Secluded by 250 acres of ancient rainforest, an ultra-romantic hideaway is harbouring a secret. A newly opened, impressively well-stocked wine cellar and bar, helmed by a hospitality veteran, is giving nature lovers another reason to head for the Tweed hinterland.
At Crystal Creek Rainforest Retreat , in Upper Crystal Creek in Northern New South Wales, guests wake to a gentle soundtrack of birdsong and the burbling creeks that slither across the landscape. While by night, they can unwind by a crackling fire in a lounge space that’s home to an expansive wine cellar brimming with top-notch drops.
Though it’s common to spot wildlife beyond the large glass windows that encase your spacious and contemporary cabin-esque accommodation at this rainforest-encircled retreat, it’s rare to cross paths with another human at this secluded spot. That is, unless you choose to set foot in the retreat’s new bar lounge and wine cellar, where you’re likely to meet Matt Semark, a hospitality stalwart and the property’s manager alongside his wife, Ani. Semark’s also responsible for curating the newly installed wine collection.
“I’ve gotten a lot of enjoyment from recommending wines and hearing the positive comments from guests. I find our guests have more confidence going off-piste when we discuss their preferences and tastes one-on-one. Then I can recommend alternatives based on their personal tastes. From my culinary background and personal wine journey, I’ve learnt a fair bit along the way and do enjoy opening guests up to new wines," Semark says.
The cellar’s wines have a European leaning, based on Semark’s proclivity towards French and Italian varietals – though he has ensured there are plenty of top-notch Australian drops, too.
Semark says, “We’ve partnered with our good friend Doctor Justin Ardill, from South Australia’s Clare Valley, to offer a complimentary bottle of his wine – under the label Reillys Wines – to our guests. We also showcase nine styles of his delicious wines in our wine cellar, including his award-winning Riesling."
Having recently relocated his family to the Northern Rivers from the Caribbean, Semark’s also ensured there’s a solid selection of rums (both local and Caribbean-sourced). And yet, teetotalers can rest assured they have been catered to, with an exciting choice of non-alcoholic drinks on hand, too.
In the bar and lounge spaces, and throughout the on-site accommodation, the eager eye will spot the carefully crafted details embedded in handmade wooden furnishings – with designs that reflect the abundant wildlife beyond each building’s walls. These well-made furniture pieces are the handiwork of Chris Ball, who owns the retreat alongside his antiques and furniture business.
Restless travellers can make the most of the retreat’s hiking trails that stretch across the large property – varying in difficulty – spanning 8 kilometres of rainforest. E-bikes are also available for those hoping to explore the region a little more widely, or wishing to visit a neighbouring cafe.
Guests can opt to soak in a heated plunge pool on their mountain-view lodge’s deck, fill a bath with hot water and aromatic bath salts, light their indoor fireplace, or lie back in a hammock suspended over the creek and while away a day immersed in this naturally striking setting.
Come nightfall, glow worms glitter on the creek’s edge, and guests are invited to grab a torch and a blanket to enjoy the natural light show.
Massages are available to book, as is the mollifying (and appetising) experience of a Creekside Pavilion Lunch. Like a treehouse cantilevered over a creek, the pavilion presents an ideal perch for leisurely daytime dining. Bathe in the cooling rockpools below, then enjoy antipasto and charcuterie platters accompanied by your drink of choice, before reclining on the sheltered daybed swaddled by nature – all set to the soundscape provided by the creek and rainforest.
While self-catering is an easy option, with well-equipped kitchens available to the avid cook, pre-ordered meals designed for private dining – think lamb shanks, tagines, curries and fajitas – can be discreetly delivered to your room on request. Barbecue hampers and picnic baskets make light work of lunches, and breakfast baskets are ideal for slow mornings (after a sleep-in, of course).
Despite its remote feel, Crystal Creek Rainforest Retreat is a short, 15-minute drive from the centre of Murwullimbah – a perfect spot to stock up on a snacks and comfort dishes from the likes of Kat Harvey Cheese, Pasta’bah, one of the town’s excellent bakeries, and coffee from Keith. On your way out, peruse its gift stores, art galleries and road-trip between its neighbouring towns.
