44 Saturday, September 13, 2008 Weekend Buzz www.themorningbulletin.com.au Pampered at Witches Falls Cottage hosts certainly know how to deliver a weekend of relaxation

WEEKEND geta- way to Witches TRAVEL INFO Falls Cottages on Tamborine Moun- A Witches Falls Cottages tain in the Gold Coast Hin- Corner of Hartley and Main terland cast a relaxation Western Roads spell on Sue Fuller. North Tamborine Arriving just before sun- Ph: 5545 4411 set, we slipped across the www.witchesfalls- road from the cottages to cottages.com.au watch the Great Dividing Range lit with the day’s last Ripple Massage rays before the sun dipped Mob: 0438 567 906 below the horizon. www.ripple- Asian-style lamps cast a massage.com.au welcoming glow as we www.verygc.com checked into Witches Falls Cottages. There are five cottages hidden among lush road to check out their tropical gardens which have local, Clancy’s Irish Bar & a distinct Asian flavour with Restaurant. Warm and cosy, their stands of bamboo and Clancy’s has Kilkenny (first peaceful water features. brewed in 1710) and Guin- Owners David Kennedy ness on tap and a tempting and his Swiss-born partner menu of hearty fare, in- CUTE COTTAGES: Witches Falls Cottages on Tamborine Mountain in the Gold Coast Hinterland is the perfect place to unwind. Daniela Kuratli have made cluding Beef and Guinness some thoughtful renova- pie, Kilkenny beer-battered tions during the 12 months fish and some Irish special- they have owned the pro- ties – Irish stew and bread- perty, which borders ed mushrooms, all of which ’s first national were resisted as our dinner park, the Witches Falls awaited back at the cosy section of the Tamborine cottage. Mountain National Park For an additional $80, which this year celebrates David and Daniela will its centenary. supply a barbecue pack Each stone gable cottage including steak, German now features a bathroom sausages, potatoes in their with a glass ceiling and jackets and corn on the sliding doors which com- cob (pre-cooked and ready pletely open up to a small to warm on the barbie), garden. plus beautiful salad, dess- The conditions must be ert and a bottle of good ideal for plants judging by local wine. TASTY TREATS: Clancy’s Irish Bar & Restaurant. the “fern wall” flourishing The next morning, a on one side of the spa, ad- breakfast hamper is dis- fell asleep during his two- massages and Himalayan ding to the feeling of bath- creetly delivered complete hour “blokes massage”, I ayurvedic treatments. ing in the middle of a trop- with a freshly-baked loaf of was treated to a deeply The rest of the weekend ical garden. bread. Guests can choose relaxing massage using was spent on equally in- Private outdoor cour- from continental, or bacon mainly cowrie shells which dulgent pursuits. Food and tyards have also been ad- and eggs barbecue ham- were heated and filled with wine is a big part of the ded. pers. Our continental ham- scented oils. The smooth mountain’s appeal and David, who worked for per included orange juice, surfaces of the shells are three wineries are within many years in the North Sea fresh fruit, yoghurt, as well used for a massage that is easy walking distance of the oilfields and Daniela, who as local ham and cheeses, both relaxing and definitely cottages. hails from a small Swiss which we enjoyed sitting ironed out some muscle Don’t miss the chance to village, are generous hosts outside in the sunny cour- knots. sample the exquisite chees- and have added many tyard. The two-hour treat- es at the Witches Falls thoughtful touches to make Perhaps the most in- ments all include a full Cheese Company, or to try a stay extra special. The dulgent part of the weekend body exfoliation with lime, the international award- fireplace is set to be lit on came next with the arrival tangerine and walnut and winning liqueurs at the arrival, while freshly- of two therapists from Rip- an organic clay and cu- Tamborine Mountain Dis- ground local Tamborine ple Massage. Ripple, which cumber face mask. Best of tillery, one of only a handful Mountain coffee is supplied offers mobile massages in all, you can slip into the of privately-owned dis- in the well-set-up kitchen the Tamborine Mountain, shower in your “outdoor tilleries in . and a decanter of compli- Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, bathroom” while the Russian-born Alla Ward WONDERFUL WITCHY: Witches Falls inside is luxurious. mentary port and choco- Brisbane and Byron Bay therapists pack up. uses a traditional copper lates is ready for after din- regions, has developed a Ripple also offers a range pot still and locally grown tifully presented in hand coming hospitality, Witches ner. signature Sea Shell mas- of treatments including hot fruit to produce an amazing painted bottles. Falls Cottages and Tambo- On David’s recommenda- sage. stone massage, ka huna, array of liqueurs, schnapps, With its focus on fresh rine Mountain are perfect tion, we headed down the While my husband soon Vietnamese four-hands vodkas and spirits, all beau- air, food and wine and wel- for a weekend “spell”.

Flower Power & The Psychedelic 60’s Raceday Garden Party • , Saturday 4 October Whether you were born in the 60’s, grew up in the 60’s, or just embrace all things groovy, join us for a great day out! • Includes entry to Callaghan Park Racecourse Marquee opens 12 noon. Bring your friends, workmates, • Reserved seating in the St Joseph’s Wandal VIP Marquee clients and get a table together and support St Joseph’s •Magnificent Acton Super Beef luncheon School Wandal. Tickets available from ... • Five beverage tickets All this for just •StJoseph’sWandal School office, Herbert St, •Sweet &Shabby,92Denham Street, Rockhampton •Spring Fashion Preview Parade By Boutique Diva $ ticket •Enquiries Debbie 0408 156699 •Prizes for The Grooviest Hat &the Hippest Outfit 60 See YOU there . . . it’ll be groovy!