The Dales Boutique B & B

Located in the Noosa Hinterland and with Mt Cooran as a dramatic backdrop, The Dales Boutique B&B provides a peaceful retreat and a great base for exploring all that the region has to offer.

It's located in a quiet street in Cooran and makes a very comfortable home away from home for visitors to the hinterland. Set in 2 acres of beautifully tended gardens, Liza and David's home is a peaceful haven - for guests and wildlife alike.  

This B&B consists of two Queen sized bedrooms, a family bathroom and a small but cosy guest lounge which has a flat screen TV, DVD player, small fridge and tea and coffee making facilities. Guests have direct access to, and exclusive use of, a beautiful alfresco entertainment area, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the outdoors. An adjacent salt water pool is solar heated for the comfort of visitors and is one of several spots to enjoy a quiet read or a refreshing drink. Each afternoon, Liza provides complimentary home-made afternoon tea which can be enjoyed at guests' leisure.

Hosts, Liza and David are keen gardeners, which is evident in the beautiful grounds and gardens. A wander through the gardens reveals a productive vegetable garden boasting tomatoes, lettuce, eggplant, chillies, squash, zucchini and more. A small orchard consists of Meyer and Eureka lemons, ruby grapefruit and passionfruit. Sit quietly in the garden and be rewarded by a passing parade of birdlife. Liza and David have identified 47 bird species here, including wedge-tail eagles, pheasant coucals, several varieties of honey eaters, king parrots, magpies, butcher birds, kookaburras, galahs and cockatoos. Guests are also likely to catch a glimpse of Eastern Grey kangaroos and wallabies basking in the sun or grazing. 

At sunset, though, there is only one place to be and that's sitting in the garden's arbour with a cool drink, watching the sky change colour as the sun sets and highlights Mt Cooran. The mountain is an impressive sight anytime but set against the pinks, oranges and purples produced by sunset, it is amazing - definitely a must do for keen photographers and a great way to finish the day.

A self confessed foodie, Liza is a wonderful cook and works magic in her lovely big kitchen. With breakfast provided each morning, guests are sure to get their day off to a great start. Cereals, toast, fruit, yoghurt and juice begin the meal, followed up by a cooked breakfast. Liza stone bakes her bread in the oven and it is delicious. Guests choose their second course from a breakfast menu which includes items such as a full cooked breakfast or buttermilk pancakes with fresh strawberries, passionfruit, chopped walnuts, home-made ice-cream and maple syrup. For those not wishing to indulge in a cooked breakfast, a fruit smoothie is offered as an alternative. This menu changes seasonally to take advantage of fresh home-grown and local produce. Guests will also find Liza's homemade lemon curd, jams and chutneys on the breakfast table.  Tea and coffee finish off this generous meal.  

For the convenience of guests, Liza can provide cheese platters and evening meals on request (arrange when booking or give 24 hours notice). Evening meals may include options like slow cooked lamb shanks in rosemary and plum sauce with fresh vegetables (from the garden or sourced locally), and homemade gluten free chocolate orange cake with cardamon cream and fresh berries (possibly from nearby Cooloola Berries). 

The Dales B&B is ideally located close to many activities and unique sightseeing destinations - Liza and David extend warm hospitality and are happy to assist guests with planning their sightseeing destinations (see list below for a few suggestions). Whether guests enjoy the beach, the bush, the mountains or the country, this region has it all within easy reach of The Dales Boutique B&B.

Need to know: Whilst 4 guests can be accommodated in the two bedrooms, the Dales will only ever take a booking from one party at a time. This means that you won't be sharing the B&B space with strangers and ensures guests complete privacy. This makes The Dales an ideal choice for friends travelling together, girls' weekends away or families. It also means that couples staying here can relax, knowing they won't be disturbed by others.

Worth knowing: Undercover car parking is provided. Evening dining options are limited close by, so guests may like to take advantage of Liza's delicious cooking and order meals when booking.

Things to see and do:

The Mary River provides the opportunity to enjoy a variety of water sports

Scenic drives to Noosa, Mary Valley, Gympie

Pack a picnic and head for Lake MacDonald and the Noosa Botanical Gardens

Book into a cheese making class at nearby Easy Cheesy

Literally just up the road from The Dales is James M McKane Memorial Park with BBQs, covered  picnic shelters, toilets and spectacular views to the Sunshine Coast. The road is steep and windy in parts and changes to gravel along the way, so take it slow and easy. 4X4 not necessary.

Take a short drive into the quaint little township of Pomona and do a spot of antique shopping

Catch a silent movie at the iconic Majestic Theatre in Pomona

Take advantage of the Noosa Trail Network

Explore the Amamoor State Forest with its picnic area, walking trails and waterfalls.

Visit Cooloola Berries at Wolvi on a Sunday and join in their "Paella in the Paddock" from 12 noon until 3pm - with live entertainment.

By Sandy Ludinski