Want to spend a weekend surrounded by nature, but not too far from Sydney?
Here is my suggestion!
If you guys know me a bit, I love to be surrounded by nature. Every weekend that I can, I prep my backpack, jump on a train and leave Sydney to explore. This is how I charge my batteries.
During the colder months though, I like to have some more comfort so from time to time I seek and rent cabins.
I find cabins to be the perfect combination of nature and glamour, where all the characterising elements of camping (such as shared or no toilets at all, heavy backpacks, air mattresses and small tents) have been “upgraded” to resort services, but the contact with nature is exactly the same.
So, this is what I have opted to spend a weekend last month. I was looking for a cabin not far from Sydney and the BUSH RETREAT on Airbnb ticked this box. The Bush Retreat in Lakesland is only 1.5h away from the heart of Sydney, which is an indisputable pro, and only 15 min from Picton, where you can find restaurants or do your grocery shopping and cook on the provided BBQ as I did. Who wants to drive 5 hours to spend a weekend away? This cute little cabin is surrounded by trees and it has a huge campfire.
There is NO wifi so it is the perfect detox escape. Mobile coverage is good in my experience (with Telstra).
I spent my 2 nights sitting by the fire, stargazing and reading. No music was needed as the crackling, popping noises from the campfire and the sound of wind in the trees and the rustling of leaves were just enough for me.
I was lucky enough to have 2 beautiful sunny days and it is absolutely a beautiful place to wake up to.
CHECK MY VIDEOS HERE:
Monique, the owner, has another cabin, just on the other side of the property. Both cabins are close but really secluded, which is perfect if you want to spend a weekend with other friends too. Whilst Monique and her family live on the property, they keep to themselves. You may get a glimpse of them riding their horses and have a chance to help groom and help out at feed time.
Oh, and it’s pet friendly! Only if your pet is well behaved and sociable with both people and animals. The cabins are not fully fenced and there are other dogs and horses around.
I took this weekend to cook and relax…but there are few short hikes you can take, suggested by Monique. On my way back to Sydney, I have decided to spend half a day hiking to reach Mermaid pools and Tahmoor Gorge.
