The Very Best Jamberoo Accommodation

Jamberoo is a wonderful rural village where one can simply retreat from the fray. Come see the historic buildings, explore its natural beauty and stay to enjoy its old-fashioned country charm.

This quaint historical dairy town is located at the top of a valley and flanked by the imposing Saddleback Mountain. Not much has changed here and that is part of its allure, and the best Jamberoo accommodation knows that.

It is almost as though time has stood still amid the rolling hills and emerald-green pastures here. There’s an old English theme to the village by way of its classic church structures and the dry-stone walls which separate the farmlands.

To make the most of this quaint part of the world, we’ve rounded up our top accommodation picks.

The Lodge Jamberoo

This riverfront resort is the bee’s knees when it comes to luxe country lodge offerings. The Lodge is only 10 minutes inland from Kiama and super close to the Jamberoo Action Park.

These 43 beautifully appointed rooms are surrounded by landscaped gardens, expansive acreage and regal pine tree towers.

trees and flowers surrounding The Lodge Jamberoo — The tree-lined entrance will give you an instant dose of tropical holiday vibes.

There are accommodation styles to suit everybody: adjoining rooms for large families, two-bedroom suites for groups of friends, or deluxe rooms with poolside views for a romantic weekend. In fact, it’s a divine South Coast wedding venue.

an outdoor pool with sunloungers at The Lodge Jamberoo — The retro-inspired pool is the perfect place to spend an afternoon. (Image: Krystal McKinley)

Jamberoo Abbey

Discover a unique rural New South Wales travel experience complete with a side of spiritual awakening if that’s your thing. Jamberoo Abbey is a very real Abbey, housing an enclosed community of Benedictine nuns.

It can accommodate twenty to thirty guests at a time. There are nine hermitages (sleeping one to two people in each) on-site and two spacious cottages with communal facilities. It’s evident that the abbey is a place where people come to seek peace in silence, nature, and prayer.

Note: there are often Sisters available to provide retreat guidance – enquire directly with the property for detailed information.

Jamberoo Valley Farm

Farm stays are fast gaining traction as a wonderful way to reconnect with the essentials of life – nature, nurture and nourishing food. Jamberoo Valley Farm ticks all the boxes when it comes to rural holiday destinations.

It’s a working permaculture farm that features luxury farm-stay cottages with hinterland and ocean views all throughout the property. Aside from the mixed fruit and vegetable market gardens it is also home to pasture-raised grass, fed cattle and free-range chickens.

the living room at Jamberoo Valley Farm Cottage — Lovers of elegant country style will delight in the cottage furnishings.

We love the outdoor Swedish-style hot tub, a wonderful place to warm up in the cooler months and admire the gorgeous vistas that abound – it transforms into a cold plunge pool in summer. The huge wrap-around entertainment deck only adds to this quintessential but extremely elegant country stay.

the cottage interior with huge windows at Jamberoo Valley Farm Cottage — Find a spot by the large windows and soak up an abundance of natural light.

These stunning cottages are suitable for all kinds of wanderlust devotees, including the solo adventurer, cosy couples and families ready to immerse themselves in an enchanting farm stay location.

the kitchen at Jamberoo Valley Farm Cottage — Jamberoo Valley Farm Cottage evokes a rustic feel.

The Historic Jamberoo Pub

Get out of town, or in this case, get out of the city and get yourself to the only and therefore the best pub in Jamberoo. Built in 1857, the character-filled Historic Jamberoo Pub has always been a popular drinking haunt for locals and visitors.

There are nine original pub-style rooms which are great for accommodating group bookings – you can have the entire top floor, with the bistro and bar right downstairs. The pub also makes an excellent base to explore nearby attractions such as Minnamurra Rainforest and the Jamberoo Action Park.

a bedroom with window at The Historic Jamberoo Pub — Rooms are simple with a blend of modern and kitsch design touches.

In addition to the original pub-style rooms, there’s also a motel wing (this section was built more recently and is usually quieter) with rooms that offer air conditioning, an ensuite, tea/coffee-making facilities and a TV. It’s a basic yet tidy place.

It’s terrific that there are no pokies here, instead, the pub would much prefer to support live music and stack the walls with interesting memorabilia. And there are always classic pub bistro dishes on the menu at very reasonable prices.

the front of The Historic Jamberoo Pub — The Historic Jamberoo Pub is a must-visit in Jamberoo.

Ready for an exhilarating family-friendly outing? Try the fun waterslides and stacks of world-class rides at Jamberoo Action Park.

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 .

A guide to the top Jamberoo accommodation