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.

Aussies might think they know what Port Stephens is all about – but it’s time to take another look.

You might’ve driven through this NSW coast town. Maybe even stopped for fish and chips or a quick dip. But spend a long weekend in the new Port Stephens , and you’ll seriously regret not doing it sooner. We’re talking treks across beaches, reef dives and up-close time with rescued koalas.

All in all? It only takes a day before you see Port Stephens in a whole new light, and not much longer until it’s locked in as your favourite family destination.

1. Stockton Sand Dunes

Port Stephens incredible Stockton Sand Dunes are the largest moving sand mass in the Southern Hemisphere. They shift like an endless magic trick across the Worimi Conservation Lands , a 4200-hectare coastal co-managed by the Traditional Owners.

Tear over them in a 4WD. Rev through valleys soft as melting ice cream on a quad. Carve down 30-metre slopes on a sandboard. However you choose to cross them, you’re guaranteed a seriously wild ride.

Four rugged 4WDs kick up trails of golden dust as they charge across the sweeping desert landscape. — Chase thrills across shifting sands. (Image: Destination NSW)

2. Scale Tomaree Head Summit Walk

A short climb through bushland opens up to the coastal drama of Tomaree Head . Spot Zenith, Wreck and Box Beaches. See the Fingal Island lighthouse and offshore rookeries where Australia’s rarest seabird, the Gould’s petrel, nests.

History buffs can’t miss the WWII gun emplacements. And if you’re hiking between May and November, bring binoculars. Travelling whales might just be breaching below.

Friends enjoying a scenic walk along the Tomaree Head Summit Walk in Tomaree National Park, Port Stephens. — Climb Tomaree Head for jaw-dropping coastal views. (Image: Destination NSW)

3. Watch out for whales

You’ve seen the spouts of migrating humpbacks and southern right whales from shore. Set sail from Nelson Bay to see them up close. Cruise straight into the action, with tail-slaps, barrel rolls and all.

And they’ve got competition from the local show-offs. Port Stephens bottlenose dolphins leap and play. Some tours even spot pudgy fur seals, spending lazy days soaking up the sun on Cabbage Tree Island.

A whale’s tail on the sea’s surface. — Watch for ocean tails. (Image: Destination NSW)

4. Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary

Pop into the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary to learn about the rescued koalas who climb, nap, snack and heal in this natural patch of bushland. Wander the immersive Sanctuary Story Walk to discover more about their habits, then head to the SKYwalk – a treetop platform constructed for spotting these eucalyptus-loving locals. Peek into the hospital’s viewing window, where sick or injured koalas may be resting in their recovery enclosures.

Not enough time around these adorable marsupials? Stay overnight in silk-lined glamping tents.

Koala sleeping in a tree at Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, One Mile — See koalas in their natural habitat. (Image: Destination NSW)

5. Diving Port Stephens

Port Stephens has some of NSW’s best dive spots. At Fly Point, float through sponge gardens and coral castles thick with nudibranchs (AKA sea slugs). Halifax Park has blue gropers and crimson-banded wrasse, while Shoal Bay’s seagrass meadows hide pipefish, cuttlefish and octopus.

Accessible only by boat, Broughton Island is home to a vast array of marine (and bird) life. Snorkel with blue devilfish and stingrays at sites like The Looking Glass and North Rock. More experienced divers can head out with one of the many PADI-certified operators.

At nearby Cabbage Tree Island, expect to see shaggy-faced wobbegongs cruising along.

A couple suited up and ready to dive into adventure. — Suit up and dive into Port Stephens’ vibrant marine life. (Image: Destination NSW)

6. Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters

Not quite ready to dive in? Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters is the perfect way to spot local marine life without getting too deep. But there’s no obnoxious glass tank tapping here. Instead, this interactive aquarium allows guests to wade into natural-style lagoons that mimic the real thing.

Gently pat Port Jackson and bamboo sharks, hand-feed rays, and feel their sandpapery skin with your fingertips. It is all under expert guidance. If you want to go deeper, pop on a wetsuit and swim alongside tawny nurse sharks, white-tipped reef sharks and zebra sharks in the lagoon.

Family enjoying an animal feeding experience at Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters, Anna Bay. — Meet the ocean’s friendliest faces at Irukandji. (Image: Destination NSW)

7. Fish the estuaries

Fishing fanatics will fall for Port Stephens hook, line and sinker. Here, one of the largest estuary systems in the whole state sees tidal rivers and mangrove ecosystems. Waterfronts are thick with oysters, and residential fish that might include anything from bream, whiting and flathead, to blue swimmer crabs, kingfish and longtail tuna.

If you prefer to choose your own adventure and fish offshore, you can hire a boat from one of the marinas and set your own course.

three men fishing on a boat in port stephens — Join a tour or chart your own fishing trip. (Image: Destination NSW)

8. Taste new Port Stephens flavours

With plenty of activity to fill your days, refuelling on delectable cuisine becomes equally important. And Port Stephens answers the call.

Pop into Holbert’s Oyster Farm for fresh-farmed Port Stephens rock oysters and Pacific oysters, Australian king and tiger prawns, as well as a variety of tasty sauces to try them with.

Take a group to Atmos for an authentic Greek experience over large shared dishes and Greek-inspired cocktails. Or feast on sea-to-plate, modern Australian dishes at the pet-friendly Restaurant 2317.

A plate of fresh oysters. — Slurp your way through the region’s best oysters. (Image: Destination NSW)

Start planning your Port Stephens getaway at portstephens.org.au .