Retreat information for your stay at Noonaweena

IN ROOM COMPENDIUM

From Our Owners

Welcome to Noonaweena, the “Resting Place in The Bush”.

Noonaweena preserves the legacy of its name as a place of rest. Traditionally, the Darkinjung people enjoyed the surrounding lands for nourishment and rejuvenation. Biram Lodge: atop the summit of our property, showcases the most magnificent view of Mount Yengo, which remains a sacred place for the Eastern NSW Aboriginal people.

Today we strive to maintain the history and share this magical hidden gem of the Central Coast Hinterland.

As a business enveloped by nature, we can’t help but appreciate the beauty and wonder of our natural environment and our Team strive to conserve Noonaweena’s unique ecosystems. Our commitment to sustainable practices at Noonaweena helps minimise the unnecessary impact of the landscape around us. Simple acts like buying local, organic products and being energy savvy go a long way to minimise the impact we have on our environment.

Thank you for choosing to stay with us. We have great confidence in our team that they will extend only the finest of hospitality to you. Take the time to find rest and to be transformed by the natural beauty that surrounds you. We wish you a very memorable stay.

Kind Regards, Warren & Pauline Hill

Meet Our Team

PICTURE HERE

Adam Forsythe – Retreat Manager

Hi, my name is Adam and I have the absolute pleasure of leading the team here at Noonaweena. I live here onsite as your Onsite Retreat Manager, with my partner Mat and our two King Charles Spaniels, Sunny & Paf.

I began my work here at Noonaweena in 2016, where for six years I held the position of Assistant Manager alongside my parents who were the Managers at the time. After some time away working in hotels, my parents decided to retire, and I was offered the position of Onsite Retreat Manager in 2020 which I was thrilled to accept.

With various positions in hotels including Guest Relations, Rooms Division Management & Food & Beverage Management, I have a great passion for the Hospitality Industry and the art of service.

Along with the Noonaweena team I take great pleasure ensuring that our guests feel welcome and at home while staying with us. It is my hope that you will take the time to relax and reconnect with nature during your stay. Of course, if you require anything throughout your stay, please do not hesitate to contact me, it will be my pleasure to be of service.

My 3 top Noonaweena recommendations:

Don’t miss the sunset from Biram Lodge, Its breathtaking! Watch the Sulphur Crested Cockatoos fly home each night like they have been doing for thousands of years! Super noisy of course!
Take a bushwalk along our “long track” and discover the twisting trunks of the Angophora Gum-Tree Forest. Look out for “Gandalf the Wizard”, he’s the largest Angophora Gum-Tree we have onsite and he’s super old and wise! Bushwalking maps are available from reception.
Sample our iKOU Essential oil products! Available for purchase daily in our office. Your body, mind and spirit will thank you for it.

Sean Phillips – Assistant Retreat Manager

Hi, I’m Sean, it is my pleasure to welcome you to “The Resting Place in the Bush”. I assist in leading our team and providing a unique experience for our guests, where you feel welcome, relaxed and rejuvenated.

I began working at Noonaweena in 2022 after a decade of working in corporate/leisure hotels and resorts across many supervisor and management roles. My passion in hospitality runs deep and allows me to truly appreciate the art of service.

With that being said, should you require any assistance during your stay, please do not hesitate to contact me.

I encourage every guest to explore the gardens, bushwalks and beautiful hidden waterfall that you will find throughout Noonaweenas 100-acre bushlands.

My 3 top Noonaweena recommendations:

Watching the sunset over Mt Yengo National Park from the infinity spa at Biram Lodge. Nothing beats a calm relaxing spa as the sun goes down. Stop, Breath and take it all in!
Discovering the hidden Waterfall. Connecting with nature is one of the most underrated acts for the soul. A beautiful way to de-stress and un-wind. Listening to the sound of water flowing and nature all around. I encourage every guest to explore the gardens, bushwalks and beautiful hidden waterfall that you will find throughout Noonaweena’s 100-acre bushlands.
I will never shy away from a game of tennis or volleyball; rackets and balls can be picked up from reception during office hours.

Retreat Information

Permitted use of Premises

Please adhere to the permitted use of the premises and don’t hesitate to contact our team if we can be of any assistance.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted within any buildings at Noonaweena. For Biram guests, the smoking area is in the carport outside Boronia Cottage or the front courtyard gardens of the Lodge. For guests in Gymea, it is outside the garage. Guests of Tree-tops and Boronia Cottage are permitted to smoke on balconies using the provided ashtrays. No illegal drugs are permitted on the property. Please see enclosed our alcohol policy.

Gate Access

Our entrance gate is kept closed for your security and privacy. If you wish to vacate, simply press the button on the intercom just inside the gate and our onsite manager will open the gate. Entry to Noonaweena is only permitted by staying guests of Noonaweena. Approval from onsite Manager is required for any additional day guests not included in the number of guests on confirmed booking.

Parking

For fire safety reasons, the paved area in front of Biram Lodge is for loading and unloading only. After unloading your vehicle, please park in the lower undercover stable carparks beside our reception. For those staying in Gymea House, two undercover spaces are provided within the garage and additional spaces are allocated outside the garage in the parking area. For guests staying in Tree-tops a private undercover parking space is available next to reception while guests staying in Boronia Cottage have two private undercover spaces allocated directly outside the cottage.

Tesla Charging Stations

For your convenience, please find two Tesla electric charging stations onsite. One outside Boronia Cottage and another within the garage of Gymea House. Management kindly asks that all guests make these spaces available to any guest that may require the use for charging purposes.

Room Keys

Room Keys are available to all guests on request. Please visit our reception or call our onsite manager to arrange.

Towels

White towels are provided for your use within your bathroom only. Please use striped towels found in your walk-in or sliding robe for pool and spa areas. Makeup face washers are provided for the removal of makeup. Please kindly refrain from using white towels to remove makeup. Here at Noonaweena we are proudly Eco-Certified, and we ask that you air dry your towels between use, however If you require fresh towels, please do not hesitate to contact our team and we will gladly provide.

In-Room Amenities

We proudly provide premium Antipodes, Aveda & Koala Eco products for your use while staying with us. We encourage you to help us reduce waste and recycle by using the provided “goodie bag” to take home any used amenities you have enjoyed during your stay. Our Koala Eco body wash and hand wash products are available for your use during your stay with us. We kindly ask that you leave this bottle for the next guest to enjoy. Should you wish to purchase any of our Koala Eco products you can find them for sale at our reception. Removal of products from your room will result in a charge to your account.

Hairdryers

A hairdryer can be found in the drawers of your vanity on underneath within a labelled bag. Should you require a hairdryer please do not hesitate to contact our onsite manager.

Septic System

As Noonaweena uses an Envirocycle septic system, we ask that you please place sanitary items in the bins provided.

Water

Noonaweena relies solely on rainwater. Please help us conserve our tank water by using it carefully. Please also note that all water is filtered and safe to drink. Chilled water is provided in Biram Lodge foyer and kitchen and in Gymea House kitchen and downstairs kitchenette.

Televisions

All lodges offer televisions in common areas for your entertainment during your stay. Smart Televisions can be found in the living areas of Boronia Cottage, Tree-tops, Biram Lodge conference room and both upstairs and downstairs of Gymea House. All the above Televisions provide guests with the access to FOXTEL and Netflix while also allowing guests to access their own accounts. Small televisions can also be found in Melaleuca and Eucalyptus rooms, with free to air stations only. Small televisions found in the bedroom of Boronia Cottage and Treetops allow guests to cast and access their own personal streaming accounts only. Please contact our onsite manager if you have any questions or need assistance.

Sound Systems

Sound systems are available for your use and can be found in the common areas of each accommodation. Our onsite manager will be happy to show you how to use the various sound systems throughout Noonaweena.

Library, Games & Book Exchange

A range of books are available within our Biram Lodge Lounge for guests staying within the Lodge. You are welcome to exchange a book for another. A selection of board games can be found in the Biram Lodge lounge and lounge of Gymea House for your enjoyment during your stay.

Air Conditioning & Heating

All room throughout Noonaweena are reverse cycle ducted air conditioned. The main air conditioner controls are situated near the exit signs of both wings of Biram Lodge. To turn on the air-con for internal rooms of Biram Lodge ensure the master control is turned on and the individual “air-con” button is switched on within each room. Melaleuca & Eucalyptus bedrooms each have their own individual controls as do the rooms of Gymea House, Boronia Cottage and Tree-tops. Please do not hesitate to contact our onsite manager if you require any assistance with the controls.

All buildings throughout Noonaweena are heated. There are also several gas heaters in living areas for your convenience. Gymea House has underfloor heating and both Biram Lodge and Gymea House have fireplaces for use in the winter. For Biram Lodge guests, logs and kindling can be found in the wood box next to the fireplace. Please keep the fireguard in front of the fire and ensure that the fire is not left burning on retiring for the night. Please note the fireplace in Gymea House is a gas fire and controlled by a remote kept near fireplace.

Fire Alarm

If the fire alarm activates, please evacuate your room via the outside sliding bedroom doors or the closest marked exit. Your group leader has agreed via the conditions of hire, to assume the role of the Fire Warden during your stay. Please see the enclosed information sheet to familiarise yourself with the fire safety maps throughout the lodges and the signposted Emergency Evacuation Assembly Point.

Fire Extinguishers, Fire Blankets, Fire Reels

Fire extinguishers, fire blankets and fire reels are provided for emergency use and are located throughout the property. Please familiarise yourself with the location of these

Self-Catered Groups

Please familiarise yourself with the appropriate health regulations enclosed, which your group has agreed to adhere to during your stay. Exhaust fans are to be always used when cooking. Please use the correct coloured cutting boards when preparing food and ensure that food is stored and heated appropriately to avoid any contamination issues. Correct hygiene must be upheld and please ensure that all washing up is completed prior to your departure. Our onsite managers reserve the right to enter the kitchen of Biram Lodge for inspection and to assist with the disposal of waste and of course to be of service.

Tea and Coffee

Nespresso coffee pods and machines are provided in all kitchens for the complimentary use of guests. Self-Catered guests are required to provide their own milk. A selection or teas and native looseleaf “Roogenics” teas are available for our guests to enjoy during their stay and available for purchase at reception.

Wine List

We offer a selected range of Australian & International wines for guests to purchase from our cellar. Please find our full list within your room and contact our Onsite Manager on 129 or mobile to order.

Gift Shop

Take a quality keepsake home. Our Noonaweena gift shop is open daily at reception and offers a variety of local artisan gifts, iKOU Essentials aromatherapy products and Koala Eco home & body products. Open daily between 8.30am and 5pm OR by contacting our onsite team.

Massage Therapy

Enhance the relaxation at Noonaweena with in-room massage. Our therapists offer a range of aromatherapy and hot oil massage treatments within the privacy of your room, in one of our designated massage suites or even poolside. Massages must be booked in advance and require a min of 2hrs treatment to confirm a booking. Please contact our team with at least 24hrs notice to confirm availability. Group bookings and treatment plans can also be arranged. Please contact our onsite team for more information.

Treatments available:

Remedial Massage
Relaxation Massage
Remedial Sliding Cupping
Hot Oil Deep Tissue
Healing/ awareness Massages 1.5 hr

30 mins $110
60 mins $180

Barbeque Areas

Barbeques available in all Lodges at Noonaweena. For Gymea House, Boronia Cottage & Tree-tops guests a BBQs are located on the veranda and for Biram Lodge guests the BBQ is located outside of the kitchen.

Pools & Heated Spas

Our pools are not heated, while our spas are heated all year round. Both are available for your enjoyment all year round. For your safety we request that you take notice of the safety signage around the pools and spas. The NO GLASS must be strictly adhered to as broken glass in the pool area means that the pool will have to be emptied at guest expense.

Tennis Court

Our tennis court is available for your use year-round. Tennis rackets and balls are available from reception. No booking is required; however, guests are encouraged to be considerate of other staying guests that may wish to use the court.

Sporting Equipment

Table tennis, Volleyball, Boules is available on request. Please see reception.

Umbrellas

There are umbrellas available at the entry of both Biram Lodge and Gymea House or upon request at reception. Umbrellas are for guest use during your stay and must be returned prior to departure.

Grounds/Bushwalking

Please feel free to explore the walking tracks around our property. Bushwalking maps are available from reception and our staff will be very happy to show you the way. As Noonaweena is an Australian bush property, there is natural wildlife around. Most of these, such as beautiful birds and wallabies can be observed with enjoyment. There are, however, several sighted animals which may cause you some concern. Please familiarise yourself with the enclosed information & safety sheet and remember to wear appropriate footwear and clothing while walking around the property and preferably take a walking partner with you. Please note that all garden lighting switches off at midnight.

First Aid

All our staff hold a current St Johns First Aid qualification. Please feel free to call upon them in the event of an accident and be sure to inform our onsite manager of any serious illness or accident that occurs onsite, as it is essential for all events to be documented. Our managers are onsite to ensure the security and safety of all guests and will be able to refer serious matters on to the local GP or Emergency department. There are several fully stocked first aid kits on the property; in the kitchens of each lodge and by the tennis court. Should you require first aid assistance please contact our onsite managers immediately.

Automatic External Defibrillator AED

Here at Noonaweena we have one AED onsite, and it is in the foyer of Biram Lodge to the righthand side of the coffee machine. This AED is available to any guest onsite at any time. Should you require first aid assistance at any time please contact our team who are fully trained in how to operate an AED.

Laundry

Laundry facilities are available on request. Tree-tops & Gymea House Guests have laundry facilities available within accommodation, while Boronia Cottage and Biram Lodge guests can access the commercial laundry facilities with assistance from our onsite manager. Please do not hesitate to contact our onsite manager if you have any laundry requirements.

Local Attractions

In addition to the wide variety of on-site activities and team building activities we can arrange for you, here are some suggestions for your visit to the Central Coast. We can also provide you with maps of the local area:

Horse riding in the picturesque Glenworth Valley
Tree-tops obstacle course at Tree-tops Adventure Park Wyong Creek
Paintball in Kulnura
Golf at the Springs Golf Club Peat Ridge
The kids will love all the creepy crawlies at Australian Reptile Park
Bush walking in Bouddi National Park
Whale watching when in season
Picnic by the newly renovated picnic area at Mangrove Creek Dam
Have breakfast with the alpacas in Jilliby
Take a day trip to the historic neighbouring villages of Laguna & Wollombi
Take a day trip to the world-famous Hunter Valley wine region
Take a swim at one of our pristine local Central Coast beaches
Experience the serenity of Somersby Falls

For more suggestions & info regarding local attractions, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our team.

Privacy

From time to time both Biram Lodge, Gymea House, Tree-tops and Boronia Cottage will be in use by separate groups. Please respect the privacy of guests in all venues and only use facilities that are allocated to your accommodation. For those staying in Gymea House, Tree-tops and Boronia Cottage, please be aware that your guests do not have access to the Biram pool and spa unless you are part of the same booking party.

Guest Feedback Cards

Your feedback is very important to us, and we value your opinions highly. In order to continue to uphold our standards, we ask that you take a moment to complete your in-room guest feedback card.

Green Initiatives

Solar Power

Extensive solar panels have been installed to significantly reduce our energy consumption and CO2 emissions and power part of the facility.

Solar Hot Water & Heated Spa Solutions

We have a solar setup for our hot water systems so that gas is only used when necessary. We also use fuel-efficient heat pumps for the outdoor spas, with thermal covers to reduce energy.

Rain Tanks & Water

Noonaweena is self-sufficient with a natural water supply delivered from several rain catchment including a natural spring, water tanks and a bore water system.

Composting

We compost our green and organic kitchen waste onsite and return it to the surrounding gardens as nutritious mulch. This improves the structure and health of our soil and eliminating the need for pesticides and fertilisers. All our Nespresso coffee pods are recycled/composted. You can find organic waste bins in Biram Lodge, Boronia Cottage and Gymea House Kitchens.

Recycling

This is another simple initiative that we have rolled out to all lodges, recycling bins. It is a great way to give our plastic bottles, cardboard and aluminium cans a chance to become something else.

Envirocycle Septic System

This septic system recycles domestic wastewater from the bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry of Noonaweena. It is treated (a natural process) in an underground tank to a purity approved by relevant health authorities. Grey water from the septic system is reused on ornamental gardens.

Local & Organic Produce

Where possible, we buy local and organic produce, reducing the miles in which the food would have had to travel to a chain store, and supporting local growers and their sustainable farming in the process.

Heritage Awareness

Our name, 'Noonaweena,' is an acknowledgement of the traditional custodians of the land who were here before us. This translates to 'resting place in the bush,' an apt description of this part of the Darkinjung Aboriginal country. As we look out at the great Blue Mountain heritage area, we are reminded of the spiritual sense of place, an experience we like to pass on to our guests.

Eco Certification

We do our utmost to provide sustainable experiences for our guests to protect the environment, our community and local culture. To show our dedication, we achieved global best practice sustainability standards through ECO Certification with Ecotourism Australia.

This year marks a decade of ECO Certification, and we are now recognised as a Green Travel Leader!

Green Travel Leader status celebrates 10 years of certification by Ecotourism Australia and represents our long-standing commitment to global best practice sustainability.

NOONAWEENA PERMITTED USE OF PREMISES

On your initial Booking form, you specified the purpose of your stay. We trust that during the confirmation process, our Managers clarified the nature of your group and your intended use of the Noonaweena property and that this was agreed upon. While each group who hires Biram House, Gymea House or both is individual, this private exclusive use is what makes Noonaweena so different to other properties. Our desire has always been to provide this safe space for your group with as much or as little staff interaction as you desire.

There are, however, a few basic guidelines which each group must adhere to, which were included in the signed Conditions of Hire, in order to continue to hire the premises:

There is to be no interference with natural flora or fauna (unless for safety reasons)

Cigarette butts are to be disposed of in provided ash trays & no illegal drugs are to be brought onto the property.

No unauthorised or unprotected fires are to be lit, for obvious fire safety reasons.

No children are permitted on the site without the prior approval from the Managers.

Excessive noise is prohibited particularly after 10pm in the evenings.

You will be liable for any damage to the property by your guests during your stay.

There will be no vehicle access after 10pm (or 11pm for weddings) until the following morning unless prior arrangements have been made with the manager or in case of emergency.

The Noonaweena purpose statement is:

Noonaweena, “resting place in the bush”, is a quality,
safe space where guests experience renewal, rejuvenation & refreshment.

Basically, any activity or behaviour that contradicts this purpose is out of line with the permitted use of the premises. If you are unsure of whether the purpose of your stay or any activity your group wishes to partake in during your stay contradicts this purpose, please seek permission from our managers prior to arrival.

Should any member of your group not adhere to these guidelines, your hire will be immediately terminated, and no refunds granted.

NOONAWEENA ALCOHOL POLICIES

Licence Name - Noonaweena Lodge
Licence Type - Liquor on premises licence Licence - Ms Jacqueline Kent Alley
Licence Number - LIQO660033509
Business Type - Accommodation, Catering service

Noonaweena is a licenced premise and holds an on-premiss liquor licence in accommodation catering services, therefore all alcohol for fully catered events must be purchased onsite. BYO alcohol and beverages are not permitted.

Noonaweena catering staff hold current Responsible Service of Alcohol Certification (RSA) that allows them to responsibly sell, provide and serve our guests alcohol.

The service of alcohol is permitted daily between 10am and 12midnight with service of alcohol not permitted after 10pm Sunday evenings.

Section 11A of the Liquor Act 2007 applies to this licence. Liquor must not be sold by retail on the licensed premises for a continuous period of 6 hours between 4:00 AM and 10:00 AM during each consecutive period of 24 hours. The licensee must comply with this 6-hour closure period along with any other limits specified in the trading hours for this licence.

Consumption on premises Good Friday 12:00 noon - 10:00 PM (liquor can only be served with or ancillary to a meal in a dining area) Christmas Day 12:00 noon - 10:00 PM (liquor can only be served with or ancillary to a meal in a dining area) December 31st Normal opening time until normal closing time or 2:00 AM on New Year’s
Day, whichever is the later Note: Trading is also allowed at other times on Good Friday and Christmas Day if authorised by an extended trading authorisation. Liquor can only be served with or ancillary to a meal in a dining area after 5:00 AM on Good Friday and Christmas Day.

This licence authorises the sale of liquor for consumption on the licensed premises only – at any time on any day to a resident (or a guest of a resident while in the resident’s company) or to an employee of the licensee. Liquor must not be sold to a guest of a resident or to an employee of the licensee for consumption on the licensed premises, or to a resident for takeaway from the premises, between the hours of 4:00AM and 10:00AM. Liquor sold to a resident between the hours of 4:00AM and 10:00AM must only be sold or supplied for consumption in the room in which the resident is residing or staying.

The premises are to be always operated in accordance with the Plan of Management dated August 2016 as may be varied from time to time after consultation with the Local Area Commander NSW Police.

The business of providing the Catering Service must be for fee, gain or reward. Functions held pursuant to the Catering Service must be pre-booked. A Catering Service booking register must be maintained.

The licensee is to ensure that no drinks commonly referred to as shots, shooters or slammers etc are to be sold or supplied at the premises, this includes all drinks that are prepared to be consumed rapidly.

The licensee, or his/her representative, must be present during all functions where liquor is sold or supplied.

Noonaweena & the hirer assumes responsibility of their group’s responsible consumption of alcohol including not serving alcohol to minors (under the age of 18) or anyone who is, or appears to be, intoxicated. Alcohol must be served in a manner which respects its potential as a drug which affects health & safety.

The hirer will ensure that no activity that encourages the excessive consumption of alcohol is conducted.

Noonaweena will ensure that adequate supplies of non-alcoholic beverages are available for guest’s’ consumption, including plenty of water.

Noonaweena & the hirer will ensure that adequate quantities of food are made available at functions where alcohol is served, and we recommend that alcohol should not be served for longer than 30 minutes before substantial food is served.

We recommend that the service of alcoholic beverages should cease at least an hour before the designated time for close of the function. At this time, non-alcoholic beverages can be made available.

The hirer will ensure that there are allocated drivers or alternative transport arrangements for guests who have consumed alcohol and intend on traveling.

The hirer agrees to pay for any damage incurred to Noonaweena property during the hire period by their guests.

Noonaweena Management will liaise with the hirer or nominated event contact regarding any alcohol consumption concerns and reserves the right to terminate the service of alcohol, hire of property & call-in security guards (at the hirers expense) should things get out of control.

If you hire any additional suppliers for an event that are required to sell or serve alcohol on Noonaweena property, please ensure they have the appropriate Caterer’s or Function Liquor Licence.

NOONAWEENA FIRE SAFETY

As part of your signed Conditions of Hire, your group leader has agreed to assume the role of the Fire Warden during your stay. In the event of a fire, we ask that this fire warden be calm, confident and in charge of getting the group to the Emergency Evacuation Point & contacting the duty manager immediately.

For your safety there are several fire protection plans in place which we ask you to familiarize yourselves with including.

Fire exit signs & maps located throughout the lodgings.

Each bedroom has an external door leading outside, so these also become important fire exits.

A signposted emergency evacuation assembly point located at the base of the paved driveway leading to Biram house. Please proceed to this point immediately should you hear the fire alarms sounding.

Fire extinguishers are in the kitchens, function room, tennis court and throughout the lodgings. These are only to be used in an emergency and only if the fire is contained to a small area and you have had sufficient fire training to know which type of extinguisher to use and how. Please be aware that all our site managers have current fire training expertise so best to call them if unsure.

Water sprinklers are located on the lodging’s roofs. Please remember the basic fire safety recommendations (as endorsed by Gosford Rural Fire Service Sept 08):

If the lodging is smoky from a fire & because smoke
rises to the ceiling, the best thing to do is GET DOWN LOW AND GO GO GO - crawl along the ground to the nearest exit and proceed immediately to the Emergency Evacuation Point. Never go back inside a burning house.

Please notify the duty manager immediately who will then call 000 for the fire department.

For your safety, below is some basic burn first aid, which have been endorsed by St Johns Gosford office in August 2008:

MANAGEMENT OF CLOTHING ON FIRE

If your clothes catch on fire, don’t try to run away as this will only make the fire burn hotter and faster.

INSTEAD

STOP casualty from running around.

DROP casualty to the ground and wrap in a blanket, coat or rug (wool is best; don’t use anything made of nylon or other synthetic materials).

ROLL casualty along the ground until flames are smothered.

BASIC BURNS TREATMENT

Follow DRABCD (Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, CPR, Defibrillator).

Hold burnt area under cold, running water until it returns to normal temperature (up to 20 minutes).

Remove jewellery and rings and carefully store and document.

Remove clothing from burnt area, unless stuck then leave alone.

Cover the burnt area with a non-adherent / burns dressing (or aluminium foil, plastic wrap, or wet clean dressing).

Seek medical aid urgently.

NOONAWEENA WILDLIFE

As Noonaweena is an Australian bush property, there is natural wildlife around. Most of these, such as the beautiful birds & wallabies, can be observed with enjoyment. There are, however, several sighted animals which may cause you some concern.

WALKING TRACKS

We highly recommend that you use common sense, wear long trousers & closed-in shoes and take someone with you when you head out on one of our beautiful walking tracks. Should you require medical attention, it is best to stay where you are and send your walking partner back to seek help. Be assured all our full-time staff hold current. St. John Senior First Aid qualifications. However below are some basic first aid instructions (as approved by St Johns Gosford office, July 2008) for you to convey to your group. Please report all accidents and bites to our staff, whether they require further intervention or not.

LOCAL MEDICAL ASSISTANCE

The closest GP is Dr. Christine Wade @ Mountain Medicine clinic located at 40 Niclins Rd, Mangrove Mountain NSW 2250 Ph-024374 1252 The clinic has a doctor, physiotherapist & pathology on site. Open 5 days, Mon-Fri, 9am -5pm, Closed Saturdays & Sundays

The closest pharmacy is Mangrove Mountain Pharmacy, located at 3/1 Waratah Rd, Mangrove Mountain NSW 2250. Ph-0243741457, Open Mon – Fri 9am-7pm, Sat 9am-3pm Closed Sundays.

The closest Hospital Emergency Department is Gosford (Cnr Holden St & Racecourse Road, Gosford). Ph: 4320 2111

LEECHES

As you walk around the property, particularly down to the natural Spring, you may encounter a leech. They are attracted to body warmth and movement, and find their way into socks & jeans, where they latch onto skin and begin sucking. They are not dangerous but best to get rid of them. You will need to sprinkle the leech with salt (they will curl up & drop off), wash the area and apply a dressing until the bleeding stops. Don’t ever pull a leech off your skin as the anticoagulant remains where they were attached, and you will continue to bleed. The wound may take days to heal.

INSECTS

The greatest risk from general insect bites is an allergic reaction. Remove the sting and apply a cold compress (approximately 15 mins) to treat mild reactions. Those who are allergic to bee stings, or any other insect must seek medical aid immediately and apply pressure immobilization bandage, administer their EpiPen if available. Use antihistamine lotion (or tablets) may help mild reactions.

SCORPIONS

While the areas around the lodgings are regularly sprayed, you may come across a scorpion. Despite sometimes intense local pain from a bite (usually lasting less than 1 hr), these scorpions are not lethal, and most stings will settle rapidly. A cold pack/compress to the area is all that is required. Do not apply a bandage or tourniquet or cut, suck or incise the wound. If the pain remains severe after an hour or develops general symptoms, fever, aching joints or a history of allergy, seek medical aid urgently and apply a pressure immobilization bandage.

SPIDERS

Spider bites are extremely rare, however the three most dangerous species (funnel-webs, red-backs & white-tailed spiders) may be seen on the property despite active pest control.

If a bite does occur, from a funnel-web spider follow the first aid plan below:

If the spider is still attached, immediately remove it, being careful not to sustain further bites.
The bitten person should be reassured and must lie down & remain still.
The bite wound should not be tampered with in any way.
If the bite is on a limb, apply a firm broad bandage
not less than 7.5cm (crepe, heavy crepe or pressure immobilization bandage) starting just above the fingers or toes and as far up the limb as possible. Ensure the casualty does not move.
The bitten limb should then be immobilized using a splint.
If there is any impairment of vital functions such as respiration, airway, circulation, heart function, these must be the priority.
Nil by mouth, absolutely no alcohol. No sedatives outside hospital. Clear fluids to prevent dehydration can be given but only if considerable delay before medical intervention, only if they are conscious.
DO NOT wash the bite as the venom will assist in identifying the spider/snake.
An ambulance must be called ASAP for hospital care.
If it is SAFE to do so, the spider can be placed in a sealed container for identification by the hospital.

If a bite does occur, from a red-back spider follow this simple first aid plan:

Rest the casualty.
Apply cold pack/compress to the area to lessen the pain.
Seek medical aid promptly.

If a bite does occur, from a white tailed and other spiders follow this simple first aid plan:

Wash with soap and water.
Apply cold pack/compress to relieve the pain/discomfort.
Seek medical aid if casualty develops severe symptoms.

SNAKES

If you come across a snake, it will usually try to get out of your way, so let it do so. In the rare event of a bite, do NOT wash the bite area as the venom on the skin can help identify the snake.
Follow the first aid plan for Funnel-web spiders. Follow steps 1 through to 9.
Write down the time of the bite and when the bandage was applied.
Black & brown snakes are dangerous and have been sighted on the property - however don’t guess at identification if you are not sure.
DO NOT take off jeans or other clothing but CUT off ALL fabric on effected limb as the bandage must not go over clothing. Any movement will make the venom travel more quickly through the system.
The bitten person must NOT be walk to get help if possible - leave them where they are & we will endeavour to get a vehicle to you as soon as possible.
Also don’t try & force the venom out of the bitten area as this does not work.
DO take off jewellery on the bitten limb as they can become very tight if swelling develops. Try to remain calm & we will assist you as soon as we are alerted.