Our hearts go out to everyone impacted by the Australian bushfire crisis which has had a devastating impact on families, livelihoods, communities (including our community) and animals across our country. Here’s how we can all help those affected…

Our hearts go out to everyone impacted by the Australian bushfire crisis which has had a devastating impact on families, livelihoods, communities (including our community) and animals across our country…

Despite some very scary days, we were fortunate to have escaped the bushfires, although some of our neighbours and community were not so fortunate. We’d love you to come and visit and support our vibrant community and help get them back on their feet. Please follow our instagram account for updates on what’s going on in Kangaroo Valley and how you can help support our neighbours…

… and please follow Empty Esky to aid in the recovery of local tourism industries and small businesses, many of which depend on the usual influx of summer tourists, by encouraging Australians to pledge a visit to a bushfire affected town in 2020 – empty esky in tow.

View this post on Instagram

Wondering what the ‘Empty Esky’ movement is all about? We are inviting you to grab an esky, a reusable bag, or an empty stomach 😋 Hit the road and visit a town which has been impacted by bushfires. Go to the local stores, buy things, eat at the restaurants and cafes, stay at the local accomodation, book all the fun activities on offer and ultimately have an ADVENTURE! 🙌🏽 By doing this, you are helping small business owners to recoup the revenue they have lost as a result of the fires AND you get to experience new, amazing things! WIN WIN! So…..who is in?! 🙌🏽 (@chelseyjanevc thank you for the amazing vid 💛🙏🏽) #emptyesky #weareone #takethepledge ©️Empty Esky

A post shared by Empty Esky Bushfire Recovery (@emptyesky) on

OTHER WAYS WE  CAN ALL HELP:

* Donate to local fire brigades in the state of New South Wales or to the Victorian Bushfire Relief appeal.

* You can also donate to the families of firefighters who have passed away while on duty.

*Help support the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in New South Wales, which is assisting with evacuation and rescue efforts for animals affected by the fires.

*Donate to the emergency fund for Wires (NSW), a group that rescues wildlife and relies heavily on volunteers and donations. Or the wonderful Wildlife Victoria is appealing for donations to help Victorian animals.

*Donate to the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital, which has rescued more than 30 injured koalas and is at work building drinking stations for wildlife in impacted regions.

* Spend money in the bush. Help rural communities to deal with disaster and get back on their feet by spending some money in bushfire-affected areas. @spendwiththem and @buyfromthebush are two Instagram accounts you can follow to support businesses in fire-affected areas.

* Support families affected by the fires by donating to the Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery AppealSalvation Army’s disaster appeal or the bushfire appeal fund set up by the St. Vincent de Paul Society.

* Givit is a not-for-profit organisation that is running campaigns to help with both the NSW and QLD fires right now. You can give items or donate money.

* Small acts make a big impact. Find out what’s happening near you by searching social media for #bushfireappeal or #bushfirefundraiser, or check your local council’s website and social media channels other ways you can help.

We look forward to welcoming you to beautiful Kangaroo Valley {with your empty esky}.

The Healing is a documentary about transformation and getting a second chance in life. Shot on location at barranca, it is an emotional journey of recovery that follows a group of traumatised war veterans whose lives are saved by learning to re-train ex-racehorses.

The Healing is a documentary about transformation and getting a second chance in life. Shot on location at barranca, it is an emotional journey of recovery that follows a group of traumatised war veterans whose lives are saved by learning to re-train ex-racehorses.

The documentary brings an intimate insight into cutting-edge therapy with life-changing outcomes. For the past 3 years, since The Healing was filmed at barranca, lives have been saved and ex-racehorses have helped each other to heal. Using the strengths of observational filmmaking, the film takes us on a unique and moving journey of recovery and transformation. It immerses us in the emotional drama of these two very different worlds: the veteran fighting for their life and the former racehorse both with uncertain futures.

The Healing demonstrates the possibility of change, here’s a sneak peek:

The Healing is on the last stretch of their fundraising campaign to complete this film. Once completed, it will:
* connect with those suffering from PTSD and their families by creating hope and offering an alternative, positive pathways to healing;
* create awareness of the challenges faced by those serving on the coalface;
* reduce the stigma associated with mental health problems and homelessness by igniting conversations about the issues and challenges;
* change the way we talk about people with mental health issues; and
* increase funding for organisations to provide equine therapy as an alternative to the medical model.

Please consider giving a  donation to help The Healing achieve their fund-raising target so they can finish the documentary by clicking here. Your 100% tax-deductible donation, will help obtain vital support, exposure and funding needed to carry on life-saving programs for traumatised veterans, first responders and for others in the community suffering from trauma, depression, anxiety and other mental health illnesses.

+  click here to find out more about barranca‘s Equine Program

We are so proud to be collaborating with Leif products, who are supplying our body cleansers, body lotions and hand washes for all our villas…

We love the Leif philosophy and ethos as it aligns perfectly with our beliefs at barranca.

We are so proud to be collaborating with Leif products, who are supplying our body cleansers, body lotions and hand washes for all our villas…

We love the Leif philosophy and ethos as it aligns perfectly with our beliefs at barranca.

The 100% Vegan + Cruelty-free formulas combine botanical extracts with essential oils and have a distinctly Australian flavour. Each product is free of chemicals, sulphate and drying soap and alcohol, which makes them perfect for you and perfect for the environment.

Our current favourites:


Lemon Myrtle Body Cleanser
A clean-formulation bodywash combining a trifecta of powerful Australian native botanicals to help bring vitality to your day. Cleanses and leaves your skin beautifully scented.

Lemon Myrtle Body Lotion
A clean-formulation hydrating body lotion formulated with a trifecta of powerful Australian native botanicals to help bring vitality and moisture to your day.

Buddha Wood Hand Wash
A clean-formulated hand wash in a scent blended with Australian native botanicals for mental clarity.  A formula that is gentle enough for frequent use.

We hope you enjoy using them on your next stay.
For more information about Leif, click here.

 

Formerly The Cedars, barranca in Kangaroo Valley is the new exclusive retreat offering architecturally-designed luxury accommodation for the discerning traveller as well as a (soon-to-be) state of the art function space…

Formerly The Cedars, barranca in Kangaroo Valley is the new exclusive retreat offering architecturally-designed luxury accommodation for the discerning traveller as well as a (soon-to-be) state of the art function space.

Set on 1,000 acres in a rural paradise framed by an amazing amphitheatre of sandstone escarpments that enclose a lush river valley, rich and diverse with wildlife and glorious temperate rainforests.

The new luxury villas, Ferndale, Willow {and soon-to-be Banksia and Jacaranda} all overlook the picturesque escarpment and offer the perfect getaway for any occasion from a long weekend retreat to a romantic getaway to a special occasion with family and friends.

barranca is geared towards rest and relaxation in an eco-luxe environment. Set in the area which straddles the Barrengarry Creek and is enveloped by the Morton and Buderoo National Parks, it makes for the perfect getaway from the everyday.

Walk, eat, sleep, recharge, read, unwind, cook, drink – immerse yourself in barranca‘s luxury villas and natural wonderland.

Watch this space as we have more exciting reveals coming soon…