6 places to stay in NSW to disconnect & recharge

From glamping by a lagoon to galloping in the silence of the NSW high country, these off-the-grid escapes are guaranteed to make you feel a renewed sense of freedom and liberation.

Tune in to nature in the bush

Imagine waking up surrounded by high-end luxury but stepping outside to find wallabies, wombats, a pristine trout stream and the beauty of the Aussie bush. In a river valley near the Blue Mountains, a 3hr drive northwest of Sydney, you’ll find Turon Gates, a luxe bush retreat that’s home to log cabins, glamping tents and a campsite. Take dips in swimming holes, ride a horse, go looking for platypus, or just take the dog for a walk. You decide.

Turon Gates Mountain Retreat, Blue Mountains

Run with wild brumbies in the Snowies

Fancy the freedom of a horse ride across the wilds of the high country? Snowy Wilderness is a bush retreat and brumby sanctuary occupying 3,000 hectares next to Kosciuszko National Park, a 5.5hr drive southwest of Sydney. Saddle up for a couple of hours or a full day of riding, then return to your lodge, stone cottage or luxury homestead. If you really want to channel your inner Man (or Woman) from Snowy River, try a guided multi-day ride.

Snowy Wilderness, Snowy Mountains

Kick back in the Riverina

The striking A-frame eco huts on the hilltops at Kimo Estate are visually striking, luxurious and private. Just the spot for a liberating break from your everyday world. If you’re feeling energetic, you can explore this working Riverina farm, a 4hr drive southwest of Sydney, on horseback, learn a new skill such as basket weaving or wool felting, or even jump in a helicopter and drop in on a couple of Tumbarumba wineries. Just make sure you leave plenty of time for relaxing.

JR’s Hut at Kimo Estate, Gundagai - Credit: Matt Beaver

Go glamping in Mudgee

Situated in the hills near Mudgee, a 44hr drive northwest of Sydney, is the 110-hectare Sierra Escape, which offers luxury tents designed to make you feel as snug as a wombat in a burrow while you’re switching off from the outside world. Spot kangaroos and deer, have a personalised wine-tasting experience in your tent, take a walk to the Sierra lookout, soak in your indoor or outdoor bath, and snuggle up next to the firepit beneath that southern sky.

Sierra Escape, Piambong

Tune in and drop out in the Tweed

In the state’s far north, escape to secluded accommodation in the lush Tweed Valley, an 8hr drive or 1hr flight north of Sydney. The ecOasis resort offers six luxury chalets, some with views of mighty Wollumbin Mt Warning. Popular activities include heading off on national park walks, exploring local villages such as Uki and Tyalgum, and discovering the art (and bucolic views) of the Tweed Regional Gallery.

ecOasis resort, Tweed 

Laze in luxury at Tanja Lagoon Camp

On the edge of a lagoon on the NSW Sapphire Coast, Tanja Lagoon Camp offers four secluded, luxury safari tents surrounded by the spotted gum forests of Mimosa Rocks National Park. The owners have planted more than 7,000 trees and shrubs on this former dairy farm, a 5.5hr drive south of Sydney, to turn it into a haven for wildlife, and the luxury tents embrace the outdoors, with decks overlooking the lagoon. After a lazy, late breakfast using the local produce provided, take a walk, go for a swim or surf at Middle Beach (a 20min walk) or just laze around until late afternoon, the best time to head out for a kayak with the pelicans and swans. You’ll feel as free as the birds.

Tanja Lagoon Camp, Sapphire Coast