Escape Into Five-Star Luxury At Osborn House

A stay at Osborn House in Bundanoon, NSW, is a lesson in slow luxury.

Nestled deep in the Southern Highlands of NSW, you’ll find Osborn House . The five-star, luxury accommodation offering is a guest-driven experience, with everything you need (and more) to relax, rest and rejuvenate, all in one place. It’s one of those sublime stays that, once you arrive, you’ll never want to leave.

Osborn House in Bundanoon, Southern Highlands, NSW — Osborn House is nestled in the small town of Bundanoon.

Location

Osborn House can be found in the small Southern Highlands town of Bundanoon in regional NSW on Gandangara Country. If you’re coming from Sydney, it’ll take you roughly one hour and 45 minutes by car to arrive.

Bundanoon is also just under an hour’s drive from Goulburn and around two hours from Canberra. Trains also run from Sydney’s Central Station and Canberra Railway Station. However, some routes may require a changeover.

Style and character

The atmosphere at Osborn House is an expertly concocted balance of upbeat modernism and relaxed luxury. Every detail has been masterfully curated but effortlessly styled, from the lobby to the dining spaces and rooms.

The main house dates back to the late 1800s and resembles a museum of eclectic yet sophisticated decor. After valeting your car, you’ll enter a homely lobby with potted plants, comfy couches and a wall pockmarked poetically with room keys.

Go deeper into the heritage house and you’ll find a masterful fireplace sits in the centre of the dining room, which blazes throughout the winter months. Come summer, the space opens up onto a large balcony boasting ample dining space and mountain views.

The dining room is awash in deep navy blues, mustard yellows and olive greens, which are seamlessly blended with sky blues, terracotta browns and blush pinks. Rattan textures are paired with wooden features and gold accents that dance together under striking original artworks by Jai Vasicek. Jai did an Artist in Residence stint at Osborn House back in June, and his distinct paintings are sprinkled throughout the property.

The multifarious play on colour and style seeps into the accommodation options at Osborn House, particularly the exclusive Forest Lodges. While a little more muted, the palette inside perfectly matches the mood the room instils. The primary pop of colour comes from a plush red couch, which is surrounded by soft browns, blues and greys. Freshly cut flowers, small book stacks and low-lit lamps all work in relaxation’s favour.

Outside, the grounds are faintly reminiscent of a manor in the English countryside. But there are subtle nods at each corner that remind you where you are. Like the ancient craggy pines that mingle with old eucalyptus gums. Kangaroos lazily munch on the grass next to dainty cream narcissus in full bloom. The paradox brings Osborn House into a league of its own, heightened even more so by the luxury lodge’s exclusive offerings.

Facilities

Osborn House is one of those places where, once you arrive, you really don’t have to leave until check out; everything you need is onsite. Breakfast, lunch and dinner can all be had just a stone’s throw from each room, plus your mini fridge is stocked with snacks and drinks.

Keen to get active? There are well-maintained tennis and pickleball courts outside. You can also head to the gym, which includes weights, pilates equipment and Peloton bikes for unlimited guest use. Or simply go for a stroll around the gorgeous grounds.

If you’d rather relax, the onsite spa is a must. Treat yourself to a luxurious massage or facial featuring luscious LaGaia products. Or grab your current read and head to the library room in the main house. In the cooler months (and let’s be honest, all year round), the sauna, steam room, heated lap pool and spa are also non-negotiables.

For those staying in a Forest Lodge, you’ll also have access to the new Forest Bathing Deck. Hidden up in a woodland of pines, away from the rest of the property, this secret setting is the ultimate in mindful luxury.

Featuring a sauna, jacuzzi, ice bath, yoga platform and fire pit, the deck overlooks nearby Morton National Park. Open to just two guests at a time, it’s the perfect way for couples to rejuvenate and reconnect with themselves and nature.

Rooms

Just 27 suites make up Osborn House – 15 in the main house and 13 Forest Lodges. Inside, there are the main suites and premier suites, as well as the Highland Suite, Garden Terrace and Premier Garden Terrace.

But the real stars of Osborn House are the Forest Lodges. At first, there were just seven onsite, but five new, elevated Forest Lodges have recently been added to the collection.

These divine dens are fitted with a king-sized bed, cosy fireplace, mini bar (with complimentary non-alcoholic beverages) and separate bathroom with a double-headed rain shower. The stand-alone outdoor bath on your private balcony is a highlight, too.

Additional amenities include a large skylight above the bed, a Smeg kettle with tea and coffee provided, LaGaia products in the bathroom, a wall-mounted TV, a Sonos speaker, luxurious bathrobes and air conditioning. There’s also firewood at your door, which is restocked daily.

To celebrate the five newly built Forest Lodges, a handful of new all-inclusive packages are being offered at Osborn House. Available for two-, three- and five-night stays, the packages include a range of different inclusions.

Think bubbles on arrival, dinner daily (plus breakfast and lunch, depending on the package), excursion experiences, twice-daily room services, daily mini-bar restocking and, of course, private access to the Forest Bathing Deck.

Food and drink

There are two onsite restaurants at the property. George’s is a more relaxed, laid-back dining experience where guests can have breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. The menu is paired back but packed with flavour. Think slow-cooked lamb pasta, dry-aged grass-fed sirloin, tuna crudo with finger lime and basque cheesecake for dessert.

For something a little (or a lot) more fancy, head to Dinah’s. Open for dinner between Wednesdays and Sundays, the menu here is set and prepared to be shared. Guests will love the Gundagai lamb backstrap, Musset Holdings salad and slow-cooked pineapple granita.

Both restaurants mainly use fresh produce from the Southern Highlands and offer extensive beverage lists featuring local makers. Oenophiles can sip on both regional and international wines, while cocktail lovers will enjoy the signature Osborn Sour, a take on the iconic Peruvian/Chilean drink.

Does Osborn House have access for guests with disabilities?

All dining rooms and facilities throughout the main hotel (including the spa, bathrooms, steam room, sauna and gym) are wheelchair accessible. The three Garden Terrace suites are all accessible, too.

Is Osborn House family-friendly?

As Osborn House aims to provide its guests with a safe and quiet place to relax and rejuvenate, children must be over the age of 12 to stay and must be supervised by an adult at all times.

Details

Best for: Couples or small groups looking for a luxurious escape immersed in nature.

Address: 96 Osborn Ave, Bundanoon, NSW

Phone: (02) 4883 6027

Cost: The new all-inclusive Forest Lodge packages are priced between $3500 (two-night stay, two guests) and $8399 (five-night stay, two guests). General room rates at Osborn House vary depending on dates but are accessible online.

NSW’s beach towns take on a new kind of magic when the cooler months hit.

Autumn and winter cast a whole new light on the New South Wales coastline. The sun hangs lower, the shadows stretch longer and the air is crisp and fresh. The frenetic summer crowds are gone, and the rhythm slows to the pace of a leisurely winter bush walk through still, damp quiet. From wineries pouring winter reds to the annual whale migration up the ‘humpback highway’, here’s why winter on the New South Wales coast is better.

Winter on the NSW South Coast

Winter down south means misty dawns, sipping a flat white on the beach. The thrill of a whale spotting from the headlands and evenings spent slowly savouring Shoalhaven’s wines by the fire.

Start in Kiama, where waves crash into the famous Blowholes. This natural spectacle is achieved when underground pressure and swell unite, sending sea spray soaring above the basalt cliffs. This means, due to larger waves, you’re even more likely to see an explosive display in winter.

two people standing in front of kiama blowhole — See Kiama’s blowholes in full force. (Image: Destination NSW)

Inland, the Minnamurra Rainforest Walk in Budderoo National Park is all subtropical forest and trilling lyrebird song. Make sure to walk silently along the elevated boardwalks, past winter-swelled creeks and the tangled roots of fig trees. You might just hear one of the musically talented birds mimicking your footsteps.

Feeling adventurous? Book a session at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures for a wobbly walk through the canopy on Australia’s highest zipline.

Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures on the new south wales south coast — Walk among the tallest trees. (Image: Destination NSW)

Next, it’s time to take the speed down a notch with a drive over to the historic village of Berry. It’s been a beloved stop for generations of Sydneysiders heading south, as has the obligatory stop at its famous doughnut van for crisped, cinnamon goodness. If you’re ready for something a little more chunky, stroll right past the boutiques (okay, go on, just one quick peek) to Milkwood Bakery . Their flaky pastries and all-day breakfasts are best enjoyed under cream-coloured fringed umbrellas.

Back in Kiama, you’ll also find modern Middle Eastern share plates at Miss Arda , and next-level burgers on The Hungry Monkey ‘s extensive menu: an ode to everything pattie-shaped.

End the day at The Sebel Kiama on the harbour. The apartment-style rooms come with full cooking facilities — a welcome addition for families looking to test out the local produce they picked up along the way. Including, but not limited to, vintages from nearby Crooked River Wines .

The Sebel Kiama exterior — Sleep by the harbour.

Winter on the Mid-North Coast

A trip up north is a gentle one at this time of year. You’ll still feel that sunshine warming your shoulders, but the lower temperatures make space for rainforest walks, vineyard lunches and long coastal hikes. All without that pesky humidity.

First stop? It has to be the town of Port Macquarie. Start by marking out a stretch of the nine-kilometre coastal walk you want to tackle (or do the whole thing), which winds from Town Beach to the lighthouse along rugged headlands and quiet beaches. Hot tip: binoculars. Don’t forget them if you want to partake in some close-up sightings of dolphin pods or whales migrating up the ‘humpback highway’.

Port Macquarie Coastal Walk, winter on the New South Wales coast — Wander the Port Macquarie Coastal Walk. (Image: Destination NSW)

Swap sea for canopy at the Sea Acres Rainforest Boardwalk , one of the last remaining pockets of coastal rainforest in the state. The accessible elevated trail passes under climbing ferns and tangled strangler figs, and is alive with scarlet robins, goannas and diamond pythons – if you’re lucky, you might see one slipping through the leaf litter.

Afterwards, lunch is sorted at Cassegrain Wines , where crisp whites and elegant reds are grown using a blend of French winemaking tradition and Australian innovation. After a tasting, saddle up for a horse ride through the estate.

port macquarie koala hospital — Meet Koala Hospital inhabitants at their temporary home. (Image: Destination NSW)

The beloved Koala Hospital is rebuilding, so meet its furry patients in their temporary bushland abode at Guulabaa – Place of Koala . Here, you can see rehabilitation up close and learn how one of Australia’s most iconic animals is being carefully rewilded and protected.

Back in town, Whalebone Wharf serves up fine dining with serious views to go with your oysters. Prefer something breezier? Bills Fishhouse + Bar does everything from blue swimmer crab toast to zucchini noodles drizzled in basil and wattleseed pesto. Down by the waterfront, Little Shack slings ceviche, mushroom burgers and fish tacos with casual aplomb.

At the end of it all, check in to Mercure Centro Port Macquarie , right in the heart of town. From here, everything’s walkable. Just park the car, pop your keys in your pocket, and stroll down to the beach.

bed at Mercure Centro Port Macquarie — Check in to Mercure Centro Port Macquarie.

Winter on the Central Coast

On the Central Coast, expect to explore oyster farms that sit on estuaries, beaches that stretch empty for miles, and the kind of surprise sightings of whale sprays that can stop a hiker in their tracks.

The best way to settle into this slower rhythm is with the Bouddi Coastal Walk , an 8.5km trail that dips through rainforest and eroding cliffs. It’s made for unhurried walkers and long-lens photographers.

Up the coast in Terrigal, it’s prime time to spot humpbacks on the move. Join a cruise or find your own perch — Crackneck Lookout and Norah Head Lighthouse are both local favourites.

a humpback whale breaching on the central coast — Spot migrating humpback whales. (Image: Destination NSW)

Travelling with kids? It would be sacrilege not to visit the Australian Reptile Park . Here, Elvis the saltwater crocodile reigns supreme, and the venomous snake talk somehow manages to be simultaneously terrifying and fascinating.

If that isn’t enough to wear them out, zip and climb your way through Treetops Adventure Central Coast , a ropes course in the canopy of Ourimbah State Forest. Afterwards, steady your nerves with a garden tasting at Firescreek Botanical Winery , where fruit- and flower-infused wines are served under the trees.

Switch earth for sea and hop on a boat tour with Broken Bay Pearl Farm . Once you’re out on the water, you’ll learn how pearls are cultivated and have a hands-on lesson in grading and shucking.

woman holding a pearl at Broken Bay Pearl Farm — Get a hands-on pearl lesson. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the day winds down, grab a seat at Yellowtail in Terrigal , which takes seasonal native produce and presents it with Asian flair. Prefer something simple? Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination. Find an impressive breakfast and lunch menu, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce.

Stay the night at Pullman Magenta Shores , between the ocean and the lake. There are plenty of ways to relax, with a massage at the day spa, a poolside beanbag and a round or two at the golf course.

restaurant at Pullman Magenta Shores central coast — Eat well at Pullman Magenta Shores’ restaurant. (Image: Destination NSW)

Winter in Wollongong

Wollongong does contrast pretty well. One moment you’re walking beneath an enormous Buddha, the next you’re ordering soju a few blocks from the surf. It’s a town where skydivers land on beaches, trails lead to paddocks and winter days stretch long and clear beneath the Illawarra cliffs.

If you’re coming from the north, start by crossing over the Sea Cliff Bridge. Curving dramatically out like a jutting ‘C’ out above the water means you won’t be able to resist pulling over (safely, in designated lookouts) to gaze down at the waves crashing on the cliffs below.

Just inland is the serenity of the Nan Tien Temple , the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere. You can trace the prayer path, explore the temple gardens and sip delectable Kam Quat Tea in the quiet light at the Dew Drop Inn Tea House.

monk teaching tai chi at Nan Tien Temple — Learn about Buddhist practices. (Image: Destination NSW)

Next, dust off that cowboy hat. It’s time for the Darkes Forest Riding Ranch . Take a guided canter via trail rides among peppermint gums and paddocks. If you’re happier to look at animals than ride them, Symbio Wildlife Park has red pandas dozing in trees, kangaroos that hop up to you and lessons on conservation.

The brave among you shouldn’t miss Skydive Australia – Wollongong . A free fall over the coast via tandem jumps before tumbling down to the sand is a breath-stopping thrill. Prefer to keep your feet on the ground? Check out the program at Wollongong Art Gallery , which delivers contemporary and Aboriginal exhibitions in the centre of town.

monkey at Symbio Wildlife Park — Hang out with the locals at Symbio Wildlife Park.(Image: Destination NSW)

As evening settles in, nab a table at Baby Face Kitchen . It has an ever-changing set menu, with dishes like hand-picked mud crab with white asparagus and salty brown butter, to sheep’s milk and honey ice cream. For something more casual, Dagwood Bar + Kitchen brings the fun with Korean fried chicken, sake cocktails and weekly all-you-can-eat bao buns.

Check in to Novotel Wollongong Northbeach , right by the sand. With a beachfront pool and ocean views, it’s an ideal base for whatever pace you choose.

Winter on the New South Wales coast starts with a cosy place to stay. Start planning your adventure at all.com.

Escape into five-star luxury at Osborn House