Travel guide Gloucester - Barrington Tops

81 Kia-Ora Hill Road
Bowman Farm
Gloucester NSW

This lovely rural property is set high on a hill with spectacular views and is a home away from home with everything you need for a weekend or week away … relax with the abundant birdlife, kangaroos and get back in touch with nature – and yourself.

Overall rating? Excellent

What makes Dam It Getaway different?
Its location in the Barrington Tops region means that everywhere you look there is another glorious view, and the property offers comfort, seclusion and serenity. The house is self-contained and milk, tea and coffee are supplied and the owners are happy to do a shop to set you up, if you arrange with them before arrival.  They also provide lovely hampers and picnics by arrangement.

Accommodation overview
The three bedrooms have queen-size beds, the main with ensuite and there is one small loft room with a single bed.  All beds have lovely linen. The main bedroom looks out over the valley and tranquil rural setting, making it a joy to wake up each morning.

There is also a cabin, which is separate to the house and operates as a B&B.  There are two rooms with queen-size beds – and again, linen is supplied.  There is a large bathroom set between the two bedrooms, kitchen and living area (with large flat screen TV) and a BBQ on the verandah.  All beds have electric blankets for those chilly winter nights.

Facilities overview
The house has a large open plan living area with a leather lounge, dining area with seating for 8 and a full kitchen (with a dishwasher) and well-equipped laundry.  The large bathroom features a spa bath.

It is air-conditioned and also has a wood fire, perfect for curling up with a glass of wine and a book in the cooler months.  The saltwater pool and spa are a treat – soaking in the spa on the hillside while drinking in the view, along with a glass of wine from the complimentary  ‘welcome’ bottle, takes you miles away from your everyday life. The verandah runs around the house offering shady spots to sit and relax and there is a BBQ area at the back of the house.

Set in 78 acres, there are plenty of lovely country strolls around the property and there is a river at the back of the house where you can paddle in the supplied canoe or just splash about.

Location
Dam It Getaway is near Gloucester, about 3 hours away from Sydney from the start of the F3.  Follow the Pacific Highway north and turn left at Bucketts Way and follow through to Gloucester. Directions are provided on booking.

Suitable for children?  Yes, but toddlers will need to be supervised as this is a rural property, and there is a pool and river near the house. There are bikes of varying sizes, plenty of pool toys and loads of room for kids to run around.

Suitable for pets?   Yes, well-behaved pets, who don’t wander, are welcome outdoors.

Wheelchair access?   Yes, there are no steps, but the shower does have a small lip. Check for your requirements.

Perfect for?
A great place for a couple, a group of friends, or a family. With the cabin, there is scope for a group holiday.  The house is really comfortable and has a wonderful pool for hot summer days, and the spa is great for relaxing and enjoying the outlook on a winter’s day, or after a day of canoeing or horse riding.

Why stay longer?
Just to slow down and get away from it all in a region of great natural beauty. The owners have great local knowledge and can tell you all about walking and 4WD tracks, lookouts, canoeing, horse-riding at places such as Camp Cobark, local artisan businesses such as Capparis Cheese and more.

Why you wouldn’t stay longer?
You needed the bright lights of the city or constant wet weather (unlikely!) meant that you had read all your books and magazines and caught up on all your sleep!

Pricing
The house is available from $170 per couple per night and the cabin from $150 per couple per night. Weekly rates are also available, so check the listing for details.