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52 Weekends Away: NSW

This story is part of the September 28 edition of Good Weekend.See all 12 stories.

Want to make sparks fly, or sloth it out? Whether you want to get wild or get pampered, find bucolic bliss or urban buzz, max out that 48-hour window with our annual round-up of bright, beautiful escapes across the country.

Il Delfino

4 Ocean St, Yamba; 0477 518 770.

Il Delfino has five apartments of varying layouts and buckets of Amalfi Coast charm.

Il Delfino has five apartments of varying layouts and buckets of Amalfi Coast charm.Credit: Anna Pihan

  • Electric vehicle charger

THE LOCATION This renovated jewel spills down to the sea in a fishing town seven hours north of Sydney.

THE PLACE Five apartments of varying layouts – each with a balcony and buckets of Amalfi Coast charm – are terraced into a sparkling white stucco building high on a hill above one of Yamba’s six beaches. A seaside inn since 1948, its Spanish Mission bones have been lovingly updated by creator Sheree Commerford, who grew up nearby. Terracotta tiles, rattan, striped linen, hand-painted ceramics and sea-creature motifs bring the Med chic, while each bathroom is a more-is-more clash of Edwardian and Marrakesh style. Clever architecture gives each apartment (named after Italian coastal towns) ocean views.

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Clever architecture gives each Il Delfino apartment ocean views.

Clever architecture gives each Il Delfino apartment ocean views. Credit: Anna Pihan

THE EXPERIENCE There’s nothing between you and the blue horizon, which means maximum privacy and minimal noise (unless you count the waves). Lazy days might be spent on the shared terrace under a rust-coloured umbrella, watching for dolphins through the binoculars provided, or playing backgammon indoors. Surfboards and a list of recommended beaches are on hand, along with intel on nearby walks and towns to explore. Well-appointed kitchens with white Smeg appliances, a shelf of cookbooks and a hamper service (from breakfast to aperitivo) make it entirely possible to ensconce yourself at Il Delfino.

DON’T MISS Yamba’s ocean pool, watched over by towering Norfolk pines, is five minutes’ walk away.

FROM $500 a night; minimum two-night stay. Emma Breheny

Wildacres

193-197 Shipley Rd, Blackheath; 0429 782 678.

From the outside, the sprawling, bushfire-resistant Wildacres resembles a glorified tin shed.

From the outside, the sprawling, bushfire-resistant Wildacres resembles a glorified tin shed.

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THE LOCATION The property is on a secluded road near Blackheath, an hour and 45 minutes west of Sydney in the Blue Mountains.

THE PLACE From the outside, the sprawling, bushfire-resistant house resembles a glorified tin shed. Inside, it’s an architectural triumph, featuring expansive windows, vaulted ceilings and heated, polished-concrete floors. The home sleeps eight guests across two bedrooms and various living spaces.

THE EXPERIENCE Swish televisions, sound systems and other gadgets litter the property but don’t distract from the true star of the show: the bushland views. The kitchen is the heart and soul of the home, but the master suite on the first floor commands impressive views to the bush and is hard to leave each morning. Outside, relax by one of three open fireplaces (including a gorgeous amphitheatre), treat yourself to a soak in a stainless steel hot tub, and whip up dinner in the luxe wood-fired pizza oven.

DON’T MISS The 16-hectare property atop the Shipley Plateau includes several private lookouts. The best, with views to the Kanimbla Cliffs, is a 15-minute bushwalk from the house and is the perfect location for a sunset drink.

FROM $999 a night; two-night minimum stay. Bevan Shields

Wallaringa Farm

21 Wallaringa Rd, Wallaringa.

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At Wallaringa Farm, large-scale finishes such as blackbutt floors and a rammed-earth fireplace are echoed in small details – hardwood logs for the fire, a professional-level coffee machine and several very sharp knives.

At Wallaringa Farm, large-scale finishes such as blackbutt floors and a rammed-earth fireplace are echoed in small details – hardwood logs for the fire, a professional-level coffee machine and several very sharp knives.Credit: Laura Grzelak

THE LOCATION On the slope of a family beef farm 2.5 hours north of Sydney in the cattle country of the Hunter region, the Wallaringa homestead’s surroundings are quintessentially Australian: bleached paddocks, blue hills, grey gum trees. Most of the drive is easy, but be prepared for a surprisingly potholed final 10 minutes.

THE PLACE The homestead was extensively renovated during lockdown. It has a spacious, minimalist charm: quality, large-scale finishes such as travertine tiles, blackbutt floors and a rammed-earth fireplace are echoed in small details – hardwood logs for the fire, a professional-level coffee machine, and (in contradiction of the universal truth that no holiday house on earth contains a decent cutting implement) several very sharp knives. It sleeps eight, and two families can roam with room to spare on the wide balconies and in the enormous living space.

THE EXPERIENCE Cook a steak on the Heston Blumenthal Everdure barbecue; toast marshmallows in the firepit; play family cricket on the lawn. There’s no TV; there is a record player and board games. There are also bushwalks and historic homesteads nearby (this is Captain Thunderbolt territory), and Barrington Tops National Park is within an hour’s drive.

DON’T MISS The CWA fresh produce market in Dungog on a Saturday morning sells everything from kaffir limes to fabulously bizarre pumpkins, as well as giving you all the local gossip. Cash only.

FROM $800 a night; two-night minimum stay. Amanda Hooton

Selah Valley Estate

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110 Youngs Rd, Limpinwood; 0439 405 177.

Selah Valley Estate offers an escape into a wilderness that’s actually not that far away from civilisation.

Selah Valley Estate offers an escape into a wilderness that’s actually not that far away from civilisation.

  • Pet-friendly

THE LOCATION Selah Valley Estate is a 174-hectare farm in the green, subtropical foodie enclave of the Tweed Valley. It is a 54-kilometre drive from Gold Coast Airport, and 23 kilometres from Murwillumbah.

THE PLACE On a hillside with views across a soaring mountain range covered in thick rainforest, three fully self-contained luxury cabins await, their floor-to-ceiling windows set to capture the landscape. A further three suites are set beside the creek, a short walk below. Inhabitants of these don’t miss out – there are views of the region’s tallest peak, Mount Warning (Wollumbin) from all over the property.

THE EXPERIENCE Your phone won’t work here, and there’s no Wi-Fi in any of the rooms (although there is in the estate’s communal Pavilion area); nor are there TVs. Selah Valley Estate offers instead an escape into a wilderness that’s actually not that far away from civilisation. Swim in crystal-clear freshwater creeks, hike through rainforest and spend time with the chickens, cows and goats that share the farm with you. The estate’s location at the end of a kilometre-long dirt road enhances the feeling of detachment.

DON’T MISS There’s a pub nearby in the picturesque village of Tyalgum that serves hearty country fare, but spend at least one night in with ready-to-heat meals, eating beside your firepit and staring at the stars.

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FROM $400 a night. Craig Tansley

Swell Hotel Byron

11 Butler St, Byron Bay; 0481 602 937.

If you’re not up for going out for brekkie, there’s a vintage caravan in the front garden at Swell that serves coffees and juices.

If you’re not up for going out for brekkie, there’s a vintage caravan in the front garden at Swell that serves coffees and juices.

THE LOCATION In the heart of Byron Bay township at the northern end of Butler St, Swell is right across the road from the iconic weekly farmers’ market.

THE PLACE Swell is a 16-key, adults-only hotel built on the bones of the old Byron Bay Motor Lodge. Aussie designer Nyree Mackenzie has kept the best of the old motel – the functional layout, the informal vibe – while re-casting the rest in a soothing, retro-luxe style, a richly curated blend of caramel-coloured interiors, thatched umbrellas, velvet ’70s sofas and iridescent green gardens. The rooms – unusually large for an old motel, ranging from 22 to 46 square metres – feature sisal mats and hand-carved timber side tables. All have king beds; there’s a two-bedroom suite with its own private garden.

Swell is Palm Springs-meets-Tulum-meets-Morocco-meets-Bali-meets, well, Byron Bay.

Swell is Palm Springs-meets-Tulum-meets-Morocco-meets-Bali-meets, well, Byron Bay.

THE EXPERIENCE Swell is pretty much peak-chill, Palm Springs-meets-Tulum-meets-Morocco-meets-Bali-meets, well, Byron Bay. There’s a pool out the back with an open-air bar and a separate spa area featuring a small sauna and an ice bath kept at five degrees. Main Beach is close, as is the storied beer garden at the Beach Hotel. If you’re not up for going out for brekkie, there’s a vintage caravan in the front garden that serves coffees and juices.

DON’T MISS The Cape Byron lighthouse, Australia’s most easterly point, is perfect for whale watching if you’re there in season.

FROM $350 a night; two-night minimum stay on weekends. Tim Elliott

Common Kosci

92 Bungarra Ln, Jindabyne; 0424 451 102.

Kangaroos graze just beyond the deck at Common Kosci and large windows frame views of slender alpine gums in grey-green paddocks.

Kangaroos graze just beyond the deck at Common Kosci and large windows frame views of slender alpine gums in grey-green paddocks. Credit: Tim Clark

THE LOCATION The cabin is on a rural property about eight minutes’ drive from the Snowy Mountains town of Jindabyne, five hours’ drive south-west of Sydney or two hours from Canberra.

THE PLACE Two architect-designed pods clad in charred timber – black boxes, essentially – have been fitted together to create 80 square metres of living space. The emphasis is on simplicity and practicality but the lines are clean, the fittings are good quality and the comfort level is high. There are two bedrooms, one with a king-sized bed, the other with two sets of bunk beds. Double insulation and efficient heating keep the place snug when it’s cold outside. The small, well-equipped kitchen and sitting area open onto a deck with a hot tub.

THE EXPERIENCE You’re definitely in the bush. Kangaroos graze just beyond the deck and large windows frame views of slender alpine gums in grey-green paddocks. You could go mountain-biking, fish for trout in Lake Jindabyne or head for the ski fields less than an hour’s drive away. Or you could stay where you are and enjoy the tranquillity. Skylights above the beds mean that on clear nights, you can fall asleep while stargazing.

DON’T MISS After dinner, gather round the outdoor firepit and
toast marshmallows under the spangled sky.

FROM $300 a night; two-night minimum stay. Jane Cadzow

The Cottage at Trincomalee

Lovett Bay, Pittwater.

The restored garden is a highlight of the Cottage at Trincomalee, with sandstone paths and plenty of native species creating a thriving habitat for birds and other fauna.

The restored garden is a highlight of the Cottage at Trincomalee, with sandstone paths and plenty of native species creating a thriving habitat for birds and other fauna.Credit: Nicholas Watt

THE LOCATION Lovett Bay is in the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, on the western shores of Pittwater, about an hour’s drive from the Sydney CBD. The tiny suburb – about 150 residents – is on the mainland but can only be accessed by boat, public ferry or water taxi from Church Point.
THE PLACE A former caretaker’s residence in the grounds of historic 1896 Trincomalee, The Cottage is one of the oldest homes in Pittwater. Recently renovated, it has a separate bedroom with queen-size bed and open-plan living with mid-century furniture and eclectic art. A new limestone-tiled bathroom has been added and there’s a galley kitchen. There’s also a copper outdoor shower on the private deck.
THE EXPERIENCE Trinco, as it’s known, is owned by acclaimed garden designer Richard Unsworth, of Garden Life, and his partner. No surprise, then, that the restored garden, in which guests are free to wander, is a highlight, with sandstone paths and plenty of native species creating a thriving habitat for birds and other fauna. The property is adjacent to a national park and an ideal base for a spot of quiet forest bathing without technically leaving the
city. The deck is the perfect place to sit and read or be entertained by the wildlife.
DON’T MISS The sandy base of the Elvina Waterfall, surrounded by rainforest-like vegetation, is only a gentle 30-minute hike away.
FROM $495 a night; two-night minimum stay. David Meagher

Moss Manor

1a Throsby St, Moss Vale; (02) 4861 5668.

The interiors at Moss Manor marry classic comfort with artwork (available for purchase) curated by Sydney’s Defiance Gallery.

The interiors at Moss Manor marry classic comfort with artwork (available for purchase) curated by Sydney’s Defiance Gallery.

  • Electric vehicle charger

THE LOCATION The bustling Southern Highlands heritage town of Moss Vale is about 1.5 hours’ drive south-west of Sydney, or under two hours by train.

THE PLACE This stately, 1890s former mayoral residence in the Georgian style has been transformed into a boutique art hotel with the addition of a striking jet-black glass and steel pavilion. Hemmed by landscaped grounds and a canopy of European trees (including a 150-year-old weeping cherry), interiors marry classic comfort with artwork (available for purchase) curated by Sydney’s Defiance Gallery. Sleep soundly in one of eight luxurious suites (one wheelchair-accessible) with king and queen-size beds dressed in soft white linen. One features a decadent full‑sized marble bath.

THE EXPERIENCE Feel like lord or lady of the manor as you dine on an artfully presented two-course breakfast served by attentive staff. Browse antique and textiles stores nearby along Argyle Street and jump in the car for a tipple at English-style pubs. Afternoon teas, such as Eton Mess, are worth returning for, as is time by the wood fire or around the firepit in cooler weather. Suppers of house-made treats with port are offered before retiring.

Feel like lord or lady of the manor as you dine on an artfully presented two-course breakfast.

Feel like lord or lady of the manor as you dine on an artfully presented two-course breakfast.

DON’T MISS Seek out the elevated modern Australian fare at Eschalot, housed in a stone cottage at Berrima, followed by a stroll along the Wingecarribee River.

FROM $350 a night. Sheriden Rhodes

Basq House

4 Fletcher Ln, Byron Bay; (02) 5671 1000.

It feels like you’re staying with a friend with exceptional taste at the new 32-room, boho-inspired Basq House.

It feels like you’re staying with a friend with exceptional taste at the new 32-room, boho-inspired Basq House.

  • Electric vehicle charger

THE LOCATION Basq is in Bundjalung Country in the heart of Byron Bay, eight hours’ drive north of Sydney.

THE PLACE It feels like you’re staying with a friend with exceptional taste at the new 32-room, boho-inspired Basq House. Taking its cues from a traditional riad, this sanctuary is oriented around a central magnesium pool hemmed by cabanas, overhanging palms and pink umbrellas. Monochromatic rooms feature king-size beds, Mr Smith toiletries, linen bathrobes and minibars stocked with local artisanal fare; some have Juliet or full balconies. Entered from a hidden laneway, the reception-cum-bar leads to a speakeasy-style lounge and intimate library featuring local artwork, fireplaces, woven pendant lights and objets d’art. Guests are offered a complimentary vino on arrival while staff in hip khaki jumpsuits offer warm, personalised service. A wellness-focused rooftop space opens next.

THE EXPERIENCE Take the complimentary Lekker bikes out for a spin; catch a wave at The Pass on Basq’s candy-coloured boards. Order a coconut margarita on return and partake in poolside reverie until dinner beckons. Two dedicated share vehicles can be hired for coastal or hinterland jaunts.

DON’T MISS A long, lazy lunch of modern Australian fare with a Mediterranean bent at hatted Raes on Wategos, overlooking Byron’s most exclusive set of waves.

FROM $340 a night; two-night minimum stay on weekends. Sheriden Rhodes

Cottage 79

79 Hill St, Orange.

Cottage79 is a five-minute walk from the main shopping strip and, handily, a few doors down from Ferment, a small bar serving wines from the region.

Cottage79 is a five-minute walk from the main shopping strip and, handily, a few doors down from Ferment, a small bar serving wines from the region.

THE LOCATION A three-and-a-half-hour drive west of Sydney, the cool-climate wine region of Orange, known for chardonnay and pinot noir, sits 862 metres above sea level, so it’s cold in winter, when it can snow, and relatively mild in summer.

THE PLACE This sweet two-bedroom home sleeps four with a king and a queen bed. There’s a gas fireplace that warms the place beautifully, antique floorboards, a separate dining room and an outdoor area that’s perfect for summer. Owners Liddy and Gordon leave a loaf of bread, milk and fruit for guests (the region is an apple and pear producer), and the kitchen is well stocked for cooking.

A gas fireplace warms Cottage79 beautifully.

A gas fireplace warms Cottage79 beautifully.

THE EXPERIENCE The beauty of Cottage 79 is that it’s so close to all that Orange has to offer. It’s a five-minute walk from the main shopping strip and, handily, a few doors down from Ferment, a small bar serving wines from the region. So, after a few tipples, you can stroll back to your fireplace or garden, depending on the season. Robertson Park is a five-minute walk from the cottage, and the Orange Botanic Gardens are about three kilometres away. If you’re keen to dine out, try the relaxed Hey Rosey wine bar; for a more upmarket experience, The School House is the go. Alternatively, stay in and eat in front of the fire.

DON’T MISS There are plenty of wineries to visit; we enjoyed Swinging Bridge, Printhie and Patina. For coffee, Bills Beans in East Orange is good.
FROM $360 a night, two-night minimum stay. Katrina Strickland

Sona Molong

68 Bank St, Molong; 0418 165 852.

Nick and Pip Brett have transformed a 1930s art deco and Spanish mission former bank into a luxurious, gelato-hued getaway paying homage to its rich past.

Nick and Pip Brett have transformed a 1930s art deco and Spanish mission former bank into a luxurious, gelato-hued getaway paying homage to its rich past. Credit: Pip Brett

THE LOCATION The historic streetscape of Molong village is
25 minutes’ drive from the wine- blessed regional city of Orange and four hours west of Sydney.

THE PLACE Nick and Pip Brett have transformed a 1930s art deco and Spanish mission former bank into a luxurious, gelato-hued getaway paying homage to its rich past. Five queen-sized bedrooms (sleeping 10), three bathrooms and two living spaces are found inside the handsome building with its twisting, decorative columns. The couple (Pip owns renowned lifestyle store Jumbled; Nick is a seasoned builder) collaborated with high school friend and architect Felicity Slattery from Studio Esteta to transform Sona (meaning gold in Sanskrit). Original features are enhanced with a bold, playful aesthetic of clashing prints, patterns and textures.

Original features at Sona Molong are enhanced with a bold, playful aesthetic of clashing prints, patterns and textures.

Original features at Sona Molong are enhanced with a bold, playful aesthetic of clashing prints, patterns and textures.Credit: Milly Mead

THE EXPERIENCE A vast, well-equipped kitchen and three-metre-long dining table beside a roaring fire beg for entertaining. Comfy lounges invite movie nights, cards or board games (found in the old bank safe, along with an espresso machine) or pour some complimentary bubbles and take a soak in one of two baths. Step outside for stargazing by the firepit. Molong Stores (see Two of Us, page 11), the Telegraph Hotel and Molong Creek, where platypuses are spotted, are a short stroll away.

DON’T MISS At Rowlee Wines’ swish new restaurant overlooking undulating vineyards on Mt Canobolas, Simon Furley, formerly of hatted Homage Restaurant in Queensland, heads up the kitchen.

FROM $600 a night, minimum two-night stay. Sheriden Rhodes

Hotel Indigo Potts Point

2/14 Kings Cross Rd, Potts Point; (02) 9295 8888.

Hotel Indigo’s Luc-San bar serves tasty izakaya-inspired snacks and meals curated by Luke Mangan.

Hotel Indigo’s Luc-San bar serves tasty izakaya-inspired snacks and meals curated by Luke Mangan.

  • Pet-friendly

THE LOCATION Just behind the iconic Coca-Cola billboard at the crest of Kings Cross, Hotel Indigo is brilliantly positioned for a weekend on the town – 30 seconds from the strip, and five minutes’ walk through Darlinghurst to Oxford St.
THE PLACE In a small misnomer, neon pink is the feature shade in Hotel Indigo’s 105 rooms, starring in retro chairs, art and fluorescent wall lights. But after a local investment group bought, refurbished and rebranded the old Larmont Sydney, it’s now part of IHG Hotels and Resorts’ Hotel Indigo brand, and it feels like the best of both worlds: the benefits of large hospitality-group management (excellent cleaning and cheery, professional staff), but with just enough glam (Gary Heery photographs, room-service martinis) to be hip.
THE EXPERIENCE Put on a palm-tree towelling robe (thigh-length, à la 1970s) and order a room-service cocktail to enjoy as you sharpen up before heading out on the town. Downstairs, the hotel’s Luc-San bar serves tasty izakaya-inspired snacks and meals curated by Luke Mangan; you can also use the Anytime Fitness gym next door for free. But basically, you’re staying here to go out there.DON’T MISS The room-service breakfast arrives in a brown paper bag, is delicious, and includes a stunningly good coffee – a Kings Cross miracle.
FROM $218 a night. Amanda Hooton

Shelter

Garden Bay Beach, Malua Bay.

Step onto Shelter’s expansive terrace and take in the exquisite, tranquil view over a secluded cove.

Step onto Shelter’s expansive terrace and take in the exquisite, tranquil view over a secluded cove.

  • Pet-friendly

THE LOCATION Malua Bay is on the NSW South Coast, a four-hour drive south of Sydney. The nearest airport is Moruya Airport, a 20-minute drive away, and Batemans Bay is about 10 minutes away.

THE PLACE This renovated, inviting beachfront house, transformed from its original life as a fibro shack, has three bedrooms, one bathroom with a walk-in rainfall shower, a fully equipped kitchen, barbecue facilities and Wi-Fi.

THE EXPERIENCE Once you step onto the expansive terrace at the back of the house – and take in the exquisite, tranquil view over a secluded cove – you’ll be enveloped by a Zen-like calm. You can sit in a private backyard with a firepit, or take the flight of wooden stairs down to the beach, which has an adjoining grassy park dotted with children’s play equipment. The accommodation is so suited for those with kids or a dog (or both) that you won’t want to leave, offering snorkelling, kayaking and fishing only steps from your back lawn. You can go on local drives around Batemans Bay, but you really want to be back for the sunset. Grab a glass of wine, put one of the many LPs on the turntable – some in the collection were once owned by Leonard Cohen when he lived on the Greek island of Hydra – and watch the sun go down. Bliss.

DON’T MISS Magnificent Guerilla Bay is less than a 10-minute drive away from the accommodation.

FROM $500 a night; two-night minimum stay. Greg Callaghan

The Writer’s Room

Goonengerry; address provided after booking; (02) 6684 9327.

You could do what it suggests on the box and get stuck into your own writing, or you could just relax on the daybed with the background song of native birds.

You could do what it suggests on the box and get stuck into your own writing, or you could just relax on the daybed with the background song of native birds. Credit: Cassie Sullivan

THE LOCATION This intimate retreat is set high in the Byron Bay hinterland, about 15 minutes’ drive south-west of Mullumbimby.

THE PLACE Perhaps you’ve bought a kimono, beach shirt or wool blanket from Michelle Glew-Ross’s My General Store lifestyle brand. Perhaps you’ve seen her design-nerd husband, Tim Ross, presenting architecture shows on the ABC. This is their little weatherboard cottage for single guests or couples to unplug and recalibrate with very nice linen, a queen-sized bed, and gorgeous outdoor shower overlooking lush forest. Glew-Ross has carefully selected all ceramics, napkins and towels (some of which you can buy), plus pots and pans if you want to cook, although the size of the two-burner stovetop is better suited to reheating rather than three-course dinners.

The Writer’s Room is set high in the Byron Bay hinterland, about 15 minutes’ drive south-west of Mullumbimby.

The Writer’s Room is set high in the Byron Bay hinterland, about 15 minutes’ drive south-west of Mullumbimby.Credit: Cassie Sullivan

THE EXPERIENCE You could do what it suggests on the box and get stuck into your own writing, or you could just relax on the daybed with the background song of native birds. It’s a screen-free place, but plenty of Penguin classics are provided if you forget to bring a book, and An Easy Guide to Southern Stars is on hand for constellation-spotting at night. There are 1.2 hectares of land for strolling, too.

DON’T MISS In charming Bangalow, 20 minutes’ drive away, Manu’s Alimentari is your one-stop deli for cheese, charcuterie and focaccia to take back to the cottage.

FROM $300 a night; $120 cleaning fee per stay. Callan Boys

Little National Hotel

44 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle; (02) 4091 9000.

The Little National’s rooms are very compact but that’s the ethos of the chain, to cater for those spending more time outside their room than in.

The Little National’s rooms are very compact but that’s the ethos of the chain, to cater for those spending more time outside their room than in.

  • Electric vehicle charger

THE LOCATION Two hours’ drive north of Sydney, Newcastle’s historic steelworks are gone but its magnificent beaches are ever-present, including in photos by Katie Carmichael that dot the walls of this hotel.

THE PLACE The third hotel in the Doma Group’s Little National chain (after Sydney and Canberra), the Little National’s 181 rooms are spread over eight levels and have a minimalist Scandi aesthetic. Think blond wood and black-metal-framed floor-to-ceiling windows. There are two appealing communal spaces for reading and chatting, with snacks and drinks available, and on the ground floor, an expansive gym.

THE EXPERIENCE The rooms are very compact but that’s the ethos of the chain, to cater for those spending more time outside their room than in. The king bed is pushed up against a full-frame window, with a large TV at the foot of the bed. The tech extends to check-in, where you can use an electronic kiosk if not in the mood for banter, as well as to sensor-controlled blinds and tablet-based temperature control in the rooms. The bathroom amenities are by Swedish brand Byredo and there’s T2 tea, a coffee pod machine and good Wi-Fi.

DON’T MISS A swim at the magnificent 100-metre Merewether Ocean Baths; dinner at the family-owned Humbug; baked goods at Uprising Bakery.

FROM $189 a night. Katrina Strickland

The Black Shed

535 Lue Rd, Milroy.

The Black Shed is what it says: a handsome, black Colorbond-clad, two-storey, two-bedroom, modern build overlooking a small plot of vines.

The Black Shed is what it says: a handsome, black Colorbond-clad, two-storey, two-bedroom, modern build overlooking a small plot of vines.

  • Pet-friendly
  • Electric vehicle charger

THE LOCATION A three-and-a-half-hour drive north-west from Sydney, Mudgee oozes historic charm, from the old clock tower that sits at the intersection of the two main streets to the numerous picturesque churches dotted around. Find The Black Shed an easy 10-minute drive out of town.

THE PLACE The Black Shed is what it says: a handsome, black Colorbond-clad, two-storey, two-bedroom, modern build overlooking a small plot of vines. The owners live next door, and if you’re lucky, one of their two dogs will pay you a visit. There’s a highly effective fireplace, big (black) bathtub, well-equipped kitchen and a barbecue on an inviting patio. The main bedroom has its own private balcony with vineyard views.

It’s the kind of place you could happily sit in with a book all day. But Mudgee’s food and wine mecca will beckon.

It’s the kind of place you could happily sit in with a book all day. But Mudgee’s food and wine mecca will beckon.

THE EXPERIENCE This is the kind of place you could happily sit in with a book all day, periodically re-stoking the fire and making endless cups of tea. Warm timber features throughout in interior beams, walls and doors.
There are louvre windows for letting in the cross breezes on warmer days, and in addition to the indoor fireplace, a firepit outside to toast toes while admiring starry skies in cooler weather. Wider Mudgee will beckon, though. After all, this is a food and wine mecca and it’d be a shame not to step out and try at least some of it.

DON’T MISS The Lawson Park Sculpture Walk along the banks of the Cudgegong River, and the Mudgee Arts Precinct, a regional gallery staging small but impressive exhibitions.

FROM $460 a night, two-night minimum stay. Katrina Strickland

How we stayed
The places featured in 52 Weekends Away were visited in a variety of ways, some paid for by writers and others hosted by travel operators, including property owners, commercial groups and state tourism authorities.

To read more from Good Weekend magazine, visit our page at The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and Brisbane Times.

Original URL: https://www.theage.com.au/national/52-weekends-away-nsw-20240802-p5jyxv.html