Bens Falls Retreat in Emmaville, New South Wales | Local business

Bens Falls Retreat

Locality: Emmaville, New South Wales

Phone: +61 428 774 101

Address: morgans road 2371 Emmaville, NSW, Australia

Website: http://www.bensfallsretreat.com

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25.01.2022 These three photos were sent to me from a friend that has been apart of dads and our life for around 27 years. He has been there for most major builds of dads. The first is dad putting in the old crossing to get to the cod cabin. This is not used now but was for many years. The next two is the first day of the build of the bottom cabin. ... All the photos and stories shared about Allan have been a pleasure to read and see. Please keep sharing. He was a man who loved an adventure especially with a friend. Im sure there are stories and adventures that I have not heard before. Thank you everyone

25.01.2022 Here are some photos that I have just been sent form various functions #fun #memories #creatingmemories #creatingmagic @ Bens Falls Retreat

25.01.2022 This photo was given to me by @bushkraftkid What a great picture of the place. Right on the cliff! #amazingplaces #beautifuldestinations #madewithlove

25.01.2022 This last month has been wonderful to have everyones love and support. I know dad would be so happy that his place he created has be acknowledged and recognised as what it is. something special. If you have a friend who you think should stay, please tag, and share. I would like to share an article Scotty Thomas wrote this story and published it in the Fishing World magazine in 2009. He was kind enough to find it and send me a copy. Such a great article about the fishing an...d our place. #bensfallscabin #bensfallsfishing #bensfallsretreat #codfishingaustralia #codfishing #goodoo #yellowbellyfishing #goldenperch #escape #vistnsw #emmaville #fishingretreat #escapetothecountry #cabinlife #cabin

24.01.2022 Took the kids for a walk along the river down from the waterfalls. I have this at my back door and I still dont get sick of this amazing landscape. #goodoo home. Such clear water @ Bens Falls Retreat

24.01.2022 Dad As you have read, dad was a creative, determined, and passionate man who valued family, friendship, and integrity. Today I am going to share some of his other passions.... In the early years dad loved hunting and fishing, being in the outdoors with nature. As the years passed, he began to enjoy travelling and exploring new places and get a thrill of finding new things. He became obsessed with gold detecting. Dad always loved creating something, he has created 2 very large dams on the property which we have stocked with fish (bass, silver perch, golden perch and trout) and we was a blessing to have through the drought. He was always a long-term thinker and built things to last, and love to go big. Dad always had a way with animals, I real gentle nature about him. As a kid I grew up with pet, kangaroos, deer, goats, birds, dogs, cats, chooks, rabbits. If anyone meet dad, the few years before he passed, you would have meet bird. An eclectus parrot who went everywhere with him; to work, on holidays, to the pub, on the loader, even use to take him on his bike with him. He was a guest at many peoples functions, even my wedding. But a constant over the years is dad cherished friendship and loved to have a drink with mates or two Will continue @ Bens Falls Retreat

24.01.2022 Week away with family and friends. Can life get any better #camping #glamping #thisisliving #makingmemories #familytime #friendsforlife #relaxing #fun #goingplaces #toyota

23.01.2022 I call it the restaurant when, we actually operate as a function centre, catering for groups of people of 20 or more. This has meant mum still works and able to do it as a passion of love, not work. From the early days to even now it has been about family. We all have helped and worked together. Dads favourite part was mingling with the guests and explaining his creation, he also was chief Venison kebab cooker, he would also set up and help clean up, was always a part of ...every aspect of his creation. Mum prepped and cooked all meals, with her family as her off siders. She had and still have amazing local staff, that help her. People use to tell dad that no one would come to the middle of no where for a restaurant, it would never work, your crazy. Lucky dad was a strong minded and willed person and never listened to negative thoughts. He has created a place where people near and far have travelled to see this astonishing place. I remember our first wedding, the restaurant was only built, no bathroom, minimal kitchen, but already amazing atmosphere and structure. I have received photos from a beautiful friend, Nerolie and Justin. They were married and had their reception here, they loved it then, as has many other luck couple have now and will do. We have had functions from then on for, birthdays, anniversary, Christmas party, reunions, staff party/events, school formals, or even just because functions. We can seat 90 people or do canapé for up to 140 guests. We as a family, still love to carry on dads dream. We love to see happiness come from a place that was built on heart ache. It brings us as much joy, as it does to the people enjoying the food, view, atmosphere, and friendship. Please add your photo of your function as I am limited to 10 photos. Till tomorrow.

23.01.2022 Start of the restaurant As we owned the other side of the river, as kids we always swam, adventured, and fished at the waterfalls. Dad always talked about buying the other side and building a penthouse of glass down on the rocks looking back up the river at the falls. Not long After Ben passed the land came up for sale and he jumped on the chance to buy it. Dad then decided to build a restaurant (do not know why but he just had a dream and vision of that is what he wante...d to do). Many people have asked dad why you chose to build a restaurant? One of his answers was to change a negative into a positive. He enjoyed evoking emotions into people and wanted them to experience happy ones. I wish I could have a view of inside that mans head, as that is where he kept all the ideas, never wrote anything down, or sketched ideas, he just kept it all up there. Was a remarkable visionist. After many BBQ with friends on the side of the hill a spot was chosen. I would have to say 99% of people he talked to or showed, could not grasp his vision and though him to be crazy. it would never work, couldnt be done, No one would come. All these doubters made him even more determined to make his dream happen. If you ever met my father you know that he is stubborn, when he makes up his mind, he will do it, crazy as it may seem to other, he would do it. I have added some photos of the site being ready to build upon. First photo is 1 of many BBQ had at the spot, Second is setting the detonators, next is checking the scene from the first blast followed by the check of the second blast. We had a bulldozer operator as crazy and fearless as dad, Barry McGwinney. As you can see in the following pictures, he is pushing the pad and track for the restaurant. To be continued ..

22.01.2022 So, I could not wait till tomorrow as I think these photos are so amazing to see how the restaurant takes shape. As you can see each wall taking place, each wall has a story. From cracks in glass to the mammoth task of cutting and placing the hallow logs. Must be seen to really appreciate the work, love and tears gone into this building. If you look at the painting, that is a painting of Ben, dads son, and motivator. This amazing painting was done by the exceptionally tal...ented, Tanya Robertson-Cunninghame. We are fortunate to be great friends and neighbours, they live up stream of cod cabin. As the restaurant was taking shape, I remember dad telling mum that she will be the chef, and mum bluntly saying I cannot cook. He told her to believe with in herself, as he does of her. He loved her cooking and new everyone else would. Shirley is an amazing cook and puts SOOO much love and thought into each dish that goes though those doors. I am so proud of her. She is too is an inspiration. Mum is continuing what was originally dads dream, she too has loved it from the very start and continues to love it, as it brings joy to her and everyone that comes. Dad was very inspirational to me; I see all that he has done and all that he has over came. Dad was a man with over 9 lives, he had some awfully close calls over his life, but managed to come out the other end. Many people may remember when he rolled his car and was mm from cutting his jugular, sinned and broke his arm and numerous ribs. That man still found the strength and determination to walk home (1.2km) in the middle of the night to his carer and protector Shirley. These two were a team. More to continue tomorrow..

21.01.2022 All this COVID is confusing. But I called up to get clarification. Thank you @adammarshallmp. Emmaville @bensfallsretreat is within the bubble which means anyone in QLD bubble can still travel to us. If you have made a booking and your not within the bubble can you let me know as at this stage you wont be able to come. ... I have added a link at the end to check. Please remember it is CLOSED Cod season from 1st of September to the 1st of December. We have stocked dams with Bass, yellow belly, silver perch and one has trout. Plenty of beautiful bush walking and great place to kick back and relax and escape the mayhem. #escapecovid19 #bushretreat #escapetothecountry #bensfallscabin #bensfallsfishing #bensfallsretreat #fishing #hiking #hikingnsw #relax #unwind #getaway #thisisliving #loveourplace https://www.health.qld.gov.au//map-border-zones-qld-border.

21.01.2022 Best way to #reboot the system. #selfisolate #nature #relax #bliss #hike

20.01.2022 I have enjoyed looking at the restaurant from a different view. Thanks again @bushkraftkid I get asked if I get sick of the view. Its something about running water that is totally mesmerising. It brings me a feeling of relaxed happiness. Its a place that brings me joy that out ways the sadness that memories evokes. #legacy

20.01.2022 If you missed it https://www.abc.net.au//progr/breakfast/breakfast/12509044. Around 46 min in to broadcast is the story for anyone who missed it Thank you Don Sheil from ABC Tamworth for stumbling across my stories and thought worthy of a story

19.01.2022 Took the kids out to release some #yabbies in the dams. Then a walk to the river at the #restaurant. Nothing better then seeing the kids exploring and happy. #bensfallsretreat #bensfallsfishing @ Bens Falls Retreat

19.01.2022 Yesterday @glensolar did a fantastic job of putting up a stand alone solar system on the Cod cabin #bensfallscabin @glensolar has done such a professional job. Not a bad view to work with. In the next couple of weeks will have it re wired, so excited for this. ... On another note I am Loving the change in the seasons. These days are just magical. #cabin #glamping #solarsystem #standalonesolarsystem #bensfallsretreat #bensfalls #bensfallsfishing #views #fishing #relaxing #nature #visitnsw #visitthecounty #countryliving #rusticstyle #rusticcharm #cabinlife #getbacktonature

18.01.2022 Dad while building the restaurant still worked as an electrician and found and made time, to be able to fulfill his dream. He would burn the candle at both ends from his determination. But with his support of his amazing wife, always found the energy to keep on keeping on. Working as an electrician meant traveling all over the place, he would always keep an eye out for things he would need. He had an eye on an old shed as he wanted for the rusty iron look. A friend renov...ated his house and went and pulled up the floor and re-laid. Had friends working in a skyscraper renovation, went up and got the glass. Note He only had enough to do the job. I remember him trying to cut it to fit. He was getting frustrated as it was chipping, so he called a mate to come and give him a hand, who told him to get some old mattress and he will do it for him. I clearly remember the look on his face when his mate scored both side and dropped it on to the mattress. As he only had just enough, he was about to go off about breaking his glass, if looks could kill. but it fell and cleanly broke where it needed to, and the look of relief on his face was hilarious. Allan had an eye for measurements. The big beams you can see in the photos are iron bark, which he would look at, look at the spot that it needed to go, and eye ball the cuts he needed to make with the chain saw, so it could fit level on the beam. Just an astonishing craftsman. Every wall and surface of the restaurant is unique, thought about and hand created. There have been many beers drank, pondering each walls uniqueness. The toilet for example is one of the most famous build of the place. A room with a view. Must be seen to be understood and appreciated. He was an artist. As the build got closer to being completed and more people started hearing about the amazing feat this man accomplished, people started to get excited about having a function there to show and share this mans dream. Until tomorrow ..

16.01.2022 Im an loving peoples photos theyd are sending in and sharing. So nice to know that our place brings so much joy too soo many. These photos are from Paul Kneller @knellerlures. ... Always love to have people share there time and photos. #bensfallscabin #bensfallsfishing #bensfallsretreat #codfishing #goodoo #relax #escape #visitnsw #escapetothecountry #riverfishing #cabin #cabinlife @ Bens Falls Retreat

16.01.2022 Hands up if you need a bush getaway # #cabin #glamping #escapetothebush #escapetothecountry #relax #bensfallscabin #bensfallsfishing #bensfallsretreat #nswgetaways #visitnsw #peaceful #fishing

15.01.2022 Got to love the view on the hill near bottom cabin #bensfallscabin All you problems seem small when you have a view that goes on. #bensfallsretreat #bensfallsfishing #relax #unwind #viewsfordays #countrynsw #escapetothecountry #visitnsw #photographery #thisisliving #cabinlife #cabin #stayingsafe

14.01.2022 Thank you everyone for your lovely messages, stories, and photos of Allan yesterday it was very touching. We are incredibly grateful for everyones help and support for mum and the family over the years. It has not been easy, but we are a resilient family who always have each others back and know we can get through anything. Story of Cod cabin... Allan with is great mate Donny (Chappy) came up with the idea to build a cabin and run guided tours for both hunting and fishing. With just dads trusty Land cruiser to cart the timber, backhoe to dig the footings and winch to snig the trees out of gully oh cannot forget a mate with a swing saw they were set. Donny drew up the plans and they got to work. They snigged huge stringy bark tree out of gullies and dragged up the hill to be cut. They got a mate to help them slab the trees with a swing saw (the teeth pattern still visible in each slab). They helped pull down old telegraph poles for the post, the roof came from a renovation on his homes veranda and bought the floorboards from the mill at Bonshaw. What character it has! It had a few changes over the years, but the ladies favourite is the indoor plumbing, hot showers, and FLUSHING toilet. No more long drop walks. This cabin has been enjoyed by many over the years and still is. The pub crawl on horseback also use to stop and have lunch at the cabin. These walls hold many memories. Till tomorrow @ Bens Falls Retreat

14.01.2022 As per caption.

14.01.2022 Its never ending. Firewood cutting and splitting. #fire #cabins #bensfallscabin #work #spendingtheweekend

13.01.2022 Its been great to look back on all these photos and reminisce of all the amazing times I have been fortunate to spend with dad. I will not lie it has been sad at times as I wish there were more had. I wish I could see him with his grandchildren, be apart of Brads wedding and many smaller occasions, even a call would be nice. I just remind myself, I have been fortunate to have a loving, caring and astonishing man to call a father. These are some of the photos of what it loo...ks like after many years of hard work. The computer will only let me post 10 photos, so it is just a glimpse. From the first push of the bulldozer in late 2005 to now has been a journey like no other. The first photo is Bens 5th anniversary 24/01/2009, as you can see bottom section is close to being completed and the top is just about to start. The photos of that section will be in a couple of days. The small port hole featured, is one of 2 views from the ladys loo. You can see the mens can get quite brisk at times as it is all open. Was very controversial when he came up with the idea, people were shocked at the thought of a window in the stall. Allan managed to create a remarkable bathroom that sparks many conversations. He thought about all aspects of the build, most people come in through the small door not to realise he has made the whole wall into a double door to allow the functions to flow right out on to the deck. Tomorrow will be about functions had here, if anyone wants to send me their photos I would love to put them in my collection, as we always seem to busy cooking or having a good time to remember to take a photo of all functions. [email protected] Till tomorrow

12.01.2022 Some thing pretty amazing happened today. ABC news came across my story on dads life and the story of this incredible build and ask to do an interview with the family. Feeling quite humbled. ... Watch this space for information on when it will be broadcasted. @ Bens Falls Retreat

12.01.2022 Here is a great article done just after Dad and Don finished building the 'Cod Cabin'. I loved the place then and still love the place now.

12.01.2022 Today I embraced dad. He was always a fire bug and knew just when to burn. Today Donny and I went for a walk to the rapids just down stream and lit a fire back to the cabin. Doing a burn to keep cabin safe for fire season. @ Bens Falls Retreat

12.01.2022 Loving the new lights at #codcabin. #bensfallsretreat #bensfalls #bensfallscabin #lights #escapetothecountry #relaxingweekend #stars #twinkle

11.01.2022 The bottom cabin At the start of 2004 dad with a great group of guys started to build the bottom cabin, but as they called it DeTaHuKy, Deane, Taylor, Hunt and Kyte. Deane had a cabin in Mt Monsildale in Squirrel Creek state forest. He had to remove it, so they brough parts down here and started the build. Allan always wanted to expand and build another cabin; he was tossing up different spots but stuck with this location as loved the rugged beauty of this spot bestowed.... This cabin and location have been shared over the years and provides a tranquil spot, which was important to our family as. Not far into the build Tragedy hit. His eldest son, Ben, took his own life. As you could have imagined, it rattled us all down to our bearings. This could have destroyed our family, but Dad kept as all strong and together. We became incredible close and relied on each other immensely. Still missed dearly. Allan had so much emotional energy he looked for a project to place it. This is where the idea of the Restaurant came about. To be continued On a side not I hope your enjoying the little stories. I was never very good at writing stories, just ask my teacher :) but i have really enjoyed looking back though all dads photos and rembering all the amazing, sad and just ...... times we had together.

11.01.2022 Today is a significant day for Bens Falls Retreat. Today marks 6 years that we lost Allan; a son, a husband, a father, a mate, a Larrikin, and a downright inspirational man. Who, through his determination has created a remarkable legacy for us to continue. Over the next week, I am going to share with you, a glimpse of what this AMAZING man has accomplished. ALLAN- born 11/4/1958 was a son of Judy and Ray (Passed when he was 11), and an older brother to Greg. At the age of 4... they moved to Deloraine our family home. He met his lifetime love, Shirley, at Emmaville, at its football ball in 1981 (Go the Emmaville Panthers). As most fairy tale love stories start, so did theirs. It was love at first dance. From that night onwards they started what they did not know then to be a love story like no other. They married 3 years later. They had their 1st son on the 12/12/1985, Ben, I then came, Allana, exactly 3 years after Ben also on the 12/12/1988. With Brad closely following on the 13/6/1990. FAMILY was core to him. He WAS a great father, we have so many fun, happy, joyful, loving memories, that we cherish so dearly. Yes he was tough at times but that has shaped us in to hard working respectful adults I feel we are today MISSED SOOO MUCH. As dad loved the land, he bought his family home off his mother, he then expanded in 1993. Allan was always an alternative thinker, and used his love of the land, hunting, fishing, with his interest in people and igniting a spark with in them; from his mischief mind, or his dare devil ways or even an argument after a beer.or 2 to start the idea of tourism to the farm. He and his best mate Don built Cod Cabin to do just that. Story to be continued ..

11.01.2022 I missed it this morning for our local area. But its being aired nationally this afternoon. When I get the time Ill let you all know if you want to have a listen

09.01.2022 The first photo, is the very first wedding my story was talking about. Were all so young. Oh the memories Thank you everyone for sharing your photos. We are loving them. @ Bens Falls Retreat

08.01.2022 New outside fire place put in this weekend down at the bottom cabin. Just need to adjust bbq plate and its ready for some snags #bensfallsretreat #bensfallsfishing #benfallsretreat #bensfalls @ Bens Falls Retreat

08.01.2022 A few weeks ago I got to meet these legends who came and stayed at the cod cabin #bensfallscabin @mikeywright69 @otishopecarey @glen_casey @scotty_whitfield and Rod. These are some photos Glen shared with me from their stay. ... Till next time #bensfallsfishing #bensfallsretreat #codfishing #fishing #photography #goodoo #cabin #champs #memoriesmade @ Bens Falls Retreat

06.01.2022 This post is a harder one.. The build on top of the restaurant. Allan was building it to be his and Shirleys new forever home. A home is where your heart is, and dad put all his heart and soul into this place. He was looking forward to relaxing and enjoying the small things in life. What could be a better spot then this. I could see him having a beer on the deck listening to the waterfalls flow, wash away any of his problems (would be a perfect spot to hibernate througho...ut this virus). Wake up and take in the serenity with a coffee in hand. Dad had made a great start to the build. He had all walls up and was starting to create his woodwork art-piece walls. He had so much energy already installed in the walls. Dad passed away on his way back into town from being at the restaurant. Dad always thought his time would end early, as his fathers did. He used to live his whole life on the edge, he had no fear. Everyone thought it would be from one of his escapades. But I have had a few asks, dad passed from a major heart attack. He called mum on the way back in, telling her he is on his way to the hospital. Mum, with a nurse meet him of the way just off the road. They were too late Us, as a family have had some hard times, loosing ben, uncle grant, and close friends but it never quite prepares you for this. He had so much more to give and share, see and do, but life is not fair sometimes, and must remind ourselves that we were lucky to have, all that we have had. Allan, dad, was and still is a great man. I am hoping to continue what he started, making a negative into a positive. Soon there will be progress happening again To be continued.. @ Bens Falls Retreat

05.01.2022 On the 2nd of November 2019 Brad and Ash were married. One year around the sun, cheers to the happy couple. This would be one of the most memorable wedding for us. Brad being the youngest of Allan and Shirley’s, but unfortunately Dad was not there in person to see such a beautiful day. But having there special day here, he was a part of it. Happy wedding anniversary to my amazing brother and beautiful, incredible wife, and too many more to come xxx... #bensfallswedding #countrywedding #rusticwedding #bensfallsretreat #bensfalls #wedding #uniquewedding #weddingvenue #weddingwithaview #love See more

04.01.2022 ABC film and story the link to view is below I know most people have seen my blogs on dad with a small in site into the man behind @bensfallsretreat It was very special that Dom from ABC news saw my story and thought it was special enough to want to do a story on our family and and the story behind dad and the build of our amazing restaurant. ... We are very proud of this place and what it represents and so happy that we can share this with the world. I hope soon we will be back to normal operations Tag a friend who has been. Tag a friend who should come and experience our place https://www.abc.net.au//waterfall-restaurant-insp/12526382 #abcstory #abcnews #bensfallsretreat #bensfallsfishing #bensfalls #bensfallswedding #stayinthebush #countrywedding #familystory #insprational #negativeintopositive #love #family #grateful #dad

01.01.2022 THANK YOU everyone for your lovely feedback. This post I could not choose between so many photos so ill have the same post with two different lots of photos. I have also broken the build of the restaurant down to more posts as too much for just 1 I find this incredibly mind blowing, looking back on what this man, with a great group of mates to help and support him, has accomplished. From a side of a very rocky hill to a pad carved down to solid rock, Allan started the ama...zing build. With a large old compressor generator, he jackhammered rocks out of place, then drilled footings down into solid rock. All rocks were then hand laid for the retaining wall in front of the restaurant. A feat in itself! All timber was slabbed by dad and his mates. David Johnson has a Lucas Mill and spent many weeks slabbing all size timber with dad. I remember working with him one week and being amazed at the size of the trees and locations he was dragging the tree out of. If you look at one of the photos you can see the back wheels of the loader coming off the ground as the log endeavoured to get away. Nothing seemed to fear Dad, sitting and talking with his mates they would shake their head about the predicaments he use to get himself into and out of. Teddy Garth took his old crane down so Allan could use to erect the restaurant, oh and, to give lucky visitors a ride and unique view (really loved to scare them a little). He had such a vision that he always knew he was going to build a level above which he wanted to be his home. As the crane could not reach the whole length it was built in two stages, top and bottom of each stage. Dad taught his youngest son, Brad, how to operate the crane. He then had to manoeuvre dad to places to weld brackets, drill holes, and pin the beams. There were many days it was just the two of them chipping away at all the jobs. Looking back, this has created a very skilful, determined, creative person. Brad has taken over dads, solar and electrical business, and grown and shaped it to be a credit to himself. Glen Solar and electrical, I think dad would be incredibly proud of him, as we are. Till tomorrow .