My best friend and I both turned 50 just a month apart, and to honour the milestone, we planned a weekend escape to a cosy cottage in Canungra. After both walking our own healing journeys—physically and spiritually—we wanted our time together to hold space to Rest and Restore as well as Celebrate and Connect. Our little getaway delivered all of that and more.
Accommodation
We stayed at The Rustic Cottage, Canungra (4 Appel Street, Canungra, QLD 4275). I booked through Booking.com, and I can happily say the photos were true to life. Nestled in the heart of Canungra, the cottage makes it easy to wander into town.
On Friday night, we tried Ginger Ninja Sushi Café and Bar—lively, friendly, and full of atmosphere. it brought more energy to the town, with live music filling the streets. Saturday evening, we kept it simple with takeaway kebabs, which were exactly what we needed after a full day of wandering and relaxing.
On arrival at the cottage, we were greeted with freshly chopped firewood, fresh bread and milk, and a well-stocked Nescafé coffee machine. The home itself has been lovingly restored—the story behind its renovation is worth reading—and every detail feels considered. Artwork is displayed throughout, shelves are lined with reading materials, and there are plenty of cosy corners to simply be, both inside and out in the garden.
One of my favourite parts of the weekend was the simple joy of play. We reconnected over Connect 4, a deck of cards, old records spinning on the player, and even a little painting session together. These moments of slowing down, creating, and laughing reminded us that celebration doesn’t always need grandeur—it just needs presence.
Activities
A definite highlight of the weekend was our visit to the newly opened SOL Elements on Tamborine Mountain. We began with a custom scrub in the Salt Lab, followed by a warm shower, before moving through a beautiful circuit—sauna, hot and cold plunge pools, steam room, and salt cave.
As it’s a communal experience, the space is shared with others. While some people seemed to find that challenging, we actually enjoyed it. A few gentle conversations with fellow visitors added to the sense of openness and connection. For those seeking more privacy, there are also two private rooms available. Everything feels very thoughtful and considered.
After our time in the bathhouse, I had booked a scent and sound aromatherapy massage. It was deeply restorative, combining relaxation and grounding in the most nourishing way—an experience I’ll carry with me well beyond the weekend. I can't wait to come back.
The winds picked up on Tamborine Mountain, but that didn’t stop us from enjoying a hearty steak on the deck of St Bernard’s Hotel, with sweeping views stretching out before us.
After checking out of the Rustic Cottage, we took a slow drive toward O’Reilly’s in Lamington National Park. The road is narrow and winding, with sections of single lane, so it’s best approached without hurry. Allow yourself to ease into the rhythm of the journey and simply take in the view.
Once we arrived, we headed straight for the café, where I can highly recommend indulging in a slice of their carrot cake—it is the best I have tasted in a long time. With the mountains as our backdrop, it was the perfect way to pause before stepping into the rainforest.
We chose the Booyong Walk, easily found opposite O’Reilly’s Reception, which leads to one of the area’s most iconic experiences: the Tree Top Walk. Consisting of nine suspension bridges up to 16 metres above the ground, it offers a unique perspective of the forest canopy. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can climb to a viewing deck 30 metres up in a fig tree for an even higher vantage point. Built 38 years ago by Peter O’Reilly, the walkway was considered a world first, and it remains free to enjoy at your own pace. Early mornings or late afternoons are the best times to spot birdlife, but no matter the time of day, it’s an experience that leaves you both grounded and uplifted.
Closing Reflections
As the weekend came to an end, I was reminded of just how vital it is to carve out moments to rest, restore, celebrate, and connect. From quiet games in a cosy cottage to shared conversations in a salt cave, from laughter over simple meals to the stillness of the rainforest canopy—every moment felt like a gift.
This milestone birthday reminded me that life isn’t about rushing to the next destination. It’s about slowing down enough to notice, to savour, and to connect—with nature, with each other, and with ourselves. And that’s exactly what this weekend gave us.
