Midginbil Eco Resort

1. Overview and History of the Venue

Midginbil Eco Resort is a family-owned and operated 400-acre farm property in the Tweed Valley, Northern Rivers region of New South Wales (NSW), Australia, near Uki and surrounded by lush rainforest, Nightcap National Park, and views of Mt Warning. Originally a working farm and now a caravan park, campground, and eco-resort, it was purchased in January 2020 by owners Russ and Mel Diffey, who previously ran a holiday park and have farming roots. The venue specializes in DIY weddings, offering a relaxed, affordable, country-style experience with exclusive 3-day (2-night) hire for couples seeking multi-day celebrations with guests onsite.

2. Key Features and Amenities Available

The resort provides a range of facilities for wedding weekends, emphasizing relaxation and outdoor activities:

• Solar-heated swimming pool, tennis court, volleyball net, and rainforest walking paths.

• Original 1906 homestead with deck for meals and gatherings, fire pit, and bridal preparation room.

• BYO alcohol policy to keep costs low, with exclusive use of the entire 400 acres during hire.

• Ample powered and primitive camping sites, plus recreational spaces for guest enjoyment over three days.

3. Ceremony and Reception Spaces (Capacity, Layout, Settings)

• Ceremony: Held under a majestic fig tree on the hilltop, offering 360-degree views of Mt Warning and Nightcap National Park escarpments; accommodates up to 170 guests.

• Reception: Rustic barn serves as a blank canvas for DIY decorations, ideal for intimate country-style events; capacity up to 170 guests.

• Layout and flow: Guests arrive Friday for setup and BBQ, enjoy Saturday activities, ceremony at fig tree, then cocktails on the lawn before barn reception; carpooling recommended for hilltop ceremony.

4. Catering Arrangements and Options

Midginbil focuses on DIY flexibility for the wedding reception, with couples arranging their own caterer and alcohol. Supplementary meals (guest-paid) are provided by the venue:

• BBQ dinner on arrival night (BYO alcohol).

• Two cooked breakfasts and light lunch pre-wedding, served in the 1906 homestead dining room and deck.

• In-house or third-party catering options available; no per-head pricing specified beyond low-end estimates around $50, emphasizing affordability.

5. On-site Accommodation (if Available)

On-site accommodation for up to 170 guests is a standout feature, with guests paying directly:

• Lodge rooms and bunkhouse (sleep 2-6, with ensuites).

• Glamping tents, 10 bell tents (solar lights, USB charging), Rose Manor Cottage.

• Primitive campground with shared toilets/showers.

• Additional local options available if needed; supports full guest list staying for the Friday-Saturday nights.

6. Unique Characteristics of the Venue

• DIY-focused 3-day package creates a "chilled country vibe" for fun, relaxed weddings where guests bond over multiple days, often described as "the best wedding ever" by reviewers.

• Secluded yet accessible 400-acre estate with rainforest and mountain backdrops, perfect for alternative, budget-friendly celebrations without traditional high costs.

• Family-run with personalized service, including a detailed DIY wedding info package; suits couples wanting onsite stays for all guests.

7. Practical Considerations for Couples (Parking, Accessibility, etc.)

• Accessibility: 55-60 minutes from Gold Coast (Coolangatta) Airport, 1 hour from Byron Bay, 1.15 hours from Ballina Airport, 2 hours from Brisbane Airport; centrally located in Tweed Valley.

• Parking: Ample onsite, with carpooling advised for ceremony hill; exclusive use includes all facilities from Friday afternoon.

• Capacity and restrictions: Min/max 30-170 guests for ceremonies/receptions; hire starts at 6:00 AM Saturday possible, but standard is Friday arrival.

• Booking: One-off venue hire fee for exclusive 3-day use; guests cover accommodation/meals; contact for DIY planning guide.

• Other: Solar-powered elements, family-friendly with activities; ideal for rainforest weather—plan for outdoor elements.