Lookout Mountain Retreat

I rang from Brisbane and advised we were going to be late due to a delayed doctor appointment. Was advised by Craig he would text details on how to access the safe where our key would be as the office closes at 6pm. I had to phone again at Bellingen and this time he did text the details. We arrived here around 9pm. The bed, a queen, is one of the worst beds I’ve slept in, to explain I have a small glut tear which is very painful and the ***** I’m on make me very wafty. About half way through the night I tried the single bed which was even worse. My husband, in the morning, stripped the bed, turned the mattress around and made the bed beautifully. It is now a little better! The bathroom does not have an extractor, no room spray, no shelving in the shower to place one’s items, a skylight that is mouldy & cobwebby and a toilet roll holder placed where you need to be a contortionist to retrieve some toilet paper (i.e. immediately behind to the left if sitting). We went for a walk this morning and found that the only thing going for this property is the view. We paid around $240 per night for 2 nights, fair enough it was school holidays and straight after ANZAC Day but this is a disappointment. Plus, the fridge has no shelves!

The high ceilings, give the room a chalet feel and have doors leading directly out onto the park like lawn with mountain views. Massive lounge chairs are just perfect to sink into after a day of bushwalking and the deer on your back doorstep are just a bit adorable. Gabrielle and the resident rooster provided a very friendly welcome.

Under new ownership and management. Thanks to Gabrielle’s welcome and Craig for the fabulous fire to enjoy our ‘fivesies’. Rooms have been renovated since our previous stay many moons ago … good job - great shower! We’d been told the restaurant wasn’t operative so came with our own provisions - thanks to Bello IGA!

We travelled with friends to Lookout Mountain Retreat for a winter getaway and were not disappointed. We arrived at a warm welcome from the managers, that invited us to feed the deer onsite, which was a treat. We visited Dorrigo township, which was quiet and quaint. Our Christmas in July Dinner was an enjoyable three-course wholesome meal, with all the favourite foods of a Winter Christmas. Thank you. We will return.

A truly enjoyable experience, and will definitely be visiting Lookout Mountain again. Room was clean and comfortable, and the setting splendid; beautiful views, manicured lawns and a deer farm. Our hosts, Craig and Gabrielle, were so friendly and accommodating . A warm welcome on arrival, and a toasty fireplace to enjoy a bottle of wine by in the evening.

What a lovely place to stay when visiting the sights and sounds of the rain forest around Dorrigo. I came here recently and got a good feeling by the friendly welcome at the reception. The guy there (sorry, forgotten your name) was very chatty and I learned that him and his partner were just about to quit the place and go into semi retirement back Melbourne way. Oh well. Anyway, my room was easy to find - this is very much a motel style concept here. Free parking was possible just outside my room 202. I found it to be rather on the dark side, probably on account of the brick walls as opposed to bright paint schemes. I appreciated the large comfy double bed.  The room had two comfortable arm chairs positioned across from the large flat screen TV - something I didn't use as I was here to explore the countryside and surroundings - not watch telly. There was a good sized bathroom with large skylight making it very light during daylight hours. The shower was one with one of those rain forest showers - very appropriate, I thought. The WiFi worked well. I liked the fact that the room had a kettle with coffee, tea and biscuits.  I didn't stay for evening dinner there but, the next morning, after a great nights sleep, I did try out the attractive cafe on site. This gave me a chance to also meet and chat with the other partner here. He was also very friendly and ready to chat and banter with an Englishman coming from Germany. I ordered a large latte and egg/bacon on toast which I ate outside with superb views down also to a paddock with deer. I wondered when some of them would be appearing on the evening menu. Only hope that the new owners will be as good as the existing ones to whom I extend my best wishes for their next venture down south.