The best short break stays in NSW

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NSW escape plan: stay in a luxury eco lodge, a beach-chic hang or the ultimate heritage homestead.

Halcyon House, Cabarita Beach

Halycon House, Cabarita Beach
Halycon House, Cabarita Beach. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

This beachside-motel-turned-design-mecca has put the sleepy Tweed Coast hamlet of Cabarita Beach firmly on the weekend-away map.

A vision in blue and white, conjured up by Brisbane designer Anna Spiro, each of the 19 rooms and two suites is exquisitely layered with one-of-a-kind vintage furniture, eclectic groupings of art (dubbed Halcyon hangs) and patterned prints on everything from the bedheads to the walls.

The rooms are almost too lovely to leave, but that would be denying yourself the chance to laze by the pool, cocktail in hand, book into the adjoining spa (with its equally swoon-worthy design) or enjoy a long lunch at Paper Daisy (order the signature prawn sambo for summer on a plate all-year round).

Yallungah Boutique Hotel, Orange

Yallungah Boutique Hotel Yallungah Guest Lounge in Orange NSW
Yallungah Boutique Hotel has a focus on gracious hospitality.

The Central Tablelands city of Orange comes complete with excellent restaurants and cafes, award-winning wineries, and its very own design hotel: Yallungah Boutique Hotel.

Combining a grand heritage homestead with an architecturally designed modern wing, the 22 rooms and suites are eclectic, with statement-making colours, artworks and fabric used throughout. The focus on gracious hospitality continues in the Yallungah Dining Room and sun-dappled guest lounge.

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Paperbark Camp, Jervis Bay

Paperbark Camp glamping retreat in Jervis Bay.
Paperbark Camp glamping retreat in Jervis Bay.

At this glamping retreat amid the bush at Jervis Bay on the south coast, mod cons such as air conditioning, heating, television, bar fridges and power points have been shunned in favour of the luxury of Advanced Eco Accreditation.

Paperbark Camp’s luxe exquisite location between towering eucalyptus and paperbark trees more than makes up for the lack of technology, offering the privilege of communing with nature albeit from a luxury safari tent complete with en suite and stylish appointments.

There is wi-fi in the Gunyah, the camp’s destination diner, but you will be too busy savouring the bush tucker-led menu to log on.

Paramount House Hotel, Surry Hills

Paramount House Hotel, Surry Hills.
Paramount House Hotel, Surry Hills. (Image: Sharon Cairns)

Eschew the Sydney CBD on your next city break and discover the personality of the inner-city suburb of Surry Hills, with its profusion of eateries, great shopping and colourful locals, from your base at this seriously cool Paramount House Hotel.

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East Hotel, Canberra

For family breaks, book the Kids Cubby at East Hotel, a connecting room that comes complete with bunk beds, a kids’ minibar and Xbox 360 with games. Parents will love the classic cocktails and lo-fi feel of Joe’s Bar downstairs.

Bangalay Luxury Villas

Bangalay Luxury Villas, Shoalhaven Heads.
Bangalay Luxury Villas, Shoalhaven Heads.

Just minutes’ walk to the beach at Shoalhaven Heads, Bangalay Luxury Villas’ 16 villas are all sharp lines, spacious interiors rendered in a muted palette of neutrals and black, and finishing touches including Nespresso machines, full kitchens and fireplaces.

Salt @ South West Rocks

Salt @ South West Rocks’ collection of nine villas laid out like a mini resort on the Macleay River on the Mid North Coast offers crisp interiors, fully equipped kitchens, a pool and entertaining cabana at a budget-friendly price.

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    The heavens take centre stage at this Outback NSW glamping lodge.

    Crane your neck. Look up. If it’s nighttime in a major Australian city, you might see a faint dusting of stars. Now imagine yourself out in the bush. Here, those stars aren’t just scattered dots – instead, they’re smudged across the sky in endless, glittering streaks. Welcome to Wilderluxe Lake Keepit, a new glamping lodge in one of the most picturesque corners of outback NSW.

    Between its eight stargazing tents, Gilay Guest Lounge, and shared tales of the Dreamtime night sky, this retreat is designed to exist in harmony with the breathtaking lake and surrounding landscape. Intrigued? Here’s everything you need to know.

    Bathed in warm light, a couple watches the sun dip beyond the horizon.
    Watch the sky melt into magic at Wilderluxe.

    Getting to Wilderluxe Lake Keepit

    Wilderluxe Lake Keepit is in the NSW Northern Tablelands, bordered by the Great Dividing Range. The lake itself is hard to miss: this mammoth body of water is two-thirds the size of Sydney Harbour.

    Just 40 minutes from Tamworth and close to Gunnedah, it’s on the inland route between Sydney and Byron Bay. Drive or take one of the daily flights to Tamworth’s airport.

    Aerial view of Wilderluxe.
    Let vast waters and towering ranges set the scene for your escape.

    Wilderluxe Lake Keepit rooms

    Don’t settle for a paltry room when you can sleep directly under the cosmos. Wilderluxe offers eight domed ‘Star Tents’, all named after Aboriginal sky stories – like Djirri Djirri, the sacred messenger bird, Baiame, the Sky Father and great creator, and Dhinawan, the Emu in the Sky constellation.

    On a clear night, use your tent’s retractable roof for gazing above or wander to the outdoor bathtub on your private deck to soak under the night sky. No need to go anywhere. You can stay put come evening with a kitchenette inside and a gas barbecue on the deck.

    A couple gazes up at a sky ablaze with stars at Wilderluxe.
    Sleep beneath the stars.

    Style and character

    When it comes to aesthetics, Wilderluxe Lake Keepit stays on trend. The encampment blends with its surroundings, building up layers of minimalist visuals that mirror the ever-changing curves of the water.

    Earthy tones, natural materials and timber finishes also anchor the retreat in its bushland surrounds. It’s enough to deepen the sense of calm you’ll experience as you drive off-grid, and this is only heightened as you spot kangaroos grazing at dawn or hear the chatter of native birds by the lake.

    The dreamy sunset at Wilderluxe.
    Go off-grid in style at Wilderluxe Lake Keepit.

    Wilderluxe Lake Keepit dining

    ‘Dinner and a show’ hits differently with the property’s Big Sky dinner experience. Hosted in the Gilay Lounge, enjoy complimentary drinks and a grazing table with the host, followed by a screening of Big Sky Dreaming, a film produced exclusively for Wilderluxe guests in which Kamilaroi storyteller Uncle Len Waters narrates tales of the Dreaming above.

    Once your imagination has been fed, it’s time to take a seat fireside for a glass of Australian port and a serving of s’mores.

    Keen to explore the wider area? Staff can provide barbecue and picnic hampers, stuffed with regional meats, cheeses and organic local fare.

    Wilderluxe Lake Keepit facilities

    While you could very well spend all your time in your tent, sometimes it’s time to hit pause on the celestial show. Instead, make your way up to the Gilay Guest Lounge, where you can relax on the deck overlooking the lake or the outdoor fire pits. It’s a great way to unwind and clink glasses with other stargazers.

    The Gilay Lounge with the view of the lake.
    Unwind by the fire and raise a glass at Gilay Lounge.

    Wilderluxe Lake Keepit experiences

    No need to turn nocturnal; when the sun rises, there are still plenty of ways to touch the sky.

    Lake Keepit hosted the 2020 Women’s World Gliding Championships, and it’s one of the best places in Australia to stretch your wings. The local Soaring Club operates year-round, meaning you can book a gliding experience any day of the year – or opt for a scenic flight to take in the vast beauty from above.

    Prefer to keep your feet on solid ground? There are plenty of walking and cycling trails in and around the area. Luckily, bikes are part of the Wilderluxe package. All you have to do is ask a staff member for their favourite route, throw a picnic onto the back and cycle off into the great beyond.

    Alternatively, nab a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) or kayak and head out onto the lake. Or, if you’re feeling lucky, borrow a fishing rod and try your chances.

    A person kayaking through serene waters.
    Paddle into peace.

    The details

    A two-night minimum twin-share accommodation package includes Big Sky dinner and drinks experience, plus daily continental breakfast. As well as access to leisure equipment including mountain bikes, kayaks, SUPs and fishing gear.

    The interiors of the glamping tent.
    Let nature restore you, while luxury takes care of the rest.

    Start planning your outback glamping adventure at wilderluxe.com.au.