Warramba, 1890
History
Henry Lawson wrote about the wild beauty of the Capertee Valley in his 1891 poem ‘Song of the Old Bullock-Driver’. At the time, a worker’s cottage was being built there using sandstone quarried from the river. As Lawson himself had once been a builder, perhaps he’d noticed, and stopped to say hello.
Over 130 years on, this now charming country cottage is named ‘Warramba’, the Indigenous word for turtle - a nod to the friendly soul who greeted hosts Edwina and Neil on their first visit in 2016. When returning the turtle safely to its natural habitat they caught a glimpse of the sandstone building, and it was love at first sight. With its rough-cut facade, original corrugated iron roof, and century-old timber fencing, it sat framed by majestic sandstone cliffs awaiting its next chapter.
In need of significant repair, they engaged local builders Pirie Homes, undertaking an extensive restoration over several months. The result is a luxurious, contemporary country interior that pays homage to the cottage’s heritage character.
And with a focus on gentle regeneration, over 6,000 trees have been planted, along with the introduction of dung beetles and bee hives. An orchard, gardens and veggie patch have also been added, as well as a fold of Scottish Highland Cows: friendlier than they look, they’re happy to be hand-fed over the fence! Opening its doors to guests in 2019, Warramba is now a uniquely special country getaway.
Accommodation
Warramba’s interior was inspired by the beauty of the surrounding landscape - a light-filled, neutral palette with soft whites, sandstone tones, and warm polished timber floors. Having spent six years living in Japan during her childhood, Edwina also incorporated beautiful vintage kimono fabrics and Japanese ceramics throughout.
Sleeping up to six guests, Warramba has three spacious bedrooms, with one king and two queen beds. The king bed can also be converted into two single beds to accommodate additional guests or children, and a cot is available upon request. Bedrooms are luxuriously furnished, with Cultiver and Carlotta & Gee pure linen bedding, antique pieces, and original artwork. The main bathroom, tiled in earthy travertine features a deep soaking bath, perfect for unwinding after long country walks and bike rides through the valley.
Select a novel from the wall of books and cosy up in front of the wood fire in the lounge, or venture outdoors and gather round a fire pit down by Emu Swamp Creek - or up at the Swag Deck, where you can take in 360 degree views of the valley. Toast marshmallows, breathe in crisp country air, and see how many star constellations you can name.
Stop by From The Paddock farm market just a few minutes away, and pick up some local produce to cook in the fully-equipped kitchen, with brass tapware, concrete benchtops, beautiful tableware and pantry essentials. The adjacent dining room features an old repurposed wool sorting table - a lovely tribute to country life.
Explore over 100 acres of rambling farmland - walk along Emu Swamp Creek and spot wombats ambling down to the riverbank, swim in the mineral pool while watching the resident mob of kangaroos hop by…or simply relax on the wraparound verandah with a glass of wine, listening to the birds.
And if you’d like to experience sleeping next to nature under the stars, for an additional cost, you can book the Home Camp Bell Tent. Set up nearby the homestead, you’ll still enjoy a blissful night’s sleep with queen size mattress and luxe linens.
Come and reconnect with the Australian bush, in what is undoubtedly one of our most spectacular natural landscapes, and book direct below for the best rates.
Special Features
Firepit
Fully-Equipped Kitchen
Farm Stay
Picturesque Views
Things To Do
The Capertee is the widest enclosed valley in the world, home to hundreds of protected native species and rare and endangered birds. It’s surrounded by the Wollemi, Capertee and Gardens of Stone National Parks, and the Mugii Murum-ban State Conservation Area. The area is recognised internationally as one of the 50 top birdwatching locations in the world.
Throughout Wollemi National Park there’s many walking trails to choose from, but the Glow Worm walking track is particularly beautiful, framed with fern trees and leading to an historic tunnel lit by thousands of glow worms. Dunns swamp, or Ganguddy as it is known in the Wiradjuri language, is a beautiful waterway on the Cudgegong River and the perfect spot for a picnic or kayaking.
Spend a day in nearby Rylstone, an historic stone village brimming with heritage buildings, including the Bridge View Inn, the Globe Hotel, Post Office, Courthouse and the Shire Hall. Henry Lawson's father helped build the timber railway station, completed in 1884. Visit cellar doors at award-winning Naked Lady Wines and De Beaurepaire Wines.
The Gardens of Stone National Park is a beautiful natural area that contains many historic sites, rock engravings, and Indigenous cultural sites. For an insight into the area’s history, take the guided tour of Glen Davis ruins held each Saturday, and wander through an atmospheric old shale-mining ghost town.
