11/9/25
“A lovely spot. Accommodatoin is all lovely. Very relaxing spot. Will have to come back.”
David T
11/9/25
“Fantastic welcome to Petford after a long hot day from Herberton. Lovely swim in Emu Creek 5kms before Petford. The feed was absolutely great.”
Keith
20/8/25
“Thank you Helen and Shane. Must bring my riding buddies from Adelaide one day….”
Grant
19/8/25
“What a fabulous oasis in the middle of the outback. Such a wonderful experience to stay in a homestay that has so much love and care put into the property by Shane and Helen. We had a fabulous meal and enjoyed wonderful conversation about the history of the area and trail. We enjoyed the journey there on our bikes from Herberton. It’s a very special experience to spend time with the people who live in these isolated places, allowing us to see what life on the Landin FNQ is like.”
Gina, Mary, Sheila and Greg (from Sydney)
6/7/25
“Well we weren’t expecting this! What an absolute delight after a long, hard slog on the bikes in the sun. A cold beer, and warm hospitality was exactly what we needed. You’ve created something unique and special here. We’ll talk about this with our friends and family. Thanks for having us. Cheers.”
Mike and Sarah
5/7/25
“What a hidden gem! Thanks Helen and Shane for your hospitality. I can’t wait to return and stay again.”
Mandy and John
2/7/25
“Shane and Hellen were awesome, the stay here and the unique accommodation is sensational. Totally recommend staying here again. Cheers for the laughs.”
Heath, Rhett, Jay and Glen
28/6/25
“What an oasis at Petford. Helen and Shane have truly made an integral link to making the FNQ Pioneer Bike Trail possible. Wonderful, unique accommodation, great food and even better company and chats. We look forward to seeing many more cyclists come through and experience what we have. To Tim and Peter for creating a trail that incorporates history, a challenge and meeting great people. We will be back with more friends to ride the trails. Thank You.”
Peter and Lorain
11/6/25
“Fantastic ride across from Herberton to Petford, and then getting to this beautiful little oasis! What an amazing transformation of this overnight stay. Well done Shane and Helen and thank you for your wonderful hospitality.”
Allison Sciam
11/6/25
“Lovely to see you again Helen and Shane. Your place just gets better and better every time we come over. The most comfy bed too thank you!”
Love P & T
11/6/25
“So relaxing to stay in this lovely place, the hosts are so obliging and the surroundings have been designed for guests to relax and have a good time.”
Bob and Carol Freeman
11/6/25
“Wow what a beautiful peaceful place to stay on route to Lappa via the Pioneer Tail. Shane + Helen are so welcoming and generous and so full of knowledge – hope to visit again soon.”
Margo and Peter
11/6/25
“Thank you Shane and Helen for everything! You made our stay so comfortable and memoriable. We shall be back! The transformation of the buildings and gardens is a credit to you – it’s just a brilliant stopover! Thank you again.”
Chris and Sarah White
11/6/25
“Another great Petford stay. The ride from Irvinebank to here is beautiful. A feast and fire last night. Thanks for an amazing stay Shane and Helen.”
11/6/25
“Just a year since we started all this! Peter Blakey and I came out and talked to Shane and Helen and the Pioneer [Trail] was born. Just such a highlight. Things are developing.”
Tim Trehearn (Atherton)
11/6/25
“A warm welcome after our day riding the ups and downs of the local roads and trails. A top stay!”
Melinda Hill
11/6/25
“Love being back with Helen and Shane. Love this place. Second time on the Pioneer Trail. Love it!!! See you again.”
11/6/25
“What an amazing place. Love the atmosphere. Thank you Helen and Shane.”
Ginny
1/6/25
“Thank you Shane and Helen. This was a little piece of heaven. You have an amazing set up and your hospitality is tops. Thank you so much.”
Ian and Kathy
1/6/25
“Thank you Shane and Helen for your beautiful oasis. We have had a wonderful stay along our bike-trail adventure. You have done a great job of setting this up.”
Ann and Andrew
1/6/25
“Thank you both so much. A lovely find after a long dusty day on the Pioneer Trail. I slept like a baby. Best wishes for a successful venture. Kind regards.”
Sharon T.
1/6/25
“Another great night with Shane and Helen.”
Peter Blakey
1/6/25
“A unique oasis to spend the night biking Herbeton to Mt Garnet. Sush a lush, comfortable, overnight with wonderful hospitality. Thank you.”
Shane and Helen, Kim K. (Christchurch NZ)
1/6/25
“A great ride, beautiful country to ride in with a special place to stay. I will be back.”
Maurice Evans
25/4/25
“Thanks Shane and Helen, you guys rock. This place blows me away with your hospitality and we are definitely coming back, even if its just for the seafood. Thank you so much.”
Neil, Grant, Deanne, Kathy
22/4/25
“A group of us rode from Atherton to Petford in one day. It was a long, hot ride and when we arrived around 5pm we were welcomed by Helen and Shane. They are honestly two incredible humans. The accommodation is fantastic and the BBQ dinner was excellent and exactly what we needed after a long day on the bike. Over dinner our group discussed coming back with other friends to ride the Pioneer Trail and stay in Petford. Can not say enough nice things about this place.”
Robert and Felicity Waeden, Ross and Kris Kersley
13/4/25
“Thank you Helen and Shane for having me for the night at your beautiful place! I was amazed and so enjoyed having so many betongs surrounding my tent!”
Mike Haywood and Tilly
30/3/25
“Highly recommend staying at Petford Valley Outdoor Retreat. Historical items exhibited around and through the buildings, gardens and potted plants. Accommodation welcoming and provides well for a group or individuals. BETONGS ARE A BONUS!”
Sandra Charlton (Gordonvale)
30/3/25
“Whata gem!!! Helen and Shane are very hospitable. They have created a georgous environment that is so comfortable you don’t want to leave. Thank you for a wonderful stay.”
Pat Blake (Gordonvale)
30/3/25
“A group of 5 of us attempted the Pioneer trail. Irvinebank to Petford. A bit too early!!! So much rain, lots of creek crossings but eventually made it here!!! Thank you Shane and Helen for making this into a georgous welcoming place. We love it and will be back.”
Deb (Gordonvale)
30/3/25
“Yes! A very welcome sight after the crazy challenge of negotiating the road on bikes from Irvinebank! Perfect place to spread out, dry stuff and have a comfy bed and hot shower. Thanks to Shane and Helen!!”
Leanne (Gordonvale)
30/3/25
“What a delightful ‘home away from home’ after a couple of days on the Pioneer [Bike] Trail. Hosts Shane and Helen are most welcoming, relaxed, hospitable hosts imaginable. Betongs at night a special treat. Beautifully memorable and 5-star hospitality. Highly recommended and definitely be back and telling everyone a must-stop location.
Chrissy (Gordonvale)
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