The Gum Leaf Cabin at Carawirry Forest Escape

100% Recommended
6 people
No pets
Escape it all at Carawirry.
Beautifully restored timber cabin in the forest. Not another soul in sight.
The WiFi connection is strong and reliable. Work from isolation. Get out and wander around our property. You'll have a 250-acre backyard. Pat our friendly wallaby, Skip. Feed a possum and watch the amazing array of birdlife.
Take a dip in the river. Ride your bike up the driveway further into State Forest. Roast a marshmallow at your own firepit.
All inclusions are standard. All you need to bring is clothes, personal items and food.
Food delivery is available from our local IGA supermarket. Ask us how.
For stays of 7+ days, we'll provide a mid-stay cabin freshen up with new linen and towels.

Surrounded by a vibrant canopy of greenery, our recently renovated, treehouse-inspired, hardwood log cabins are rustic on the outside, yet mindfully designed with contemporary interiors. The charm of old-world wilderness meets understated comfort, with a focus on sustainable inclusions and modern luxuries. A place for rest, relaxation and rejuvenation; a haven of open spaces and fresh air; trees and tranquillity. We invite you to disconnect from the world and reconnect with yourself.

In a world filled with noise and endless distraction, Carawirry stands apart as a sanctuary of peace, solitude, and tranquillity.

Nestled amongst 250 acres of Australian hardwood forest with pockets of lush temperate rainforest and old-growth timbers, seasonal creeks and waterfalls, freshwater swimming holes, and picturesque ridges with tree-topped mountain views that will leave you breathless (but for all the right reasons), Carawirry is an escape like no other.

Hiking, nature trails, swimming, geocaching, bushwalking, animal spotting, mountain biking, trail running, fishing, or bird watching - however you wish to explore and interact with nature, you’re sure to find it here at Carawirry. Or, for those who prefer to relax and unwind indoors, we can arrange an onsite restorative yoga lesson or indulgent massage in the privacy of your cabin.
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Features and Amenities

2 bedrooms
3 beds
1 bathroom
Air conditioning
Bath
BBQ

Details

  • Check in after 03:00pm
    Check out before 10:00am
  • Weekday minimum booking: 2 nights
    Weekend minimum booking: 2 nights
Cancellation Policy: 

Receive a full refund (minus service fee) up until 1 week prior to check-in.

STRA Registration: PID-STRA-15335

Additional Information

GUM LEAF CABIN DETAILS
Situated next to Carawirry Creek on the edge of the property’s largest pocket of temperate rainforest, the Gum Leaf Cabin is the ideal escape for those looking for a real wilderness adventure.

Gum Leaf Cabin features two [2] tastefully-appointed bedrooms, dual wrap-around verandahs, traditional timber floors, indoor fireplace, and sleeping and relaxing areas downstairs, with dining and entertaining spaces located upstairs, nestled amongst the treetops. Both bedrooms include a queen bed and uninterrupted rainforest views.

Complete with modern comforts and understated luxuries and inclusions, this cabin sleeps up to four [4] guests and is perfect for small groups or families looking for a comfortable yet spacious setting to enjoy each other’s company.

FEATURES:
• 2 bedrooms with 2 beds + optional double sofa bed for up to kids
• Full entertainer’s kitchen with all modern appliances and basic pantry items
• New bathroom with double rainfall showerheads
• Spacious living and entertaining areas with LCD smart television and Blu-Ray DVD player
• Dual wrap-around verandahs, complete with outdoor gas BBQ
• Indoor fireplace, complete with firewood, kindling and matches
• Air conditioning
• Outdoor firepit with firewood
• Portable Bluetooth speaker
• Nespresso coffee machine
• Salus Skincare toiletries
• All linen, blankets, pillows and towels provided

Carawirry covers 250 acres - plenty of room to explore!
The Gum Leaf Cabin is one of four dwellings on the property, and while they are all private you may run across other visitors during your stay. We ask you to respect their privacy as they are also expected to do.
Carawirry Forest Escape has limited mobile phone service. Our guests often take this is as the perfect opportunity to unwind, switch off from their hectic lifestyle and reconnect with friends and family.

Is Carawirry kid friendly?
It sure is! We’ve got three kids 11 years and under who see Carawirry as their personal wonderland. (But don’t worry, we don’t let them run wild when we’ve got guests staying!) We just ask that you keep a good eye on your little adventurers while they’re on the property.

Is Carawirry pet-friendly?
Sadly, no. We already have so many beautiful animals that call Carawirry home that we don’t have any space for new ones (even temporarily). We kindly ask all our guests to respect the local wildlife and the environment and either leave their family pet at home or send them on a separate mini vacation.

What time can we check-in and check-out?
Check-in is from 3 pm on your day of arrival, with check-out by 10 am on departure.

WIFI deets
If digi-detoxes aren’t your style, you can opt to connect to Carawirry’s secure network. Carawirry is connected to Mr Musk's Starlink Network, so you know the connection is fast and reliable.
If you haven't already, you can add unlimited WIFI to your booking for a one off fee of $11.99. This is only charged once per booking and enables anyone in your group access. Shoot a reply to this email if you'd like to add it to your booking.

Heads Up: if you decide not to add the WIFI you will not have access to Carawirry's WIFI #hardcoredigidetox

But, so you know, the smart TV is permanently connected to the Carawirry WIFI, and is logged in to the Carawirry Netflix and Stan accounts. So really, the only reason you'll need to have access to the WIFI is to reach out to the outside world. #instalove

What do I have to bring with me?
We have endeavoured to provide you with almost everything you could need to enjoy your stay at Carawirry. That being said, we recommend you bring the following:
• Food and drinks (although our water is filtered and fresh tank water, safe for drinking)
• Clothing, including jumper or jacket, as well as swimsuits and a beach towel for swimming in the creek (all other linen is supplied)
• Comfy and sturdy closed shoes/boots for walking/hiking
• Small backpack for bushwalking
• Insect repellent
• CDs/DVDs/USB with pre-loaded movies and music
• Your favourite book (although we do have a small offering of books in each cabin)
• Fishing gear, mountain bikes, or any other outdoor play/adventure equipment
• Your sense of adventure
• Your desire to unwind, disconnect and relax

What is the weather like?
Similar to Sydney and Newcastle, but a bit cooler in winter. The weather can be unpredictable at times, so we advise all our guests to check the weather forecast beforehand or to give us a call before arrival, and we'll confirm current conditions.
Although each cabin has air conditioning, ceiling fans and both indoor and outdoor fires, we recommend bring a jumper or jacket, just in case, as well as your swimsuit if you’re feeling adventurous and want to jump into the creek during the hotter months!

Can I smoke on the property?
We are strictly NO SMOKING inside the cabins or near doorways and windows. Smoking is only permitted in the designated outside areas. We also ask that you be mindful of sparks and cigarette embers – especially during the dry months - and to dispose of your butts in the outdoor bins provided.

Are there local places to dine out?
There are restaurants, cafes, clubs & pubs in Dungog, a 20-minute drive from Carawirry. Some of our favourite local places to go for a nice meal are:
Settlers Arms: Delicious tapas and a lá carte meals with a focus on produce and products from the Hunter Region.
Tinshed Brewery: Microbrewery and reasonably priced Australian pub-grub menu to complement the craft beer brewed onsite. The cheeseburger comes highly recommended!
Flying Duck: Open for dinner from 6 pm and lunch on weekends, this trendy and modern spot offers tapas, an lá carte menu, Schnitzels and pizzas. You must try their famous honey mustard glazed duck breast - it’s drool-worthy!
Long Room Café: Simple but delicious and freshly-made sandwiches, wraps and country fare. A lovely spot for lunch or coffee and cake.
Tell them John and Heather from Carawirry sent you and enjoy some local Dungog hospitality!

Are there any walking trails nearby?
Carawirry is home to several kilometres of bushwalking trails, as well as thousands of hectares of neighbouring State Forest to explore. All trails are clearly marked and easy enough to follow.

Are there places to ride mountain bikes?
There are plenty of off-road trails around not only on our property but also in the local surrounding area. The Dungog Common is also a super popular mountain biking spot, so don’t forget to pack your bike!

Owned and operated by John and Heather Watkins, Carawirry is a place for rest, relaxation and rejuvenation; a haven of open spaces and fresh air; of trees and tranquillity.

At Carawirry, we invite our guests to be the designers of their own adventure and to follow their curiosity, wherever it may lead them.
Renowned for its breathtaking mountains, dense forests, and riverside villages, and located in the leafy heart of the NSW Hunter Region, Carawirry lies at the foothills of the surrounding Barrington Tops National Park, and just a short drive from the picturesque township of Dungog Shire.

With so many events and activities happening in the area, you’ll never be bored. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, antique hunter, art admirer, curious foodie or craft beer enthusiast, you’ll find something to tickle your fancy in our neck of the woods.

Dungog itself boasts - four charming cafes and a local bakery, three character-filled pubs, a bowls and RSL club, quirky pizzeria and a microbrewery perfect for an afternoon of relaxing.
Dungog also has antique stores, an art gallery, a large IGA supermarket, fruit shop and the James Theatre, a beautiful old cinema famous for being the oldest continuously running cinema in Australia.
On Saturday mornings the local growers market at the CWA building is an ideal place to buy cheap, fresh, locally grown produce including sourdough and pastries from Fosterton Biodynamic Farm.

Carawirry is hidden at the foot of the Chichester State Forest on Carawirry Creek, just north of Main Creek in New South Wales.
From the Wahroonga turn off, Carawirry is around 140km from Sydney. Once on the M1, you will cross only three sets of traffic lights.
• 90km drive from Singleton
• 95km drive from Newcastle
• 75km drive from Bulahdelah
• 80km drive from Maitland
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Prices

  • Base Price $329 / night
  • Weekend Price $359 / night
  • Security Deposit $400
  • Extra People $44 (adult) and $38 (child) / night after 2 people
  • Discounts 
    4% discount for bookings of 3 nights or longer

    9% discount for bookings of 4 nights or longer

    13% discount for bookings of 6 nights or longer

Finding fulfillment

Based on traveller reviews, these are the top fulfilling moments experienced while staying here. Learn more

Unplugged

Rejuvenation

Peacefulness

Reviews (22)

100% Recommended

Host

Heather
Email Verified
Phone Verified
Main Creek, NSW
4Listings
I live and work in a beautiful part of the world with my husband, John, and our three children. We chose this life for the quiet and calm. We enjoy being close to the forest - so much so we have opened our cabins to guests so that they can experience a piece of what we live every day.
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Adventures on the Property

These are the exclusive natural wonders and outdoor activities within the property boundaries.

Wildlife On The Property

Carawirry Forest Escape boasts rainforest, several creeks, high country, ridge forests and open grassland. Because of this diversity of habitat, the property is home to a wonderful variety of animals and plants. Among the animals, the endangered Parma wallaby, powerful owl, and the koala, bettong and potoroo....

Yoga At Your Cabin

Enjoy a session of gentle, relaxing, restorative yoga in the privacy of your cabin or verandah. A few Downward-Facing Dog poses and you’ll be feeling centred and balanced before you can even say ‘namaste.’ For enquiries and bookings, please ask when making your reservation....

Bushwalking On The Property

Carawirry is home to several kilometres of bushwalking trails, as well as thousands of hectares of neighbouring State Forest to explore. All trails are clearly marked and easy enough to follow.
We recommend walking/running in the early morning or early evening (dusk), as that will give you the best chance of spotting at least one of the local animal residents. We suggest you wear firm, supportive shoes and socks for protection when walking through bushland and avoid sandals and thongs.

Always keep to the marked tracks when exploring Carawirry. This is especially important for children. Unfortunately, there are some troublesome ‘natives’ everyone encounters at some time or another in the forest, including leeches, ticks, spiders and snakes.
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Swimming

We have creeks, dams, and waterfalls on and around the property and in the neighbouring State Forest and National Park....

Mountain Bike Riding On The Property

There are plenty of off-road trails around not only on our property but also in the local surrounding area. The Dungog Common is also a super popular mountain biking spot, so don’t forget to pack your bike....
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    Waterfall Walk

    Only about a 5-10 minute bush walk from the accommodation you come across a beautiful little waterfall you can swim in! How awesome!!!...
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      Bath Outside

      Yep, what relaxing getaway is complete without an amazing outdoor bathtub? We definitely abused this luxury!...
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        Just Relax And Enjoy The Property

        The beautiful thing about places like this is the feeling to do absolutely nothing. Just lay around and read a book, have a BBQ, have a nap, whatever!...
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          Bushwalk All Over The Property

          The property has kilometres of amazing private bush walks that take you all over, so feel free to wander and enjoy the beautiful forest....
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            Picnic By The River

            Again, only a 5 minute walk (if that) from the accomodation there are plenty of spots where you can set up and have a nice little picnic by the river.
            The accomodation also provide you with a beautiful little canape platter that we enjoyed with some local wines they also provided!
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              Private Massage

              Just message the accommodation managers and they can organise a private massage for you and your loved one outside amongst the beautiful bushland. What can be better than a peaceful massage amongst the trees?!...

              Location

              The map shows the listing location and awesome adventures nearby.

              Listing location
              Adventures nearby

              Adventures Nearby

              Here are some details about the adventures nearby. Refer to the map for their location.

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