Planning a trip Downunder? Don’t restrict yourself to stays in big city hotels when much of the beauty of New South Wales can be found in its bucolic rural landscapes, home to eclectic and welcoming nature stays.
Close your eyes. Take a deep breath in. Exhale. That’s just a taste of the zen you’ll find on one of these dreamy Australian nature stays. From tiny homes and eco-cabins to glamping tents and timber-clad cottages, there’s plenty of choice if you want to switch off and reconnect with nature – and yourself – next time you travel to stunning New South Wales. Here are a few of our favorites.
Wake Up With the Sunrise
Built on a shared ethos of simple, conscious living, The Camp.Earth allows guests to wind down and enjoy a more self-sufficient way of life. Located in the Northern Rivers of NSW, within a 30-minute drive of Byron Bay, The Camp offers a luxurious camping experience with uninterrupted ocean and mountain valley views. You’ll sleep in a beautifully appointed canvas bell tent, replete with a queen-sized bed, kitchenette, fireplace, and warm shower.
Stay in a Natural Hideaway
Nestled beside Myall Lakes National Park, a two-and-a-half-hour drive north of Sydney, sits Bombah Point Eco Cottages, a collection of sustainably built timber and glass cottages. Designed for couples or small families, the cabins are spaced for comfort and privacy with a rainwater spa bath, wood fire, and wrap-around verandahs. Collect fresh eggs in the morning, pick herbs, fruit, and vegetables from the on-site gardens or hire kayaks and enjoy a morning paddle.
Get Away From it All
If you would like to ‘go bush’ in NSW without heading too far from Sydney, Turon Gates Mountain Retreat (above) is a tranquil bushland property in the western reaches of the Blue Mountains, just 2.5 hours’ drive from Sydney. There’s a lovingly built collection of luxe cottages, rustic cabins, and a glamping tent at the property, which encompasses 2,428 hectares of diverse terrain full of native wildlife to spot, such as kangaroos, wombats, platypus, echidnas, possums, and lizards.
Camp with All the Extras
Located in the rolling coastal countryside of Central Tilba on the NSW South Coast, a five-hour drive south of Sydney, Tilba Lake Camp offers guests a decidedly chilled stay. If you’re a traditionalist, you’ll love Frankie, a spacious Sibley bell tent with a queen bed, ensuite, fridge, gas stove, private fire pit, and other comforts. But if you’re into tiny houses you’ll adore the ‘pods’. Lake Pods Bonnie and Clyde have full kitchens and a living area with a loft-style bed above, while Ocean View Pods Archie and Georgia have king beds, kitchenettes, and a small living area on the same level. All pods have private bathrooms, fresh linens, a fire pit, and other luxe touches.
Shack Up by a Lake
Immerse yourself in nature while staying in an upscale ‘shack’ on the shores of Wallaga Lake, north of Bermagui on the Sapphire Coast. Surrounded by native birds and wildlife, Serendip offers guests complete serenity, spending their days enjoying the lake’s fishing, swimming, and walking trails. The shack comes equipped with a kitchen, fire pit, and outdoor shower; retreat inside to a luxurious double bed to sleep. Stand-up paddleboards and kayaks are available, and there is an isolated beach nearby.
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