Emirates Wolgan Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Lodge will open its doors in 2026, marking a fresh chapter for an Aussie icon.
When Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley indefinitely closed its doors in 2023, devoted guests – and those who’d long dreamed of visiting – were left uncertain of its future. But now, in a huge moment of reverence for NSW tourism, the luxury property is finally set to reopen.
Emirates Wolgan Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Lodge is set to revitalise regional tourism in NSW.
Officially partnering on the multimillion-dollar project, Marriott International and the Emirates Group will launch Emirates Wolgan Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Lodge later this year. The property will become the first Ritz-Carlton Lodge in the world, signalling a new era for global luxury travel and revitalising the region’s tourism landscape.
Reflecting the shared values of both brands, Ritz-Carlton Lodges will all be designed as purpose-built sanctuaries immersed in nature. Each retreat will be carefully crafted to mirror its surroundings, balancing minimal environmental impact with a heightened sense of luxury, comfort and craftsmanship for guests.
What is changing?
Upon opening, Emirates Wolgan Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Lodge will feature 40 elegantly appointed suites, each with its own private pool and bespoke amenities. Beyond the guesthouses, design plans also reveal an arrival lounge and sitting room, signature restaurant, bar, wine room and world-renowned The Ritz-Carlton Spa.
The luxurious retreat will feature 40 design-led lodges.
The lodge has been carefully crafted to mirror its environmental surrounds.
Guests can look forward to soothing treatments at The Ritz-Carlton Spa.
Outside, a swimming pool, fitness centre, tennis courts and equestrian stables promise to keep guests happy. As part of its commitment to conservation, the property is also slated to feature a dedicated naturalist hub. Helmed by a resident expert, it will allow guests to join a curated program of immersive eco-adventures.
A new signature sleep-out experience will also be introduced – a guided overnight journey complete with stargazing, outdoor dining and fireside camping. Additional expert-led experiences specific to the lodge and its surrounds are expected to be announced as the build continues.
Emirates Wolgan Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Lodge will hero local produce in its signature restaurant.
“We’re honoured to collaborate with Emirates on this milestone development, which sees the world’s largest hotelier and the world’s largest international airline come together to reinvigorate the luxury tourism offering in New South Wales," says president of Marriott International Asia Pacific (excluding China), Rajeev Menon.
“Marking the brand’s lodge debut globally, Emirates Wolgan Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Lodge will be a major drawcard for our network of 260 million loyal Marriott Bonvoy members around the world, particularly with the upcoming plans in store for immersive experiences that connect them deeply to the local area – something our luxury travellers are increasingly prioritising."
What is staying the same?
The Emirates Group has been consistent in its dedication to the property since it first opened as Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley back in 2009. Since then, the company has invested more than $150 million into its construction, maintenance and restoration, as well as the protection and conservation of its natural surrounds.
Emirates continued to maintain the site after its closure in 2023. (Image: Katie Carlin)
When multiple landslips led to the council closure of Wolgan Valley Road in 2023 – the only way to access the resort other than by air – Emirates stayed the course. With the support of a small team of local employees, it has quietly continued to maintain the site.
Emirates is currently investing a further $50 million into renovation efforts, working closely with Marriott to shape the property’s next chapter. Due to this tireless dedication, the lodge remains anchored in its original location – a 2832-hectare conservation reserve in the Greater Blue Mountains region. It will, however, occupy less than two per cent of this protected area.
Each private retreat is designed to frame the surrounding landscape.
This offers guests rare access to the landscape while carefully respecting the flora and fauna that call it home, from bare-nosed wombats to ancient Wollemi Pines. The metaphorical cherry on top? It could also reinstate up to 150 local jobs, providing a major economic boost to the community and expanding opportunities for regional suppliers and producers.
“We are proud of our long-term investment into the Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort. Our unwavering commitment to the resort leads us to today’s announcement of an exciting agreement with Marriott International to open the world’s first Ritz-Carlton Lodge," says president of Emirates Airline, Sir Tim Clark.
The Emirates Group and Marriott International will open the lodge later this year.
“For us, Emirates Wolgan Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Lodge will not only be an extraordinary resort appealing to discerning travellers seeking to be close to nature, but also a powerful engine for local economic growth, helping to rejuvenate the Wolgan Valley locality."
Entrance to the resort is now by four-wheel drive via the Donkey Steps, a steep access route used by cattle drovers in the 1860s. While it is part of the resort’s new rural off-road experience, guests wanting to avoid the steep incline can opt to arrive by air instead.
Emirates Wolgan Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Lodge is set to open mid-2026. The new lodge will complement the brand’s existing presence in Australia, including The Ritz-Carlton, Perth and The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne. Watch this space.
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Taylah Darnell is Australian Traveller's Writer & Producer. She has been passionate about writing since she learnt to read, spending many hours either lost in the pages of books or attempting to write her own. This life-long love of words inspired her to study a Bachelor of Communication majoring in Creative Writing at the University of Technology Sydney, where she completed two editorial internships. She began her full-time career in publishing at Ocean Media before scoring her dream job with Australian Traveller. Now as Writer & Producer, Taylah passionately works across both digital platforms and print titles. When she's not wielding a red pen over magazine proofs, you can find Taylah among the aisles of a second-hand bookshop, following a good nature trail or cheering on her EPL team at 3am. While she's keen to visit places like Norway and New Zealand, her favourite place to explore will forever be her homeland.
Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.
When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle ). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.
Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)
Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.
1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle
Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)
Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB, the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.
Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.
Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe .
Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca , which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.
One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie , the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.
Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.
3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks
Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)
What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?
Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach . Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen , which is open from 6am.
Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse .
You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach , where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.
Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.
4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle
Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)
In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.
Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.
Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.
5. Newcastle nightlife
Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)
As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.
