Mt Pinbarren Nature Retreat

Nestled within 34 acres of stunning Noosa Hinterland, our retreat is an oasis of biodiversity. A continuation of the adjacent Mt Pinbarren National Park, the property features incredible flora and fauna. We have spectacular views of the surrounding Noosa Hinterland and Mountains offering a unique appreciation of our Noosa Biosphere Reserve and beyond. Our retreat serves as an ideal launch pad to explore the local towns, Noosa Biosphere Reserve trails (horse riders, walkers, runners and mountain bike riders), and all that our property has to offer including our privately owned rainforests and regeneration areas. Guests can appreciate nature first hand with our rainforest walks, bird-watching, bush tucker tours, night tours to spot native nocturnal creatures and night time stargazing. We are proud members of Land for Wildlife and Noosa Land Care, actively participating in local conservation efforts.

Discover Mt Pinbarren

The Story of Robert and Michelle

Robert and Michelle purchased the property 5 years ago with a view to extend the rainforest and nurture the regeneration of native species on the property. They are regularly surprised by new creatures and plants that they discover on their walks and during their regeneration work.

They are presently working with Land Care and Noosa Council’s Land for Wildlife on various conservation projects to improve the ecology of the mountainside including management of invasive species and promotion of rare and endemic species.

Robert previously worked for Noosa Council for 24 years as an Environmental Health Officer. Always aware of protecting the environment he instigated several award-winning projects such as Noosa Ecobiz – a three-way collaboration of Noosa Council, the state EPA and local businesses to promote sustainable practices while being economically savvy.

Robert was integral in the Sunshine Beach Clean Ocean Project which promoted best practice stormwater management across the Noosa community, and he managed Clean Up Australia locally for a 10 year period. Michelle is not new to conservation as her father founded the Brisbane Forest Park while she was a child. Michelle grew up on Mt Cootha and feels most at home amongst nature and with the sounds of all the birds that inhabit Mt Pinbarren.

Michelle enjoys identifying different species on the property and has catalogued over 4000 photographs of the native flora and fauna. Both Robert and Michelle feel the Mt Pinbarren Nature Retreat is so unique and special that it should be shared with others who can appreciate, interact with and enjoy this little piece of paradise.

Michelle has successfully fostered the breeding of at least four varieties of green tree frogs and several species of sedge frogs, contributing to the biodiversity and ecological health of Mt Pinbarren Nature Retreat.

Environmental Importance

Geography of Mount Pinbarren

Mount Pinbarren is an isolated conical knoll of volcanic origin rising above a mostly flat, cleared landscape with a steep ascent consisting of loose rocks and boulders. The mountain is a small plug of basalt surrounded by cleared lands of farms and acreage. The prominent hoop pines stand tall above other species on the mountain, making it a significant landmark for the area.

Unique Biodiversity

Unusual Rainforest

Mt Pinbarren’s landscape includes the unusual araucarian complex microphyll vine forest. Many of the species represent dry rainforests, including noteworthy species like Olea paniculata and Ophioglossum pendulum. The vulnerable jointed baloghia and the ball nut have been recorded on Mount Pinbarren.

Fauna Conservation

Bird Species

The region houses bird species listed in international agreements such as the cicadabird, rufous fantail, and spectacled monarch. Endangered birds like the Red Goss Hawk and Coxen Fig Parrot also inhabit the area.

Rare Species

Amphibians of Mount Pinbarren

Among the amphibians, the Cascade tree frog is a significant rare species that can be found in the region.

Connect With Nature

Experience the Serenity at Mt Pinbarren

Ground yourself in nature at Mt Pinbarren Nature Retreat. If you have questions or need more details about our retreat, don't hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected].

We acknowledge and pay our respects to the Gubbi Gubbi people, the traditional custodians of this land. Their spiritual and cultural heritage has enriched this area for countless generations, and we are humbled to share in its legacy.

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