and accessories. The Gift Shop provides you with the opportunity to take home a unique souvenir of your special holiday.
For those of you love Massage, they have experienced massage therapist adds the benefits of traditional Chinese massage (acupressure), Bowen Therapy and Reiki to a basic groundwork of therapeutic and remedial massage. This need to book when you check-in.
For those of you who want to get out and about, at Riverwood Downs we have a large range of activities to keep you entertained:
1. Horse Riding and Led Horse Rides
Enjoy the spectacular views on a 1.5 hour fully supervised walking trail ride over 5 kilometres with one of the locals who really knows the Valley! Led Horse rides are available for Children between 10-14 years old.
2. Canoeing
Large "Canadian" style canoes (life jackets available) on a slow flowing, very scenic 1 kilometre stretch of the mountain river. Platypus and bird life in this area of the river, can be watched at dawn and dusk each day.
3.Tyre Tubes
For the daredevils - ride a Tyre Tube down the rapids.
4. Games Room
The games room contains two three quarter size competition standard Snooker Tables. Snooker, Pool and Billiard balls available. A table tennis table is adjacent to the games
5. Bush Walking
Native wildlife and farm animals give you a truly unique experience. A lovely 5km walking trail on the property takes guests from elevated views along the mountain to a secluded swimming area in the river and back to the Resort in a pleasant 1.5 hours. Longer walks are available in the surrounding country side and nearby State Forests and National Parks. Maps and suggestions are available at Reception.
Great country for mountain bike riding too.
6. Bird Watching
The Mountain River running through Riverwood Downs is a natural bird corridor. The combination of vegetation, topography and the adjacent mountains ensure a wide variety of birds, including eagles!
7. Night Wildlife Safari
View the star filled night sky while spotlighting for the local wildlife on this tour of the property. Wildlife regularly seen include wallabies, kangaroos, bandicoots, hares, owls, rabbits, possums and foxes.
8. Swimming
A beautiful Mountain River with 5kms of pristine river frontage, and numerous rock pools. There is also an inground Pool located in the Resort Complex.
9. Fishing
The river is a breeding ground for Golden Bass and experienced anglers catch some excellent fish in the quiet reaches of the river, particularly between November and March. Fresh water Cray Fish are also found in the river. The farm dams are stocked with Silver Perch which may be fished on a catch and release basis. You need your own equipment and an Inland Waterways Fishing License and bag limits do apply.
10. Platypus Spotting
The rare and elusive platypus live and breed in the mountain river at Riverwood Downs. Dawn and dusk are the ideal times to watch these unique creatures feed and play in the river. Platypus watchers do not need to hide, but silence is a prerequisite. Because of the accessibility of the river and the vibrant population of platypus, Riverwood Downs has hosted television film crews from Sydney, Italy and USA who have all successfully filmed the platypus here.
11. Picnic Area and BBQ's
Sit by the river under the willow trees with a soft breeze blowing, perfect for a leisurely picnic or collect some wood to cook your delicious meal on a wood fired Barbecue.
The many manicured areas along the river are perfect for resident guests or day visitors.
There are 2 things you neee to know that ypur GPS or car GPS may not find this place for you but iphone map could locate. Another thing is there is no phone reception do it id totally 'No Mobile Phones' reception so you could connect to your family and nature!!
It is perdect for family getaway.
They have different types of accommondation. You could check on their website: www.riverwooddowns.com.au
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