The only Gympie accommodation to become an eco-Biz Partner

At Lagoon Pocket B&B  we are the only Gympie accommodation to achieve Partnership status with the Queensland Government’s eco-efficiency programme. ecoBiz.  We have always been very keen to minimise the effect that our business has on the environment. So we are delighted to be able to announce that in 2011 we reduced our carbon footprint yet again.

Overall we achieved a reduction of over 3 tonnes compared to 2010. That is a 13% reduction per guest night, a level that is just 18% of the best practice bench mark levels that we set in 2008 at the beginning of this project.

In fact since 2008, we have reduced our carbon footprint by over 46%.

In addition we have been completely self sufficient in our water usage and we have maintained our waste to landfill at below best practice levels.

So to all our guest who have helped us to set the standard in Sustainable Gympie accommodation in 2011, a very big “Thank You”.

Lagoon Pocket Bed & Breakfast – the natural gympie accommodation

One of our favourite days out from Lagoon Pocket B&B is to visit Amamoor State Forest.  It is an easy drive from us but feels a world away amongst the tall gums and babbling creeks you encounter along the way. Do take some loose change with you as there will be opportunities to stop and buy local produce along the way (pineapples, avocados, limes, watermelons etc whatever is in season) via an honesty box, so you need some change.

Lagoon Pocket to Amamoor State Forest, Via Dagun

From the B&B you come out of Lagoon Pocket Rd turn left on the Mary Valley Hwy, for a pretty drive and a lovely view we turn off at Dagun and travel past the Rattler station and through the cluster of houses that makes up Dagun, at the intersection you turn to the left and carry onto towards Amamoor, this road climbs up to a lookout and affords you a lovely view over the Mary Valley.  When you come to a T junction you turn to the right on to Amamoor Creek Road, toward the Amamoor State forest, left leads you into Amamoor (petrol and a shop if you need it).  Ahead of you is Mary Valley Adventure Trails, where we refer any of our guests wishing to view the Valley from horseback (pre-booking is essential).

Amama Park, Amamoor State Forest

Carry on along this road into the Amamoor forest, the first picnic area you come to is Amama Park, this is where you can often see platypus in the river, they hide from us but our guests have spotted them! (The beginning or end of day is the best time to see them.) This picnic area is also Dog friendly for those of our guests travelling with their 4-paws. There are bbqs, picnic tables, toilets and lots of spaces under shady trees for a great lunch spot. You can take a short walk down to the river (wheel chair access) to watch for platypus or take a slightly longer walk (40 mins return) through lush rainforest following the creek, both walks are clearly signposted.

And on to Cedar Grove, Amamoor State Forest

After leaving Amama Park you will notice less farm land and more thick forest. Be warned, as you head into the Amamoor State Forest, that the tarmac road will finish shortly and become a gravel road for the rest of the drive, also be aware that after heavy rain there will be water running through the  fords which cross the road. If the road is impassable the Council will have shut the road and there will be warning signs out, but always best to be cautious especially if you have a hire car. Ask us before setting out if in any doubt.   Having said all that, just to be on the safe side, this is where the scenery really takes off. You feel as if you are driving through a thick rainforest, it is a gorgeous drive, I always find it hard to believe it is Amamoor and not far north Queensland.

Next you come to Cedar Grove camping area, which can be used by day trippers as a picnic area and for a swim in our favourite waterhole. Unfortunately dogs are not permitted at Cedar Grove (they are permitted at Amamoor Creek camping grounds the next stop). We like nothing better on a hot day than to come here and have a swim in the waterhole surrounded by lush rainforest, it really is quite special. There are very nice toilet blocks and large open air showers for after the swim, the showers really are great (and I am NOT a camper but if I was this would be the spot I would camp!) and quite an experience in the open. You can again do a nice round rainforest walk here,  fabulous strangler figs and great rainforest trees, we usually take overseas guests here as it does showcase rainforest vegetation very well.

On to Amamoor Creek or back for a cold beer?

Now you can either carry on to Amamoor Creek camp ground if you want to see the Gympie Muster Site out of season, if you have a dog this is a dog friendly site. Or if like us, after a swim you want a cold beer you can head back the way you came keeping a look out for the hand painted sign for Kandanga Pub pointing you down Happy Valley road, again another mostly gravel road but with some great scenery. Just keep following the signs for Kandanga and you come into the back of village and you will find the pub sitting up on the right hand side of the road. They do a very good cold beer, there is a selection of typical pub fare available for lunch (we usually go for the hot chips, naughty – I know!).  There is a nice verandah with a welcome breeze to sit and enjoy your beer and reflect on your adventure so far.

And back to Lagoon Pocket, via Amamoor or the Mary Valley Highway

To head home, the first turning after the Post office opposite the pub is the Amamoor Kandanga road and this will take you past farm land, mostly various fruit farms (mango, custard apple, persimmon etc) back into Amamoor. At the fork in the road you can either take the right fork which will take you back to the Mary Valley Hwy and turn left for Gympie and follow the road until you see the turning for Lagoon Pocket road, or you can go through Amamoor town, past the Rattler stop,  shop and then at Mary Valley Adventure Trails turn right and retrace your steps through Dagun and onto Lagoon Pocket.

As I say it isn’t a great distance from us but it does feel a world way when you are deep in a rainforest or having a dip in a waterhole deep in the Amamoor State Forest.

 We hope you enjoy exploring  Amamoor and Kandanga.

 Lagoon Pocket Bed and Breakfast – the natural Gympie Accommodation.

Welcome to the February 2012 edition of the Gympie Events Calendar. As usual we have pulled out our favourite bits and you can download the full version here.

Gympie Events Calendar – Feb 2011

Every month when we receive the calendar we are amazed at how much work Tanya Easterby puts in to the Gympie events calendar and how much useful information she manages to bring together.  Thank you Tanya. If you would like to contact her about the Gympie Events Calendar,  you can email her on tanyaeasterby@bigpond.com or  ring her on 0438 850 109.

Gympie Events – February

11th Mothar Mountain Speedway Gates Open 3pm, Racing 4.30pm, 5482 8722, www.gympiespeedway.com.au

11th Romancin the Rails Train Ride Travel on the restored DH45, champagne served as you board & leaves at 5.30pm to Dagun Stn and return to Old Gympie Stn for Main Course & Dessert, moonlit dancing on the platform. $65 Bookings to 5482 2750 www.thevalleyrattler.com

11-12th The Cooloola Festival of Birds Tin Can Bay Foreshore, Workshops & field trips, guided bird tours, children’s activities P: 5482 6721 www.birdingcooloola.org.au

12th Cooloola Coast Kart Club Champ Round 1, www.cckc.org.au for times and details

18th Bull & Broncs Spectacular Gympie Showgrounds, Exhibition Rd, Gates open 5pm, Action starts 6.30pm. Rodeo with wild riders, live music, bar No BYO & food, A$15, Family $45, Pen$10, High School Stud $10, 54821721 www.gympieshow.org.au

19th Bushranger Hold Up (Imbil) Imbil Stn ( 1st part re-enactment 12md), Lunch (2nd part re-enactment 1.30pm),
By Mary Valley Historic Re-enactment Assoc. Train Departs 2pm, P: 5482 6937 www.dressuptoremember.com

Gympie Events – March

10 & 11  Gold Museum Steaming Days – www.gympiegoldmuseum.com.au

10 & 11th  Mothar Mountain Speedway  www.gympiespeedway.com.au

18th  Bushranger Hold Up (Imbil)  – www.dressuptoremember.com

23rd & 24th Goomeri Show  – www.goomeri.countyshows.com.au

24th   Wild Wild West MVHR Train Theme Ride  – www.thevalleyrattler.com

31st  Kilkivan Great Horse Ride (Kilkivan)  – www.kilkivangreathorseride.info

31st  Teddy Bear’s Picnic MVHR Train Theme Ride – www.thevalleyrattler.com

We hope you can find some fun Gympie events to enjoy.

Lagoon Pocket B&B – The Natural Gympie accommodation

Welcome to the Gympie events calendar for 2012.  If you want to know all the major events in the Gympie region during 2012, you will find them all here. As usual we will be bringing you a Gympie events calendar for each month because that gives us more space for details and of course, all the extra fun stuff that comes up during 2012.

As always we have to say a very big thank you to Tanya Easterby for all the hard work she does in bringing all these Gympie events together. You can contact her on tanyaeasterby@bigpond.com.

We have chosen a few gympie events that caught our eye bellow and you can download the full Gympie events 2012 calendar here.

Gympie events 2012 calendar

Gympie events Jan 2012

Australia Day Celebrations January 26th
Rainbow Beach Arts Festival January 28&29th

Gympie events Feb 2012

Mothar Mountain Speedway February 11th – www.gympiespeedway.com.au
Romancin the Rails MVHR Train Theme Ride February 11th – www.thevalleyrattler.com
The Cooloola Festival of Birds (Tin Can Bay Foreshore) February 11-12th – www.birdingcooloola.org.au
Fuss & Flair Bridal Expo February 19th

Gympie events March 2012

Gold Museum Steaming Days March 10&11 – www.gympiegoldmuseum.com.au
Mothar Mountain Speedway March 10 & 11th www.gympiespeedway.com.au
Goomeri Show March 23&24th – www.goomeri.countyshows.com.au
Kilkivan Great Horse Ride (Kilkivan) March 31st – www.kilkivangreathorseride.info

Gympie events April 2012

Far A Way Easter Carnival (Imbil) April Easter Weekend
100 Club Cup Race Day April 21st – www.gympieturfclub.com.au
ANZAC Day April 25th

Gympie events May 2012

Gympie Garden Expo May 5&6th
Widgee’s Bushman’s Carnival May 5&6th
Bay to Bay Yacht Race May 5&6th
Gympie District Show May 17, 18, 19th – www.gympieshow.org.au
Heritage Art Competition Gallery Exhibition May 22nd – June 16th
International Rally of Queensland May 25-27th www.rallyqueensland.com.au
Goomeri Pumpkin Festival May 27th – www.goomeripumpkinfestival.com.au

Gympie events June 2012

Race the Rattler (Dagun to Gympie) June 11th – www.thevalleyrattler.com
Gympie & District Arms and Collectables Fair June 15,16,17th – www.ssaaqld.org.au

Gympie events July 2012

Flavourfest July 7th – www.flavourfest.com.au
Christmas in July MVHR Train Theme Ride July 7th – www.thevalleyrattler.com
Rainbow Beach Family Fishing Classic July 20-28th – www.rainbowsportsclub.com.au
Ultimate Steam Festival July 20-22nd – www.gympiegoldmuseum.com.au
Sleepy Lagoon Dragon Boat Regatta July 22nd
Dingo Creek Jazz & Blues Festival July 21&22nd – www.dingocreek.com.au

Gympie events Aug 2012

Kybong Rock Festival August 3-5th
Gympie Music Muster August 23-26th – www.muster.com.au
Mary Valley Country Show August TBA – www.maryvalleycountryshow.com.au

Gympie events Sept 2012

Camp Quality Home & Life Expo September 15&16th – www.appleevents.com.au
Tin Can Bay Seafood Boat & Camping Show September 29th – www.tincanbaytourism.org.au
Mary Valley Scarecrow Festival September TBA

Gympie events Oct 2012

Gold Rush Festival October 3-13th – www.goldrush.org.au
QLD Gold Panning Championships October 6th
Prospectors Day (Gold Mining Museum) October 7th – www.gympiegoldmuseum.com.au

Gympie events Nov 2012

Imbil Acoustic Weekend November 2-4th – www.australianbluegrass.com
Camel Cup Day November 6th
Mary River Festival November 10th

So many Gympie events to choose from – it looks like it is going to be a fun year!

Suzannah’s mango chutney recipe is one of our favourite things at this time of year. Yes it is mango season here at Lagoon Pocket and when trays of mangos hit the magic $10 mark, it is time for Suzannah’s mango chutney recipe.

The best advice we can give you about this mango chutney recipe is make two batches.  You will be amazed how many meals suddenly feel that something is missing once the mango chutney is in the cupboard!

Ingredients for Suzannah’s mango chutney recipe

12 cloves of garlic

15cm ginger root scraped (yes really that much!)

750ml white wine vinegar

2.25kg white Sugar

Seeds from 20 black Cardamon pods

1 1/2 tsp peppercorns

1 1/2 tsp cloves

4 Large firm Mangos peeled and diced

1 tsp (or 2 if you like it firey) of chilli flakes

6tsp Salt

How to make Suzannaha’s mango chutney

Peel garlic and roughly chop ginger and put both into food processor with a little of the vinegar, puree it.

Heat remaining vinegar in large heavy saucepan with sugar. Bring to the boil and stir to dissolve sugar.

Grind peppercorns, cloves and black cardamon seeds, if you don’t have a spice grinder you can use a mortar and pestle.

Add this to the pan along with remaining ingredients and bring to the boil.  Lower to a bit more than a simmer and boil for an hour or so until set.

Way to test for setting is put a saucer in the fridge for 1/2 hr and drop a small amount of  mango chutney onto the cold plate. If it is set it wont’ run across the plate.

Bottle into sterlized jars and store, when cold, in the cupboard. Once you open a jar of mango chutney store it in the fridge.

We hope you enjoy Suzanah’s mango chutney recipe as much as we do.

 Mango chutney from Lagoon Pocket Bed and Breakfast – the natural Gympie Accommodation.

Christmas is all about birthdays ( well one in particular).  So, as a way of wishing you all a very happy Christmas, we thought we would share three little Christmas birthdays with you. These beautiful little chicks were born here at Lagoon Pocket B&B over the last couple of days and are busy exploring their new world with their Mum.

Here I am sitting in my office watching a wallaby eating grass across the road and celebrating the birth of little baby chicks. Not quite the traditional Christmas images that I was brought up with in the UK but very special none the less.

Where ever you are and what ever you are doing this Christmas, thank you for your support this year and we hope you have a very happy Christmas.

James & Suzannah

Lagoon Pocket B&B – The natural Gympie accommodation

Lagoon Pocket B&B, the Gympie accommodation that is going Red and Green for Christmas

Here at Gympie accommodation, Lagoon Pocket B&B, we are turning all red and green for Christmas. We have always been the Gympie accommodation option where you can enjoy the sights and sounds of nature rather than the traffic on the Bruce Highway. Now we are turning all red and green for Christmas, after the rains over the last couple of weeks, the greens are just vibrant.  Thanks to a spectacular display from our poinciana trees Christmas red is all around us.

So if you are looking for somewhere to enjoy some time away this Christmas and New Year, come and share the beautiful red and green at Lagoon Pocket. The natural Gympie accommodation choice!

Gympie Accommodation?

If  Gympie accommodation is what you need, the lush red and green at Lagoon Pocket will help to make your stay so much more enjoyable. If you would like to know what events are happening around Gympie  Click here.

Here is what one of our guests was kind enough to say on Trip Advisor the other day about choosing Lagoon Pocket B&B as her preferred Gympie accommodation ;

“James and Suzannah are so lovely! The room was spacious, as was the bathroom. The decor was countryish and cute! The room was very clean and had a pretty view of the bush. The surrounding bushland was so beautiful and the location was perfect. . . just a short drive to Gympie and the shopping centre for supplies. Suzannah was very helpful with giving us directions on how to get to where we needed to be. The breakfast was divine!!!!!!! Danny the dog was a sweetheart and the native wildlife (possums,birds etc) and chickens were beautiful!! The attention to detail did not go unnoticed, from the natural shower gel, shampoo, cotton buds in the bathroom to the chocolate slice in the fridge!! I would highly recommend staying at Lagoon Pocket Bed & Breakfast for a relaxing week end away! ”

Christmas red and green and Lagoon Pocket B&B – just the best Gympie accommodation choice!

Lagoon Pocket B&B – The natural Gympie accommodation

The other day we visited  one of our favourite gift shops in Gympie and we were delighted to find that they now serve delicious coffee as well. Suzannah has a very glamorous friend overseas who always hunts out fantastic gifts for her birthday and Christmas presents, and this year said friend has been to New York…. so Suzannah was in a bit of a state as to what she could possibly buy her in dear old Gympie. Well we were in Red Hill Design for less than 10 minutes when Suz found just the pressie (or two) for glamorous friend that was light enough not to break the bank at the PO; you could feel the stress levels drop in the CBD of Gympie I’m sure!

So if you are all stressed out trying to find that original gift ideas, go and visit the Red Hill Design Co in Gympie. They have a  refreshingly different range to select from and you can sooth away all that present buying stress with a cup of coffee at the coffee shop out the back on the prettiest little patio which will inspire you to do wonderful things with pot plants when you go home.

Here is how to find Redhill Design Co in Gympie

Red Hill Design Co, 14 Red Hill Road, Gympie

Tel: 07 5483 7992

So support a Gympie business, solve that gift problem and relax with great coffee at the Red Hill Design Co

A peaceful Gympie coffee option

A refreshingly different selection

Welcome to the Gympie events calendar for Christmas and new year 2011/12.  As usual, we would like to thank Tania Easterby for bringing  together all these wonderful Gympie events. If you would like something included in a future addition or you would like to update something here, you can contact her on M: 0438 850 109   E: tanyaeasterby@bigpond.com

You can download the full gympie events calendar for Dec/Jan here.  December 2011- January 2012 Gympie Events Calendar

Our Favourate Gympie events

We have selected a few of our favourite Gympie events to highlight here but you will find lots more useful information and Gympie events if you download the full  Gympie Events calendar.

December 2011 Gympie Events

9th Imbil Community Christmas Party, Main Street of Imbil from 5pm

9th Movies till Midnight & launch of the Noise Magazine, Gympie Sovereign Cinema, Tickets $20 includes @ 5.50pm Arthur Christmas, Puss in Boots, & Jack and Jill.

10th UX11 a Skate/BMX/Wheel Competition, Nelson Reserve, Live performance by Kymira. Pro workshop @ 1pm Skate demonstration, competition and live music at 6pm.

10th Gympie Community Gardens Open Day – Kup Murri Feast, traditional Aboriginal cooking and Workshops 10am – 4.30pm, Cooinda Aged Care Grounds, follow the signs, bring a friend!

10th Wild West Theme Train Ride Licensed Casino Railmotor, Dress up for the night, ticket $65 incl. $250 of Rattler Chips for Roulette & Blackjack, incl. 3 Course Dinner. Gympie Stn, Tozer St 6pm for 6.30pm departure, return 11am, Bookings essential 5482 2750.

10th Rainbow Beach Christmas parade & street markets, Noon.

16th Carols in the Park (Nelson Res) Hosted by the Combined Churches of Gympie, Nelson Reserve, 7pm. Carols In the Park Program Liftout, Gympie Times 16/11 – M: 0407 421 114 (alternate venue if raining will by the Civic Centre, Mellor St).

17th Goomeri Christmas Carnival & 5pm, Face Painting, Circus School, Chocolate Wheel, Santa will visit, Raffles, Street Market Stalls BBQ, Best Table Centre piece, Best Decorate House & Business prizes, Stall Bookings 4168 4520 or 4168 4260 Best Christmas Carnival ever with new look!

17th Mothar Mountain Speedway Street Sedans Nth Coast Radiators 20/20, Jnr St Sedans, Super St, AMCA. Gates Open 3pm, Racing 4.30pm, 5482 8722, www.gympiespeedway.com.au.

18th Bushranger Hold Up Imbil Stn ( 1st part re-enactment 12md), Lunch (2nd part re-enactment 1.30pm), by Mary Valley Historic Re-enactment Assoc. Train Departs 2pm, 54822750

19-22nd Santa Shuttles in the Silverbullet to the North Pole, Departs 6.30pm, 7pm, 7.30pm & 8pm, $4 p/p – bookings essential P: 5482 2750, www.thevalleyrattler.com

26-31st Tin Can Bay Foreshore Carnival Enjoy daily family entertainment along the foreshore each evening, beginning Boxing Day until New Year’s Eve. Live music from 5-9pm, New Years Eve top band will rock from 6pm followed by fireworks at 9pm and midnight P: 5486 2056.

29th Mothar Mountain Speedway Super Sedans NSSS Round #1, Jnr Sedans, Modified Productions. Gates Open 3pm, Racing 4.30pm, 5482 8722, www.gympiespeedway.com.au

31st Tin Can Bay New Year’s Eve Foreshore, Live music 5-9pm, Fireworks 9pm

31st Gympie Family Fun Night New Year’s Celebration at Nelson Reserve, Jaycee Way, Gympie M: 0423 819 064

January 2012 Gympie Events

13th Pirates of the Valley Themed train trip, taking kids on a treasure hunt www.thevalleyrattler.com

14th Kart Race for Daniel Day Cooloola Coast Kart Club – www.cckc.org.au

14th Mothar Mountain Speedway Modified Productions, “King of the Mountain” & Junior Street Sedans. Gates Open 3pm, Racing 4.30pm, 5482 8722, www.gympiespeedway.com.au

15th Bushranger Hold Up Imbil Stn ( 1st part re-enactment 12md), Lunch (2nd part re-enactment 1.30pm), by Mary Valley Historic Re-enactment Assoc. Train Departs 2pm, 54822750

26th Big Aussie Breakfast & Vehicle Display, Breakfast from 7am, Activities 9.30am-2.30pm, Veteran Vehicles, Motor Bike Club, Re-enactment Group, entertainment, Billy Tea & Damper, Sausage Sizzle, Gympie Gold Mining, Brisbane Rd www.gympiegoldmuseum.com.au P: 5482 3995.

Which ever of the Gympie Events you choose to be part of, we hope you have a great time.

Lagoon Pocket B&B – The natural Gympie accommodation

Gympie accommodation, Lagoon Pocket Bed and Breakfast

Gympie accommodation, Lagoon Pocket Bed & Breakfast has just received its 60th review on the world’s largest review site Trip Advisor. Lagoon Pocket Bed & Breakfast are setting the standard for Gympie accommodation and accommodation in the Gympie area.  With a  Trip Advisor customer satisfaction index of 96%, Lagoon Pocket Bed and Breakfast were awarded a “Certificate of Excellence” by Trip Advisor earlier this year.

Certificate of excellence for Gympie accommodation, Lagoon Pocket Bed & Breakfast

The 60th review for Gympie accommodation, Lagoon Pocket B&B

“Beautiful place surrounded by well established trees, a variety of birds and farm animals.
The rooms are very spacious and comfortable containing all you need for comfort and with fantastic friendly hosts who really know how to make you feel welcome. This peaceful retreat is ideal for business stays or family holidays and is only eight minutes away from Gympie. I recommended to anyone without any hesitation. ”

James Arkle, owner of Gympie accommodation, Lagoon Pocket B&B says

“Thank you Monica for our 60th review on Trip Advisor and thank you to all our other guests, over the years, who have taken the time to write such kind reviews.  We have been working hard to set a high standard for Gympie accommodation. It is so rewarding to know that our efforts are being appreciated”

Lagoon Pocket B&B, the Gympie Accommodation with 60 reviews on Trip Advisor and a customer satisfaction index of 96%

 Lagoon Pocket B&B – The natural Gympie accommodation