The Hut at Cedar Creek

Staying at the Hut is like stepping into an old stockman’s cabin deep in the bush, only with all the comforts of a cosy retreat. Lanterns swing from heavy nails in scribbly bark posts, and rocking chairs wait on the front porch beside stacked firewood for the potbelly stove.

It reminded me just how good a campfire snag is: listening to the crackle and snap of the flames, watching little blue fairy-wrens flit about as the sun set and the clouds glowed pink above the eucalypts. We toasted marshmallows, drank whisky, and read Australian poetry by torchlight.

We spent a day hiking out to Mermaid Pool and stopped in at Picton Social for a burger, then headed back for round two of Heavenly Evening: a nap in the hammock while horses grazed across the way, and a wander around the property to find the two resident highland cows, Magnus and Hagrid. They’re a little intimidating, and very, very sweet.

Also, don’t get me started on the bath. Yes, it’s as good as it looks. Yes, it’s big enough for two. Wander down in your (provided) robes, bring snacks, and settle in, because you’ll want to soak until the day is gone and all that’s left is crickets, frogs and the occasional kangaroo rustling through the scrub. Then it’s up into the loft bed for the deepest sleep, waking to kookaburras and soft light through the window.

Our final morning, the cows surprised us by coming over for breakfast. We hung out with them until our final steaming outdoor shower in the rain, mmm. The whole stay was blissful. I’d go back in a heartbeat.