Nightcap Ridge - Byron Bay Hinterland

Nightcap Ridge is a private 67 acre property in the Nightcap National Park. This unique oasis provides beautiful lawns, walks, water holes and unspoilt nature. The well appointed cottage delivers the comforts for a perfect getaway.

The property is within a few kilometres of Minyon Falls. A stay provides guests with a comfortable base for experiencing the surrounding National Park and Conservation Area. The National Park, which is World Heritage listed, and Conservation area are known for their flora and fauna including many rare and endangered species, dominant massifs, cliffs, lush green gullies and waterfalls. These parks attract bushwalkers, nature lovers, birdwatchers, picnickers, mountain bike riders and artists.

*Please note limited NBN satellite internet access is an optional extra. We believe your Nightcap Ridge experience will be more enjoyable without internet however the service has been added for guests who require connection. Maximum of 10GB per stay for $40.*

While the surrounding parks are beautiful and offer endless scope for nature based adventurers, many guests to Nightcap Ridge do not venture far away at all. Guests enjoy the varied landscape of Nightcap Ridge itself with its rainforest, permanent creek, forested ridges, gullies, lily ponds, dams and easy walks. There is plenty to explore right here at your door step. Nightcap Ridge is actively managed to enhance and protect its flora and fauna. Significant species such as Koala, Little Bent Wing Bat, Wompoo Fruit Dove, Rose Pigeon, Rifle Bird, Bower Birds, Owls, Lace Monitor (Goanna), Swamp Wallaby and Pademelons and many others are found here.

Guests will find the cottage is warm and cosy in winter and light and airy in summer. The cottage provides a refuge to escape from the outside world, to observe and experience nature or simply to sit on the deck and relax. Nightcap Ridge encourages contemplation, meditation and reflection.

As the cottage is designed to be self-catering, guests need to bring their own food supplies to meet their daily needs. Fresh eggs, bread and milk are provided with each booking. The slow combustion fuel stove is a great way to cook and experience food. Chopped wood is provided. An easy lesson will be provided in its operation. Guests can also have the option of having a campoven stew prepared for them, which will stew on the fire while you star gaze.

The cottage is open plan. It is rustic and well appointed with separate indoor/outdoor bathroom. The cottage and the bathroom have French doors and louvre windows providing plenty of light, parkland and forest views.

The cabin is solar powered. This means that high energy use electrical items such as electric heaters, electric toasters, hair dryers and so on cannot be used without exhausting the supply of electricity to run more needed appliances. The solar system does run an electric fridge, the lights, the digital TV and Blu-ray player. The slow combustion wood fired stove is also used to heat the cabin. There is a backup gas heater.

Water to the cabin is high quality filtered creek water and tank rain water. Nightcap Ridge is the first property to access the creek and the creek is a permanent source of both spring fed and surface water. The creek water is drinkable and is preferred by most visitors because of its perceived added mineral benefits.

There is a four poster double bed. A deck is available for outdoor sitting and dining, with beautiful aspect and views.

The property is 300 to 350 metres above sea level and is at a junction of two climatic zones - sub tropical and warm temperate. The climate is milder than areas on the coastal plain. It has a high rainfall of about 1800mm per year. So bring wet weather gear, especially between December and March.

In Autumn you can expect minimum temperatures at night and in the early morning to fall to around 10C. Day temperatures are usually in the mid 20sC. It is a very pleasant time of the year. Spring is similar, but can be drier.

In Winter the minimum temperatures at night and in the early morning can fall to around 5C - occasionally to 0C. Daytime winter temperatures are in the high teens and low 20sC. Very pleasant - but you will need a good jumper/pullover/cardigan at least in the morning and at night and - yes - warm pyjamas, socks and slippers. By using the slow combustion fuel stove, the cottage remains warm and inviting.

In Summer minimum temperatures are in the high teens or low 20sC. During the day the temperatures mostly are in the high 20sC to low 30sC, but can occasionally be higher. The cottage is insulated and by using the large opening French doors and the louvre windows the cabin remains very pleasant. You can also cool off in the creek or dams.

The cottage is located 37kms from Byron Bay, 27kms from Mullumbimby, 35kms from Lismore and 180kms from Brisbane.

Every effort will be made to make your visit enjoyable. Feedback is welcome.