Media & Guest Comments

Sydney Morning Herald (Independent Review), May 2011

Garry Maddox enjoys an eco escape without sacrificing the good things in life. Read more here:

“Comfort in the wilderness”

Reviewed August 21, 2011 Despite the wet and muddy conditions, we had a wonderful, restful break at the Retreat. The friendly staff could not have been more welcoming and helpful. The spa cabins are beautifully appointed and so comfortable, especially the the loft bedroom and posturepedic bed.The log fire is a delight; wood for it is supplied everyday. The interest in organic produce is very informative and the delicious food that Sharini cooks is both delicious and inspiring. Every effort is made to cater for the tastes of the people staying there. The walks were 'challenging' because it had been so wet and we are 'oldies' - but we and our two dogs thoroughly enjoyed ourselves on our walks. It is a real 'get away from it all', peaceful and remote, yet comfortable and nurturing experience. Trail riding in ther Tops was also a highlight - what a way the experiencce the beautiful country - and in very careful hands. Thank you to all concerned. Jill and Bruce Stayed August 2011, traveled as a couple. Source:TripAdvisor

“a magical mountain retreat”

Reviewed August 3, 2011. What a beautiful place!....gorgeous cottages.....fantastic property....wonderful staff...lot's of wood in the fire....it was a brilliant weekend and wished we could've stayed a week!... the property had the most beautiful walks.....i'm sure we saw some fairies! will definately be back!.... Stayed July 2011, traveled as a couple. Source:TripAdvisor

“Beautiful location and wonderful hospitality”

Reviewed July 31, 2011. Barrington Tops Organic Retreat is in a beautiful location so if you truly want to get away from everything, it's a great choice. The cabins are spacious and clean with a lovely outlook and a veranda from which to enjoy the view. The food was excellent and the hospitality of John, Sharini, Mark and Lorna was warm and welcoming. Stayed July 2011, traveled as a couple. Source:TripAdvisor “A perfect weekend away” Reviewed July 31, 2011. The retreat is a perfect place to get away from the stress of city living. A comfortable drive from Sydney with a couple of stops on the way found us arriving in the afternoon with a complimentary drink by the fire, information about the area and great suggestions as to what to see and where to go. Our Loft cabin was warm and cosy with lovely timber floors plenty of heating (a gas fire and a real log fire ready to go with plenty of chopped wood on the cabin verandah),linen,blankets and fluffy towels.The organic food was lovely - generous servings of beatifully cooked meals. We enjoyed the organic wines on offer as well.The breakfasts were very filling and great value. Our hosts and the staff were all very friendly and welcoming. This is a truely relaxing and peaceful place to stay with wonderful fresh air, tranquil walks and the spectacular Barrington Tops to explore. Thankyou Sharini,John, and Lorna for providing a relaxing and enjoyable break away for our wedding anniversary.Penny & Jeff M. Sydney NSW. Room Tip: Loft Cabin perfect for two people. Stayed July 2011, traveled as a couple.Source:TripAdvisor

“Fantastic place to curl up by the log fire and.....relax”

Reviewed July 25, 2011. My partner and I stayed in one of the self contained cottages over the weekend which had everything we needed....log fire, big spa bath and set in a peaceful spot for us to kick back, relax and listen to the birds. Our hosts were very friendly and helpful. Meals in the restaurant were lovely and went down a treat with the organic shiraz. Would definately recommend for a great weekend away! Shannon and Dan. Sydney, NSW. Stayed July 2011, traveled as a couple. Source:TripAdvisor “Loved it, will be back in the springtime” Reviewed July 20, 2011. We went up for a long weekend and met good friends there, for the kids, theres rabbits, guinea pigs and eggs to collect! Our daughter just wanted to hug the guinea pigs all day! The loft cabin was very comfortable and cosy with excellent gas heating and a log fire. Imagine soaking in a king size spa after a long walk in the middle of the wilderness! TV with a couple of Foxtel channels was good too. A highlight was the food, all organic and a lovely small menu of two or three courses, nice range of organic wines and Coopers. A fantastic log fire and a pool table meant that you could sit and read from a small library for hours. The staff were lovely and Sharini the chef was happy to oblige with a special meal for our fussy daughter and vegetarian parents of our friends who had also come up. All in all, a lovely stay and had a great time there. Room Tip: Loft cabin great for a small family, the bigger cabins have a great kitchen. Stayed July 2011, traveled with family. Source:TripAdvisor

"Top Location"

"Top Location" Top location, top accommodation, top food, top service. Thanks! Reviewed June 2011. Google Places

“Fantastic family getaway”

Reviewed April 22, 2011. What a fantastic getaway! I can’t speak highly enough of the accommodation, organic food/wine, pristine location, hosts and staff. Sharini, John and staff are very friendly and helpful and go out of their way to make your stay enjoyable and memorable. This is the second time my family have visited the Retreat and it certainly won’t be the last. You can choose to do very little and just relax in the peaceful surroundings or do what we did and take advantage of the activities e.g. beautiful bushwalks, tennis, cycling, farm tours and the 4WD trip with John. The food is first class with good variety to suit most people. We had some wonderful meals in the common room/restaurant followed by some delectable organic wine and a game of pool. Some guests were content to just sit by the fire and relax while reading, playing board games or listening to some music. We had a self contained cabin which was beautifully furnished; very cosy with lovely views of the rainforest and absolutely everything you need at your fingertips for a perfect family holiday. If you need a place to unwind, relax and recharge the batteries then you won’t be disappointed! Stayed April 2011, traveled with family. Source:TripAdvisor

“King spa weekend”

Reviewed January 2, 2011. We went for a king spa weekend of doing nothing and mission accomplished, the food was 5 star, cant say I have eaten better, owner very friendly, even though we were on a romantic weekend it looked as though there is plenty of things to do with kids. Great weekend. Stayed December 2010, traveled as a couple. Source:TripAdvisor

“The perfect escape for the tired city slicker”

Reviewed October 14, 2010. The stress of city life and the 9-5 work grind is quicky forgotten when you arrive at this beautiful country retreat. Unfortunately it was rainy & muddy all weekend but the friendly welcome, divine food, cosy & newly renovated cabin (with spa & log fire!!) and breathtaking rainforest surroundings made this one of the most memorable & relaxing weekends we've had in quite some time. John, Sharini & all the staff are very welcoming and hospitable. The common room / restaurant area has an open fire, pool table, games for the family & comfy sofas - perfect to lounge on while enjoying a glass of organic wine. Have we mentioned the divine food? Despite the weather, we went horse riding at Camp Cobark, a short distance from the retreat. The 2 hour trek takes you up the mountains, through the rainforest & across rivers - a magical experience! We'll definitely be returning to experience all the other activities on offer - especially bushwalking, fishing & touring the farm. Stayed October 2010, traveled as a couple. Source:TripAdvisor

Bliss.....

Absolutely ideal for a romantic time away... We loved the welcoming, casual yet luxurious atmosphere and just getting the log fire in the cabin going was an event in itself. This is a place to revisit time and time again! Reviewed August 2010. Google Places