Ferns Hideaway is located within Byfield National Park on the Capricorn Coast. The park itself is easily accessible yet feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Nestled in a quiet corner of Central Queensland, Byfield National Park offers a perfect balance between rugged adventure and peaceful retreat. During my recent stay, I found myself completely captivated by this hidden oasis. Our base for the trip was the Grand Heritage Cabin, a spacious, handcrafted authentic log cabin tucked away in the rainforest.
This large, secluded cabin is unlike anything else, transporting you into another world from the moment you arrive. Set down a tree-lined driveway, the cabin is perched above Waterpark Creek and surrounded by towering hardwood trees. Inside, the open-plan living space is warm and inviting, with high ceilings, exposed timber beams and a grand brick fireplace at its centre. The bathroom features a large spa bath, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring. The cabin sleeps up to seven people, making it ideal for a family gathering or a peaceful getaway with friends. Best of all, it’s pet-friendly park, so your furry companions can enjoy the adventure too!
One of the best parts of staying at Ferns Hideaway is the free access to all resort facilities.
Whether you’re kayaking on Waterpark Creek in the resort’s Canadian canoes, taking a dip in the pool, playing a game of tennis, or wandering along the walking tracks, there’s something for everyone. There’s even a secluded giant swing surrounded by rainforest, a perfect Instagram-worthy spot to capture the beauty of the surrounding.
For the more adventurous, Byfield National Park is a dream. We spent a day exploring the rugged trails in the park, driving through the bush in a 4WD to reach remote spots like Five Rocks and Nine Mile Beach. These beaches are some of the best-kept secrets in the region, offering vast stretches of white sand and pristine waters that are perfect for fishing, surfing or simply enjoying the untouched beauty. The drive itself is a thrilling adventure, with deep sand tracks and creek crossings making it an exciting journey that’s not for the faint-hearted.
Hiking in the national park also gave us an opportunity to explore more of the diverse landscapes. The Byfield Fern, an endangered species can be spotted along the rainforest trails, while the volcanic plugs of The Peaks provide panoramic views of the coastline.
Each morning, we woke to the sound of birds as the forest came to life around us. Our pups loved wandering through the many walking tracks within the park, and we even spotted black cockatoos, kingfishers, fruit doves, and curlews just outside our cabin.
But a word of warning, the march flies in this area can be relentless! Make sure to wear light-coloured clothing and pack plenty of bug spray to keep them at bay. Also, keep an eye out for snakes while hiking through the park’s diverse landscapes, we saw two in one day, it’s always a good idea to stomp your feet when walking in Australian bushland!
Just down the road, the Byfield General Store quickly became one of our favourite stops. Full of character, it offers everything from fuel and groceries to a fully licensed café and bar. Their pineapple crush, a mix of local pineapples, mint and coconut, is a must-try, especially on a hot day. After a day of exploring Five Rocks or camping at Stoney Creek, the store’s rustic setting is the perfect spot to unwind with a bite to eat or a cold beer.
Whether you’re looking to relax or seek out adventure, Byfield National Park offers the best of both worlds. From rugged trails and remote beaches to peaceful walking tracks and cosy cabins, this trip was the perfect way to reconnect with nature and enjoy the tranquillity that only a place like Byfield can offer.
