As the weather cools by even the slightest of degrees, dreams of cosy country getaways reach a crescendo.
And why not? New South Wales regional and country areas – from the Central Highlands to the Hunter Valley – are the perfect place to make your best hygge dreams come to life. Sit in front of a crackling fireplace, nestle under toasty blankets and steep in an outdoor bath while soaking up misty views.
From wooded cabins and off-grid escapes to luxe country farm houses we’ve gathered 7 Slow Stays to stoke your inner fire at in country NSW – surrounded by wild native bush, peaceful lakes and pastoral hills.
EVAMOR VALLEY
Mudgee, NSW
Hot tub soaks, views over the gum-fringed billabong, picnics by the river and sunsets by the fire pit. The scene is set for a touch of Mudgee magic at Evamor Valley. A stay in one of these six eco-luxe glamping tents is a treat no matter what time of year you choose to stay, but cool weather is when the romance dials right up. In the heart of wine country, the 34-hectare farm is brimming with low-key ways to switch back out of overworked and overstressed mode. Choose long slow days lounging in and around the beautifully appointed huts. Grab a walking trail map and roam or hop on two wheels and head to the vineyards of Federation Hill for a different perspective.
BARRINGTON ECO HUT
Cobark, NSW
At Barrington Eco Hut, in the foothills of the world-heritage listed Barrington Tops National Park, a country getaway is all about simplifying, slowing down, escaping from the digital world and stepping back to nature. With no WiFi or mobile reception, you can do as little or as much as you like – reading a book, lying in the hammock, bathing in the outdoor bath, stargazing or sitting around the camp fire.
OLD BRICK PUB
Young, NSW
In 1840, when it was known as the Burangong Hotel, the Old Brick Pub’s granite walls housed a heaving watering hole, filled with thirsty patrons looking for a bit of downtime away from their daily grind. Now, the heritage building in the former gold rush hub of Young is fulfilling a similar role for slow-life seekers looking for rustic charm underlined by luxury. It’s peak country life here though. Meander among the cherry orchards and vineyards in the area and say hello to alpacas and horses dotted through paddocks that border the property. Keep the fire crackling all day if you like and make the most of the sheer pleasure of doing next to nothing – except maybe a board game or aperitivos in the soft sun of the yard.
MILL CABIN
Crackenback, NSW
Step away from the fray and find a slice of High Country heaven. In the heart of NSW’s alpine region and with views over Mount Perisher, Mill Cabin can sometimes be found buried in layers of brilliantly white, powdery snow come winter. But these granite walls are sturdy and steadfast, keeping the warmth of the fireplace safely inside. A wood-fired outdoor bath and fire pit round out the chill-busting features.
THE BARRACKS, TOCAL
Paterson, NSW
Have a moment with your relaxed rural life by booking a stay at historic Tocal Homestead. In the renovated old servant quarters, you’ll find cosy aplenty: four-poster beds and fireplaces are just some of the colonial touches to welcome you. The region itself is built for adventure; Hunter valley’s vineyards and regional centres Maitland, Singleton and Pokolbin hold plenty of appeal. Or you could stay closer to home and dive into the history of Tocal with the included immersive audio guided tour (on Sundays) of Tocal Homestead.
THE BLACKSMITHS LUXURY CABIN
Bellbrook, NSW
The unassuming exterior of this former horseman’s hut in the Macleay River Valley hides a calm and welcoming interior, where soaking in the claw-foot bath and reclining in the lounge room passes for strenuous activities. If you’d like to up your heart rate just a tad, then yoga, massage or meditation sessions are available for booking. Or you could spend the day planning your evening feast before plucking fresh ingredients from the market garden, orchard or henhouse. Take your bedtime cues from the embers in the log fire for a restorative sleep for the ages.
WALLARINGA FARM
Wallaringa, NSW
When the mercury starts plummeting (or at least dropping steadily), you should make a beeline for this dreamy former farmhouse – a country NSW Slow Stay with wholesome charm and nature at your doorstep. Set on 750 lush Hunter Region acres, Wallaringa Farm is filled with contemporary luxuries like plush bedrooms and feast-inspiring kitchen. But, come sundown, this stay really lights up crisp evenings and you can find warmth and comfort in front of a blazing fire-pit or the slick indoor fireplace.
