Category: blog

We’ve teamed up with South Coast Experiences to curate your ultimate wish-list experiences while you stay with us at barranca…

Our bespoke curation services include…

Itinerary Creation
Whatever you enjoy most – sport, relaxation, adventure, or luxury – we’ll build an itinerary that makes the most of your time at barranca. Kangaroo Valley has so many unique experiences, and we have the local expertise to ensure you miss nothing.

Reservations & Bookings
Kangaroo Valley’s wine, food, wildlife, adventure, and beaches are yours to explore. We have great connections in the area and can arrange visits to any destination you wish to enjoy.

Occasion Planning
Make barranca your backdrop for a memory-making event. We can arrange intimate birthday celebrations, anniversary surprises, cocktail parties, and proposals to make your stay even more special.

Babysitting & Childcare
Need to have some child-free time to dine out, explore barranca;  participate in an activity or visit local attractions (e.g. winery) which may not be appreciated by children, we can organise accredited childcare for you.

Beauty & Wellbeing
Mobile spa treatments, beauticians, yoga, and pilates instructors will provide a private and relaxing experience in your villa at barranca.

Transporation
We can organise transportation across Kangaroo Valley and surrounding towns so you can completely relax during your stay.

the experience wish-lists

Choose from our experiences here or  here, and and we will provide a quote to create your perfect experience or itinerary. And if you change your mind, no problem. If you go ahead, we’ll hold your dates and send you everything you need for the day. All you have to do is turn up and enjoy.

About South Coast Experiences

South Coast Experiences was founded by Kate Mather, a PR, and marketing expert who fell in love with New South Wales’ South Coast when she moved here 20 years ago. She knows the region and its creative producers intimately, from the vineyard that hand-picks its own grapes, to the beach bar that serves cocktails, private chefs and yoga teachers.

We can combine and design exclusive experiences that epitomise everything Kangaroo Valley has to offer.

RELAX. RENERGISE. RESTORE. REBALANCE 
Your perfect spa experience awaits.  Feel completely relaxed with an aromatic foot bath and the invigorating effects of our botanical scrub to polish and revitalise tired aching legs. Awaken the senses with a massage tailored to your needs, focusing on the back, neck and shoulders using warm organic coconut oil and hot towels to help release muscle tension. Complete the experience with a petite-spa facial designed to brighten and revitalise the skin. Finish with native tea to further reduce stress and anxiety. You can enjoy your spa experience in your villa or surrounded by nature.

OUR 90 MINUTE SIGNATURE TREATMENT INCLUDES:
* Relaxing foot bath with scrub
* Restoring petit facial – the perfect introductory experience cleanses, detoxifies and energises your complexion. A nourishing mask will be applied and left while you have your massage.
* Re-energising full body massage with gentle back scrub – focusing on areas of concern with this targeted massage
* Rebalancing Native Ginger Tea

{We will send you a link so you can book your treatment after you make your reservation. Spa experience for barranca guests only.}

20/10/1993 – 16/08/2021

Cedars Majestic passed away peacefully at his home in Kangaroo Valley last week. His paddock companion Black Beauty was standing over him with her head hung down and one hoof occasionally touching his shoulder in what looked like a plea for him to get up. She has shared her life of three years in the same paddock with Majestic since the day she was born. They were inseparable.

Majestic was born in Australia, but both his sire and dam were imported from England. He comes from a line of famous Shires, with his sire, Ladbrook Edward, Australia’s first imported Shire since the early 1900s, after the breed died out in Australia after WWII. Ladbrook Edward arrived in Australia on a specially converted jumbo jet in 1981 and his mother, Snelson Louise, was on the first shipment of Shires to arrive by sea in 1984.

The Cedars is Australia’s oldest Shire horse stud, established 40 years ago in Kangaroo Valley, and has been dedicated to breeding Shires ever since.

Majestic’s nephew, Cedars Archibold, was quite a celebrity appearing on many TV shows and was also the police drum horse. Majestic won many first places and Champion ribbons at local shows as well as the Sydney Royal Easter Show.

The Australian Shire Horse Society runs a studbook for Australian bred Shires and boasts around 400 Shires now in Australia. The Australian Shire Horse Studbook was started in 2007 and Majestic had the honour of being the first Shire horse registered, with the registration number 20071. He has sired 14 foals registered in the studbook.

Majestic lived a long and happy life, just two months short of turning 28. He will be dearly missed by his family in Kangaroo Valley and the many guests who visited The Cedars and Barranca over the years. However, Black Beauty will miss him the most as her everyday companion her heart belonged to him. RIP Cedars Majestic.

What do you give the dad who has everything? The dad who deserves something more than the usual sock and jocks? The dad who loves luxury and loves the great outdoors? We have the perfect gift suggestion and it has extra bucket-list benefits.

Give dad the experience he won’t forget by buying him a barranca gift certificate. You can gift him the value of a one* or two night’s stay, or just a contribution. Either way, you’re giving him the gift of luxury after lockdown. Plus you’ll go into the running to win two perfect-for-dad pressies from our friends at Wandering Sol.

The Giveaway Prize:

Buy Dad a barranca gift certificate and you’ll go into the running to win these two Wandering Sol pieces to also give dad.

The Wandering Sol Throw Down quilted canvas rug {above}

The Throw Down quilted canvas rug is the ultimate wanderer companion, complete with carry strap to roll up and take anywhere with ease. Featuring a soft quilted canvas upper, and water-resistant waxed canvas bottom side, as its name suggests it is perfect to throw down for a picnic, outdoor bbq or used to throw over the outdoor seats, making it perfect for when Dad visits barranca. Click here for more details.

The Wandering Sol Cool Down Large Naturally Insulating Cooler Bag {above}

The Cool Down is your ultimate eco naturally insulating cooler bag. Featuring a durable water-resistant waxed canvas outer, and innovative quilted cotton inner lining, The Cool Down is designed to keep your food cool for picnics, beach visits, and market shopping. Throw in an ice pack and you’re on your way. It cleverly features
* Durable waxed canvas is water-resistant and strong to carry heavier loads.
* Zip closure top for insulation, and a side zip pocket for valuables such as wallet and phone, or easy-to-grab items such as a bottle opener.
* Flat base for structural stability, ideal for food containers or cheese board.

Making this another perfect gift for Dad when he visits barranca. Click here for more details.

For more about Wandering Sol, click here

How to enter:

Purchase your gift certificate {miniumum $300} by clicking below and watch instagram @barranca for the winner announcement. Entries end Sept 4, 2021 Midnight AEST

{NB * Minimum stay at barranca is two nights.}

 

{Top image via @felicitymonardo}

When you arrive at barranca and meet our property managers, Bede Hunt and Rob Glenn, it’s like you’re being welcomed by life-long friends. Experienced in managing luxury accommodation, every guest that stays at barranca considers being hosted by Bede and Rob as one of their stay highlights…

Originally from the country, Rob and Bede were drawn to barranca and its beautiful architecture, remoteness, and vastness. The magnificent Shire horses were also a drawcard. “We’re both country kids with roots in Jervis Bay, the Southern Highlands, and Inverell. We have grown to love good design, learnt the art of delivering fine hospitality, and are keen renovators. We have always loved property and making people happy,” Rob explains.

The pair are also the founders of SuperCalla Private Properties and manage a collection of other unique, luxury, boutique holiday homes, so their wealth of knowledge and experience comes from hosting, and feedback from, many guests and seasoned travellers. “We enjoy finding ways to exceed expectations and surprise and delight,” says Bede.

Attention to detail is their forte and they draw from hosting other properties and their own travelling experiences. They understand that it’s the small touches such as scented candles, locally-made chocolates, a bespoke wine selection, and soft music playing when you arrive in your villa, that really enhance the experience and stay at barranca.

The pair go out of their way to make guests feel welcome and at home. “We make sure guests know we are always here to help without being overbearing or too intrusive,” says Bede.

“We enjoy greeting new guests and the daily morning animal feed up. Both occasions allow us the opportunity to create a deeper connection with our guests which in turn provides us with the opportunity to deliver a more personalised and memorable experience,” adds Rob.

Something we’re sure you will experience and love when you stay with us. Scroll down to find out a little more about our dynamic duo who makes the magic happen…

QUICK Q&A WITH THE BOYS

What would you recommend for guests to do when they stay at barranca?
“Visiting the creek and wild swimming is a must-do experience. The walk through the rainforest is filled with lyrebirds, wombats, wallabies, and kangaroos. A private dining experience in your villa is also a must, and a massage with the natural sound of birdsong in the background is blissful.”

What’s your favourite part of the day?
“The escarpment is breathtaking and gives off a peaceful and calming energy unlike anything else we have experienced before. The light show in the afternoon is spectacular. And wombat hour! Just after the sun has set the wombats and wallabies come out to play.”

Have you learned anything unexpected while working at barranca?
“It’s surprisingly easy to move a herd of cattle and wombats do square poops!”

Rob, Bede, and the entire barranca team look forward to welcoming you very soon!

(For more about Supercalla Private Properties, click here)

We are so thrilled to be featured as New South Wales’ No. #1 ‘Hot 50 Places to Stay’ in this week’s The Weekend Australian Magazine. It’s truly humbling and means so much to everyone on the barranca team. If you haven’t seen it, here’s what revered travel writer Christine Middap wrote about her stay …

“The delightful village of Kangaroo Valley is just down the way, the 80m-high Fitzroy Fitzroy Falls are up the nearby mountain, but you might struggle to venture far from your villa in its own natural paradise.

On a 400ha farm in a hidden valley two hours from Sydney, the four luxe villas are arrayed before a dramatic sandstone escarpment. The two- and four-bed options are impeccably styled with full kitchens, large dining and lounge areas, and terraces that lure you out for a sunset tipple.

In winter, light the log fire and snuggle up; in summer, walk through the rainforest to your own private stretch of river for a dip. You’ll love visiting the farm animals, including the impressive Shire horses and some wonderfully contented pigs. Two-bedroom from $1060 for two nights.”

– The Weekend Australian Magazine

Click here to read the review online

Kangaroo Valley is one of Australia’s most beautiful valleys with a tranquil river, verdant farms, enchanting wilderness, and a historic village. If you feel the urge to leave your villa, we have a whole range of experiences that everyone will enjoy…

1. GO TRUFFLE HUNTING

Meet at a Truffle Farm in Greenwich Park near Marulan and join one of our favourite tours which includes foraging for truffles, then enjoying a truffle-inspired 3-course lunch and wine tasting. The cost is $185 per person. Groups will be between 10-20 people only. Click here for more details.

2. VISIT ARTS IN THE VALLEY

Arts in the Valley holds a biennial arts festival in Kangaroo Valley. The next festival is in May 2021. In addition Arts in the Valley presents music concerts and visual arts events throughout the year. Since 2007, Arts in the Valley has brought some of the finest musicians, artists and writers in Australia to Kangaroo Valley for our concerts, exhibitions and festivals.

Thousands of visitors have attended Arts in the Valley events and in the course of the festival many have visited Sculpture in the Valley, which has grown to be a significant show of sculpture with an excellent sales record.

Part of the charm of the valley lies in its location and many of the concerts have been held in private houses offering an intimate scale for music-making. Sculpture in the Valley has also been held in a variety of private houses generously loaned for the occasion, often with views across the valley. Click here for more details.

3. SHOP AT KANGAROO VALLEY FARMERS MARKET

Positively supporting Kangaroo Valley, The Shoalhaven and the Southern Highlands agriculture, healthier communities and more sustainable food choices direct from the growers, the markets are held on the second Saturday of every month, from 8am to 1pm on Moss Vale road. You’ll find meat, fruit, vegetables, herbs, eggs, jams, pickles, pastries, cakes, local honey, biscuits, olive oil, and lots more! Plus free local live music! Click here for more details.

4. VISIT THE HAMPDEN BRIDGE

The unique Hampden Bridge crosses the river near Kangaroo Valley Village and is worth a stop for photos alone. This iconic structure holds the waters of the Kangaroo and Shoalhaven Rivers and a paddle up either river leads to some stunning features and offers great fishing.

5. TAKE A HISTORIC VILLAGE WALK

Discover our National Treasures in beautiful Kangaroo Valley’s historic pioneering community. Visit heritage listed building and stop in for a coffee or a counter meal at the iconic pub. Click here for more details.

6. GO CANOEING OR KAYAKING

Whether your preference is a leisurely paddle down the pristine Kangaroo River or if you are seeking an exhilarating kayaking adventure, KVAC can assist you. Local bush and wildlife expert Mike Hayes operates guided canoe tours from Hampden bridge to Bendeela. Inclusions: Expert tuition on local flora & fauna, experienced guide, fully equipped craft, PFD’s, safety on rapids. Click here for more details.

7. GO BUSH WALKING

Surrounded by the beautiful Morton National Park Kangaroo Valley has some great walks on offer. From a leisurely stroll around the village or longer hikes through pristine bushland for the more adventurous there is something for everyone. Click here for bush track maps.

There are also Wildlife Walking Tours only a few minutes drive from the township of Kangaroo Valley including walks at dusk to spot the local inhabitants {such as Kangaroos, Wallabies, Echidnas, Wombats and birds} whilst learning interesting facts about these Aussie icons. Phone Eloise on 0427614903 for more details.

8. TAKE A TRIKE TOUR

Go on a free-wheelin’ tour of the Valley. The tours are not cast in stone and your tour can be any length of time, any route or destination, roads permitting. Mark is continually exploring local roads to ensure the trike tour can use them, both for safety and accessibility. Click here for more details.

9. VISIT FITZROY FALLS

Fitzroy Falls is one of many natural landmarks worth visiting in Kangaroo Valley. A journey here will reward by way of wildlife, walks, wild swimming and plenty of local flora and fauna.

The waterfall itself is an easy five-minute stroll from the car park. Take a detour through the visitor centre on your way and learn about local history, wildlife and birdwatching, or undertake one of the Aboriginal Cultural Walks on offer.

Once you’re done, continue at your own pace to Fitzroy Falls. The marvel plunges over 80 metres into the valley below, splashing into the untouched bushland of Morton National Park. It’s named after Sir Charles Fitzroy, the Governor of NSW who visited here during his tenure in the 1850s. Since then it has served as a lush escarpment between Robertson and Nowra; a place for many to stretch their legs.

The East Rim Wildflower Walking track runs 1.25 kilometres from the Visitor Centre to Warrawong lookout. In spring, the self-guided stroll is home to diverse florals, native plants and trees. The West Rim walking track (3.5 kilometres) is a great introduction to dramatic gorges and waterfalls, pristine eucalypt forests and lush greenery.

10. COOK WITH STEFANO MARVELLO

Experience Nature have partnered with Stefano Marvello to be able to offer a very special cooking opportunity. On Sunday 9 May 2021 they are offering mushroom foraging followed by a 3 hour cooking class at Stefano’s Burradoo Kitchen to learn how to use pine mushrooms in Italian cooking. This is a three hour cooking class and only 10 people can attend so places will fill quickly. You start the day in Penrose State Forest at 10am with our Local forager Jo from Quarter Acre Farm. Then after having learnt to identify, find and harvest fresh wild edible mushrooms you drive to Burradoo by noon to begin the class. Expect to wrap at 3.30pm at the latest. Cost is $195 per person and this is a self-drive tour. Click here for more details.

11. VISIT YARRAWA ESTATE

Yarrawa estate nestled their vineyard between the rugged escarpments of Kangaroo Valley for the temperate climate and rich volcanic soil which provides an ideal environment for viticulture. Visit them to try wines, seasonal fruits, nuts and preserves, all grown on the property. Click here for more details.

12. CREATE YOUR OWN CANDLES

Whether you’ve always wanted to learn to make your own candles or just want a fun few hours away from reality in a beautiful barn located amongst the dairy farms of Gerringong, this workshop is for you.

On arrival, you’ll enjoy some bubbles and a grazing platter while you soak in the country and ocean views from the barn veranda. You might also like to choose from some of the many scents for your afternoon of candle and diffuser pouring. There are at least 20 to choose from.

You sit down at the large table and discuss tips and tricks, waxes, wicks, scents, and other candle-making info.  You then pour your own large candle, medium candle, small candle & a reed diffuser, all under guidance. This is all followed by a delicious afternoon tea catered by Lizzy from Willow Hill Cakes. Click here for more details.

13. PLAY A GAME OF GOLF

Experience for yourself one of the most enjoyable, yet challenging, golf courses in Australia. Designed by Jack Newton, Kangaroo Valley Golf Course is one of the most beautiful courses in the Southern Highlands.

Originally designed by Jack Newton, the course has been extended to provide the discerning golfer with 18 holes of enjoyment on our Championship 71 par course. Although not long at 5775 metres from the backmarkers, the course is quite testing for even the best golfers with undulating fairways, testing greens and dams coming into play on quite a few holes. Golfers at all levels are catered for with 4 different sets of tees allowing you to play from the tees that you are comfortable with and which suit your ability. Click here for more details.

14. FORAGE FOR MUSHROOMS

Mushroom Tours are back on Saturday and Sunday’s during the Autumn 2021 season. Learn about local mushroom species – Slippery Jacks and Saffron Milk Caps – and receive our take-home guide. After you harvest your mushrooms enjoy a cook up in the forest where you learn how to cook as well as taste our pine mushroom species with fresh local sourdough, make new friends, warm up with piping hot coffee, and this year we are adding in cool climate wine tastings as well to showcase some of the great local pinots in our region. It’s a wonderful day out. Click here to contact.

15. LEARN WINE APPRECIATION

Bespoke Wine Focused Experience: In this exciting experience, a knowledgeable wine educator will come to you for a three-hour workshop of your choice. Choose from three engaging options: A ‘How’ To wine tasting session with a local grazing board, a food and wine matching experience by a local chef and sommelier duo, or a Wine 101 course. You’ll leave with plenty of new and interesting information about the world of food and wine during your South Coast NSW visit. Click here for more details.

To share the love this Valentine’s Day we’re offering a luxury two-night getaway for one lucky winner and a guest, plus gifts from Leif Products and Nick Spencer Wines.

HOW TO ENTER:

⁣For your chance to win, go to our instagram account @barranca_kv  and tag your chosen guest on our giveaway post. Make sure you’re both following all accounts below.

@barranca_kv
@leifproducts
@nickspencerwine

{Entries from all states are welcome to take part.}

THE PRIZES: 

The winner will receive:

* Two consecutive nights’ stay for two people at Barranca Kangaroo Valley (valued at $1,250)
* Three Leif Products limited edition LOVE sets – 1 x Limited Edition LOVE Buddha Wood Two Hands, 1 x Limited Edition LOVE Lemon Myrtle Body Double and 1 x Limited Edition LOVE Wild Rosella Body Double (valued at $287)
* Two Nick Spencer Wines on arrival and a mixed pack of 6 to take home after your stay (valued at $300)

Competition closes Saturday 13th February 11:59pm AEST. See terms & conditions at leifproducts.com/pages/terms-and-conditions

Leif will announce the winner on Valentine’s Day 2021. Good luck!

The Today Show’s Tim and the weather team visited barranca last week and chatted to Scott Brodie about our barranca Equine Program and Equine Corporate events…

{Watch the above footage, after the weather report, to hear Scott share with Tim the benefits of our Equine Program.}

As part of The Today Show’s #spendherethisyear #shoplocal and #holidayherethisyear tour, the team also ate at @the_friendly_inn conquered a beautiful bushwalk, gobbled some chocolate from @sweet_as_kangaroovalley, talked all things local business with @kvwoodcrafts1, @kangaroovalleyolives, @kangaroovalleyleadlights, @wildfestaus and much more!

For more about our Equine Program, click here – and for more about our Corporate Events click here.

Give the gift of an unforgettable experience with our barranca Gift Certificates. {Or send this as a hint for yourself!} Starting at $50 to whatever, you can give the gift of an entire stay at barranca, or contribute to a loved one’s stay. Either way, our certificates make the perfect gift for the person who has everything.

Contact bookings@barranca.com.au for more details and to purchase your gift certificate.

Gift Certificate Terms & Conditions
1. The service must be received during the validity period stated on the voucher, no exceptions made. Extensions will not be accepted.
2. Gift Certificates are valid for 12 months from date of issue, unless otherwise stated.
3. Minimum purchase value of $50.
4. Certificates may be combined with other forms of payment. Vouchers are non-transferable, non-refundable and cannot be exchanged for cash.
5. The full value of the certificate cannot be partially redeemed. Any unused balance will not be refunded or credited.
6. Please remember to state your Gift Certificate number at the time of booking, we require this in order to verify validity.
7. The barranca Gift Certificate policy fully complies with the NSW Department of Fair Trading.