Natural beauty

Set among the spectacular world-heritage-listed national parks of the Great Dividing Range, Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa is perfect for a luxurious – and eco-conscious – escape.

Photography by Brett Boardman
Story by Lauren Broomham

This stunning Emirates Hotels and Resorts property only opened its doors in October 2009, but is already drawing travellers with its private location and eco-friendly practices. As part of a 4000-acre wildlife reserve, Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa has a strong focus on protecting native and endangered species and conserving the local environment, while still offering the high standards expected of a luxury resort. The lodge supports a conservation program that has regenerated the valley through the planting of thousands of trees, including the rare Wollemi Pine, which was thought to be extinct until being rediscovered growing in the Blue Mountains in 1994.

The valley itself, enclosed by imposing sandstone cliffs, has a quiet and secluded feel, with beautiful native cypress, box and eucalypts growing throughout. At the centre of the resort is the property’s original farmhouse, named the Heritage Homestead, which was built in 1832 by a European settler William Walker. A previously condemned site, the building has been immaculately restored by Ian Kiernan, the Chairman and Founder of Clean Up Australia and Clean Up the World. A builder by trade, Ian specialises in the preservation of historic buildings, and spent two years painstakingly restoring the farmhouse to its previous state.

Today, the Heritage Homestead gives guests insight into the living conditions of the early settlers. Its country garden is an exact replica of the original and supplies fruit, vegetables and herbs to the resort’s kitchen and the spa. The resort’s design was inspired by the Federation style and echoes that of the classic Australian homestead, using timber and sandstone, along with traditional steel roofing, to blend in to the natural landscape of the valley. Wherever possible, these materials were sourced from within 100km of the property. The original fencing posts from the property were recycled, while fallen old-wood eucalyptus trees found on the reserve were crafted into beautiful furniture.

Much of the furniture and artwork was created by regional artists, who worked to help the interior design evoke the natural colours of the surroundings. The centrepiece of the interiors is the Wolgan Valley Furniture Collection, a collection of bespoke timber furniture made from mostly recycled Australian hardwood. Many pieces, such as the handmade porcelain jugs and colonial-style leadlight windows, were also made by local artists. Guests can choose from 40 bungalows, including the lavish Wolgan Suite, which also has separate staff quarters and a gourmet kitchen. They range from one to two bedrooms, and all have lovely wide verandahs and their own indoor/outdoor swimming pool, where you can relax poolside in private.

There are also separate living and bedroom areas in every suite, with a double-sided fireplace, huge walk-in wardrobe and a splendid ensuite bathroom. A special feature is the custom-made king-size four-poster bed in each room – ideal for a relaxing afternoon nap. The Resort also offers guests a gourmet breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, featuring the best in regional produce and local wines. The Wolgan Dining Room in the main homestead is the perfect place to enjoy breakfast or dinner, with its lofty ceiling, sporting recycled timber beams, and large double-sided fireplaces.

It’s also home to The Country Kitchen, a provedore-style casual dining room serving lunch and light meals throughout the day; the elegant Valley Bar & Terrace, which overlooks the valley; and a walk-in wine cellar where you can enjoy a private wine tasting. For a special occasion, you can enjoy an alfresco meal on the dining room’s verandah or have a barbeque under the stars at the Heritage Homestead. Executive Chef Dwane Goodman and his staff aim to offer guests a unique culinary experience and even offer masterclasses teaching regional and international cooking.

If you like to pamper yourself, the Timeless Spa gives guests a chance to relax and de-stress in a sumptuous setting. Its six double treatment rooms offer a range of relaxation, rejuvenation and beauty therapies as well as a beauty salon and relaxation lounge. Other facilities include tennis courts, a well-equipped gymnasium, steam room and sauna, plunge pool and an outdoor swimming pool with Jacuzzi, complete with sweeping views of the valley below.

A stay also provides guests with the chance to take part in two nature-based activities daily, and there are plenty of outdoor activities to choose from, catering for people of all ages. Thrill seekers will love taking a four-wheel-drive safari around the property, or going horse riding and mountain biking along the many trails. For the less adventurous, there are guided walks, history tours, wildlife spotting and visits to the Wollemi Pine Grove, as well as an indoor/outdoor play area for children in the main homestead. Located near Lithgow in the Blue Mountains, all this is just a three-hour drive from Sydney, so next time you need to escape the city and relax, why not head to Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa?

Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa
2600 Wolgan Road, Wolgan Valley, Lithgow NSW 2790
Postal Address: PO Box 390, Lithgow 2790 NSW, Australia
Tel.: (02) 9290 9733
Fax: (02) 6350 1801
Email: info@wolganvalley.com
www.wolganvalley.com

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