Wallaroo Nature Retreat
A peaceful escape, where luxury meets nature
Welcome to
Wallaroo Nature Retreat
You are warmly invited to rest, restore, and explore our beautiful nature retreat
Wallaroo Nature Retreat provides luxury accommodation for up to 6 guests in the beautiful Upper Hunter region. Surrounded by abundant wildlife, the retreat offers a unique opportunity to reset and reconnect with nature while enjoying the modern comforts of home.
The tranquil setting provides a perfect escape from daily life. Whether exploring the nearby walking trails, observing the local wildlife, flora and fauna or simply being amidst the picturesque surroundings, Wallaroo promises a rejuvenating and memorable stay.
Nestled within Eaglereach Wilderness Resort in Vacy NSW, Wallaroo is a haven that sits gracefully at the summit of Mount George — the highest peak in the Moonabung ranges. Just a 2.5-hour drive north of Sydney, our retreat offers easy access for those seeking solace.
I truly look forward to welcoming you to this beautiful and sacred space, where you can return to connection and experience the calming embrace of nature.
Roslyn. x
Entrance Sign
Rear of Lodge
Fully Equipped Kitchen
Open Plan Lounge Area
Open Plan Lounge + Dining
Loft Area (additional bedding configuration)
Bedroom 1 (king bed configuration)
Ensuite 2
Bedroom 2 (twin long single configuration)
The Lodge
Experience solitude in nature with the comforts of home
Lodge inclusions:
Accommodation
2 large well appointed ensuite bedrooms with deck access:
Configuration with 1 king bed or 2 long singles on request
Fully equipped modern kitchen with cooktop, rangehood, oven, microwave, dishwasher and fridge. Other inclusions:
Toxic free mineral cookware, dishes and cutlery, glassware, BBQ utensils
Nespresso coffee maker, hot water kettle, toaster, sandwich press, air fryer, rice cooker, NutriBullet
Freestanding 4 burner gas BBQ with roasting hood and side burner
Complimentary tea, coffee and condiments (olive oil, vinegar, herbs/spices, salt, pepper, stock cubes, soy sauce)
Open plan lounge and dining with deck access
Loft with additional lounge area and balcony:
Sofas can be configured into 2 additional single beds on request
Indoor wood burning fireplace (firewood supplied)
Reverse cycle air conditioning, ceiling fans and heaters
Laundry with washing machine, dryer, iron and additional toilet
Bed linen, bath towels and complimentary toiletries:
Hairdryer, shampoo, conditioner, bodywash, hand wash, hand/body lotion and make-up wipes supplied
Entertainment
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Smart flat screen HDTV with complimentary Netflix, Foxtel and YouTube
Bluetooth sound bar
Library stocked with books and affirmation cards to support wellbeing
Mindful puzzles and board games supplied
Tennis racquets and balls supplied
Safety
Smoke alarms
Emergency lighting
Fire blanket
Fire hose reel
First aid kit
Security
Security cameras
Keyless access pin
Room safe
House Rules: No pets; No smoking; No parties; No shoes inside the lodge (on carpeted areas); Consider our neighbours — quiet time after 10pm; Please leave the lodge neat and tidy.
Outdoor Shower + Hydrotherapy Spa
Outdoor Seasonal Fire Pit + Seating Area
Alfresco Dining + BBQ Area
Meditation Gully
Outdoor Oasis
Walking Meditation Labyrinth
Wildlife + Reflection Bowl
Meditation Garden
Guest Kayak at the Goonarook Lagoon
The Outdoor Oasis
Embrace the sweetness of the earth,
she will blossom in your heart
Beyond the back deck lies a private outdoor oasis brimming with opportunities for rejuvenation and serenity.
Expansive Alfresco Dining and BBQ Area
Enjoy lunch on the back deck taking in the mountain and valley views. Observe the wildlife in their natural habitat or just relax sitting on the hanging chair while immersing yourself in a wellness book from the library.
Private Hydrotherapy Spa
Indulge in the hydrotherapy healing spa which seats up to 5 people. With 71 jets, you will enjoy the ultimate hydromassage experience whilst admiring the Lambs Valley vistas by day and star gazing at night.
Outdoor Rainforest Shower
The outdoor rainforest shower and change room is located next to the spa. Under a tree canopy you will feel a beautiful connection to the essence of nature.
Fire Pit Area
Providing a peaceful ambience that encourages self-reflection and soothing conversations, the fire pit is seasonal and can be enjoyed in the winter months. In summer it converts to a coffee tabletop to congregate around and enjoy your morning brunch.
Meditation Gully
Enjoy a leisurely walk down the path into the gully and take a seat at the meditation bench. Intuitively select an inspirational stone with a message just for you and contemplate. Bird life is beautifully abundant here, close your eyes and enjoy the sounds of nature and bird-song.
Walking Labyrinth
Experience deep soulful healing as you walk the 222 metre return journey, five-circuit Chartres Cathedral inspired labyrinth. Labyrinths are an ancient and sacred tool that have been used for meditation and prayer for thousands of years. They help calm the mind and reconnect with your inner self.
Kind Words from our Guests
A journey into the wilderness is a journey into the soul
The land is teeming with native wildlife and adorned with many species of Australian eucalypts, gum and wattle. Enjoy the enchanting melodies and sightings of Australian birds like kookaburras, black cockatoos, crimson rosellas and king parrots. Witness the awe-inspiring wedge-tailed eagle gracefully soaring above the valley.
During the day, anticipate the presence of wallabies, wallaroos and kangaroos. As night falls, listen for the rustle of possums, bandicoots and gliders as they gather to feed.
The extended mountain-top offers 30 kilometres of environmental walks and mountain bike tracks for you to explore. Take a trek along the mountain edge on The Moonabung Trail or enjoy a rainforest immersion as you venture down into the most beautiful and luscious sub-tropical White Rock Trail Rainforest.
You may choose a simple stroll to the Mount George Lookout and see the spectacular views of the World Heritage listed Barrington Tops or maybe take a mountain bike ride or on-foot hiking adventure to The Rock Pools, which is one of the many highlights on the property.
Explore the Mountain
Go out and explore the Eaglereach walking trails. Let the mountain beauty awaken your soul
Mount George Lookout
-
A beautiful place to sit, meditate and connect as you look over the land of the Gringai clan of the Wonnarua people. The Wonnarua people are the traditional land owners of the Maitland area and their lands extend throughout the Hunter Valley.
Far left you will also see views of the World Heritage listed Barrington Tops.
There is a picnic table at the top of the lookout, you may like to pack a lunch and enjoy the magnificent Hunter Valley views.
The lookout is approximately a 25 minute walk from Wallaroo or just a short 5 minute drive with a parking bay. This walk requires a low level of fitness.
The Moonabung Trail
-
Enjoy spectacular views as you trek along the mountain edge.
You will start at the marked entrance (opposite the Rainforest car park — approximately a 15 minute walk from Wallaroo). Explore steep up and down climbs along the escarpment face through volcanic rock formations and grass trees (of which many are more than 2 metres tall and estimated to be over 100 years old).
Keep an eye out for the majestic wedge tail eagle above the trees!
At the end you will find yourself at the central retreat area, which is just a 5 minute walk back to Wallaroo.
This walk takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours and is 1,800 metres in length (one way). It has uneven surfaces and requires a medium to high level of fitness.
Allow extra time for photography and rest stops. Appropriate hiking footwear, water bottle and snacks are recommended for this trail.
White Rock Trail Rainforest
-
Venture down 112 steps into the luscious sub-tropical rainforest.
Following the track arrows, you will wander amongst the impressive Moreton Bay fig tree which will facinate nature lovers. The roots can be seen to be as tall as human height and the tree is believed to be over 200 years old.
Also to be seen are the strangler fig, grass trees, epiphytes, blue fig, vines and ground ferns.
Before you make your way back up the steps, take a break and have a seat at the Bushman’s Hut.
The rainforest is approximately a 15 minute walk from Wallaroo or just a short 5 minute drive with a parking bay.
This walk takes approximately 1 hour and is a 630 metre round trip. It requires a medium to high level of fitness. Fallen leaves can be slippery when wet and the forest surface is uneven.
Appropriate hiking footwear and water bottle is recommended for this trail.
Clay Flat Basin
-
Experience the tranquil beauty of a morning walk through this picturesque bushland. As the day unfolds the scenery comes to life, radiating its natural charm.
This sanctuary has an array of wildlife and has been thoughtfully adorned with thousands of species of Eucalyptus trees originally planted for a koala habitat.
Remember to respect and cherish the wildlife by observing them quietly. Immerse yourself in the serenity of this well-kept area.
Additionally, an undercover seating area awaits, perfectly suited for a delightful snack break on your journey.
This is approximately a 25 minute walk from Wallaroo or just a 5 minute drive with parking bay. It requires a medium to low level fitness.
Goonarook Lagoon
-
This well-equipped area offers BBQ facilities, covered seating, toilet facilities and ample parking. With its picturesque surroundings it's an ideal spot for picnics and gatherings.
The lagoon is adorned with vibrant lotus flowers, creating a serene atmosphere for visitors to soak in and enjoy.
Whether you choose to have a picnic, fire up the BBQ, enjoy a paddle on our guest kayak or simply revel in the view of the lotus-studded lagoon, the Goonarook is a destination that offers something for everyone.
This area is approximately a 30 minute walk from Wallaroo or just a 5 minute drive with parking area. It requires a medium to low level fitness.
Yabby Lagoon
-
Nestled at the heart of the central retreat area lies the Yabby Lagoon. This picturesque oasis serves as the perfect escape for guests seeking solace and relaxation in the midst of nature's embrace.
The shared facilities provide endless opportunities for relaxation and enjoyment. Guests will find convenient communal toilets and showers near the lagoon.
This area is only a 5 minute walk or 2 minute drive from Wallaroo with a parking area.
Enjoy the Shared Facilities
As a Wallaroo guest, you will also enjoy the use of all shared community facilities within the mountain-top retreat, these include:
Saltwater swimming pool
Championship-size tennis court
17 station outdoor fitness centre
All walking and mountain bike trails
Outdoor BBQ areas
Games room equipped with table tennis and pool table (accessories supplied)
Children’s play area
-
Self-catering is required at the lodge. Bring all your own food, water, drinks and snacks.
Specific details on check-in and check-out will be provided along with your booking confirmation.
We ask our guests to please respect our neighbours and not trespass on any other lodge or retreat boundary. Quiet time is from 10pm.
Our rain tank water is precious on the mountain. Please be mindful to use just what you need. For your peace of mind, at Wallaroo it passes through a three-stage filtration and chemical-free ultraviolet sanitation system which kills 99.9% of bacteria, parasites and viruses.
Phone and Internet connectivity can be patchy on the mountain. In general Telstra reception is very good, however Optus and Vodaphone service is not great. Wallaroo provides free performant guest Wi-Fi.
If you have a kayak, paddle-board or mountain bike, you may like to bring them along. There is approximately 30 kilometres of mountain bike and walking trails to explore and the Goonarook Lagoon is perfect for an early morning paddle.
We have local attractions around the area too. Hunter Valley wineries are only a 30-40 minute drive away, along with gorgeous little towns to explore like Tocal, Gresford, Dungog and the historic town of Paterson.
The closest supermarket is at Stockland Green Hills Shopping Centre in East Maitland, which is approximately a 40 minute drive away. For take away/basic items, the Vacy General Store Cafe & Gifts (open 7am - 7pm) is located at the bottom of the mountain in Vacy (approximately a 15-20 minute drive).
Things to Know
and Getting There
As we are situated within a protected wildlife reserve, we ask all guests to please respect and cherish our resident wildlife and abide by the 15km speed limit on the mountain.
There is pure joy in observing wildlife roam freely and safely in their natural habitat.
-
Enter “550 Moonabung Road, Vacy NSW 2421” into your GPS for directions.
We recommend that you arrive during the day. It is approximately a 10 minute drive to the top of the mountain.
You do NOT need a 4WD to access the property. The road is sealed until you get to Eaglereach and internal roads on the mountain are well maintained gravel roads.
GENERAL DIRECTIONS
1. From Sydney, travel north over the Harbour Bridge (or tunnel) to the North Shore and follow the freeway out onto the Pacific Highway to the suburb of Wahroonga.
2. Enter the north-bound M1 Pacific Motorway and proceed approximately 127 kilometres to where it ends at Hexham just before Maitland.
3. Turn left into New England Highway and travel into East Maitland.
4. Turn right onto Melbourne Street and then left onto Pitnacree Road after approximately 350 metres.
5. Continue onto Flat Road proceeding to the roundabout at the end. Take the second exit onto Paterson Road through Bolwarra and continue straight onto Tocal Road.
6. Along the way you will pass Tocal Agricultural College, the heritage listed Tocal Homestead and then onto the historic town of Paterson.
7. After Paterson travel approximately 8 kilometres to the small country town of Vacy.
8. Cross the bridge and take the first left-hand turn into Summer Hill Road which is 250 metres away.
9. Travel along Summer Hill Road for 5 kilometres and you will see the large entrance sign to Eaglereach on your left.
10. Follow the road up to the top of the mountain (approximately a 4 kilometre, 10 minute drive), please follow the signs and drive slowly keeping an eye out for wildlife.
11. You will see Wallaroo on the directory board. We are the fourth lodge on the right-hand side (follow Cooee Trail). You will be greeted by our illuminated sandstone sign at the front of the property.
Wallaroo Nature Retreat
A sanctuary of stillness and relaxation in the heart of nature
Self-contained private luxury accommodation within Eaglereach Wilderness Resort for up to 6 guests.
Acknowledgement of Wonnarua Country
We respectfully acknowledge the Wonnarua people, the traditional custodians of the Hunter Valley in New South Wales. We pay our respects to their Elders both past, present and emerging. We extend this respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are here with us today. We recognise and honour their enduring relationship with the land, forests and waters.