Inside NSW’s dreamy new safari-style farm stay

This glamping stay is made for slowing down.

Set on a 2800-hectare working farm in NSW’s Central West, Budgalong Spicers Creek delivers a glamping experience that blends rustic charm with contemporary comforts. Located in Spicers Creek between Mudgee and Dubbo, this off-grid retreat feels like a secluded escape, but is still close enough to enjoy the region’s famed food and wine scene.

Budgalong Spicers Creek blends safari-style luxury with rustic charm on a working sheep station near Mudgee – and yes, the views are just as dreamy as the tents.

Location

budgalong exterior — The property is hidden in the NSW Central West.

Budgalong Spicers Creek is located about 45 minutes from both Mudgee and Dubbo, and 25 minutes from the small town of Wellington. Set on the traditional lands of the Wiradjuri people, the property spans bushland, farmland and rolling hills covered by herds of sheep, making it an ideal setting for nature-lovers and stargazers. While there’s plenty to do nearby – including touring Mudgee’s cellar doors or visiting the Wellington Caves – most guests will find everything they need right on the property.

Style and character

Budgalong lxuury safari lodge — Budgalong fuses safari-style luxury with eco-conscious, off-grid elements.

Budgalong combines the aesthetic of a luxury safari lodge with thoughtful, off-grid sustainability. The two spacious tented pavilions – Mountview and Fairfield – are pitched on timber platforms and designed to take in sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. While technically the pavilions are the same, Fairfield is more suited to families as it has lots of open space as you step off the verandah, and Mountview is best for couples or group trips as there’s more of a drop off from the verandah. I stayed in the latter.

Natural materials, earthy tones and curated Australian-made furnishings give each space a homely but elevated feel. The mood here is quiet, slow and immersed in nature. You can watch kangaroos at sunrise, spot rare birdlife or take a meditative walk to one of the lookouts on the property.

Facilities

Budgalong living room — The pavilions are spacious and cosy for guests.

Each pavilion is fully self-contained, with a generous open-plan layout and enough room for up to four guests. Facilities include a full kitchen (with gas stove, oven and fridge), a stylish bathroom with a walk-in rain shower, and a covered deck with a fire pit a bit further out for cool evenings.

Budgalong view — Enjoy a stay that’s slow, serene and surrounded by nature.

Inside, there’s also an indoor fire, and it gives off a big flame, so take care when using it. We stayed during a particularly stormy stretch and spent most of the time indoors for the first day. If you’re someone who’s always on the go, there’s something nice about surrendering to the pace of the place – even if that wasn’t the original plan. And it turned out to be delightfully cosy.

The lodge has what you need to make a rainy day still feel like a retreat: electric blankets, hot water bottles, wool throws, bean bags, cards and board games are all provided. While there’s no reception desk or concierge, guests receive a thorough welcome pack and can contact the hosts if needed.

Rooms

Budgalong bedroom — The rustic interiors of the bedrooms make for a serene oasis.

Each pavilion contains two separate bedrooms, each with a king bed (which can be split into singles) and an ensuite. Beds are made with crisp linens and soft wool throws, and large sliding doors open to let the outside in. While you’re off-grid, there’s ample power for charging devices, plus fans, lights and hot water powered by solar energy. Waking up to birdsong and sunrise views over the hills is one of the highlights of the experience.

It’s worth noting that although the tents are sturdy and well-insulated, they do still let in a breeze. On a windy, rainy night, we were definitely glad we’d packed extra winter layers.

Food and drink

serving platters at Budgalong — Cheese plates are a must for whiling away the afternoon.

There’s no onsite restaurant, but each pavilion comes with a full kitchen and outdoor barbecue, so guests can self-cater with ease. Local produce is available on request – think Mudgee wines, fresh eggs, sourdough and seasonal fruit – and there’s a small pantry stocked with essentials. The kitchen is thoughtfully equipped with everything from olive oil and salt to serving platters and decent coffee. If you feel like venturing out, wineries and restaurants in Mudgee are an easy day trip away.

Does Budgalong Spicers Creek have access for guests with disabilities?

budgalong driveway — The property isn’t suitable for guests with disabilities.

The retreat is not currently wheelchair accessible. Both tented pavilions are reached via gravel driveways and wooden steps. While the interiors are spacious and level, there are no specific mobility aids or accessible bathroom features. Guests with mobility concerns may find it challenging to navigate the outdoor terrain.

Is Budgalong Spicers Creek family-friendly?

Yes – Budgalong welcomes children and families. The second bed can be split into singles for kids, and the open-plan layout makes it easy for families to stay together. There’s plenty of space to explore safely on the property, including walking trails and grassy hills, and some board games are provided. However, families with very young children should note the open fire pits and unfenced bushland.

Details

Best for: Couples or families seeking a stylish off-grid bush escape.

Address: 302 Budgalong Road, Spicers Creek NSW

Cost: From $467 per night for two guests.

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 .