New stay on the NSW south coast exposes unknown Aussie hidden gem
This summer, do yourself a favour and flick the lure of Byron Bay for these insane ‘ranches’ newly opened near some of our best beaches.
It’s easy to get swept up in the lure of Byron Bay, or the glistening water of the Gold Coast – especially over the summer season.
But turn your sights south, and a hidden pocket of NSW is calling – and with two new properties calling the region home, now is the best possible time to venture to this hidden nook perfect for a summer escape.
Jackson Ranch – Bawley Point NSW
Tucked away in lesser known Bawley Point, most get swept up by the trendy (and often overcrowded Jervis Bay) when visiting this slice of the south coast.
Surrounded by nature and a string of hidden beaches, the best part about the lower end of Shoalhaven is most visitors hit Hyams Beach and don’t venture any further south.
As a result, places like Bawley Point, The Gantry and Murramarang Beach sit with plenty of sand for the taking, even in the busier peaks of the year.
But what’s made the region even more inviting is the introduction of a new 37-acre ranch sitting just off the pristine coastline, making it moments away from crystal clear waters while still being surrounded by untouched national park.
Owned and operated by the famous Bannisters group, Jackson Ranch is every bit exclusive as it gets.
Sitting just a three-and-a-half hour drive from Sydney, you’ll feel like Yellowstone’s John Dutton as soon as you step foot on the property (with the main homestead and surrounds drawing inspiration from the ranches of Montana).
I was lucky enough to check out the new glamping suite, with my own private outdoor bathtub and a string of luxury amenities throughout – it’s the perfect way to immerse yourself in nature without the sleeping bag and canvas set up of regular camping.
Spruiked as a bit of the wild west with an Aussie twist, the ranch can accommodate up to 30 guests across the renovated cabins – and because of the property’s intimacy, you can actually completely take it over for exclusive events.
If you’re drawn to good food, you can make the short 30 minute drive to the ranch’s sister property in Mollymook – the famous Bannisters by the Sea – for a seafood lunch like no other at Rick Stein’s waterfront restaurant. Or if you want something a little more casual, the rooftop bar is the place to be — with my favourite dish easily the venue’s prawn linguine.
The Jackson Ranch property even does a shuttle service to Bannisters, so you can pair as much champagne with your freshly shucked oysters as you like.
If you’re planning a weekend involving more than just you and one other, the ranch has an incredible ‘Homestead’ which features four bedrooms, three bathrooms, a fully serviced kitchen and living and dining area with a fireplace that’s perfect for a group of friends or family.
There’s also a glorious deck, overlooking the property’s private dam and pontoon, and the property’s guest pool which is the perfect way to cool off if you want to avoid the sand and surf.
The Oaks Ranch, Mossy Point
Venture further south, and another hidden sanctuary awaits that surprisingly, has a subtle mix of Palm Springs cool meets a ranch out of Spain.
Spending just 45 minutes on the road from Jackson Ranch to reach this new destination – if you’re after impeccable styling, a luxe pool, great cocktails and an onsite restaurant to match — this place dishes it up in droves.
As one of the newest boutique property’s to open on the NSW south coast – you’ll have trouble pulling yourself away from the luxurious magnesium lap pool or the festoon lit terrace that surrounds the main suites at The Oaks Ranch.
With 14 rooms, the property is the perfect getaway if you’re wanting to do essentially nothing at all. The rooms are comfortable and decked out with luxurious linens and Leif bathroom products, while the 121 hectare property gives guests plenty to do dayside.
Each suite has its own private courtyard, dual shower, heated floors (for the cooler months) and a coffee machine for when you can’t drag yourself out of bed to the on-site barista made version steps away from your room.
And for those who love a round of golf, you’re in luck with the property having its own course that’s open from dawn until dusk.
The 9-hole course is surrounded by stunning scenery, and plenty of local wildlife to keep you company on the green (I think I counted around 150 kangaroos throughout the weekend).
What’s great about the location is that while you can stay put – especially with the property’s new onsite restaurant, Arlo – it’s also just minutes from some of the best beaches in the Eurobodalla region of the south coast.
Think North Broulee, Moruya or Tomakin Beach – with water so clear you’ll think you’re in the Maldives.
If you’re in the mood for a spot of shopping or a weekend market visit, Batemans Bay is less than a 20 minute drive from the front gate.
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A long lunch (or a sunset dinner) is a must on site, with the hotel’s restaurant Arlo overlooking the terrace and pool.
Some of the standout dishes include the rock oysters (you are in one of the best harvesting regions on the east coast) as well as the pumpkin & mascarpone agnolotti with native pepper and chilli butter, or the crab croquette with black garlic aioli.
The journalist visited each property as a guest of The Jackson Ranch and The Oaks Ranch