Master Chef arrives this month for a week of harvesting from our organic garden and cooking with Sharini.

Retreat owner Sharini came from Sri Lanka to Australia with her family when she was 8 years old. Although growing up an Aussie kid, she never forgot her Sri Lankan roots and learnt the art of traditional Sri-Lankan cooking from her mother at an early age. Leaving law behind Sharini now delights in sharing her heritage and knowledge of Sri Lankan cuisine with guests who love her traditionally made curries. The choice of fresh organic produce and sourcing all the spices makes the difference Sharini says.

In today's world there are many who have special dietary needs. Whether it is coeliac, dairy free, gluten free, vegan, vegetarian or just a plain dislike for some food Sharini will accommodate guests' special needs.

With fresh salads, herbs and vegetable soups made with produce from John's organic garden, her main courses from countries around the world and her simply delicious deserts, the table d'hôte menu receives a great response each evening.

Ladybug house moves on: design concepts for the 'house that feeds you' have moved to the next stage. These totally sustainable pods will have fresh creek water flowing pass with ponds for fishing and growing fruits and vegetables. The grey water will be recycled and waste water treated in a biocycle system that is also reused.

The first sustainable pod comes with a bank guarantee of 10% for 2 years and we anticipated the interest and popularity of the retreat to grow with these state of the art accommodation modules. They can currently be purchased on separate titles of 2 hectares up to 100 hectare forest blocks with amazing views across the valley of Barrington Tops. Chris Haughton is the architect, his design studio "The Shed" is in Surry Hills. Please contact us direct for more details.

Cock rock or the Knob is the Barrington Tops infamous rock on the Dilgry Circle. The rock has not been exposed or talked about much at all ...  and we wonder why.   

How the rock was named is obscured in local legend. Known particularly as a "fertility" rock, legend has it that for those childless couples who are brave enough to scale the beast, pregnancy is assured!

No doubt one day like The Three Sisters this rock will be major attraction but until then just marvel at nature's formation and go and see it for yourself.  Be careful not to miss the spectacle.  There is only a very small sign on the Dilgry Circuit saying 'THE ROCK'

Thank you for all the great comments and experiences on Trip Advisor