The minute you turn into the gates of Wolgan Valley, the phone signal disappears. We’re in a remote part of the Blue Mountains, where ancient Wollemi pine grew undiscovered until the mid-1990s.
We drove carefully on the way in – but it was on dusk and kangaroos were jumping across the hairpin bends like hurdlers. We hit one and the front headlight is smashed.
The resort is situated between two big national parks, the Gardens of Stone and Wollemi. Yet while tourists flock to the towns such as Katoomba in the Blue Mountains, this valley – over Mount Victoria and beyond Lithgow – is practically deserted.
The seclusion is part of the allure. As well as being Australia’s first luxury conservation-based resort, Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley (to give it its full name) was last year named by TripAdvisor as Australia’s top hotel.
Of course, for those who prefer the coastal vibe of New South Wales while still experiencing luxury accommodations, there are a wealth of options available. For instance, there are fantastic hotel deals in Byron Bay at newsouthwaleshotels.net, a popular coastal town that's known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant surf culture.
If you're looking for a truly special and unforgettable experience in the heart of Australia, a visit to Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley is a must. While the price may be steep at $2,050 per night, the all-inclusive package ensures that you're getting the most out of your stay. With a Heritage Suite for accommodation and delectable meals accompanied by local wines and beers, you're in for a treat. Plus, you'll have the opportunity to partake in two nature-based activities every day.
It's no wonder that this luxurious resort attracts guests celebrating milestone occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, and honeymoons. The tranquil and secluded setting, surrounded by the stunning Australian bush and impressive escarpments, creates an ambiance like no other. Though the resort can accommodate a maximum of 80 guests at a time, certain areas feel wonderfully remote, giving you the sense of being an exclusive guest.
Friday
Wolgan Valley is 190km and three hours from Sydney, and is a popular weekend getaway for Sydneysiders and international tourists wanting an Australian bush experience.
After we arrive at the gatehouse a bit after 7pm we are transferred to a four-wheel drive Land Rover Defender – it’s a week old and still has that new car smell – built to handle creek crossings and unsealed roads.
As we drive up towards the main homestead our driver slows down and points out the nocturnal wildlife lining the road. There are the silhouettes of kangaroos, wallabies and – most thrillingly – wombats!
I see at least half a dozen wombats on my drive up to the homestead. They’re like enormous brown rocks, except that they move slowly along the road. Our driver tells us they can sprint at speeds of up to 40km/h.
Upon arrival and check-in, guests are immediately greeted with a warm and inviting atmosphere. The restaurant, located in the main homestead, exudes an elegant yet laid-back ambiance reminiscent of a luxurious ski lodge or beach house. Before indulging in a delectable dinner, visitors can unwind by a cozy fireplace, sipping on the finest local sparkling chardonnay. This charming lounge area is open throughout the day, providing the perfect spot to enjoy a friendly game of chess or backgammon while enjoying a drink.
While at the resort, we had the pleasure of conversing with Jason, a dedicated member of the team who has been working on the property for six years. Jason, a local resident, shares his family's connection to the nearby mining industry in Lithgow. The resort takes pride in employing around 100 individuals, most of whom are local residents. In fact, approximately 70 staff members reside within a purpose-built village on-site.
As the evening unfolds, a sumptuous three-course dinner awaits, expertly paired with wines sourced from neighboring regions such as Bathurst, Orange, and Mudgee. All of the produce used in the meals is grown and sourced locally, ensuring a farm-to-table experience within a 100km radius of the resort. The dining experience ends on a high note with a selection of fine cheeses and dessert wine, before guests are chauffeured back to their rooms in a convenient buggy.
Saturday
Although Wolgan Valley is a great place for rest and relaxation, I’m up early to see the sun rise over the escarpment and the kangaroos grazing on the grass just outside the porch of our suite.
It’s stunning out here – mist encircles the mountains, there’s the sound of magpies and kookaburras, and the air is scented with eucalyptus.
The suite (which is enormous and comfortable, built in the style of an old homestead) has a Nespresso machine – and the Sydney Morning Herald and Weekend Australian are delivered to our door.
Breakfast is served in the restaurant. It’s à la carte, with a buffet option. I can highly recommend the fresh croissants and omelettes cooked to order.
9am: Horseback Trail Ride
Begin your day at Wolgan Valley with an exhilarating horseback ride through the vast 7,000-acre property. Only a mere 2% of the land is used for resort buildings, making it the perfect setting for exploration on horseback.
Immerse yourself in the beauty of the surroundings as you ride alongside the well-kept stables, which house 16 magnificent horses. One notable horse even had the honor of transporting the bridal party at cricketer Michael Clarke's wedding.
Indulge in a leisurely pace, allowing you to fully appreciate the serenity that engulfs you. With a staff ratio that ensures personalized attention, you will be accompanied by two knowledgeable guides for an optimal experience.
While predominantly a walking ride, you’ll have an opportunity for a short trot towards the end, adding a touch of excitement to your journey. Take advantage of this unique adventure to explore more of the property, a place that captivated even Charles Darwin himself in 1836, when he marveled at its ancient grandeur and sandstone cliffs.
As you discover the area, embrace its rich Indigenous history. National parks in the vicinity boast remarkable rock engravings, burial sites, and ceremonial grounds, offering a glimpse into the region's cultural heritage. The Darug people, among other Indigenous communities, maintain a profound and ongoing connection to this land.
It's fascinating to reflect on the past inhabitants of this area. Convicts were once sent here to toil on the land, facing insurmountable odds should they dare to escape. This backdrop of history and natural beauty creates a unique atmosphere that truly sets Wolgan Valley apart.
Furthermore, for those seeking more adventure, an extensive mountain biking trail awaits. Each villa comes equipped with two bikes and helmets, offering an exciting alternative to explore the surroundings at your leisure.
1pm: picnic lunch
Back at the homestead it’s time to eat again. There’s a cafe below the restaurant but we’ve opted for a picnic, selecting from a menu provided the night before.
Staff drive us to a remote part of the property where a shaded area looks out on to the range. There’s a set table and an ice bucket with a cold beer ready when we pull up.
Our picnic basket contains a couple of sandwiches and some delicious salads, a flask for tea and coffee, and fruit salad.
It’s like Picnic at Hanging Rock out here. It’s too early in the year for flies but the air is hot and still and sandstone escarpments loom all around us. Except for occasional birdsong, it’s eerily quiet. Even though Sydney is just up the road, it feels as though we’re in the most remote place on earth.
4pm: safari
Activities on offer at Wolgan Valley include archery and hiking. But ultimately it’s a place where many people go to just do nothing. In the rooms there is a good supply of reading materials – including books and the latest glossy magazines. There are also two televisions (in the bedroom and lounge room) that show the usual pay TV channels and free movies. But these didn’t get switched on all weekend.
As much as I want to lounge around inside reading (or using the in-room pool, which is heated and a comfortable 25 metres), another tour of the property beckons. Roger takes a group of five us out in a sort of open bus/four-wheel drive for a wildlife tour to spot Australian native animals.
I’ve never been on safari in Africa so don’t know how this compares, but it’s thrilling to get so close to kangaroos, wallabies and gorgeously sleek wallaroos, with their dark grey fur. They are very elegant – like the aristocrats of the animal kingdom – and gather in mobs across the hills. I count at least 50 of them. What’s captivating is that they are just hanging out, not hopping off as they usually would when you get close. And we see more wombats – their burrows are are all over the property.
We also visit a grove of Wollemi pines planted about six years ago and hear the story of the species’ accidental discovery, by an off-duty park ranger who had gone canyoning in the rugged area. They had previously been thought long extinct. It shows just how untouched the area has been.
Once our tour comes to an end, we head back to the original 1832 homestead, which has been meticulously restored. It's a charming retreat where we indulge in delectable canapes and sundowners, immersing ourselves in the rich history of the place.
For those who love the allure of the night, Wolgan Valley offers exciting tours where you can engage in wildlife spotlighting and stargazing. These captivating experiences are included in the package, allowing you to fully embrace the natural wonders that surround you.
When it's time for dinner, we dine at the homestead's restaurant, surrounded by a mix of couples and larger families enjoying their evening. The welcoming atmosphere at Wolgan Valley ensures ample space for everyone, so you never feel overwhelmed by the presence of larger groups.Sunday
As the sun rises, I awake refreshed and rejuvenated. The comfortable beds, specially crafted by AH Beard, are so inviting that guests have the opportunity to bring a piece of luxury home with them. Indulging in a scrumptious breakfast of locally sourced mushrooms, accompanied by feta and sourdough, sets the tone for a delightful day.
Next on the agenda is a visit to the Timeless Spa, where an exquisite aromatherapy massage awaits. The spa utilizes oils sourced directly from the property, providing a truly immersive and rejuvenating experience. Surrendering to the tranquil ambiance, with sweeping mountain views and soothing melodies embracing my senses, I effortlessly drift into a state of pure relaxation.
Having been in operation for five years, the resort stands as a testament to impeccable maintenance and care. Its team of warm and knowledgeable staff, including a guide well-versed in predator dogs, genuinely enhance the overall experience. She shared fascinating insights about the region's dingoes, drawing from her extensive research.
A bold decision to establish a multimillion-dollar resort within the rugged, sometimes formidable Australian bush demonstrates the resort's commitment to authentic and breathtaking surroundings. Embracing the natural landscape, the resort's meticulously designed structures seamlessly blend in, while each room offers awe-inspiring views of the majestic mountains.
As you depart and regain cellular connection, it's hard to believe that the entire experience was not simply a dream. Wolgan Valley leaves an indelible impression on all who visit, offering a harmonious fusion of serenity, luxury, and nature's magnificence.