As much as I love living by the beach with walks on the edge of the ocean and sand underfoot I do miss walking in the bush. New Zealand is snake free but here in Australia there are a number of dangerous snakes. The staff assured us they had never seen snakes around the lodge area and I'm happy to say we didn't see any either.
Spicers Peak Lodge is all inclusive with meals and drinks included. Even the mini bar is free. Our room had its own open fire place. It wasn't cold but I'm sure the fire would be a welcome touch in winter. Every way we looked the views were spectacular.
Originally the chef planted a garden but the rabbits and kangaroos got to it before the chef. There is a small herb garden under the kitchen window. These roses were used in a rose petal jelly.
The weather was perfect and we were able to lunch outside. The lodge has ten rooms and with so few people it's a little like a private house party. It's alway fun to meet new people.
Each evening is a degustation menu. The food is outstanding and well matched with Australian wines. A favourite dish, and I don't have a picture, was grilled squid and baby octopus served at lunch.
Our days fell into a routine - breakfast, a little reading in the lounge, lunch,walks in the bush, power nap, dinner, chatting with the other guests, bed. Repeat again the following day.
Unfurling ferns
Textures of the forest floor
Grass Trees are an Australian native plant we called Blackboys when I was a child. Political correctness has them renamed as grass trees.
A bright spot of yellow.
Wild animals.
Friendly cows
It rained briefly one afternoon and the light was magical. The night sky was a mass of stars never seen from a city balcony.
....and finally...the best White Chocolate Parfait I have ever tasted with candied hazelnuts and Queensland strawberries.
