We care about the safety of our guests! Please take time to read, because, within this document, we have taken the opportunity to share some information and common-sense tips to ensure your stay is enjoyable and without incident. 

Australian Wildlife: Whilst much is made of the dangers of native Australian wildlife like snakes and spiders, there is a low probability that guests will encounter such wildlife during their stay. That said, a couple of simple rules will greatly reduce likelihood and any associated risks of an encounter:

• Always keep doors and windows / flyscreens closed to prevent wildlife from entering the property.

• When walking in the bush we generally recommend wearing appropriate clothing and walking with a stick.

• Do not reach into dark spaces unless totally certain it is safe.

• Snakes will normally, but not always, retreat due to human noise well before people arrive. Nonetheless, please always look carefully where you are walking.

• If a snake is sighted, the best policy is to avoid them and retreat. 

• Note that snakes like the Death Adder are very hard to spot in leaf litter.

• Do NOT corner, chase or provoke wildlife like snakes & goanna’s because they may become aggressive.

• Snakes may also be aggressive during mating seasons (spring) & birthing seasons (late summer).

• As a rainforest, especially when wet, leeches are not uncommon. They can be minimized by spraying shoes and clothing with insect repellent. They will also drop off if covered with salt. Please check before going to bed to prevent staining sheets with blood.

• If walking in the bush, be aware that bush and grass ticks may attach themselves. A tick removal device is in the first aid kit.

• Allergic reactions to insect bites are not uncommon. Antihistamine, antiseptic and bite cream is in the first aid kit, as is an EpiPen.

• Do not feed the monitor lizards/goannas because it will encourage them to harass other guests for food.

Walking in the bush: When venturing outside or walking in the bush, tips include:

• Stick to pre-marked trails unless walking using a GPS device.

• It is wise to walk with a buddy and take a first aid kit.

• Always tell someone where you are going, or leave a note.

• Take lots of water & snacks in case you get lost.

• Appropriate clothing for bush walking includes a hat, long sleeve tops and long pants.

• Appropriate footwear refers to sturdy walking shoes, whilst bare feet or thongs / flip flops are not recommended in the bush.

• Sunscreen as well as insect repellent is recommended.

Household safety: Whilst some of the below are common sense, we would like to emphasize their importance.

• There are no railings on the balconies, so care should be taken to prevent a fall.

• As a wood cabin please take fire safety seriously:

  o  Do not leave open flames unattended;

  o  Ensure all gas appliances are switched off when not being used;

  o  Only use the fire pit outside within range of a hose; and

  o  Do not leave the fire pit unattended unless extinguished properly.

• Do not use the stairs to the loft. Whilst not particularly dangerous if care is taken, they are non-standard and slipping is possible. As a result, we ask guests not to enter.

• Pay attention around wood burning heaters they get extremely hot.

• he paving should be considered a high risk of slipping when wet, especially on the paved slopes. Use of these areas should be avoided where possible, or attempted with caution.

Disabled guests: We regret that we are unable to offer facilities to support disabled access to the property. We would not recommend guests with mobility issues visit the property due to the steepness of the surrounding landscape and the need for stairs.  

Bodies of water: There are multiple creeks feeding into and through the property, as well as a dam. None of these are protected by fencing and all present a very serious risk to those that do not know how to swim. We recommend guests show caution when near these bodies of water. 

Child safety warning: Whilst we have permitted children under the age of 12 years old to stay at the property, guests do so at their own risk. We would like guests to be clear that the property does not come with any inbuilt child safety measures or special equipment, bedding or services for young children. In addition, we strongly recommend parents consider the very real risks our property, albeit beautiful, presents to unsupervised children whether under or over the age of 12 and we recommend that children are always supervised by a parent when at the property.

Safety equipment: On the property you will find the following safety equipment:

• Internal fire extinguishers & fire blankets

• Fire hoses

• First aid kit

• Snake bite kit

• Fly spray & insect repellent

• Torches 

Please advise if any of the above are used/depleted so that we may keep them fully stocked for other guests. 

Emergencies: In the event of an emergency:

• Internet calls are feasible with a Wifi enabled smart phone and there is a land line in the master bedroom that can also be used to make emergency calls.

• Important phone numbers:

  o  Urgent emergency assistance - Police, Fire or Ambulance: ‘000’. 

  o  Severe weather assistance – SES Wyong 132 500 .

  o  Non-urgent assistance:

       -    Wyong police: (02) 4356 6099.

       -    Wyong community medical centre: (02) 4356 9300.

  o  It is 45+ minutes to the Wyong Hospital. In a life threatening medical emergency, when calling ‘000’, if possible, ask for: (i) an airlift; or (ii) arrange to rendezvous with the emergency services coming from Wyong.

  o  To drive towards Wyong for medical rendezvous:

       -    Drive south along Brush Creek Road towards; or

  (Note: Brush Creek Road is currently closed. Drive through the neighbour’s property towards Yarramalong by following the gravel road on the property south past the dam and through the neighbours paddock.) 

Snake bite: Please take the time to visit this site during your visit to familiarise yourself around advice on snakes and snake bites. If bitten:

• Keep calm and calm the patient.

• If safe, take note of any distinguishing features of the snake (e.g. colour).

• Do not wipe or wash the bite area as surplus venom can help identify the snake and assist the selection of antivenin.

• Apply a pressure bandage (see snake bite kit) and immobilize the bite area (e.g. splint).

• Call emergency services, monitor the patient and communicate with emergency services.

• Get the patient to hospital asap.