Kangaroo Valley Bush Retreat damaged by Currowan bushfire
One of NSW’s top wedding locations has been badly damaged by the Currowan bushfire leaving brides-to-be frantically having to reschedule their big day.
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An award-winning wedding venue in the Kangaroo Valley has been forced to close after the Currowan fire swept through the site at the weekend.
Owners of the Kangaroo Valley Bush Retreat posted a heartfelt statement on Facebook on Monday morning.
“There will unfortunately be no weddings hosted here for the moment and we will make further announcements as soon as we are in a position to do so.”
“We will be in touch personally with all of our booked clients today,” the post read.
The venue is well-known for what they call their ‘250 million year old rock cathedral’, where marriage ceremonies are hosted.
In December 2019, the Kangaroo Valley Bush Retreat won an industry award for best wedding venue.
“We ended 2019 on such a high, winning the Australian Bridal Industry Academy’s award for ‘Best Wedding Ceremony Venue’ in NSW and only weeks later are faced with this devastating event,” it continued.
“Kangaroo Valley Bush Retreat is a unique and special place treasured by many and it’s definitely our intention to have our wedding venue returned back to its place of natural beauty.”
They thanked the RFS and emergency services for trying “so hard to protect our beautiful retreat”.
The much-loved venue had hundreds of comments within hours of being posted.
The comments were filled with an outpouring of support and concern from brides and wedding guests along with brides-to-be worried about their bookings.
Kate Englefield wrote: “We are so sad. We had our wedding booked with you for July 2020, and are devastated. We are also grieving for your business, and hope you can get it back to its former beauty.”
Krystal Janet Walker said: “Both my brother and myself were married at the retreat!!! Such beautiful memories!!!”
Suzy Brandstater commented: “My son had his wedding there in July 2019. It was the most magical place.
“He couldn’t have picked a better place. I hope you will be able to rebuild and regenerate as a place this beautiful is a national treasure.
“My thoughts are with the owners, staff, wildlife and future wedding couples.”
In 2013, actors Rebecca Breeds and Luke Mitchell married at the venue.
The Currowan Fire is still burning out of control between Batemans Bay and Nowra and east of Braidwood, covering over 304,000 hectares.
The fire entered into the Kangaroo Valley on Saturday evening, with a number of properties destroyed.