Scattered jewels of peace and quiet. Here’s a selection of the best hidden rural gems of the Barrington Coast: farmstays, retreats, country cottages and glamping too.
Don’t recognise any of the locations? Well that’s the point, so get a little curious and look at the map on each listing.
The Barrington Coast is a huge destination, it’s almost 3 times the size of metropolitan Sydney. And being so big means there are lots of places to hide gems… special things of great value to holidaymakers.
At the top of this list: peace and quiet in a country setting. It’s what tree-changers have been chasing for decades: to help achieve a healthier, less stressful life.
It’s the essence of the great ‘escape to the country’ and they even make TV shows about it. It’s about living life to the full and enjoying a more peaceful or meaningful existence. Maybe you’ll even find transformation.
The Barrington Coast is over 10,000 square kilometres with an impressive green rural hinterland embraced by mountains and rivers. There are peaceful accommodation options in almost every town or village, and below you’ll find a good selection to start your search.
The lucky owners of these properties gladly share their good fortune with guests, so you can appreciate what a soul-nourishing stay in the country can offer.
Choose any one of these and it may just inspire your own escape from the city. It did for me.
Cobark: Hidden Haven
At this peaceful setting near Barrington Tops you’ll find self-contained cabins set on 800 tranquil hectares of forest and farmland. The two-story, Scandinavian styled loft cabins overlook the rainforest and Jems Creek from a private balcony. They feature a private spa bath and stunning mountain views, plus there’s tennis, swimming in the pool or river, mountain bike riding or bring your horse for the forest trails. The main recreation hall boasts a large open fire, pool or snooker, table tennis, board games and a communal pizza oven. When night falls, sit by any of our open fires or on your private cabin balcony and be astounded by the Milky Way stars overhead.
Coneac: Amaroo Escape
The accommodation at Amaroo Escape is the pinnacle of indulgent glamping style. Relax country style in luxury eco glamping tents with beautiful views over the Manning River and surrounding bushland. Each luxury canvas tent features a king bed, custom kitchenette and an ultimate bathroom experience with an indulgent luxury hotel feel. Being for adults only, Amaroo Escape is the ultimate couples retreat where you can immerse yourself in the natural beauty of this private property set on 180 hectares.
Coopernook: Clunes Lane Cottage
A converted milking shed, this is a stylish farm stay in a hidden riverside location. Clunes Lane Cottage is nestled on the southern edge of Mamboo Island on the Manning River delta. The cottage has been lovingly restored, tastefully decorated and enjoys views from every room. Settle in for the day and take in the fresh salty air and views on the beautiful sunny deck or if the weather is less than average, get comfortable on the linen couch by the fire.
Hannam Vale: Old Fig Farm
This farm stay offers affordable and comfortable country accommodation with a real sense of history in a converted 100 year old building. On this green and pretty farm you'll find cattle, goats, horses, chickens, guinea fowl and organic limes. Plus there's a lovely rose garden, farm veggie garden, barbecue and outdoor dining table to help enjoy those lovely country views.
Hannam Vale: Waterways Farm Tiny Retreat
A tiny house big on quality, this is perfect for couples, friends or even solo. Warm and cosy in winter with an outdoor wood-burning firepit and indoor heating. Perfect in summer with air conditioning and cool breezes from the massive dam and tall trees.
An absolutely stunning outdoor bath on the deck is a truly special place in any weather and at any time of the day.
Invergordon: Mudaridge
This contemporary mud brick property is set on 20 hectares near Gloucester Tops. An eco friendly bushland retreat, there are walking trails above the house and hiking access to your own private river frontage at the bottom of the property. There’s plenty of space to unwind in this beautifully appointed large house that sleeps up to 16 people, with comfy spots for your family or friends to reconnect with each other. It’s the perfect spot for a digital detox, as there is no phone coverage, no internet and no WiFi. The inspiring location and beautiful views will help refresh your skills in the fine art of good conversation.
Koorainghat: Kiwarrak Country Retreat
This luxurious, self-contained retreat is set on 4 picturesque hectares, surrounded by beautifully established gardens and lawns with a backdrop of tall gums and lily strewn dams. The property is adjacent to Kiwarrak State Forest and Khappinghat National Park, with bushwalking, bird watching and cycling. Not far from Old Bar beach so you also have the benefits of a coastal holiday too.
Krambach: Dungannon Eco Retreat
This off-grid home is designed for modern comfort, with its mountainside location providing breathtaking views across the valley and towards the coast. This 120 hectare property spans native forests, grasslands, creek and a working farm. The house has a comfortable minimalist design philosophy: clean lines and simple finishes, with featuring materials such as polished concrete floors, native hardwoods, and glass. You’ll be mesmerised by the ever-changing light on the views, even while lazing in the plunge pool.
Mitchells Island: Baevue Cottage
This unique riverfront property sits on a 15 hectare cattle farm within the Manning River delta. This tiny cottage was once an oyster purging shed but is now a perfect romantic getaway right by the water. This cosy cottage has a newly renovated kitchen and bathroom with a combined living and bedroom area with a king bed. Comforts include ceiling fans, electric blanket, oil heaters and a fire pit outside so you can sit and watch the Manning River approach its meeting place with the Pacific Ocean.
Nabiac: Riverside Park Cottage
This cottage provides smart and stylish convenience combined with rustic country charm, with expansive views over paddocks and river. This is a perfect escape from the city, where a peaceful quiet ambience is only interrupted by birdsong and cattle calls. The surrounding deck flows to the nearby veggie gardens, a picnic table by the river and the surrounding fields. This is a working farm and calves often roam the paddocks adjoining the house yard while bees buzz around the rose garden and native trees. At night, sunset greets a star-filled sky, ideal for stargazing.
Pampoolah: Mescal’s B&B
This is a beautifully appointed B&B where you can relax and unwind in peace, privacy and style. Mescal’s B&B offers affordable luxury accommodation surrounded by natural bushland and beautiful landscaped gardens. You’ll love the beautifully appointed spacious suites, super comfortable beds and country breakfasts in a child-free haven. Mescal's is a delightful sanctuary for a short break: laze by the pool, stroll around the gardens, read a book or simply do nothing.
Possum Brush: Clarendon Forest Retreat
Clarendon Forest Retreat offers privacy, luxury and seclusion in a forest setting at Possum Brush. Here you'll discover six luxury, affordable, pet friendly houses spread across 40 hectares within a large private valley adjacent to Talawahl Nature Reserve. Each house is unique and all have a fireplace and spa, so relaxation comes easy. Relax in the bubbles and take in the restful rural views... Dame Edna will be smiling at your stylish choice.
Warranulla: Challenge Chaser Retreat
Set on 12 private hectares the retreat offers safari-style glamping for a luxury camping experience close to nature. Included in your stay is breakfast and dinner, all prepared fresh daily onsite, plus an expansive choice of facilities and fun activities. Relax on the sundeck overlooking the lily-filled dam, take a dip in the mineral pool, cosy up by the fire pit to watch the stars, or have some fun with a choice of games indoors and outdoors.
Waukivory: Waukivory Estate
The beautifully styled interiors at Waukivory Estate are abundant with the simple country charms of this 100 year old working farmhouse, recently restored. Enjoy the layers of textures inside the home with all the creature comforts, this is a perfect partner to the farmland views and Waukivory Creek that curls through the centre of the property.
Shallow Bay: Dyrham Park
This stunning rural lakefront property sits at a secluded setting in the western precinct of Wallis Lake. Dyrham Park really does feel like your own private manor. This contemporary homestead includes lap pool and park-like grounds big enough to practice your golf swing, and the manicured lawns roll down to the lakefront with your own jetty. The wonderful natural surroundings and country lifestyle will have you relaxed in no time and feeling better than any noble lady or gentleman.
