Weekend Away: High Country

Stay

Ravensbourne Escape will suit groups or couples.

You can hire one or all 10 of the superbly appointed mountain houses and studios set on the eastern escarpment of the Great Dividing Range bordering the magnificent Ravensbourne National Park.

You may like to self-cater or eat at one of the local cafes in the area.

The tranquil Cloudlake Mountain Retreat suits both couples and groups.

Perched on a lake, the Boathouse is supremely comfortable and beautifully appointed, and with no TV, mobile phone or internet reception, they invite you to reconnect on the perfect ‘do not disturb’ escape.

Eat

Ravensbourne and the surrounding hamlets of Crows Nest, Hampton and Cabarlah are some of the most productive farmlands in the region – producing a bounty of fruit, vegetables and nuts from plump blueberries and juicy limes to creamy avocados and buttery macadamias.

While you may like to visit local farm gates to buy ingredients to cook with, don’t miss a meal or two at The Chocolate Cottage at Highfields, and Clock and Bull Brewhouse or The Farmer’s Arms at Cabarlah.

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If you can drag yourself away from the comforts of your weekend hideaway, head to Ravensbourne National Park for some fresh mountain air on the 40-minute return Rainforest Circuit walk.

It is a beautiful walk amid towering trees, palm groves, trickling streams and amazing birdlife in the best remaining example of the rainforest that originally covered this part of the Great Dividing Range.

Take a picnic to enjoy the soaring views at Gus Beutel Lookout – also a good spot to head off for a country ride if you’ve brought your bike with you.

The high country is a magnet for creative artists and you can see their work – a broad range of high-quality painting, sculpture and textiles at Crows Nest Community Arts and Crafts.

Another must-do is Crows Nest Soft Drinks - who make old-fashioned soft drinks, cordials and toppings like butterscotch, creaming soda and sarsaparilla.