If you happen to love the liberty and recent air of the Nice Outside, however don’t significantly need to be in it on a regular basis, this all-inclusive luxurious glamping escape within the verdant hinterland of the Sapphire Coast is for you.
As we trundle over the low bridge spanning the stony shoals of the Towamba River, which flows from the Nice Dividing Vary all the way in which to Eden on the southern limits of New South Wales, the sensation of remoteness and the fantastic thing about the area actually takes us.
This street, magnificently named the Massive Jack Mountain Street, bends and flexes its means alongside the valley beside the river, snaking its method to Currajong Retreat: our hideaway for the following few days.
Try our walkthrough video of Currajong Retreat.
Glamping on the Sapphire Coast—Currajong Retreat
So right here’s the deal.
Currajong Retreat is a family-run high-end glamping retreat on 100 acres of lovely wooded farmland on the sting of the valley of the Towamba River. It’s some 45 minutes west of cities like Eden, Merimbula and Bega on the aptly named blue waters of the Sapphire Coast halfway between Sydney and Melbourne.
For the time being there are three luxurious safari fashion ‘tents’ on the property, although there are plans for one more two—one in every of which shall be absolutely accessible.
The price of the two-night minimal reserving contains all meals and drinks, with add-ons that we’ll come to later.
There’s a homestead on the property, which acts as reception, and it’s additionally the place the vast majority of the goats stay.
Oh, didn’t I point out? This can be a working Angora goat farm. Extra about these woolly little treasures later too.
Currajong Retreat’s lodging
It’s actually laborious to name these retreats ‘tents’. Certainly, the roof and three of the 4 partitions are canvas like a tent, however that’s the place all tenting similes finish.
By means of the entrance door, a partition wall hides the doorway to the absolutely tiled spacious lavatory, full with native flower preparations and a walk-in bathe, fluffy robes and slippers.
In the principle part of the room is a big queen mattress, a comfortable couch and a glass eating desk for 2.
Alongside one canvas facet is a kitchenette with a sink, fridge and microwave, in addition to a transportable electrical range within the cabinet. You even have a kettle, toaster and pod espresso machine at your disposal.
That is all moot actually although, as the beautiful Forsdick household, who personal and run the retreat, convey all of your meals to the door.
Additionally contained in the retreat is a wood-burning heater, which might be wonderful to fireplace up within the chilly winter months. Its chimney pokes out of the canvas roof, making this spectacular construct really feel even much less like a tent.
However one of the best remains to be to return.
Have you ever ever been tenting in a tent with a veranda?
As you push by way of the enormous flyscreen curtain behind the retreat, the countryside opens as much as you. Past the great comforts and cosiness inside, the again of the retreat is spectacular.
The timber deck, some 9x4m, juts out over the valley supplying you with immaculate views of the river under, the timber and fields on the far financial institution and within the distance, the mountain silhouettes of Egan Peaks.
On this veranda, which appears to drift into the valley, is the place we spend most of our time at Currajong Retreat. Loungers and the outside desk setting are good for enjoyable and watching the birdlife—there’s even a pair of binoculars and a spotters ebook within the room for this very goal.
However better of all, at one finish of the deck, is a large deep-fill tub large enough for 2 individuals. It’s open to the sky, past the quilt of the canvas shade. It’s straightforward to image your self soaking in heat water staring up on the stars on a cool night!
And in the event you occur to need extra meals than the retreat gives for you, there’s additionally a really neat gasoline barbecue on the balcony too.
The way in which these safari tents are constructed remind us of the attractive retreats at Cooinda Lodge in Kakadu. Although, whereas these in Cooinda are an ideal base to discover the nationwide park, these at Currajong Retreat are much more spacious and restful.
Constructing your nest right here and making your self at house is the principle goal of Currajong Retreat.
What Is There To Do At Currajong Retreat?
Currajong Retreat is constructed for consolation, romance and leisure. However there’s nonetheless sufficient to do right here to maintain even essentially the most active-minded completely happy.
For us, the digital detox was greater than sufficient to maintain us occupied. Currajong Retreat is totally off-grid and out of community vary. The reception, nonetheless, does have sign if you have to take care of one thing urgently.
Venturing past the partitions of your sanctuary, there’s lots to see and do.
Goats—however no strange goats
This 100-acre property is not only for the Forsdick household and Currajong Retreat. It’s a working farm.
Over 400 head of specialty Angora Goats stay right here, raised for his or her distinctive and invaluable hair. Popping out in tight curls, Angora ‘wool’, referred to as mohair, is utilized in luxurious textiles—one of the best of it going to swimsuit makers in Italy.
However these goats are the friendliest we’ve ever come throughout.
You’ll be able to organise a tour of the farm, the place you possibly can meet the younger ones and their moms (does), who fairly actually come working over for a cuddle and a stroke. There may be additionally a paddock for the bucks, and despite their intimidating horns, many of those massive males get pleasure from a very good head-scratch.
The Towamba River
The Towamba River, which you first cross on the Massive Jack Mountain Street on the way in which in, and that you could see from the deck of your retreat, is protected to swim in.
Through the summer time, its cool waters are a welcome antidote to the warmth of the day. In winter it’s in all probability a bit chilly to swim, however nonetheless well worth the quick stroll to its stony banks. The views from the water are gorgeous.
Bushwalks
When you’re at Currajong Retreat, you’re free to discover the acreage, which flows down the river valley and extends by way of woodlands and fields.
There’s loads of wildlife to identify as you’re going, together with snakes, so be sure you go appropriately attired.
Nature-spotting
As we talked about, there’s a lot wildlife round right here. We put the binoculars in our room to good use, seeing every kind of birds from the balcony, together with a pair of uncommon gang gang cockatoos, kites and even a white bellied sea eagle, reminding us that the coast remains to be not far off.
We additionally discovered a discarded snake pores and skin and noticed a big monitor lizard clinging to the facet of a tree having a nap.
Add-On Experiences
The Sundowner Cocktail Hamper is an excellent thought. Your hosts arrange the drinks trolley in your retreat with all of the components for the cocktails of your alternative.
You then put the elements collectively to get pleasure from a romantic drink at your leisure.
Currajong Retreat also can organise a candle-lit dinner in your balcony (climate allowing), which incorporates the sundowner cocktails, and is the peak of romance. Arranging lanterns round your desk, they set out a tremendous three-course unfold so that you can feast on.
This was such a memorable expertise, we will’t advocate it sufficient.
There may be additionally an possibility for a picnic on the grounds. Every little thing is organised for you; you merely should arrive and benefit from the lovely al fresco lunch laid out for you.
Currajong Retreat also can organise an in-room therapeutic massage for you. I like a therapeutic massage, much more so when the therapy desk involves me! You’ll be able to have specialist cell therapeutic massage therapists arrange in your retreat and actually improve your leisure.
That is one thing we’ve had a few occasions earlier than—in Gerringong on the South Coast and in the Hunter Valley—and it’s completely divine!
Though that is an all-inclusive expertise, these extra-cost choices actually are value it.
Whereas this won’t be tenting within the broadest of senses, Currajong Retreat lets you expertise the great nature and countryside of this lovely a part of New South Wales. So far as we’re involved, that is the one method to camp!
