Story by Blanka & John
The Jewel Between the Pagodas
Adventure in Rylstone, Country NSW, NSW, AU
Mesmerized by the rugged rock formations rising in the distance, I stared out the car window. Their rounded, layered shapes stood like ancient stone beehives against the sky, their weathered steps carved by time. A quick Google search revealed their name—pagodas—and that this region was famous for them. I couldn’t wait for the next two days.
The Wollemi Retreat consists of two identical cabins spread across 100 acres of hilly, bush-covered land. We pulled up to Wambal, one of them, and before the engine had even stopped, I jumped out, too excited to wait. Rounding the corner, I froze.
“John, you have to see this—quick!” I called out.
The entire length of the cabin was wrapped in glass, seamlessly blending into the landscape. A sprawling porch and fire pit overlooked the mountains, painted in hues of orange as the sun dipped below the horizon. Stepping inside, we found a spacious living area with a modern fireplace, a sleek built-in kitchen, and a cozy bedroom with the comfiest bed imaginable. But the real showstopper? A huge bathtub positioned right by the window, inviting us to soak while watching the wilderness outside. The combination of natural materials and minimalist, high-end finishes made the place feel both luxurious and in harmony with nature.
Just a 15-minute drive away, the town of Rylstone is home to 29 Nine 99 Yum Cha & Tea House, an award-winning restaurant renowned for its dumplings. Stepping inside, we were instantly transported to a faraway Asian oasis, the scent of fresh spices filling the air.
The next afternoon, we ventured to Dunns Swamp—which, despite its name, is more of a winding lake. We followed a scenic hiking trail up to the pagodas, where breathtaking views stretched over the shimmering water below. The area is a haven for wildlife and birdwatching, and on weekends, visitors can rent kayaks to paddle through its tranquil waters.
On our last morning, we explored the Coxs Creek Trail, a peaceful path that meandered through the retreat’s land. The hour-long walk was serene, surrounded by wildlife at every turn—a fitting farewell to this untouched paradise.
The Wollemi Retreat consists of two identical cabins spread across 100 acres of hilly, bush-covered land. We pulled up to Wambal, one of them, and before the engine had even stopped, I jumped out, too excited to wait. Rounding the corner, I froze.
“John, you have to see this—quick!” I called out.
The entire length of the cabin was wrapped in glass, seamlessly blending into the landscape. A sprawling porch and fire pit overlooked the mountains, painted in hues of orange as the sun dipped below the horizon. Stepping inside, we found a spacious living area with a modern fireplace, a sleek built-in kitchen, and a cozy bedroom with the comfiest bed imaginable. But the real showstopper? A huge bathtub positioned right by the window, inviting us to soak while watching the wilderness outside. The combination of natural materials and minimalist, high-end finishes made the place feel both luxurious and in harmony with nature.
Just a 15-minute drive away, the town of Rylstone is home to 29 Nine 99 Yum Cha & Tea House, an award-winning restaurant renowned for its dumplings. Stepping inside, we were instantly transported to a faraway Asian oasis, the scent of fresh spices filling the air.
The next afternoon, we ventured to Dunns Swamp—which, despite its name, is more of a winding lake. We followed a scenic hiking trail up to the pagodas, where breathtaking views stretched over the shimmering water below. The area is a haven for wildlife and birdwatching, and on weekends, visitors can rent kayaks to paddle through its tranquil waters.
On our last morning, we explored the Coxs Creek Trail, a peaceful path that meandered through the retreat’s land. The hour-long walk was serene, surrounded by wildlife at every turn—a fitting farewell to this untouched paradise.
Things We Did
- Restaurant
- Hike
- Walk
Just a 15-minute drive away, the town of Rylstone is home to 29 Nine 99 Yum Cha & Tea House, an award-winning restaurant renowned for its dumplings. Stepping inside, we were instantly transported to a faraway Asian oasis, the scent of fresh spices filling the air.
The next afternoon, we ventured to Dunns Swamp—which, despite its name, is more of a winding lake. We followed a scenic hiking trail up to the pagodas, where breathtaking views stretched over the shimmering water below. The area is a haven for wildlife and birdwatching, and on weekends, visitors can rent kayaks to paddle through its tranquil waters.
On our last morning, we explored the Coxs Creek Trail, a peaceful path that meandered through the retreat’s land. The hour-long walk was serene, surrounded by wildlife at every turn—a fitting farewell to this untouched paradise.
Our Adventure Map
Where we stayed
Things we did
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