I stayed in Settler’s Cottage in Wollombi last year. Beautiful, historic, at the back of a Vineyard, private, fire place, fields for walking. Here’s a pic:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/wrenasmir/52034674451/
I don't have any first hand experiences to recommend, but would look at Dungog and the Barrington tops, up to Walcha for some ideas. A quick google search brought up a few nice looking places.
Even Gloucester and the lower Barrington region would be nice at this time of year.
My partner and I have been here on two occassions now - [https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/17372096?source\_impression\_id=p3\_1683091142\_ze3X0lPGqGiRhPy3](https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/17372096?source_impression_id=p3_1683091142_ze3X0lPGqGiRhPy3)
There's literally nothing to do there and no phone reception either. Super cosy, comfy beds, fireplace etc
Cabin in the clouds? Completely private overlooking the escarpment, if you get the furthest cottage. Bonus points for heated spa
this is where id recommend, might not be under budget though so peaceful
Oh! Yeah the budget!?
I stayed in Settler’s Cottage in Wollombi last year. Beautiful, historic, at the back of a Vineyard, private, fire place, fields for walking. Here’s a pic: https://www.flickr.com/photos/wrenasmir/52034674451/
Top 🎩 Class
I don't have any first hand experiences to recommend, but would look at Dungog and the Barrington tops, up to Walcha for some ideas. A quick google search brought up a few nice looking places. Even Gloucester and the lower Barrington region would be nice at this time of year.
https://www.hunterriverretreat.com.au/
Hidden Valley Retreat Cottages in Grose Vale.
Bluegum Cabins Barrington Tops
[Unyoked](https://www.unyoked.co/results/AU/Sydney) is worth a look. You have to put in Sydney, but there's places in Dungog, Central Coast etc.
Do yourself a favour. [Clarendon retreat ](https://cfr.com.au/) got married there
https://retreat2maincreek.com.au/ Stayed here many years ago. Was really peaceful and rustic. Reasonably priced too.
There's a couple of secluded tiny home cabins on Into The Wild Escapes - within your search radius and budget
Yeranda cottages
Go to Gloucester. My old neighbour has a beautiful eco hut near Cobark. On the river. 1.5 hr drive to Gloucester but additional halfa to the tops
My partner and I have been here on two occassions now - [https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/17372096?source\_impression\_id=p3\_1683091142\_ze3X0lPGqGiRhPy3](https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/17372096?source_impression_id=p3_1683091142_ze3X0lPGqGiRhPy3) There's literally nothing to do there and no phone reception either. Super cosy, comfy beds, fireplace etc
Somewhere unique at Wollombi! Truly blissful. The food hampers are amazing, worth putting on the list for a future getaway when the budget allows