O'Reilly's Canungra Valley Vineyard

Photo Credits: O'Reilly's Canungra Valley Vineyard

From the moment we approached the vineyard along a windy country road and glimpsed the homestead with the burgundy roof we both felt that inkling that we were about to discover someplace magical. Our suspicions were only confirmed after entering the verandah as the smell of decades of history wafted into our nostrils. The floorboards creaked a little which only added to the Queenslander's charm.

The deal was sealed when we wandered down to the creekside area and upon spotting the shady silky oaks and hearing the babbling waters. This was the spot for our simple and intimate wedding. A place where we could bring together our family and friends in a relaxed atmosphere.

We are certain that you will find the vineyard as charming and captivating as we did on that first vist.

For more information on the vineyard:
• visit the website
• get directions
• download a map

Don't be confused by references to the Rainforest Retreat. The owners of the vineyard also operate a resort further along the road and up the mountain which from the website looks like a stunning place to stay.

Accommodation in Canungra Village

Staying overnight in Canungra means you won't have to worry about making it back to Brisbane after the party. For a small village Canungra has a number of accommodation options to suit a range of budgets.

Some that we recommend are:

The Canungra Motel
Prices start at $90 for a double and they also offer family suites so you can stay as a group and split the costs.

The Canungra Hotel
Right in the centre of the action and offering fantastic pub food and doubles starting at $55 this is a very convenient option.

Wallaby Ridge
Located a few kilometres out of town, but on its own private vineyard waking up in this lovely setting would be a lovely treat. That's why we've chosen it to be our wedding night accommodation.

Baggs B&B
A quaint B&B located walking distance from the main area of the village

Transportation

O'Reilly's Canungra Valley Vineyards are located about 8km outside of the village of Canungra. If you are intending to spend the night after the wedding staying in the village you may wish to leave your car in the village so that there are no disputes over who will be the designated driver.

Yellow Cabs offer service in the area. You can book a taxi by calling 13 1924

The Canungra Hotel has a shuttle bus service for the area. We are working on arranging a group pickup and drop off. If you might be interested in being included contact us and we'll keep you up dated.

The Gold Coast Hinterland

You may wish to spend more time in the Gold Coast Hinterland.

More details on sites and activities coming soon.

A Brief History of Us

It was truly a happy coincidence that we met that fateful night in the Valley, a popular area with an abundance of bars near the centre of Brisbane. I had been in Australia a couple of weeks and was starting to get itchy feet to see more of the country when Renee, a fellow backpacker also living at the Palace Backpackers, invited me for a drink with some of her Australian friends. I was pretty tired and not feeling all that sociable so I consented to at least start the night at the DUB, the hostel bar, but after a couple glasses of wine I was eager to keep the night going. So we headed to the Valley where I was introduced to Renee's friends. Chris and I hit it off immediately. We barely parted company the entire night.



A week later we were on a first date and pretty soon we were co-habiting. We recognized that things were progressing quickly but somehow there was safety in the fact that I would be moving on briefly. Which I did but somehow, in between trips, I was pulled back to Brisbane where things continued to progress.



All too soon my time in Australia was over, but Chris promptly followed me to Canada where we took the opportunity to work and play in the Canadian Rockies.



Next we headed off to Central America where we studied and explored.

For the past year and a half we have been back in Australia where I have been completing my masters degree in International Economics and Finance while Chris has been steadily gaining work experience, building our nest egg and together we have applied for his Permanent Residence visa to Canada.



Early in 2008, as a newly married couple, we will be embarking on our latest adventure, establishing a new life together in Western Canada.