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There’s a certain magic to the Blue Mountains that goes far beyond the standard tourist trail – but you’ll have to drive past the crowds at the Three Sisters, Scenic World, Wentworth Falls and even the Leura lolly shop to find it. The hidden gem in question is the Kanimbla Valley, located just an hour west of Katoomba, or a scenic 2.5-hour road trip from Sydney.
As one of the highest localities in all of New South Wales, there’s no better place to take in the sweeping views of the breathtaking landscape unravelling below than at Mt Kanimbla Retreats. Perched at the tippy top of the mountain, this secluded sanctuary is set across 36 gorgeously green acres and features three luxury cabins. The Lodge is the largest of the trio, and it became my home for one cosy winter weekend (though I’d happily move in for good).
The Lodge is pretty much a chic country cabin Pinterest board brought to life. Inside, an earthy-toned open-plan living space charms with a colourful, curated bookcase, a crackling fireplace and a massive dining table practically begging for long dinner parties. You can cook up a feast in the designer kitchen (which has more gadgets than my own home), or enjoy a lazy afternoon barbecue out on the wraparound deck.
My favourite feature of The Lodge was the floor-to-ceiling glass windows that drench the entire property in warming sunlight, while framing views of the untouched wilderness stretching out as far as the eye can see. If you want to breathe in the fresh country air closer, the deck also offers plenty of seating to sit back and soak it all in.
As the sun began to dip below the ridge, I relaxed with a hot outdoor bath under the fairy lights, played a few rounds of billiards in the games room and then curled up on the couch for a movie night. Had the winter weather been a little chirpier, I would have taken a sunset dip in the mineral plunge pool and wrapped up the night roasting marshmallows over the outdoor fire pit.
While Mt Kanimbla Retreats features two romantic couples’ cabins, The Lodge is the perfect spot for that group getaway that hasn’t quite made it out of the group chat. It comfortably sleeps up to ten guests, and even welcomes four-legged friends. If you can’t BYO pet, you can befriend the property’s three rescue ponies, who roam around as they please. You can also head to the rustic chicken coop to collect fresh eggs for a family-style breakfast each morning.
So, if your group getaway has been stuck in the ‘we should organise something soon’ phase for the last two years, consider this your official game plan. Send The Lodge at Mt Kanimbla Retreats straight to the chat now.
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