Gumnut Hut

Wangat Lodge and its cottages are on Worimi, Wonnarrua and Gringai Country. We begin by acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the land on which we live and run our business today, and pay our respects to Elders past and present. Wangat, in the local Gathang language, is the name of the river that forms the headwaters of the Chichester River that runs, with its deep pools and intermittant sparkling rapids through our property. We became the new owners of Wangat Lodge and Cottages in December 2017. We can't believe our luck to be custodians and hosts of such a magical property. Since 1985 guests have been staying here, and many have been regulars ever since. Many who came as kids (some as babes in arms) have now returned almost 40 years later, with their own kids! The land and the informal community that comprises Wangat is full of stories that make this place so evocative. The lodge, cottages and a humble home was built in the early 80s by retired NSW National Parks legends Geoff and Isabel Armstrong, their vision being to create a place where people could connect with nature, learn about ecology and have adventures! Through their efforts, 100 acres of barely treed, degraded land (clear felled in the mid 1800s overgrazed for the next 130 years) has been rejuvenated into a fertile native forest now home to an incredible array of native animals - koalas, echidnas, wallabies, platypus, quolls, frogs, bandicoots, pademelons, goannas, bettongs, gliding possums, over 100 species of birds, rare and endangered plants and more... the list goes on! It’s establishment as a conservation area and wildlife refuge will help ensure it remains so for many years to come. The reins were passed to Ken Rubeli, a former forester himself who lived for 15 years in the rainforests of Malaysia before guiding, educating and inspiring guests for 30 years. He, along with many noteworthy Wangat employees, continued the great work of Geoff and Isabel. At Wangat there is an emphasis on accessibility and inclusion, the hope being to share its wonders with as many as possible. We firmly believe that a relationship and deep connection with nature is the first step to custodianship and positive land use as wellas rejuvenating ourselves. Accommodation is simple and affordable allowing the rich and complex surroundings to speak. It is the perfect place for a relaxed, intimate stay, for a family getaway or, as is so often the case, for large groups of friends and family to return year after year and for whom Wangat will, in no small way become theirs and a home away from home. So we welcome you here and hope you have an amazing stay, in the way you want it. Myself, Dan Lyons and my partner Zoe endeavour to continue the vision of Geoff, Isabel and Ken, seeing Wangat as a place for environmental and social wisdom - and a bloody fun, homely and rejuvenating place to stay. Dan loves going on expeditions in the wilds of Australia and the world. He has trekked in Mexico, Colombia, Guatemala. He has called the wildernesses of the Blue Mountains, Tasmania and now Barrington Tops his home - and is always seeking a new adventure. He has a passion for mentoring both adults and youth in the art of wilderness expeditions and deep nature connections. He hopes to become a better gardener, trail runner and frisbee player. He loves living in Dungog and volunteers as a guide for the Dungog Dawdlers and host Deep Dives with Dan a weekly program on Dungog Community Radio. Zoe is captivated by nature and especially birds, which she loves to sit and watch for hours, then replicate their vivid colours and expressions in art. She is a passionate and energetic environmental and Climate Health activist. She is an energetic healer and also a Occupational Therapist and Personal Trainer. A vegetarian chef and lover of coffee on couches too! We invite you to come and create your very own Wangat Stories and hopefully become regular guests and watch our future dreams manifest on the land here. Dan and Zoe