Dear Guests,

Welcome to The Twin Creeks Rainforest Retreat, located at the very end of the picturesque Yarramalong Valley!

We are thrilled to have you here.

Hosting guests like yourselves is always a pleasure and we are excited to help you get to know our little slice of paradise (or help you get reacquainted if you’re a returning guest). We’ve compiled some valuable sightseeing tips and local insights in this guide, just in case you need them.

Within this guide, you’ll find everything necessary to enable you to make the most of your stay. It includes instructions on how to operate the appliances (and, of course, the all-important Wi-Fi code). Below you’ll also find our contact details in case you require assistance during your visit. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

We hope you make the most of your time exploring the area!

Warm regards,

Brad and Adriana

Contact information

Brad Bennett: +61 (0)408 059 609 / brad@catalystcfo.com

Adriana Bennett: +61 (0)407 032 955 / adrianabalta@yahoo.com

Check-in and check-out times

Check-in: 3.00PM

Check-out: 11.00AM

Early check-in or late check-out is possible with prior arrangement, although additional charges may apply in certain circumstances.

There is a strict NO SMOKING policy (inside or outside) for obvious reasons.

About the property

Nestled peacefully at the tranquil end of the Yarramalong Valley, our home started its life in the 1980s as nothing more than a fireplace and a frame with PVC plastic walls. Indeed, it served as an off-grid home for a young family intent on the living an alternative lifestyle.

In the 1990s, it was purchased by our current neighbour’s son, a master builder, Lyall Le Sueur. He and his father Ron Le Sueur extended on the very basic frame to build the beautiful log cabin out of red iron bark and mahogany gum that you see today.

We purchased the property in 2014 as a weekender and then moved in during Covid, making it our home. We loved the serenity and peace of the rainforest and all the surrounding wildlife, but our children’s education has meant that we have been forced to return to live in Sydney in 2023.

Description

The homestead itself comprises a master bedroom with an ensuite, walk-in-robe and a fire place. It also has two downstairs bedrooms and a loft bedroom (for now excluded from rental) as well as a bathroom with a shower, bath tub and toilet.

It has a fully functioning kitchen, a large open plan loungeroom with fireplace, as well as a large dining area.

Services and Amenities

Telecommunications

As a rural property, connectivity and communications are never straightforward.

Feel free to join the chorus of the under serviced and to write to your sitting member and remind them that people live West of the M1!!

Mobile (via WiFi assist)

You will not be able to connect to Telstra, Optus or any other public carriers at the property because there is no cell service.

To use your smart phone at the property, make sure your smart phone has WiFi assist enabled and connect to the WiFi network.

If you are having issues for any reasons, as a back-up, you can get a mobile signal 5 minutes up the road at the intersection of Brush Creek Road and Walkers Ridge Road.

Telephone (landline)

There is a land line that is available for emergency use only*. This is an analogue service and will operate in the event of a power outage.

*Please note that you may be charged for casual use of this service.

As a rural Telstra land line, unfortunately, we often experience loss of service.

In the event of an emergency, if neither the WiFi or land line are operational, there is a Telstra phone booth 10 minutes up the road at the intersection of George Downes Drive and Walkers Ridge Road, just outside the NSW National Parks office.

Internet & WiFi

Internet

The property has Satellite NBN internet. As a satellite service, you will experience some latency in download / upload speed. In addition, you may find it unreliable in bad weather.

WiFi

There is WiFi available in the property via a Netgear router. Please note that the router does have limited range.

Network: NETGEAR85

WIFI Password: wittybanana088

WiFi Trouble shooting

The NBN box and Netgear router is behind the couch in the office adjacent to the dining area.

If the circular light on the NBN box is blue, then the internet is on and working.

If the circular light on the NBN box is orange, then the internet may benefit from a restart.

If the circular light on the NBN box is white, and remains white, then there is not much hope of the internet returning.

Regardless of the light, if you believe there are issues, I think we all know the solution you will be given…turn off the power, wait for 30 seconds and then turn it on.

If the restart does not work, please contact us. Unfortunately, there is likely little we can do straightaway (a service call from NBN in a couple of months time…if we are lucky!)

Entertainment

Television and Google TV

There is a digital television located in the lounge room that can be turned on with the controller provided.

There is no Foxtel or satellite TV service and access to TV entertainment is possible via the WiFi network, the Google TV device and Google play. Please use the white Google TV controller.

Sound and music

There is a Bluetooth speaker on the mantlepiece above the fire in the lounge room.

You should be able to connect this device to your smart phone via Bluetooth.

Cooling and Heating

Reverse Cycle Airconditioning

There is a Mitsubishi reverse cycle air conditioner in the lounge room with a controller on the mantlepiece above the fire.

This is ideal to take the chill out of the house on arrival on a cold night or as respite on those hot humid days in summer.

Cooling fans

Some bedrooms have ceiling fans and there is a ceiling fan in the lounge room.

During summer, free standing fans will also be made available for distribution as needed.

Fireplace

There are fireplaces in both the lounge room and the master bedroom*.

Wood is not stored in the house due to the risks of termites and other nasties.

Firewood and kindling is available in the woodshed and baskets are provided to enable wood to be brought in from outside.

Fire starter fluid and matches may be found in the cupboard at the entry to the kitchen.

(*Beware: the fireplace in the master bedroom is rarely used as it is simply too powerful and results in over heating!)

Gas heaters

It can get very cold in winter and the loungeroom is a large space with high ceilings, so gas heaters are provided to supplement the fireplace and air conditioning unit.

Bar Heaters

Fixed bar heaters are provided in the ground floor bedrooms and the ensuite to the master bedroom.

These need to be switched on at the power points and there are controllers available in each room to operate them.

They are on and operating when the lights show red and blue.

Portable electric bar heaters that can be moved around and plugged in and used as required are also made available in winter.

Gas & Electricity

Electricity

The house is on mains electricity as the solar set up was blown in a thunder storm.

If a circuit is over loaded and the power switches off, the circuit board is on the wall in the office adjacent to the dining area.

Power outages

As a rural property, it is sometimes subject to unexpected power outages. This is most common in bad weather (e.g. due to trees falling on power lines) or simply because the council prioritises our more important metro neighbours east of the M1…

We usually get notified by Ausgrid, but please contact us via the land line and we will advise on timeframes.

In the event of a power outage at night, there are candles and torches in the cupboard on the left as you enter the kitchen.

These power outages are often short. However, In the event of an extended power outage, we give guests two options:

1. Partial refund - Have fun with it (when have you ever lived by candle light!) until we can get the generator going for you. As we are on gas, you can still cook, there is the fireplace and gas heaters will still keep you warm.

2. Full refund – If you have no desire to stay, you can leave and you may have a full refund with our apologies (albeit, it is often out of our control!).

Gas supply

The property is on gas provided by large gas bottles located just outside the main bathroom to the left of the entrance.

Gas is required for the instant hot water system, the stove and for some heaters.

We try to ensure that the gas does not run out during your visit. However, the law of averages suggests that some guest might get unlucky at some stage.

If you run out, please contact us and we can either run you through the bottle change or get it done for you.

It is noted that there is always a spare bottle at the BBQ and if that is swapped in, that should be sufficient for your stay.

Kitchen Appliances

Dishwasher

The dishwasher is located to the left of the stove.

Ensure the dishwasher is full and set to ‘Eco’ mode before starting it. You’ll find dishwasher tablets in the cupboard under the sink. The full cycle takes approximately one hour. We kindly ask you to load the dishwasher and set it to run at the end of your stay.

Gas stove and oven

To light up the big gas burner and oven, you need to use a match. The spark works for the rest of the burners.

To turn the oven on, keep pressed the middle knob, turning and light the gas nozzle located on the bottom of the oven (inside) with a match. Keep pressin on the knob for 10-15 seconds, until the oven is truly on.

The oven might be cooking unevenly towards the right and back.

Kitchen Appliances

Too many kitchen appliances used in the same time might trigger the fuse overload and trip. The fuse panel is located in the nook. To reset just flip up the fuse switch.

Microwave

The Microwave is located in the cupboard above the fridge.

House rules

We want you to have an incredible stay while respecting our property and the neighbourhood. Please adhere to the following house rules:

• Kindly observe the check-in and check-out times.

• Parties or large gatherings are not permitted.

• Prohibited activities include the use of illegal substances.

• Smoking is strictly prohibited.

• Please do not leave food outside/inside.

• Please turn off the air conditioning when you leave.

• Clean your dishes after use.

There is a strict NO SMOKING policy (inside or outside) for obvious reasons.

Pets are welcome, as long as they do not disturb the wild life. They are also not allowed on furniture.

Rubbish can be taken to the bins located on top of the driveway. Garbage bags are located in the kitchen drawers.

Other information

• Please DO NOT feed the goannas. Their bite and scratch are very dangerous.

• When going for a bush walk, it is best if you can carry a stick to deter snakes (they usually go the other way)

• In wet weather, leeches might show up. The best deterrent is DETOL on your shoes and salt. If a leech has attached, pour salt on it and it will fall off.

Emergency information

• A fire extinguisher is located in the hallway near the main bathroom, the other one near the kitchen. In the event of a fire, please evacuate through the main entrance.

• Respond promptly and safely to any emergencies, and immediately contact the fire brigade on 000.

Local Tips

Grocery Stores

Local and fresh produce is available at the Kulnura Fruit and Vege shop - Sciberras Fresh (located on George Downes Rd, Kulnura).

Yarramalong village has a pub and petrol station.

Enjoy your stay!

Warm regards,

Brad & Adriana

Reviews

We value feedback regarding your experience, and five-star reviews help other guests discover our property. If you enjoyed your visit, we would be delighted if you could leave us a review on the booking platform. Let us know your favourite activity or sights!

You also welcome private feedback if you believe there are areas where we can improve for future guests. We eagerly await your thoughts!

THINGS TO DO:

Walking around the property

Enjoy walking around the property and through the bush. You can observe wallabies, wombats, lyre birds, bush turkeys, possums and deer. There is a multitude of birds that can be watched and enjoyed.

The water hole is deep and cold, so please take care around it.

Please keep within the boundaries fences and respect our neighbour’s property.

Walk or bicycle ride to Yarramalong

The walk/ride to Yarramalong is very pleasant. While it is mostly flat, it has some up and down hills.

Mangrove Creek Dam

The turn off to Mangrove Creek Dam is on George Downes rd, Kulnura. It is open from 9am to 5pm every day (except Christmas Day).

You can find more information on Lovecentralcoast.com/things-to-do

Golf

There are 2 golf courses:

The Springs Golf Club – 18 holes golf club, with a restaurant and bistro attached. Highly recommended.

Mangrove Mountain Memorial Golf Club - 18 holes golf club, with a restaurant/club attached.

Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary

Situated at Calga, requires driving. Link included below:

https://walkaboutpark.com.au

Wollombi Markets

https://www.wollombimarkets.com

STRICTLY PROHIBITED

X No Motorbike riding on the property

X No ATV, Dunne Buggies or Quad bikes riding on the property

X No 4WD driving on the property

X No hunting or shooting

X No caravaning

X No trapping or collecting birds, birds’ eggs, reptiles or animals

X No smoking