Entire home

Sine Cera Rainforest Retreat

Photo gallery for Sine Cera Rainforest Retreat

Property grounds
Miscellaneous
Aerial view
Property grounds
Interior

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
22 bedrooms15 bathroomsSleeps 100

Popular amenities

  • Swimming pool
  • Onsite parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning
  • Barbecue

Explore the area

View map
Cougal, NSW

Rooms & beds

22 bedrooms (sleeps 100)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 4

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 5

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 6

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 7

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 8

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 9

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 10

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 11

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 12

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 13

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 14

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 15

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 16

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 17

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 18

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 19

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 20

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 21

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 22

+75
79 Queen Beds

15 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathroom 2

Bathroom 3

Bathroom 4

Bathroom 5

Bathroom 6

Bathroom 7

Bathroom 8

Bathroom 9

Bathroom 10

Bathroom 11

Bathroom 12

Bathroom 13

Bathroom 14

Bathroom 15

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Balcony
Dining area

About this property

Sine Cera Rainforest Retreat

Sine Cera is located on 200 acres of pristine rainforest and bushland ridges north of Kyogle in NNSW. It is just under 2 hrs from Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Byron Bay. It adjoins the Boarder Ranges National Park and its ancient Gondwana forests and is home to iconic and endangered species of plants and animals. The 200 acre site has swimming holes and bushwalks and abundant birdlife. It represents the best value retreat in the region.

The retreat is owned and operated by Dharma Care, a charity based in the Northern Rivers NSW, and open to the public but offers discounts to other charities and not-for-profits. The facility can accommodate up to 100 people in a mix of twin share (30 people) and bunk accommodation (70 people). There are two large meeting rooms - one is 27m x 9m (dining area + activities room); the other is 14m x 7m.

The facility has hosted small and large groups: schools, artist workshops, business conferences, yoga and meditation retreats, personal development workshops, health retreats, weddings, church groups, trauma and cancer recovery programs and family reunions.

There is a large commercial kitchen, a cool room and freezer room, a deep freeze cabinet, two commercial gas stoves and ovens as well as cooking equipment, crockery and cutlery for 100. It is a self-catering facility but caterers can be arranged if required.

Our guests invariably tell us Sine Cera is a "special place" that has the ability to bring people together and to rejuvenate the spirit. We love sharing its unique qualities. Contact us for the full range of prices for families, weddings, health and wellness retreats and corporate events.

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House Rules

Check in after 1:00 PM
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

Events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Property # 9193860
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events are allowed on site
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit

About the area

Cougal

Located in Cougal, this holiday home is on a river. Gondwana Rainforests of Australia and Lamington National Park reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Endeavour Replica Maze and Crystal Creek Miniatures. Discover the area's water adventures with nearby swimming, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking/biking trails, ecotours and mountain climbing.
Map
Cougal, NSW

Getting around

  • Kyogle Station - 51 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Christmas Creek Cafe & Cabins - ‬67 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Sine Cera Rainforest Retreat have a pool?

Yes, this property has a pool.

How much does it cost to stay at Sine Cera Rainforest Retreat?

As of 23 June 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Sine Cera Rainforest Retreat on 27 October 2026 start from NZ$1,034, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is Sine Cera Rainforest Retreat pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Sine Cera Rainforest Retreat?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Sine Cera Rainforest Retreat?

Check-in begins at 1:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Sine Cera Rainforest Retreat?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Sine Cera Rainforest Retreat located?

This family-friendly Cougal holiday home is located on a river, within a 15-minute walk of Gondwana Rainforests of Australia and Lamington National Park. Mount Chinghee National Park is 5.7 mi (9.1 km) away.

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 3 out of 4 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 4 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 4 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 4 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 4 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.6/10

Location

9.0/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Claire

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Oasis

Beautiful location & great facilities. Recommend highly for those wanting to disconnect
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Sharon S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Christmas Stay

It was lovely but quite a bit of maintenance is needed on deck outside lights. Some doors. Aircon was not working. But mostly we enjoyed the stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 8 January 2024
Thanks for your feedback Sharon, and thanks for looking after the place so well. Frustrating about the air conditioner as it was quite hot! And so hard to get a serviceman at that time of the year. We are gearing up to do a major extension of the deck, hopefully over the next 6 months. I'm not aware of issues with lights and doors, but will follow up with Tim. We would love to have you back again and can offer a 5% discount on a booking in the next 12 months.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Steve T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect place to unwind

In the most beautiful of settings, our group was able to disconnect from the everyday (incredibly quickly) and focus our time and effort on enjoying each others company. In the lead up to, and during, it was easy to ask questions and understand how to get the most out of Sine Cera. For our team - it was the best 2 days we've ever spent together and there have already been numerous requests asking for it to be an annual event at the same venue. Can't speak highly enough of the environment that has been created there and what it achieves for a group wanting to connect.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

YI DA C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome stay

We had an awesome stay at the property this weekend. The owner and manager of the property are so flexible and friendly. The kitchen is AMAZING! We had a fantastic time! Thank you!
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2021

About the host

Hosted by Richard Merton

Host profile image
Sine Cera is owned and operated by a small charity that focuses on children and families and homes for older people or those in need. We operate in Australia and fund small projects in a range of countries overseas.

What makes this property unique

This is a semi-wilderness environment but only 2 hrs from Brisbane, the Gold Coast & Byron Bay. It is best to quote a recent guest: "We’ve just had the best weekend here. Wonderful facilities, privacy, bush walks, swimming holes and great food. Next occasion I’ll be back. It was an amazing weekend. The setting is beautiful and the commercial kitchen made it so easy to produce the astonishing meals my guests provided. And they all LOVED the place. People didn’t want to leave and many want to come back. It’s not glamorous or luxurious in any traditional way but it’s magnificent. Thank you." Annie April 2018

Languages:

English
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