Hotel Profile: Seclusions Blue Mountains

Lean into country style at Seclusions Blue Mountains, where cosy timber cabins are purpose-built to encourage romantic notions.

A farm stay to coax out inner romantics, this beautiful property on the edge of the Blue Mountains eases tensions with its open vistas of gently plunging valleys, pastoral fields and blue-hued peaks beyond. As a popular wedding venue, Seclusions is a place for love to take its next big step and, as a couples’ weekend retreat, to find its spark again. While there’s more than enough to do, the best thing to do is, in fact, not much at all.

Location

Embrace agrarian beauty on the fringe of the Blue Mountains here. Tucked into the lush and rolling hills of the Seven Valleys with eyes on Mount Walker and Lake Lyell, just 15 minutes from the township of Lithgow, this cabin-style retreat set on eight hectares is undeniably angled toward weddings, but also makes a cosy escape for couples.

an aerial view of Seclusions Blue Mountains — The lure of the outdoors beckons you. (Image: Daniel Griffiths photography & Hillary Cam photography)

Vistas of undulating pastures dotted with cows and whispering, towering pines hedging the property ensure a serene setting to exhale deeply in the fresh mountain air. Weddings and cabin stays are booked exclusively so they don’t collide, which means you won’t end up being kept awake by an enthusiastic wedding party stomping out the ‘Nutbush City Limits’ late into the night.

an aerial view of the scenery at Seclusions Blue Mountains — Soak in the scenery. (Image: Daniel Griffiths photography & Hillary Cam photography)

Style and character

Sweet timber cabins are all your tiny home dreams brought to life with private decks angled to watch the soft, bush-covered hills beyond. Idyllic and bucolic, the country charm here ramps up to an adorableness overload but doesn’t feel contrived. The property has a vast settler history dating back to 1868 with some of the original buildings still standing to provide photogenic backdrops for newlyweds or repurposed to house events.

the Seclusions Blue Mountains signage — Check into the rustic and charming Seclusions Blue Mountains. (Image: Daniel Griffiths photography & Hillary Cam photography)

Facilities

As a wedding venue, Seclusions has plenty of beautiful places to tie the knot and continue the celebrations, from gardens to historic buildings and modern spaces.

The purpose-built, 150-capacity Pavilion is the place to hold a reception, The Boat Shed with its indoor/outdoor design is used for canapes and dancing, while the Amphitheatre has been designed as the ceremony space.

There’s also a firepit for after-dark gatherings and a vintage caravan bar. If you’re not here for nuptials, or even if you are, you’ll find a tennis court and swimming pool to enjoy, as well as resident wildlife, alpacas and highland cows to befriend.

a cow grazing in the field from a distance at Seclusions Blue Mountains — Be surrounded by trees and undulating pastures. (Image: Daniel Griffiths photography & Hillary Cam photography)

Rooms

There are six beautifully styled cabins to settle into, each with its own kitchenette, gas log fire, verandah and accompanying panoramic views.

There’s no wi-fi, but you can find analogue entertainment in the form of in-cabin board games, books and magazines. The cabin ensuites have a two-person spa bath, robes and luxe bathing products, should romance need a little help to kick into gear.

a rustic bedroom at Seclusions Blue Mountains — Feel the romance at Seclusions. (Image: Daniel Griffiths photography & Hillary Cam photography)

Food and drink

For weddings, Seclusions can help you to secure catering, otherwise, there’s no restaurant onsite, but you can choose to purchase a selection of hampers for DIY meals. There are four breakfast boxes to choose from, as well as an antipasto box, a barbecue hamper box, fondue for two and a movie night box. Failing that, you can always take the 15-minute drive to Lithgow to pick up provisions or dine out.

the living space inside Seclusions Blue Mountains — Sweet timber cabins are all your tiny home dreams brought to life. (Image: Daniel Griffiths photography & Hillary Cam photography)

Experiences

The experience at Seclusions is, aside from weddings, all about disconnecting from the every day and reconnecting with your significant other. Your entertainment is largely in your own hands. However, beyond the property’s pine-hemmed boundary, there are nearby towns and attractions to discover, such as historic Lithgow, bushwalks, and canoeing in Lake Lyell.

the surrounding landscapes at Seclusions Blue Mountains — Explore the property during your stay. (Image: Daniel Griffiths photography & Hillary Cam photography)

You can take the 45-minute drive to Oberon’s Mayfield Garden to wander the exquisitely tendered greens or enjoy lunch at the restaurant. Seclusions also host occasional events, should you like to organise a group experience, such as a yoga retreat, workshop or birthday celebration.

the veranda at Seclusions Blue Mountains — Seclusions Blue Mountains is a serene retreat away from the crowds. (Image: Daniel Griffiths photography & Hillary Cam photography)

Access for guests with disabilities?

There’s one accessible cabin with a separate bath and shower, and a ramp. If you’re visiting for a wedding, most of the venue spaces are fully accessible or largely accessible.

Family-friendly?

That’s a no for human children, as Seclusions is an adults-only retreat. However, when it comes to your fur family, dogs are allowed to participate in weddings (when chaperoned) but must adhere to the property guidelines and won’t be able to stay in the cabin with you. Beyond your dog trotting down the aisle, Seclusions is not pet-friendly, largely on account of their beloved farm animals.

cows grazing in the filed at Seclusions Blue Mountains — Find cows grazing in the paddocks. (Image: Daniel Griffiths photography & Hillary Cam photography)

Details

There is a two-night minimum stay, while public holidays and long weekends usually have a three- to four-night minimum stay.

Address: Seclusions, 209 Martins Rd, Rydal via Lake Lyell, NSW

Contact: (02) 6355 6300

Cost: Weekday rates start at $315 per night; weekend rates start at $345 per night.

From serene natural beauty to vibrant nightlife, with plenty of arts and culture in between, the NSW Central Coast has been enjoying a serious glow up.

Just one hour from Sydney, the Central Coast has long been the perfect seaside getaway. And with its ECO Destination certification with a focus on sustainability, it’s a trip travellers can feel good about, too. Recently, new and exciting openings have turned the Central Coast into a place where incredible natural beauty is still on the table, but so is a vibrant and sophisticated arts, dining and nightlife scene.

Find out what’s new to discover on the Central Coast.

1. Gosford’s glow up

room at voco gosford — Book into voco and experience the best of Gosford.

Long-time Central Coast lovers will hardly recognise Gosford these days. While always boasting gorgeous water views, a range of revamps and new openings have turned it into a busy hub of arts and culture, with an increasingly diverse and vibrant nightlife.

Landmark lifestyle hotel voco Gosford is the perfect home base for a Central Coast getaway. At this IHG hotel overlooking sparkling Brisbane Water, guests can spend sunny days soaking in the rooftop pool (or just sipping a cocktail beside it). When it comes to meals, you can enjoy multiple venues serving up everything from modern Australian fare to fine-dining Japanese.

Venture out to lay eyes on the Central Coast’s first permanent Moving Image Gallery (MIG) . Opened this year inside the Gosford Regional Gallery , the immersive space is a showcase of screen-based and digital art. While at the gallery, wander around the Edogawa Commemorative Garden, a traditional Japanese strolling garden complete with teahouse, koi pond and an ornamental bridge.

Meanwhile, the revamped Gosford Regional Library has even more than books to discover. Now, it’s one of the best in the southern hemisphere – find exhibitions, historical archives and community initiatives for all ages at this perfect family-friendly escape.

2. Newcomers to the dining scene

table full of food at Amarilla restaurant terrigal — Treat yourself to sundowners and snacks at Amarilla.

The Central Coast has long been the perfect destination for gourmands, with everything from casual eats to fine dining elevating the local offerings. And three new destinations have been added to the map.

Amarilla at The Haven in Terrigal is the perfect seaside venue for sundowners, with blissed-out beats providing the soundtrack. Book in for golden hour and choose bites from a Spanish tapas menu made for sharing. Do as the locals do and wash it all down with sangria – the Sunday Sangria Sessions have become a local institution.

Also in Terrigal, Little Miss has brought a premium Mediterranean menu to the waterfront. Try the wagyu tartare with Greek caviar or butter-poached lobster and tomato bisque, paired with inventive cocktails and a handpicked selection of Lebanese wines.

Over in Ettalong, Bar Toto is perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks. This award-winning cocktail bar is known for its creative concoctions, along with craft beer, wine and antipasti platters to snack on. The interior sets the mood, with dim lighting and wooden furnishings.

3. New Central Coast experiences

winemaker at Firescreek Botanical Winery — Book an experience at Firescreek Botanical Winery.

It’s entirely possible (and recommended) to spend a Central Coast getaway relaxing on one of its many peaceful and pristine beaches. But for those who crave more, there’s a long list of options to keep you busy.

Pop into the iconic Australian Reptile Park to see the new Weigel Venom Centre, a state-of-the-art facility that’s home to over 200 of the country’s most venomous snakes.

Get out on the water with Sail Central Coast , which offers 20 years of expertise in yacht charters. Book the Sunset Sail & Dine yacht charter for a private afternoon cruising the waterways of Bouddi National Park and Brisbane Water, stopping at Anchor on Hardys for a two-course meal with a cocktail.

For something completely different, Firescreek Botanical Winery is now offering an Aboriginal Storytelling and Wine Tasting Experience. Learn about local cultures, stories and traditions from an Aboriginal Elder, then enjoy a botanical-inspired wine tasting led by a local winemaking expert.

4. Central Coast accommodation

view from a cottage at Noonaweena — Sleep in the hinterland at Noonaweena.

There’s simply too much to experience on the Central Coast to only stay for one day. Turn your trip into a relaxing getaway by the beach.

Allawah , a retreat on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, is accessible only by boat. This secluded two-bedroom cottage is the perfect place to unwind, allowing you to spend lazy days fishing, kayaking, paddling or unwinding with a book on your own private jetty.

In the Kulnura hinterland, Noonaweena features a range of accommodation styles, from a luxe glamping bell tent to cottages and a treetop suite. It’s a leader in green travel, with 10 years of certification from Eco Tourism Australia. Relax in the onsite wellness centre or get active on various courts and in the gym facilities.

To stay by the ocean at Toowoon Bay, book into Kim’s Beachside Resort . This adults-only property offers a luxury escape nestled within a sub-tropical rainforest. Along with 36 private timber bungalows, indulge in massages or reiki treatments at the dedicated spa, or stop by the cocktail bar and à la carte restaurant.

5. Shopping on the Central Coast

Umina’s Centred Ceramics central coast — Try your hand at Umina’s Centred Ceramics’ pottery courses.

For those after unique trinkets, handmade treasures and beautiful homewares, the Central Coast is a haven.

Markets on the Central Coast have a special flavour. Wander the Umina Beach Markets at twilight, where you’ll find small businesses from the local areas, and the Norah Head Ocean View Markets , where you can soak up good food, live music and artisan finds by the beach after sunset. ‘Tis the season for the Christmas twilight edition of the Avoca Beachside Markets, celebrating the season with pop-up bars, tasty treats and plenty of unique gift options from local artists and producers.

Galleria Ettalong has also added to the Central Coast’s recent makers and creators renaissance, wrapping cinemas, a dining precinct and over 40 boutique shops into one area.

Sign up for a pottery course at Umina’s Centred Ceramics , or peruse the shop for a range of one-of-a-kind pottery made on the premises for a special souvenir.

For more eclectic arts and homewares, pop into Blue Bird Collective Co . This marketplace supports over 35 small, local and handmade businesses, artists and creatives. Take the time to check out fashion, jewellery and homewares that won’t be found anywhere else.

Start planning your coastal getaway at lovecentralcoast.com .

Hotel profile: Seclusions Blue Mountains