Eight of the best underrated nature getaways

By now we can probably assume you might have heard of some of the more famous spots to stay in national parks all around NSW, whether it’s a lighthouse keeper’s cottage in Walgun Cape Byron, or a cabin nestled in the bush of Royal National Park. There’s a time to embrace the fame and popularity of places like these… but do you ever find yourself searching for something a little more underground?

Sometimes you’re in the mood for a Hollywood blockbuster you can guarantee will be a hit, but equally, sometimes you just want to find that indie movie on a Tuesday night, get comfy with your choc-top and leave having uncovered a gem that you won’t be able to shut up about. Well settle in, and get the inside info on the best ‘indie’ spots that fly under the radar for your next family adventure or romantic stay.

Location: 2 hour drive from Sydney, in Blue Mountains National Park

Underrated for: Remote tiny house vibes

Price: Mid-range

Best for: Romantic couples retreat (4 people max)

The newly refurbished Galong Cabins have all the ingredients of an Instagrammable tiny house: views overlooking the wilderness of the Megalong Valley, indoor fireplace, outdoor firepit and a log cabin aesthetic. There are two cabins to choose from, which sleep four people each. Enjoy a peaceful getaway surrounded by wildlife with wombats, red-necked wallabies, eastern grey kangaroos and abundant birdlife just outside your door.

If you feel like stretching your legs, check out one of the many bushwalks nearby like the 19km return Narrow Neck trail. If you’re keen to spend a bit more time exploring the Blue Mountains, take a drive via Blackheath to the Grand Cliff Top Walk, a 19km route which links all the unmissable lookouts, waterfalls and villages from Wentworth Falls to Katoomba.

Location: 1.5 hour drive from Broken Hill, in Kinchega National Park

Underrated for: Outback experience

Price: Budget

Best for: Big group road trip (27 people max)

A cool 12-hour drive from Sydney, near Broken Hill, this accommodation is guaranteed to be one of the most unique spots you’ll ever spend the night. Live out your Aussie sheep station dreams by sleeping in a real shearer’s quarters, where the men who worked in Kinchega Woolshed stayed. With six bunkrooms, shared bathrooms and a communal kitchen, this makes for a memorable group getaway on an epic road trip west.

Location: 3 hour drive from Canberra, in Kosciuszko National Park

Underrated for: Magical thermal pool and caves

Price: Mid-range

Best for: Romantic couples getaway (4 people max)

This modern eco-cottage in a lesser-explored part of famous Kosciuszko is definitely on the luxe side. It’s hidden away so you can settle in for a romantic weekend with a lounge room looking out to nothing but trees, expansive deck to dine on at sunset and cosy king bed. 

Jaw-dropping caves are under 5 minutes’ drive away, where you can take a self-guided walk through South Glory Cave or book in for a guided tour of the formations of Jersey or Jillabenan caves (tickets are required for all cave tours). You can also stroll straight from your doorstep down the track to Yarrangobilly Caves thermal pool, which is geothermally heated to 27 degrees celsius by a natural spring, making it an all-seasons spot for a dip, especially with the mist rising off the turquoise water in the cooler months.

Location: 4 hour drive from Sydney, in Murramarang National Park

Underrated for: Beachfront seclusion

Price: Mid-range

Best for: Friend group vacay (6 people max)

Close to Batemans Bay on the South Coast, Judges House is surrounded by thick bush that opens up to reveal the sands of hidden beaches that you’ll likely have all to yourself. The house has all the comforts of home including a fully-equipped kitchen, open plan lounge and dining, and a wrap-around verandah with a BBQ, outdoor table and couch for afternoon reading or naps. 

The real secret at Judges House though is the nearby Murramarang South Coast Walk. Use the house as a start or end point to do the full spectacular 3-day walk, or as a base to tackle a smaller section like the 3 hour track from Oaky Beach to Maloneys Beach, which goes right past your front door.

Location: 2 hours drive from Sydney, in Hartley Historic Site

Underrated for: The charming ‘other’ side of the Blue Mountains 

Price: Mid-range

Best for: Family holiday, wheelchair-user friendly (6 people max)

West of the Blue Mountains, near Lithgow, a quaint tiny town called Hartley awaits, with historic sandstone buildings to explore. Built in the mid-1800s, staying at Old Trahlee is like stepping into a little slice of history. But it doesn’t look its age – the cottage has been lovingly renovated with a modern bathroom and fully-equipped kitchen, while keeping charming features like its timber floorboards and gas fireplace.

There's plenty to do while you're here. Grab a coffee from The Postmistress Café and Store, where you can also find unique handmade goodies from local businesses. Then, head to Gold Rush Antiques to browse through a curated selection of antiques in a beautifully restored mechanics garage that offers an authentic taste of a bygone era. And finally, stop in at Talisman Gallery to check out metal artworks and silver jewellery by a local blacksmith.

If you’re looking to bring a bigger group or two families up to Hartley, this isn’t the only place to stay, with space for four at St Bernard’s Presbytery just down the road. Stop by Blackheath for a 2 hour hike taking in the dramatic gorge cliffs along Burramoko Ridge (Hanging Rock) trail or even just to snap a photo at incredible Govetts Leap lookout on the way.

Location: 3.5 hour drive from Wollongong, then a boat to Barunguba Montague Island Nature Reserve

Underrated for: A private island escape (with seals)

Price: High-end

Best for: Friends retreat (6 people max)

The sparkling NSW South Coast has something for everyone, but this island off Narooma is extra special. The only way to get to your very own island to play lighthouse keeper for a couple of days is by private boat. But don’t worry, the lighthouse is automated these days, so you can kick back, enjoy a wine on the verandah of your historic cottage and spot passing whales, dolphins or some of the over 90 species of seabirds, including the penguin colony, that live here. For a once in a lifetime experience, book in to snorkel with the seals around the island, too.  

Location: 2 hours drive from Newcastle, in Myall Lakes National Park

Underrated for: Panoramic whale watching 

Price: High-end

Best for: Family or friends holiday (6 people max)

Perched high on the headland at Seal Rocks, the modern Davies Cottage has unobstructed waterfront views from its large deck, perfect for watching migrating whales passing from May to November. Freshly-renovated, it has plenty of space with three luxurious bedrooms, but you’ll want to call dibs on the master which has water views to wake up to (from the comfort of your bed). 

Besides swimming or surfing at some of the most beautiful beaches on the North Coast, do the 800m walk to Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse and continue further to the Treachery Headland walking track to gaze out at the rugged coastline.

Location: 2.5 hour drive from Port Macquarie, in Werrikimbe National Park

Underrated for: Ancient rainforests

Price: Mid-range

Best for: Family escape, accessible and wheelchair-user friendly (6 people max)

Be immersed in nature staying nestled right on the edge of World Heritage Gondwana rainforest 2.5 hours from Port Macquarie. This cabin has three bedrooms to comfortably fit the whole family for an adventure, and features a sleek new kitchen to easily whip up a feast for the tribe.

To get a rainforest hit, try the kid-friendly loop Platypus Pool walking track. Or, jump in the car and head to Apsley Falls picnic area in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park for lunch with an epic view of gorges and falls. If you're travelling by 4WD, check out Carrai and Coachwood trails. This remote 4WD adventure takes you through some lesser-explored areas of Carrai and Oxley Wild Rivers national parks.

Now you know about these hidden gems located near some of the most unique natural wonders in our state, it’s time to start planning your next trip. Once you’ve stayed, the choice will be yours: keep them to yourself, or spread the word?