Retreat to Nundle, NSW

Rolling hillsides kissed by sunlight, endless blue skies and the distant flow of the Peel River – these are just some of the things you can expect from a visit to Nundle. We’re talking calm, country vibes where the breathtaking environment sets the scene while the local businesses extend an invite to pause, take a beat and retreat. So if you’re seeking a wellbeing weekend away, check out our top tips for your relaxing trip to Nundle, NSW.

 

Unwind at Blissful Soul Connection

First, you’ll need a massage, maybe even a facial, you know, to really unlock those zen vibes. Luckily, there’s a place in town that delivers both – now that’s what we call convenient. Blissful Soul Connection is owned and operated by Kate Caithness, who’s guaranteed to help you unwind with her range of services – from massage therapy to certified organic facials, body sugaring to healing treatments. While you’re there, check out Blissful Soul Connection’s retail space, where you can choose from a collection of skincare and body products, crystals, incense, candles and essential oils – so you can continue the TLC at home.

Nourish your soul at Oakenville Farm

Next stop, some gentle movement and wholesome nutrition is on the cards. Oakenville Farm is a five-acre property that’s slowly being transformed into a productive permaculture farm complete with pilates studio, infrared sauna, bell tent glamping, herbal medicine manufacturing, house concerts and a farm shop. The brainchild of country singer and sometimes-farmer Jeff Gibson and teacher-turned herbalist and pilates instructor Rachel Webster, this is one dreamy destination. That’s why you should consider planning your trip around a couple of visits – there’s no way you’ll fit all that goodness into one outing. We’re picturing pilates and sauna one day, house concert and farm shop stock-up the next. However, if you are pushed for time, try to schedule your visit around one of Oakenville’s many weekend workshops, including organic sourdough bread-making, crochet classes, mindful movement and herbal remedies. Oakenville Farm also has a convenient store in the village for herbal medicine consults and largely homegrown homemade retail range – in Oakenville Street, of course.

Bang out a tune at the DAG Sheep Station Songwriters Retreat

Can you hold a tune? Love a little do-re-mi? Then the Songwriters Retreat hosted by Nundle’s historic DAG Sheep Station is a must for your calendar. Designed to give established artists a place to meet and grow creatively, this super unique offering will help songbirds near and far hone their skills and express their talents. Word to the wise though, there are limited spots available each year – so we recommend keeping your eyes peeled on the DAG Sheep Station’s website and socials so you don’t miss the opportunity to rub shoulders with seasoned tutors like Kevin Bennett, Lyn Bowtell, Felicity Urquhart and Gretta Ziller to name just a few. Keep tabs on The DAG, The Peel Inn and Nundle NSW socials to tap into the live music offerings during the Tamworth Country Music Festival and throughout the year. Next Up Ashleigh Dallas and Wickersuite in ‘An Acoustic Series’ at Nundle Memorial Hall on Friday 23 May.

Kickback in the hills of gold at Fossickers Tourist Park

To do all of the above, you’ll obviously need a homebase – and what better place to take a breath than at a picturesque park with rural views, a river on your doorstep and a fully self-contained, ensuite cabin. Fossickers Tourist Park is perfectly placed on the banks of the Peel River, walking distance to town, and even invites guests to try their luck fossicking. Sounds gold right? (see what we did there?!) It gets better – whether you sign up for a riverside cabin, a place to park your van or a patch of lush, green lawn to pitch your tent, this home away from home is also pet-friendly, so Fido, Rover or [enter your pooch’s name here] is invited to join in on the fun. Woof!

If you would like more space, maybe to toss the ball for Fido, give Riverglen Cottage a call to book a cabin set in a secluded garden beside the Peel River.

Make your way to Nundle… 

So you’re all in for a Nundle retreat and need to know how to get there pronto? Notebooks / iPhones at the ready, here’s how you can make your way to this dreamy destination no matter what direction you’re coming from.

Sydney – dig a road trip? Then get the mixed tape ready because glorious Nundle is a 4.5-hour drive on the New England Highway from the big smoke that is Sydney. Alternatively, you can fly into Tamworth and grab a hire car to reach the hills of gold.

Brisbane – this right here is a 7.5-hour drive, so be sure to add some more tunes to that mix tape. You’ll hit the M1 Pacific Motorway, followed by the M4, the A1/A179 and finally the B18. Otherwise, a quick flight to the Country Music Capital and a hire car is the way to go too.

Tamworth – line up your favourite 45-minute podcast, because this picturesque country drive is just under an hour on the New England Highway.

Armidale – this route will call for a two-hour podcast, so you can really sink your teeth into something decent, also on the New England Highway.

Coffs Harbour – for the seaside folks seeking a country retreat, you’ll strike gold after a 4.5-hour road trip up the M1 Pacific Highway, turn west onto the Bruxner Highway then follow the signs to Nundle. Pack snacks. No road trip is complete without snacks.

Loop-de-loop – our top road trip tip? Plan a picturesque loop heading for the hills via the Waterfall Way, Oxley Highway, or Thunderbolts Way. It’s the stuff dreams are made of.