A guide to the top Jamberoo accommodation

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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.

the property exterior at The Lodge Jamberoo
Step into your quaint accommodation at The Lodge Jamberoo. (Image: Krystal McKinley)

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)

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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.

the cottage exterior at Jamberoo Valley Farm
Get closer to nature at Jamberoo Valley Farm.

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.

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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.

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

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.
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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The tastiest new players on Newcastle’s dining scene you need to try

    Carla Grossetti Carla Grossetti
    Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.

    When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.

    aerial of Nobbys beach in newcastle nsw
    Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)

    Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.

    1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle

    pastries next to a pastry box from crumb cafe in newcastle
    Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)

    Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB, the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.

    Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.

    Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe.

    2. Destination dining

    Blanca resuarant in newcastle nsw
    Step inside Mediterranean-inspired eatery, Blanca. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca, which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.

    One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie, the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.

    Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.

    3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks

    people swimming at Newcastle Ocean Baths
    Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)

    What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?

    Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach. Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen, which is open from 6am.

    Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse.

    You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach, where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.

    Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.

    4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle

    couple eating at Flotilla newcastle
    Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)

    In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.

    Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.

    Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.

    5. Newcastle nightlife

    Bartholomew's small bar in newcastle nsw
    Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)

    As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.

    If a small bar in a grand old building is more your style, check out Roxanne, Bar Mellow and Bartholomew’s.

    Start planning your Newcastle culinary coastal getaway this summer at visitnewcastle.com.au.