Story by Liam & Alexis
Retreat Yourself
Adventure in Bilpin, Blue Mountains, NSW, AU
Just an hour and a half from Sydney, the route through Bilpin are a relaxing highway-free drive passing paddocks, orchards and roadside stalls run by local growers and makers. A reminder of simpler times, the picturesque drive was a perfect way to set the pace for the getaway that awaited us.
Atop a green field with views out to the Wollemi National Park sits Banjara Retreat. A contemporary, architectural masterpiece crafted from sandstone, glass and birch timber. Filled with resort-style furnishings and treasures from worldly travels waiting to be discovered in every corner of the cabin. We kicked off our shoes, lit a fire and agreed it wasn’t too early to indulge in a glass of our welcome gift – a bottle of Prosecco.
Our mornings were slow and simple. The breakfast essentials were kindly taken care of for our stay, so all we had to do was brew some coffee and wrap up in a blanket on the outdoor pod lounge to bask in the beautiful, crisp sunrise.
As the day warmed up we made our way down the grassy hill to soak up some sunshine and enjoy a picnic with some of the local produce we'd picked up in town.
Once the sun well and truly disappeared for the night, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity of our remote location's clear, unpolluted sky. As our eyes slowly adjusted, our bravery heading out into the icy, pitch-black was rewarded with the clearest view of the Milky Way we had ever seen before.
We were spoiled with high-end kitchen appliances, a dreamy pillow top bed and a bathroom with a large stone bathtub and rainfall showerhead. It was easy to feel like we had all the finishes you'd expect in a high-end hotel, but unlike a bustling tourist hotspot, we had this luxurious retreat all to ourselves.
With no wi-fi and limited reception, we were truly able to switch off. Our uninterrupted stay at the retreat was such a welcome change that reminded us to appreciate the slow, meaningful moments of life that are far too often missed....
Atop a green field with views out to the Wollemi National Park sits Banjara Retreat. A contemporary, architectural masterpiece crafted from sandstone, glass and birch timber. Filled with resort-style furnishings and treasures from worldly travels waiting to be discovered in every corner of the cabin. We kicked off our shoes, lit a fire and agreed it wasn’t too early to indulge in a glass of our welcome gift – a bottle of Prosecco.
Our mornings were slow and simple. The breakfast essentials were kindly taken care of for our stay, so all we had to do was brew some coffee and wrap up in a blanket on the outdoor pod lounge to bask in the beautiful, crisp sunrise.
As the day warmed up we made our way down the grassy hill to soak up some sunshine and enjoy a picnic with some of the local produce we'd picked up in town.
Once the sun well and truly disappeared for the night, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity of our remote location's clear, unpolluted sky. As our eyes slowly adjusted, our bravery heading out into the icy, pitch-black was rewarded with the clearest view of the Milky Way we had ever seen before.
We were spoiled with high-end kitchen appliances, a dreamy pillow top bed and a bathroom with a large stone bathtub and rainfall showerhead. It was easy to feel like we had all the finishes you'd expect in a high-end hotel, but unlike a bustling tourist hotspot, we had this luxurious retreat all to ourselves.
With no wi-fi and limited reception, we were truly able to switch off. Our uninterrupted stay at the retreat was such a welcome change that reminded us to appreciate the slow, meaningful moments of life that are far too often missed....
Things We Did
- Food & Drink
- Walk
- Town
No trip to Bilpin is complete without a stop at the rustic Hillbilly Cider shed. Here they produce a range of all-natural ciders, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic.
Sample a handful of their award-winning creations with a tasting paddle, grab a wood-fire pizza and relax looking out over the orchard that grew the delicious apples you're sipping on.
Make sure you try the 'Sweet Julie' - the only cider on the planet made from the Julie apple, a variety discovered on the property!...
Sample a handful of their award-winning creations with a tasting paddle, grab a wood-fire pizza and relax looking out over the orchard that grew the delicious apples you're sipping on.
Make sure you try the 'Sweet Julie' - the only cider on the planet made from the Julie apple, a variety discovered on the property!...
Bebeah gardens were built in 1880 and are one of the many garden estates you'll find throughout Mount Wilson. For almost 20 years its current owner has lovingly maintained this extraordinary 12-acre property and for a small fee welcomes visitors year-round.
Through the red front gates, you'll enter a stunning world of vivid colours, magical archways, weathered statues and winding pathways. You could easily explore for an entire day and still feel like there's more to uncover!...
Through the red front gates, you'll enter a stunning world of vivid colours, magical archways, weathered statues and winding pathways. You could easily explore for an entire day and still feel like there's more to uncover!...
Venture down the hill behind the property to the large dam, or take a stroll along the main road for views of rolling hills and green countryside. If you're feeling a little bit more adventurous, you'll find a number of guidebooks in the cabin filled with suggested walks to do in the surrounding areas!...
Bilpin is undoubtedly the apple capital of the Blue Mountains. Known for its numerous fruit orchards and beautiful gardens, it's also home to quaint shops and roadside stalls selling homemade produce and handmade treasures. If fresh, local produce is your jam (..get it?) make sure you're hungry when visiting this little town!...
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Where we stayed
Things we did
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