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The camping sites dotted around our national parks – from coastal gems to Priscilla Queen of the Desert-coded outback sites – are pretty special, but if you’re looking for something more substantial to call home on your next adventure into nature, we’re here to help. From heritage-listed clifftop cottages to off-grid cabins hiding in a World Heritage-listed rainforest, these out-of-the-box stays give you a front-row seat to some of the most magical pockets of wilderness in the state.
Seal Rocks Lighthouse Cottages, Myall Lakes National Park
For a nostalgic sleepover with serious wow factor, it’s hard to beat sleeping beneath a working lighthouse. The Seal Rocks Lighthouse Cottages sit at the base of Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse, a dramatic coastal perch near Forster. Built in 1875, these former keepers’ cottages recently marked their 150th birthday, and offer sweeping ocean views and easy access to nearby walking tracks and secluded beaches.
RELATED READ: We stayed the night at this magical lighthouse just north of Sydney
Kinchega Shearers’ Quarters, Kinchega National Park
Dating back to 1883, these restored quarters once housed shearers working on the station and now provide simple but super atmospheric accommodation. Spend your days exploring homestead ruins, touring the historic woolshed and learning about the area’s deep Aboriginal cultural heritage – then watch the sun set over the vast Darling River plains.
St Bernards Presbytery, Hartley Historic Site
For a heritage stay with a romantic edge, St Bernards Presbytery near the Blue Mountains ticks all the boxes. Set among rolling pastures and gardens in the historic village of Hartley, this beautifully restored colonial cottage blends old-world charm with modern comforts (spa bath, we’re looking at you). It’s an ideal base for exploring the Blue Mountains or the wildly impressive Gardens of Stone – or for kicking back with a book and a big pot of coffee, dealer’s choice.
Northeys Apartment, Hill End Historic Site
Located above one of the town’s longest-running stores in this historic gold rush village, this cosy apartment dates back to 1873. Expect old-world touches, country views and an immersive glimpse into one of the most storied towns in the state.
Toms Cabin, New England National Park
If switching off is the goal, Toms Cabin in New England National Park delivers in spades. This off-grid bushwalkers’ cabin runs on solar power and sits deep within ancient Gondwana rainforest on the Northern Tablelands. Days here are best spent chasing sunrises at Point Lookout, cooling off in nearby creeks and falling asleep to birdsong echoing through the trees. It’s a long way from Sydney, but it’s worth the journey.
You can check out these listings and other places to stay in national parks across the state over here.
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