



Story by Kadek
Back in Time
Adventure in Leets Vale, Sydney, NSW, AU
The moment we enter Berry Hill it feels like we have stepped back in time. For over 190 years this unique heritage cottage has had an inevitable story to the past settlement back in 1816.
As we stepped into the main house with its grand verandas, we immediately felt the charm. The stone floor and stained window looking glorious, the eclectic mix of antiques and rustic yet modern interior creating a perfect balance between the old with the new. Only a few steps from the main cottage, there is an old shed that has been converted into a three separate residence with a day dreaming-worthy view.
We grabbed our drink & sat by the wraparound leafy deck overlooking 75 acres of rolling green hill. The vinyl music played in the background adding such a mood on that fine afternoon. With an enormous backyard, we can’t help but letting our toes navigate around the property.
We manage to lit up the fire-pit before the dusk appearing its beauty, rest assure, nothing can beat the taste of a meal cooked over the campfire with the best company.
I think quietness is what we love most about this place. All of the whirring and roaring machines of humanity lie blissfully silent. It’s now that we can almost feel the earth breathe with the stars sparkle above us.
The birds begin to sing. In a way, I realise, it’s just the world coming back full circle. After the morning pancake ritual, our time machine set us back to a historical bushwalk that was built by convict only a 30 min drive from Berry Hill.
The hike was fun and exciting, we jumped straight to the private beach on the corner of the property to unwind & letting our soul reconnect to nature and each other.
There is endless reason to validate that Berry Hill is one of a kind, from just simply a retreat to hosting your group getaway where space and time has no limit.
As we stepped into the main house with its grand verandas, we immediately felt the charm. The stone floor and stained window looking glorious, the eclectic mix of antiques and rustic yet modern interior creating a perfect balance between the old with the new. Only a few steps from the main cottage, there is an old shed that has been converted into a three separate residence with a day dreaming-worthy view.
We grabbed our drink & sat by the wraparound leafy deck overlooking 75 acres of rolling green hill. The vinyl music played in the background adding such a mood on that fine afternoon. With an enormous backyard, we can’t help but letting our toes navigate around the property.
We manage to lit up the fire-pit before the dusk appearing its beauty, rest assure, nothing can beat the taste of a meal cooked over the campfire with the best company.
I think quietness is what we love most about this place. All of the whirring and roaring machines of humanity lie blissfully silent. It’s now that we can almost feel the earth breathe with the stars sparkle above us.
The birds begin to sing. In a way, I realise, it’s just the world coming back full circle. After the morning pancake ritual, our time machine set us back to a historical bushwalk that was built by convict only a 30 min drive from Berry Hill.
The hike was fun and exciting, we jumped straight to the private beach on the corner of the property to unwind & letting our soul reconnect to nature and each other.
There is endless reason to validate that Berry Hill is one of a kind, from just simply a retreat to hosting your group getaway where space and time has no limit.
Things We Did
- Kayak
- Beach
- Hike
- Bike
- Town
- Brewery
- Starry sky
Berry hill is blessed with a beautiful long river frontage. Reconnect to nature as you paddle through the tranquil Hawkesbury river
A stone's throw away down the property, we found this slice of secluded beach. We spend our afternoon enjoying the sun, crafting, reading, and simply immersing ourselves with the nature surrounds
This convict trail hike is truly unique, It takes us along the Old Great North Road, an amazing feat of engineering that was built by convicts in the 1830’s to link Sydney with the Hunter Region. The information panel along the walk really does bring history to the history to life. It's like we walked into an open-air museum with some engaging convict stories.
Only 30 min drive from Berry Hill to Wiseman ferry, this walk is very accessible. To get the most out of this trail (and understand more of the history), we recommend making a big loop that includes Finchs Line - the original road which was in use before the Great North Road. This circuit gives you a better grasp of the Great North Road’s history and is more scenic.
Only 30 min drive from Berry Hill to Wiseman ferry, this walk is very accessible. To get the most out of this trail (and understand more of the history), we recommend making a big loop that includes Finchs Line - the original road which was in use before the Great North Road. This circuit gives you a better grasp of the Great North Road’s history and is more scenic.
We took the bike provided by the property to explore this massive 30.35 h property. Another great way to get to know the hidden nature around here.
This tiny historical village is worth a visit. The locals call it "Slice of Paradise". No wonder for a hundred years travellers would rest on the main road from Sydney to the Hunter Valley. We visited the St Albans Inn for an afternoon drink where locals gathered as a hub of the village. The drive here was very scenic with a strong countryside and farming atmosphere, make sure to check out Mogo Creek which is a further 10-minute drive from the Inn and get ready to be astonished by the scenic view of the lake.
We stopped by on the way to Berry Hill for a lunch. The food was great and tasty, We enjoyed sitting on the covered verandah listening to the birds and enjoying the misty afternoon. A must stop when you exploring the area.

The night here was quite a show, it was wonderful to lie under the stars and wonder about the universe we live in from your very own backyard.
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