Welcome to Barrington Tops

See our NEW site www.thetopsretreat.com.au

The Tops Organic Retreat has secluded luxury loft cabins and self-contained family farm stay cottages overlooking Hookes Creek. Beautiful polished timber floors, modern kitchen, designer loft bedroom, and a large balcony from which to watch the wildlife, listen to the many birds and forest sounds, and connect with nature.

The cabins and cottages all have fully equipped cottage kitchens, log fires, gas heating, spa bathrooms and private balconies overlooking the creeks.

The beautiful timber structure of the organic restaurant and wine bar is impressive and natural, as is the deliciously fresh organic menu every night and the oven-roasted muesli and full cooked breakfast in the morning.....we get some great reviews for all our food and wines.

The cedar cabins and cottages have been coated with natural 'organ oil' with internal environmental finishes and paints.

The cottages can accommodate from 2 - 8 people. Each has a spa bath, fully equipped kitchen, lounge and large balcony by the creek as well as a telephone, hair dryer, ironing equipment, AUSTAR movies & sports, DVD's, and toiletries.

You will have access to 50 kms of internal walks on 2,000 private acres, spot some unique bird life in the Barrington Tops World Heritage National Park and find the last of ancient beach ferns that have moved north for 300 million years... only Barrington Tops and Kosciusko still have them. We also have the Dilgry River running around the back of the property for 3 kms. This river was noted as the cleanest river on the Australian mainland and can be bathed in and drunk from at all times of the year.

The kids can feed the chickens (and collect eggs), ducks, geese, guinea pigs, rabbits, cows, goats, alpacas, horses, and puppy pet dingo (Jesse), play some tennis day and night and then jump in the salt water pool to cool off. There is a large hay barn with swings and table tennis.

Come to The Tops and connect with nature.

BEST 'Weekends Away' Australia 2011 & 12

2,000 PRIVATE ACRES - SEE OUR NEW SITE ON

www.thetopsretreat.com.au

BEST 'Weekends Away' Australia 2011 /12

These beautiful Loft Cabins are set in a secluded valley area next to the clear shallow waters of Hookes and Jems Creeks. The only noise you will hear are camling forest sounds.

The cabins overlook the forest, fields and woodlands on this 2,000 acre private retreat.

Each cabin has just been totally renovated using natural oils and environmental paints to the highest standard and have had new cottage kitchens installed.

The cabins can accommodate up to 5 people each with a loft master room with a queen and single plus a double fold down bed in the lounge, if required. There is a large modern bathroom with a King Spa bath.

The lounge has a log fire and gas heating for those cosy winter nights and fans for the summer months. The cottages are located in a beautiful valley in "The Tops" which remains cooler in the summer months. The birds and marsupial life can be watched from your balcony.

The Luxury Loft Cabins have polished timber floors, telephone, wifi, hair dryer, ironing equipment, AUSTAR Movies & Sports, DVDs (we have a large selection of free movies), comfy lounge chairs and dining area with a large private balcony.

Luxury organic and chiropractic queen beds

Sun - Thurs $250

Fri - Sat $275

Any 5 nights $1125

Extra Child (3-16 yrs) - $35

Extra Adult $65

Prices are inclusive of gst

Phone 02 6558 5544

SEE OUR NEW SITE ON www.thetopsretreat.com.au

Email bookings@thetopsretreat.com.au

Voted BEST 'Weekends Away' Australia 2011/12

NOW 4.5 STAR RATED

SEE OUR NEW SITE ON www.thetopsretreat.com.au

BEST 'Weekends Away' Australia 2011/12

These beautiful cottages sit on the banks of the clear, cool waters of Hookes and Jems Creeks. They look overlook the forest, fields and woodlands of this 2,000 acre private retreat.

These cottages have a brand new, fully-equipped designer kitchen with aged red gum bench tops, appliances and feature polished timber floors throughout - a home away from home.

The cottage can accommodate up to 8 people: they have two main bedrooms, two private balconies and one or two large modern bathrooms with King Spas and two fold away double beds in the lounge.

The lounge has an open log fire and gas heating for those cosy winter nights and fans for the summer months. The cottages are located in a beautiful valley in "The Tops," which remains cooler in the hot summer months. The birds and marsupial life can be watched from your balcony.

The cottages are equipped with everything you will need: a fully equipped kitchen with gas cook top, oven, dish washer, fridge, telephone, wifi, hair dryer, ironing equipment, AUSTAR with Sports & Movies, DVD's (we have a large selection of free movies), comfy lounge chairs and dining area.

Sun - Thurs - $225 per night

Fri - Sat - $250 per night

5 Night Stay - $1012

Extra Adult - $65 per night

Extra person (3-16 yrs) - $35

Prices include GST

Phone 02 6558 5544

SEE OUR NEW SITE ON www.thetopsretreat.com.au

Email bookings@thetopsretreat.com.au

NOW 4.5 STAR RATED

BEST 'Weekends Away' Australia 2011/12

Self-Catering Cottages 2 to 8 People on 2,000 Private Acres

SEE OUR NEW SITE ON www.thetopsretreat.com.au

BEST 'Weekends Away' Australia 2011/12

Midweek - $225 per night.

Weekend - $250 per night.

Three course organic breakfast - $25

(half price for children)

Two and three course organic dinner from $45

(half price for children under 10 yrs)

Stay any 5 nights - $1012

Extra Adult - $65 per night.

Extra person (4 - 16 yrs) - $35

Prices include GST

Rates are based on Twin / double share.

Free tour on the farm stay, we explain about organic farming, composting, growing your own foods, sustainable living & building.

email - bookings@thetopsretreat.com.au

SEE OUR NEW SITE ON www.thetopsretreat.com.au

Phone 02 6558 5544

NOW 4.5 STAR RATED

Voted BEST 'Weekends Away' Australia 2011

Luxury Loft Cabins

Midweek - $250 per night.

Weekend - $275 per night.

Three course organic breakfast $25

(half price for children)

Stay any 5 nights - $1125

Extra Adult - $65 per night.

Extra person (4 - 16 yrs) - $35

Extra Adult - $65 per night.

Prices include GST

Rates are based on twin / double share.

John is happy to conduct guided tours of the property and explain about organic farming, composting, growing your own foods and sustainable building.

SEE OUR NEW SITE ON www.thetopsretreat.com.au

email - bookings@thetopsretreat.com.au

Phone 02 65585544

Book your very own Private Retreat

Book the complete retreat for your special event: wedding, special birthday party, reunion, study group, team building or business function.

$6000

This includes exclusive use of all the cabins and cottages and all the facilities and services of this beautiful 2000 acre Organic retreat. We have a flood lit tennis court, horse stables, farm animals and paddocks, salt water swimming pool, mountain bikes, table tennis, organic wine bar and restaurant 20 km of creeks, rivers and rain forest walks, plus excellect 4W driving.

bookings@thetopsretreat.com.au

Phone 02 6558 5544

Booking Conditions

A 50% deposit is required to confirm a booking.

$50 is charged for change of dates or cancellations

Cancellations made less than 14 days prior to the day of arrival the deposit is forfeited.

These prices are valid until 15th Dec 2013 outside of main holidays

We will always attempt to change your dates if you can't make it.

SEE OUR NEW SITE ON www.thetopsretreat.com.au

Email - bookings@thetopsretreat.com.au

SEE OUR NEW SITE ON www.thetopsretreat.com.au

Sharini's specialities are traditional Sri Lankan curries including her signature dish, Sri Lankan red prawn curry, featuring wild-caught prawns. Sharini has a keen interest in nutrition and, as a Chef, loves creating tasty meals to be enjoyed by the in-house guests. She creates a fresh table d'hôte menu which is on offer in the evening Tuesday-Saturday. The evening meal is based on what John has growing in the garden, what is in season and what is local. It is important to cook using pure essential ingredients such as Celtic sea salt and Rosnay's certified organic extra virgin olive oil.

For children, there are no frozen chicken nuggets on offer, but real food children will love. Sharini is happy to accommodate varying tastes, especially those of children.

"Organically grown" is a term sometimes used loosely, but not here. We serve certified organic lamb, beef and chicken. The seasonal fruit and vegetables are also certified organic. Being aware of the "carbon miles" in bringing food to the table, we also source some locally grown produce which may not be certified but grown organically. Seafood that is served in the restaurant is not farmed, but wild-caught.

We serve a hearty organic breakfast starting with our own oven-roasted muesli or bircher muesli which has been soaked overnight, organic fruits, fruit loaf and biodynamic yoghurt. This is followed by a hot breakfast including farm eggs, sausages, freshly made tomato sauce and other seasonal accompaniments.

John loves producing some of the food for the organic restaurant in his "Organic Food Garden." He is happy to share his knowledge of organic farming principles and enjoys seeing the fruits of his labour being enjoyed in the restaurant.

John has been involved in the organic food industry for over 20 years and has been on the Board of the peak industry body the 'Organic Federation of Australia.' So he is passionate about how the food we eat is grown. The organic food garden harbours no artificial fertilizers and none of the hundreds of legally permitted insecticides, pesticides, fungicides, herbicides or waxes.

With the "roots" of the organic garden in place, John is working towards being more self-sufficient and supplying the restaurant with more abundant nutrient rich organic fruits and vegetables in the future.

You may spoil yourself on a leisurely organic breakfast for $25 with bottomless cups of organic teas and coffee. A fresh menu is offered Tuesday-Saturday evenings with a choice of two entrees, two mains and two desserts. You can enjoy a 2 course dinner for $50 or a 3 course dinner for $60. Children under 10 years old are half price. Please book in advance for breakfast and dinner.

Special Diets

Sharini finds it a pleasure to cook for vegan and vegetarian guests.

Many people have special diets or food allergies. The Tops Organic Restaurant caters for gluten free, lactose free and other special diets. Please let us know in advance so we can look after you.

Knowing what ingredients to use and how to cook them is important when preparing a meal for someone with a special dietary requirement. Cooking meals for others is a creative process and the care taken with the choice of ingredients and the method of cooking is evident in dish especially prepared for you.

Self-catering cottages

If you are staying in one of our self-contained cottages, your food supplies can be purchased in Gloucester (35 minutes by car). The local supermarket FoodWorks has organic milk and some organic fruit and vegetables.

You may also pick up fresh regional produce at The Gloucester Farmers Market which is held the second Saturday of each month at Billabong park (corner of Denison Street and Billabong Lane). We are fortunate to be in a region known for good food. Some our favourite include cheeses from Marook farm, hand made breads from Fosterton Bakery and fruits and vegetables from the Tucker Patch organic growers. If you need a coffee break before heading up our way or an organic salad, we recommend Perrenti's on the main street in Gloucester. The owner, Jane also suppors local growers who are member of "Essentially Barrington".

Organic Wines and Olives

We welcome you with a glass of Rosnay organic wine or real ale. If you prefer, you may have your complimentary drink with your evening meal.

Rosnay has been certified organic for over a decade and has won many awards. In 1997, the family planted the first organic vines and olives. Richard and his son Sam run the vineyard and winemaking, while Florence develops the olive products and is the artist behind the beautiful labels.

The wine is not all preservative-free. But the guide for organic wine (125ppm sulphur) is half the mainstream wine limit and Rosnay is less again. At Rosnay, they believe that the way wine is grown is more important: certified organic, high in anti-oxidents, vitamins and minerals, but also with the ability to age well.

The Rosnay red vineyards are Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Mourverdre, making Cabernet and Shiraz varietal wines, and Rosnay signature wine "Triple Blend". All are unoaked and medium bodied with a uniquely fine and earthy tannin. Rosnay does not add protein to soften these tannins, which naturally form sediments and crystals with bottle age.

The Rosnay white vineyards are Chardonnay and Semillon. They are made as varietals or blended. Organic fruit is also sourced to produce the very popular Semillon Sauvignon Blanc blend. The whites and rosé are all unoaked with natural fruit character and well balanced acidity. Again, minimal additives are used.

Rosnay's sparkling Vintage Chardonnay is picked early for natural acidity and low alcohol, both of which are key to good sparkling wine. It is fermented using the "charmat" method for natural bubbles and lively fruit. Sparkling Rosé is also made in natural, fruity and lively style.

Growing between the vineyards are about 2,400 olive trees. The Kalamata olives are fermented in salt brine using Murray River salt. The olives are hand-graded but Rosnay tries to retain the natural mix of rich black and crunchy green Kalamata. Olive paste is made from the ripest Kalamata olives.

Enjoy these wines and olive products at The Tops Organic Restaurant and Wine bar. We also have wholesale case rates.

Delicious meals and wines that don't cost the earth!

John and Sharini look forward to sharing this special property with you. We hope to see you soon.

02 6558 5544

SEE OUR NEW SITE ON www.thetopsretreat.com.au

Email - bookings@thetopsretreat.com.au

NOW 4.5 STAR RATED

Voted BEST 'Weekends Away' Australia 2011

Bar & Restaurant

Family Fun

SEE OUR NEW SITE ON www.thetopsretreat.com.au

The Tops Organic Retreat has 2,000 acres of private retreat in the hills of the World Heritage-Listed Barrington Tops National Park. It is one of the most spectacular places for wildlife and birdwatching in New South Wales.

DID YOU KNOW? Only 2 areas in Australia have the ancient mountain snow ferns: 'Kosciusko peaks' and 'Barrington Tops peaks.'  These ferns date back hundreds of millions of years and probably won't last that long again, so come see them before it's too late!

There are hundreds of species of birds found in the area, most of which can be found right on the Retreat grounds. Try and spot the rare and elusive Brumbies, Koalas, Wedge-tailed eagles and Platypus in Hookes and Jems Creeks, or take a rod over the hill to the Dilgry river for some fishing.

We have over 50 kilometres of bushwalking trails to take advantage of. You will be amazed by the diversity at the Retreat itself: from rainforest to timbered country, "The Tops" has it all. A wide range of free walking maps are provided to guests with information on the local area.

Try your luck and pan for gold and gems in the creeks too!

Secluded Cabins on 2,000 Acres of Farm and Forest

Horse-riding can be pre-arranged and costs just $50.00 for a beautiful two-hour ride.

Take advantage of our full size flood-lit tennis court. We supply the racquets and balls!

The relaxing Salt Water swimming pool is waiting after that horse ride, game of tennis or bush walk.

In the evening, enjoy a quiet drink in the bar, sit back, relax and watch the wallabies come out to feed.

John and Sharini look forward to sharing this special property with you. We hope to see you soon.

02 6558 5544

SEE OUR NEW SITE ON www.thetopsretreat.com.au

Email - bookings@thetopsretreat.com.au

Tennis Court & Swimming Pool

Directions

SEE OUR NEW SITE ON www.thetopsretreat.com.au

bookings@thetopsretreat.com.au

The Tops Organic Retreat is located in the Barrington Tops, to the north of the Hunter Valley, approximately 3 1/2 hours drive from Sydney. From Sydney follow the Newcastle Expressway to the end, and then follow the signs for Taree. Approx 15 minutes after Heatherbrae/Raymond Terrace Bypass (10km before Karuah) turn left onto the Bucketts Way following the signs to Gloucester via Booral, Stroud and Stratford. On arrival in Gloucester drive through to the end of the main street and turn left at the roundabout onto Thunderbolts Way.

The Tops Organic Retreat is 42km from Gloucester. Go through Barrington and over a single lane bridge. At the first major intersection after the bridge continue straight ahead for The Tops Organic Retreat. You will then be on Scone Road (do not take the right turn to Nowendoc/Walcha). In Copeland (15.6 km) the road forks - keep to the right, continuing uphill along the Scone Road, (do not take the left turn to the Gold Mine). 30km from Gloucester the road becomes gravel, however, it is regularly graded and suitable for two-wheel drive vehicles. The only other turn (Rawdon Vale @32km) is clearly marked to turn right to The Tops Organic Retreat. Continuing along the Scone Road you will pass Mud Hut Road (@ 34km) and Lauries Road (@ 36km). The turn off to The Tops Organic Retreat (Jems Creek Road) is clearly signed and it is 4km from the main road to Reception of the Retreat. Drive safely. We look forward to welcoming you to The Tops Organic Retreat.

02 6558 5544

SEE OUR NEW SITE ON www.thetopsretreat.com.au

Email - bookings@thetopsretreat.com.au

4.5 STAR AAA

BEST'Weekends Away' Australia 2011/12

2000 Private Acres