Place Beyond the Pines

There is a magic to the southern highlands that's hard to put into words. The crisp air, ancient eucalypts, and heritage buildings set the scene as a place to truly unwind and explore.

As we drove through Bowral, we got a sense the locals knew how to live a life of community, history, and tranquility that you don’t find in the city. We discovered great food, coffee, and boutique stores to spend the day exploring, before adventuring out into nature to discover some of the most beautiful hiking trails and waterfalls.

We took a drive through the expansive pine forest into Penrose to find Aruna Estate tucked away deep within. We started a fire straight away and settled in to unwind for the night in the outdoor bath, before enjoying some of the generously supplied local produce in our cabin. Every detail of our stay was thought out by the gracious owners, from curated Spotify playlists to accompany your walks, to the meditation decks, the heated pool, and tennis courts - you’ll have no trouble finding something to do beyond the pines.
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Things We Did

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  • Food & Drink
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    If you don’t feel like going too far, there’s no shortage of things to do on the estate itself. Start your morning with a walk down to the meditation deck by the river and utilise the curated Spotify playlist....
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      For history buffs and naturalists, Retford Estate Gardens showcases an amazing collection of sculptures and flora across the property. The National Trust of Australia runs regular tours through the building if you’re interested or you can simply get lost among the art and trees on the property at your own leisure....
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        Located 30 mins from Aruna estate, Bowral has no shortage of great coffee and antique stores to find some hidden gems and sip on tasty brews while you shop. Salters and Dirty Janes are a must-visit!...

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