Mt Hay Retreat: The ultimate romantic getaway in Berry, NSW

Two hours’ drive south of the Sydney CBD and just five kilometres north of the pretty town of Berry, the exquisite family-owned and operated Mt Hay Retreat is set on a working farm in the foothills below an escarpment with panoramic views across rolling green hills all the way to the Pacific Ocean.

With six expansive suites, this luxury South Coast hideaway is made for a romantic getaway – complete with indoor pool and spa set above mature gardens, surrounded by 360 acres of farmland framed by native bush.

Mt Hay Retreat at night — Enjoy night skies uninterrupted by light pollution.

Mt Hay Retreat is much more than the sum of its remarkable facilities. It also emanates an indelible sense of calm and tranquillity, making it a lifestyle destination of rare distinction – it’s a two-time Gold Award winner (2021 and 2022) at the NSW Tourism Awards for Five-Star Luxury Accommodation for a reason.

The history and design of Mt Hay Retreat

In 1987, Sydney-based Wayne and Christine bought the farm with a 1960s fibro house as a weekend and holiday retreat for themselves and their five children. Family friend and retired Sydney architect Alex Gencur designed the main house and pool, which was completed in 2008. It was always the family’s dream to build a retreat which provided a sustainable income to ensure the property would remain largely untouched.

Mt Hay Retreat indoor pool — Dive into Mt Hay Retreat’s 33-metre heated indoor pool.

After a career in finance and sales in London, Anthony (one of original owner’s children) and his partner Louise decided to make the project a reality and spent four years working with the council, the architect and local builders to complete the retreat and gardens, which opened in July 2016. Today it is home to two generations of the family, a beef cattle herd, a few pet goats, two ever-eager welcome dogs (Griffy and Dougal) and lots of native wildlife.

Romantic rooms with endless views

The six open-plan, 80 square-metre suites fan out around the top of the hill to ensure that each has spectacular views while also ensuring privacy. Each has soaring ceilings and floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open onto expansive decks.

No matter where you are in the room – spending a lazy day in bed, relaxing on the sofa or sitting at the glass dining table – they’ve been designed to ensure guests can enjoy remarkable views at almost all times.

Mt Hay Retreat king suite — Enjoy sweeping vistas, no matter where you are in your room.

The bathrooms have large rain-head showers (perfect for two people) with windows overlooking private gardens. All rooms feature decadent baths; some are located out on the deck so you can drink in the view (and maybe a wine or two) in a beautiful private alfresco setting. Other rooms keep the bath inside its own stunning bathroom so that you can soak away your cares at any time.

If you do decide to lock yourself away for an intimate weekend, the rooms have everything you need to never have to leave. Kitchenettes have kettles, toasters, microwaves, refrigerators and capsule coffee makers. Large flat-screen televisions are connected to the internet for easy streaming service.

Mt Hay Retreat deck spa — Watch the sunset from your al fresco bath.

Each suite each has its own distinctive view and is individually designed with different colourways from sky blue, yellow and pale green accents to red, orange and mossy green tones. Two suites are wheelchair accessible with wider doorways, lower vanities, roll-in and out showers and easily moveable furniture.

Wander Mt Hay Retreat’s gardens, orchards and wildlife

Streams and dams dot the eight acres of gardens, which are planted with a fragrant mix of native and exotic flowers and bushes designed to attract the local wildlife.

Brush-tailed rock wallabies, eastern grey kangaroos, and wombats are regularly sighted, as are kookaburras, king parrots, rosellas, lyrebirds, eastern spinebills, and a pair of breeding wedge-tailed eagles. Not to mention regular sightings of superb fairy wrens, skinks, frogs and blue-tongued lizards.

Mt Hay Retreat gardens — Look for wildlife visiting the gardens.

There are also vegetable gardens and an orchard chock-a-block with orange trees, pink grapefruit, mandarin, lemon, kaffir lime and finger lime trees, whose fruit guests are encouraged to pick.

Enjoy Mt Hay Retreat’s unique offerings

One of the most popular offerings at Mt Hay Retreat is the huge hot tub and 33-metre heated indoor pool, which are enclosed in a beautiful glass house with more exquisite views across the landscape.

Enjoy a shaded wharf deck by the dam – perfect for a romantic picnic or glass of wine – while you feed the koi with retreat-provided food.

Mt Hay Retreat wharf, Berry — Take a picnic under the shaded wharf by the dam.

In addition, there’s a giant chess set in the gardens to while away an afternoon on and an enormous ‘cloud swing’ that offers some of the best views on the property.

Guests can order special champagne and local cheese and fruit platters, complete with handmade chocolate-dipped strawberries, while owners Anthony and Louise can also arrange for a local masseuse to perform in-room or on-deck massages.

Mt Hay Retreat cloud swing — Swing outdoors while you soak in the views.

What to do in Berry

Anthony and Louise are the ultimate hosts living on-site. They are always around to offer advice and touring tips, as well as deliver some extra ice or anything else you might need to make your getaway complete.

If you’re looking to explore the local area, some of their top suggestions will always start in the vibrant town of Berry, a ten-minute drive down the road. There, guests will find terrific shopping and a fabulous array of restaurants and cafes.

The famous Berry Donut Van. — Stop in Berry for coffee and donuts at the Famous Berry Donut Van.

They particularly recommend dining at South on Albany and Queen Street Eatery , cafes such as The Garden Berry , The Hungry Monkey , and the famous Berry Donut Van .

If you’re looking for some takeaway to enjoy back at Mt Hay, they recommend trying the prepared dishes from Pickled Ink , The Emporium and Flavours Shoalhaven (don’t worry, it’s still located in Berry).

Seven Mile Beach, Shoalhaven — Drive 15-minuts to spend the day at beautiful Seven Mile Beach. (Image: Destination NSW)

Seven Mile Beach, just a 15-minute drive away, is their favourite local beach while the Drawing Room Rocks bushwalk offers a fabulous hike up the escarpment where you get vistas of Kangaroo Valley to the west and the Pacific Ocean to the east. Speaking of Kangaroo Valley, it’s well worth a drive along quaint country roads to explore it further.

Mt Hay Retreat wine on deck — Bring back your locally sourced wine and enjoy it on your deck.

What’s a romantic escape without a little wine? Luckily Anthony and Louise can suggest several of their favourite local wineries, like Mountain Ridge Wines , Silos Estate , Two Figs Winery and Cambewarra Estate .

Discover the magic of a Sydney staycation in summer at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney.

Sydney City is magical in summer. Warm summer evenings beg to be spent sipping cool cocktails at one of many al fresco and rooftop bars. Ferries and buses are ready to transport travellers to the best nearby beaches for salty days on the sand. National parks and rainforests are waiting to be explored. And the city’s events calendar is packed, from live music to cultural attractions. All elements that call for a Sydney staycation.

Discover where to eat, stay and play for the perfect local getaway.

Where to stay

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

Amid the bustle of the perfect Sydney staycation, one needs a place to escape to and recharge. Enter, The Fullerton Hotel Sydney . The hotel is an icon in its own right – nestled inside the 151-year-old building that was originally Sydney’s General Post Office, its heritage-listed sandstone walls and Victorian renaissance grandeur have been carefully preserved – providing a rare chance to sleep within Sydney’s history.

Despite its fascinating history, the hotel isn’t short on modern, luxurious comforts. Rooms and suites are available in both the modern high-rise with gorgeous views over the clock tower and lively city below, or inside the historical post office building itself.

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney Heritage Long Suite bathroom — Heritage rooms maintain their old-world style.

Either way, guests can enjoy sophisticated touches, including a deluxe bed and pillow menu, Harman Kardon Bluetooth speakers, a digital concierge, a Vittoria coffee machine and amenities from the Balmain bathroom collection.

The team at this five-star hotel provides excellence and a quality experience for all their guests, while amenities like a gym help with a well-rounded stay. For a peaceful moment with sweeping city views, enter The Fullerton Club Lounge on level 28. This private haven for dining and relaxation is available to any guests staying on the hotel’s club floors and suites.

Add to this a central location in the CBD’s Martin Place, with easy access to Sydney’s top attractions, and convenience meets style.

Where to drink & dine

1. The Bar

the Fullerton Hotel afternoon tea at the bar — Indulge in the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea.

Inside The Fullerton Hotel Sydney’s lobby, The Bar does more than sling a few delicious cocktails (although it certainly does that well). Its brown leather chairs and glass ceiling create the perfect, almost al fresco, setting for the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea .

Served daily from 12 to 4 pm, the afternoon tea is a nod to the cherished social occasion it once was during the Victorian Renaissance era. People like to dress up for this afternoon tea, and if you’re lucky, a pianist often sits down at the on-site grand piano, just adding to the elegance.

The afternoon tea is served high tea style, offering reimagined British flavours of the Victorian Renaissance era with a unique blend of Australia’s culinary heritage. A sweet layer offers delights like a Malted Milk Envelope (a milk mousse layered between two biscuits), Bakewell Pudding (a super tasty egg-based pudding), and Apple Charlotte.

On the savoury layer, expect finger sandwiches with fillings like cucumber, egg and smoked salmon. While classic pinwheels and stuffed eggs almost make the menu. And, of course, all finished off with traditional scones served with cream and mixed berry jam.

Can’t fit in a whole afternoon tea? Be sure to at least order a slice of the 32-layered chocolate cake, a decadent mix of dark chocolate crémeux, fresh whipped cream, and Valrhona Azélia chocolate sauce. ⁣

2. The Place

the Fullerton Hotel the place dining — Dine in the stunning GPO atrium.

On level one of The Fullerton Hotel Sydney lives The Place – the hotel’s restaurant, in an atrium overlooking the former GPO. Here, dine on Modern Australian cuisine – think fresh, local seafood and a Riverina steak sandwich – along with a touch of Singaporean signature dishes, like Thai-style green curry or chicken satay. All in the shadow of the GPO clock tower, enjoying the GPO atrium’s natural light.

3. Local gelato

Couple enjoying ice-creams at First Fleet Park, The Rocks — Enjoy ice cream in the sunshine. (Image: Destination NSW)

What is summer without ice cream and/or gelato? Luckily, there are plenty of options just a short walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, whether you’re craving a midday pick-me-up or an after-sun treat.

What to do/see

1. GPO Heritage Tour

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney lobby — Be awed by the building’s history.

Want to know more about the building you’re staying in? The Fullerton Hotel Sydney offers a complimentary 90-minute GPO Heritage Tour. Follow a knowledgeable tour guide to discover the stories, tales and legends of the former Sydney General Post Office building.

From the iconic clock tower (completed in 1891) to the black-and-white tiled staircase at 1 Martin Place, which was once the main entrance to the GPO and today serves as a prominent feature of the building to the 24 stone faces (mascarons) on the Martin Place side of the building. Part of the 1880s-era facade (designed by architect James Barnet), each represents different states, countries and continents.

2. Circular Quay

aerial of circular quay sydney — Catch a ferry from Circular Quay. (Image: Destination NSW)

An easy walk or light rail ride away from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, lies the bustling Circular Quay. Here, you can sit for a drink and nibbles at the Opera Bar, or head into the iconic house itself for a show. It’s also a major ferry port, becoming your gateway to Sydney’s beaches, Luna Park and even Sydney Zoo.

3. Royal Botanic Gardens

view of circular quay from Sydney's Royal Botanic Garden — Wander through Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. (Image: Destination NSW)

Just beyond Circular Quay, discover Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. Wander through this 30-hectare, heritage-listed, botanical garden – exploring its differing sections, from Australian native botanicals to garden beds of vibrant flowers to towering groves of international trees.

It’s also the perfect place for a picnic, so pick up supplies before you come and enjoy a spot on the grassy meadow looking out into the harbour.

4. Theatre Royal

Just a one-minute walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, take in a show at Theatre Royal. Built in 1976, the theatre has been offering a broad range of entertainment since the 1990s. Expect a show roster that ranges from the classics (like Cats) to the modern) like Pretty Woman: The Musical).

Start planning a summer stay in Sydney worth remembering at fullertonhotels.com/fullerton-hotel-sydney.

Find epic views and vibrant personality at this intimate Berry retreat