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A guide to the top 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

entrance of the The Lodge Jamberoo
The tree-lined entrance will give you an instant dose of tropical holiday vibes.

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. 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.

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Jamberoo Abbey

Jamberoo Abbey
Stay by an enclosed community of Benedictine nuns. (Credit: Winam)

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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The Historic Jamberoo Pub

a rustic staircase inside The Historic Jamberoo Pub
Find vintage memorabilia inside 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.

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.

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

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Roxanne Andrews
Roxanne Andrews is a freelance travel writer and editor based in Yamba, Australia. Topics of expertise include; sports tourism, luxury travel, arts & culture, cuisine & dining, wellness, the adventure sector and all things marine. A professional scribe who occasionally goes gonzo to capture the moment.
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8 reasons Moree should be on your next road trip itinerary

    Lucy Cousins Lucy Cousins
    Discover what makes this country town the perfect place to slow down, switch off and recharge.

    At first glance, the country town of Moree may look like just another charming highway town, with heritage buildings, a leafy town centre and classic pubs the locals love. However, this regional New South Wales town is Australia’s Artesian Spa Capital, a wellness hub with a rich Indigenous cultural history and a growing reputation as a destination for slow travel.

    Moree is ideally located at the crossroads of the Gwydir and Newell highways (and is also easily reached by train and air), making it a refreshing destination, or stop, on any road trip. And these eight experiences show why.

    1. Taste Moree on a Plate

    Westpac Helicopter Rescue Service team with their Seafood Paella at the 2019 Moree on a Plate Festival
    Taste the best of regional produce and culinary talent. (Credit: Destination NSW)

    Time your trip for Mother’s Day weekend in May, and you’ll find yourself in the middle of the popular annual food and wine festival, Moree on a Plate, celebrating regional produce and culinary talent from the region’s fertile plains.

    Browse the stalls and sample olives, pecans, citrus fruits, honey, boutique wines and handmade condiments. You can also enjoy live cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs, a local barbecue competition, plein-air art, live music and a dedicated children’s activity area.

    2. Experience artesian waters

    woman at the Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre
    Chill out in Moree’s famous artesian waters.

    Moree’s famous artesian waters have attracted visitors for over 130 years. First discovered by accident in 1895, this mineral-rich, naturally heated water is drawn from deep within the Great Artesian Basin. Soak and slow down in the recently renovated pools at the Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre, where you can choose between the active pool with massaging water jets or the passive pool for a more relaxing experience.

    For a longer soak, stay at one of the many motels within walking distance of the aquatic centre. Or book a stay with its own artesian pools.

    Gwydir Thermal Pools Motel & Caravan Park has five on-site thermal pools and a broad range of accommodation, while the Phoenix Resort offers both indoor spas and outdoor thermal pools as well as recently upgraded self-contained apartments and motel rooms. Meanwhile, the Artesian Spa Motel is set on five acres of landscaped gardens and features swimming and thermal pools, including an indoor artesian spa and an on-site restaurant.

    3. Enjoy an arty experience

    Bank Art Museum Moree
    Step inside the gorgeous Bank Art Museum Moree. (Credit: Destination NSW)

    To connect with Moree’s artistic side, head to Bank Art Museum Moree (BAMM), an independent contemporary art gallery housed in a beautifully preserved, Federation-era bank dating back to 1910. Inside, a nationally significant collection celebrates the art and culture of the Gamilaroi/Kamilaroi people and other First Nations artists alongside regional Australian art, while changing exhibitions offer something new.

    Follow the Moree Art Mural Trail through the CBD, and you’ll pass large-scale murals and small galleries reflecting stories of the town’s people, history and culture. While you’re exploring this open-air gallery, look out for the eclectic mix of Art Deco and early 20th-century architecture, including the Moree Courthouse and the striking Capitol Theatre facade.

    4. Discover cotton country

    Aerial overlooking cotton farming in progress on the Newport Cotton Farm, Moree
    Learn more about Moree’s cotton industry. (Credit: Destination NSW)

    Surrounded by the black-soil plains of the Gwydir Valley, Moree is at the centre of one of Australia’s major cotton-growing areas. Visit between March and May, and you’ll see fields covered in the distinctive fluffy white cotton bolls being harvested by huge machinery.

    Trace the cotton from paddock to fabric on the Cotton Farm and Gin tour, running from April to September. You’ll visit a cotton farm and a working cotton gin up close, where you’ll see the cotton fibres separated from the seeds. Tours run weekly and include transfers.

    5. Explore the Moree Plains

    care driving around moree
    Head out of town to explore the plains.

    Outside of the city centre, Moree is surrounded by charming rural villages dotted around the plains. The quiet village of Boomi, around 90 kilometres north-west of Moree, offers historic early 20th-century architecture, its own artesian thermal waters at the Boomi Artesian Baths and vast outback skies.

    Further west, the pioneer border town of Mungindi straddles the Barwon River between New South Wales and Queensland. Follow the 2.5-kilometre sculpture trail to take in the outdoor public art, and you’ll cross the state border twice.

    6. Relax by the water

    bird at Gwydir Wetlands in moree
    Spot the locals at Gwydir Wetlands.

    Just a short drive away, the peaceful Tareelaroi Weir Recreation Area makes the most of the meandering Gwydir River. Set up camp along the riverside and enjoy picnicking, fishing and swimming.

    A little further afield, the Gwydir Wetlands are home to 75 recorded waterbird species, including brolgas, magpie geese, egrets, spoonbills, ibis and black-necked storks, also known as jabirus. Watchers can settle into the hide at Waterbird Lagoon, or follow a short walking trail through the wetlands, keeping an eye out for rare species.

    7. Immerse in local Indigenous culture

    Terry Hie Hie Aboriginal Area
    Learn about the history of the Gamilaroi People.

    Moree lies on the traditional lands of the Gamilaroi People, whose connection to the land stretches back thousands of years. Today, visitors can learn about this history at Terry Hie Hie Aboriginal Area, which includes the 3.5 kilometre Yana-y Warruwi Walking Track.

    Back in town, the Open Space Aboriginal Art Trail allows you to enjoy the Mehi River with a free, self-guided public art trail of work from local Indigenous artists and their personal connection to Country. Finish with a visit to the remarkable Dhiiyaan Aboriginal Centre, where more than 110,000 family genealogies are recorded. Browse artefacts, art and over 15,000 photographs. There are also changing exhibitions of historical photographs and local art.

    8. Local cafe culture

    Barista making a coffee order at 61 Balo Cafe, Moree
    Get amongst’s Moree’s vibrant cafe scene. (Credit: Destination NSW)

    From relaxed country cafes to stylish modern eateries, Moree’s CBD has a surprisingly vibrant foodie scene. There are plenty of spots to choose from for a freshly brewed coffee, long lunch or tasty dinner, featuring menus showcasing local produce and loads of country charm.

    If you’d rather dine in the great outdoors, grab a takeaway coffee or a picnic and head to leafy Jellicoe Park, a riverside oasis just a short walk from the centre of town. Pick a spot under the trees, enjoy the park’s art installations and keep watch for waterbirds along the river.

    Start planning your Moree retreat at visitmoreeplains.com.au.