The second we entered Rivers Edge Rainforest Retreat's Cooinda exclusive hideaway, we knew we walked into the creme-de-la-creme of holiday retreats.

Every single thing was absolutely perfect.

The first thing we loved was how huge and open the home was and how the use of so many windows and doors made you feel as close to nature as you can get, while still being surrounded by all the creature comforts you could want.

And the privacy was fantastic - there was not a neighbour to be seen or heard.

Then we noticed the luxurious furnishings and how they were all chosen for guests' total relaxation and comfort. We loved the huge, cosy leather lounge and chairs where you could curl up and watch tv, although we never even thought about tv at all during our two-day stay.

We also loved the gorgeous white dining room suite with its high-back chairs and the fresh tropical design in its fabric and the fireplace area with its thick, soft carpet, perfect for stretching out in front of the flames.

The sensational golden maple timber kitchen was huge and had everything the passionate chef I was with approved of - all the right appliances, dishes, pots and pans, serving platters and utensils.

The area we spent most of our time in was the back veranda, overlooking a large backyard and the Johnstone River.

The veranda's furnishings were just superb and included three separate living areas - a main dining area, sunset-drinks area and a great little setting off the master bedroom for that morning cuppa. It also had a barbecue and the world's comfiest hammock. And down by the river was a canoe just waiting for the adventurous.

Owners Barb and Kerry Kehoe have included everything anyone could possibly want. They've also added beautiful extra touches like fresh roses throughout the home and chocolates scattered on your bed and beside the complimentary port.

They even left food for your visitors - well, the local visitors that is. We noticed our first local visitor about 10 minutes after we arrived. He was sitting outside one of the doors, as if to say g'day.

The friendly pademelon was to become a regular visitor over the next two days, along with his family and a few of their friends who also popped around to say hi and catch a nibble or two. You could even hand feed them and one or two would let you touch them.

We also had regular visits from a couple of local scrub turkeys, also on the lookout for some nibbles. These local visits, along with the unusual bird calls from the multitude of local residents, accented the natural beauty surrounding the beautiful haven.

There were many places to explore outside Cooinda while on the Tablelands, but we just couldn't leave. We just had too much to do there - enjoying a glorious spa in the private double spa off the master bedroom overlooking the river, admiring the excellent original and local artwork adorning the walls, enjoying some of the board games provided, enjoying a refreshment at the table setting down by the river, sleeping in late on the comfy king-size bed and going for a long paddle in the canoe on the Johnstone River where we saw so many friendly turtles.

We couldn't believe our good fortune in discovering this amazing haven. We can't wait to return - and next time it will definitely be for a longer stay. And when we do, we'll be sure to stock up on some extra nibbles for those friendly locals who like to stop in to say g'day.

WHAT Rivers Edge Rainforest Retreat (two separate hideaway homes, Cooinda and Coolara)

WHERE North Johnstone River, Malanda

CONTACT Visit www.riversedgeretreat.com.au or phone 4095 2255

COST Rates from $298 per couple per night. Longer stays and family rates available 

Share this article