Latest news with #Bilpin
Daily Mail
13 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Why travellers in Australia are still blown away when they find out what lies behind this hidden door in the mountains
An iconic hideaway in Australia continues to wow travellers, both local and international, when they discover what lies behind its mysterious mountainside entryway. Within the small Blue Mountains town of Bilpin is a one-of-a-kind holiday rental situated inside a cave. The unique, rustic Airbnb holiday property, located only 90 minutes from the Sydney CBD, is known as ' The Enchanted Cave ' - and it becomes clear why when guests take a step inside. The intimate two-person accommodation has been masterfully built beneath the clifftop of a natural rock platform and claims to be 'the only cave for a couple in the Blue Mountains region'. Upon arrival, access to the holiday stay is via its easy-to-miss, small, round wooden door. The listing charmingly describes this entryway as something that 'wouldn't be out of place in The Hobbit'. Once inside the cosy abode, the cave retreat fantasy truly takes hold. As described in the listing: 'Close the door. The view, the spa, the fire. I am Caveman.' Property owner Lionel, a builder who specialises in environmentally friendly design and construction, says he created the unique accommodation to offer an experience akin to 'a nature bath'. Lionel told FEMAIL that The Enchanted Cave, which is accessible by car, features 'incredibly beautiful views of World Heritage wilderness'. He said past visitors have commented on how 'relaxing and fulfilling' their stay inside the cave was – and how it often helped them reconnect with 'nature and their partner'. Set against the backdrop of the picturesque national park, the external sides of the accommodation feature floor-to-(cave)-roof glass, showcasing the majestic natural setting. Nestled high on the cliffs, the cave overlooks the treetops, with expansive views to be enjoyed from either inside or outside on the carved natural rock verandah. This romantic holiday venue offers couples a rare chance to feel as though they've escaped into their own world – while still enjoying all the amenities for a comfortable stay. There's a pleasant fire place for the dual purpose of atmosphere and warmth - best enjoyed with a cheese board and a glass of wine in hand while a sunken two-person hot tub has been positioned next to a huge window to take in the majestic bush views. A kitchenette in the corner of the cave is complete with a mini fridge, oven and cooktops to whip up a delicious meal. It's best to come prepared with supplies, as this certainly isn't the type of venue easily reached by an UberEats driver. With not another person in sight from high above the tree canopy, privacy certainly won't be an issue. The intimate two-person accommodation has been masterfully built beneath the clifftop of a natural rock platform and claims to be 'the only cave for a couple in the Blue Mountains region' There is a toilet too - but it's worth noting that it is a long-drop compost toilet due to the remote location, which can take a little getting used to. For those who love the idea of an 'off-the-grid' getaway but still want a touch of creature comfort technology, the venue includes a television beautifully built into one side of the cave wall. But with no Wi-Fi and limited phone signal, the idea is to disconnect and truly revel in the back-to-nature experience. And of course, there's a big, soft bed near the cave entryway. Be prepared to wake up to the sound of birdsong. For those keen to venture out, the property is on the doorstep of the world famous Blue Mountains National Park walking trails. For those who love the idea of an 'off-the-grid' getaway but still want a touch of creature comfort technology, the venue includes a television beautifully built into one side of the cave wall The cost of staying at such a rare property does attract a higher price tag. A minimum two-night stay starts from $1,230 per night. The cave retreat has rave reviews from past guests, with an average rating of 4.84 stars. Among the comments from previous holidaymakers are descriptions of the property as 'magical', 'dream-like' and 'memorable'. 'Cannot recommend highly enough for those seeking an escape from the usual city life. It is a truly unexpected and unique space, one in a million,' read part of one review. 'Highly recommended for anyone seeking a beautiful place to disconnect,' confirmed another. A visitor earlier this year described the cave retreat as the place to go 'to reconnect with nature', adding that it had 'everything you needed to completely unwind'. 'Release your inner child (cave person or hobbit) in this most extraordinary cliff dwelling,' stated another. Many couples commented about choosing to visit the romantic cave abode for a special occasion, like anniversaries. Although many comments were positive, it's worth noting that some visitors were not prepared for just how rustic the stay would be. In the bush, things like errant bugs, the drop toilet (and its slight odour!), outdoor residue and other quirks are all part of the secluded bush location experience. But what it lacks in standard luxury resort amenities, it more than makes up for in uniqueness and breathtaking natural beauty. And being located less than an hour and a half from Sydney means that just when you're starting to yearn for the buzz of city life, you can be back there before you know it.
NZ Herald
6 days ago
- NZ Herald
Australia's top winter activities you won't want to miss
Christmas in July festivities. Blue Mountains, NSW Just 90 minutes west of Sydney by train, the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains become Australia's unofficial Christmas capital each July. Winter temperatures and the occasional snow create the cold-weather Christmas atmosphere that Northern Hemisphere countries enjoy. Yulefest started 43 years ago at Hotel Mountain Heritage, which serves six-course Christmas dinners every Saturday in July, complete with Santa visits, all overlooking the Jamison Valley. Yulefest celebrations have expanded and include Fairmont Resort's Christmas buffet dinners with Santa visits, while the Nepean Belle paddle steamer offers Christmas lunch cruises through the Nepean Gorge. During your visit, ride the Scenic Skyway for views across Katoomba Falls, the Three Sisters, and the Jamison Valley. Winter's minimal rainfall and clearer air make this the best time for mountain views. Afterwards, warm up with Bilpin's spiced mulled cider at local venues. July's cool conditions mean you can experience a proper European-style Christmas with roast dinners, carols, and crackling fires without sweating through it. Music in unlikely places. Daylesford, VIC Winter Sounds showcases acoustic performances in historic churches, where notes echo off the stone walls. Chamber music plays aboard heritage trains winding through the Macedon Ranges, and intimate sets take place in bush schools and gold-rush-era halls. Held each August, just 90 minutes from Melbourne, this festival puts you close enough to see musicians' expressions change with each song. Art deco theatres host performances in a setting far removed from outdoor summer festivals. Between sets, you can visit one of Daylesford's thermal springs or book a relaxing massage. Winter Sounds in Daylesford offers live music in historic bush halls and heritage trains. Photo / Supplied Fireside feasts and red wines. Adelaide Hills, SA Winter Reds Weekend held from July 25-27, sees over 30 wineries across the Adelaide Hills opening their doors for long lunches, fireside dinners, and live music. The stone cottages in the historic towns of Hahndorf and Stirling evoke a rural European feel, especially with the crisp air that makes you appreciate a good red by the fireplace. Events feature hearty food that pairs well with the wines, including slow-cooked stews, venison, and local produce. The mix ranges from casual tastings to family-friendly activities, all set against winter hills that bear little resemblance to the sun-scorched landscapes most people associate with Australian wine regions. Just make sure to leave room in your luggage for a couple of bottles to take home! Ngeringa Winter Reds. Photo / South Australian Tourism Commission Truffle hunts and tastings. Canberra, ACT Canberra's truffle season runs from June to September, when the region's cool climate produces black winter truffles. You can join guided hunts with trained dogs, dig up fresh truffles, and then taste them. They smell like expensive dirt but taste a lot better! The Truffle Festival centres on local food producers and hands-on experiences. Cooking classes led by local chefs teach you how to work with truffles at home, while restaurants across the city create winter menus built around the harvest. How many places let you excavate your dinner and eat it the same day? The Truffle Farm during Canberra's truffle season. Photo / Supplied Clear waters and whale encounters. Great Barrier Reef, QLD Winter means clearer water, fewer people, and curious minke whales that swim right up to snorkellers. These gentle giants migrate from June to August, often approaching within touching distance of wide-eyed divers. Water temperatures average 23C, warm enough to spend hours exploring without discomfort. The absence of summer's deadly stinger season means you can explore without restrictive protective suits while visibility reaches 30m on good days, revealing more of the reef's full grandeur. Cairns and Port Douglas offer easy access to the Reef, without the oppressive humidity of summer. Winter weather means you can enjoy time on deck between dives, watching for whale spouts on the horizon. Minke whales approach snorkellers during winter on the Great Barrier Reef. Photo / Supplied Festival season under the stars. Darwin, NT While southern Australia layers up for winter, Darwin enjoys warm evenings and clear skies. The dry season means outdoor events run smoothly, with the Darwin Festival at the centre of the cultural calendar from August 7 to 24. Outdoor venues across the city host live music, theatre, comedy, and visual art, with Indigenous artists featuring prominently in the programme. You can catch shows under the stars, explore open-air art installations, or settle in for meals from food stalls serving a diverse range of dishes, from laksa to local seafood specialties. The Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (August 7-10) and National Indigenous Music Awards (August 9) are highlights of a packed festival programme. National Parks like Kakadu and Litchfield are close enough for day trips, and their waterfalls are accessible again after the wet season. Darwin Festival. Photo / Tourism NT. Elise Derwin Moonlit illusions and desert culture. Broome, WA In Broome, one of Australia's most striking natural events happens on full moon nights between March and October. On full moon nights, moonlight hits the mudflats, creating the illusion of steps leading into the sky. This striking phenomenon is known as the Staircase to the Moon. On Staircase nights, the town comes alive with music, food, and markets. Winter is ideal for exploring this region and taking sunset camel rides along Cable Beach's endless white sand. The dry season means access to the Kimberley's remote gorges and waterfalls, which become impassable during the summer's torrential months. Town beach markets on weekends serve fresh seafood while you watch the sun disappear into the Indian Ocean.
