Just east of Ballandean, family-run Cypress Ridge offers five rustic, self-contained cottages on 85 acres, 50 acres of which are bush. While Cypress Cottage is the most popular for its view of the dam (canoes available), the two-bedroom cottage is our favourite for its charming, traditional Queenslander style. All cottages feature log fires, comfortable beds, kitchenette and BBQ.
Breakfast hampers are optional ($20) and the track at the back of the property rewards with spectacular mountain-and-valley views. Interestingly, the owners also grow garlic and you can purchase jars of their pickled garlic and caramelised-garlic balsamic on site.
