As we are in Autumn the temperature should be starting to dip you will find you can enjoy the best of both worlds – our guests love exploring and swimming in the stunning waterholes of the Barrington Tops but also like to cosy up by a log fire and this is the time of year when you can maybe do both.
Whether you seek adventure, relaxation, cultural immersion there is a treasure trove of discoveries waiting to be explored beyond the cabins at Bluegums Cabins
So if you feel like stepping out of your cabin (many don’t and hey, that’s ok) you can still experience nature from your deck.
The wildlife is all around your cabin so whatever you choose nature will be there. The wallabies and pademelons are always hopping about and the bird life is always amazing no matter what the season is.
From a guest review in 2024 “While walking along the tracks, you’ll encounter these adorable wallabies, happily hopping around. It’s seriously such an incredible sight”
At the moment the red-browed finches, kookaburras, red wattlebird, noisy friarbirds, magpies, yellow tailed black cockatoo and king parrots seem to be most common but these are just the ones that I have seen in my garden this week so definitely not a complete list of what is about.
The resort style swimming pool is also a good place to relax and watch the trees sway and the birds fly by. It’s a good way to unwind and rejuvenate the body and mind.
Whether it’s day or night, your deck offers the perfect retreat. During the day, immerse yourself in the calming presence of wildlife and nature, while at night, marvel at the breathtaking star-studded sky.
There are lots of events in the area once Autumn begins from the Billy Cart Derby at Gresford to Art & Sip in Dungog so hope you can book a stay with us soon. If you stay 3 nights or more you also get a discount and there is so much to discover here at Bluegums Cabins.
Markets – Weekly & Monthly
Local Growers Markets
Every Saturday Morning (local produce also available from the Co-Op on Dowling street Tue-Sat)
Market Day Clarence Town
Sunday 24 March 2024 to Sunday 24 November 2024 (MONTHLY event)
Market Day Dungog
Saturday 06 April 2024 to Saturday 07 December 2024 (MONTHLY event) at Anglican Church gardens
Things to Do in Dungog
Trivia at the Pub
Every Wednesday night at The Royal Hotel 0630-0730pm
Art & Sip
Saturday 16 March 2024 to Saturday 25 May 2024 (FORTNIGHTLY event) Come and enjoy an afternoon in the beautiful backyard of the old Dungog Inn, Dungog’s oldest building, with a cheeky glass of wine, friends, drawing materials and an easel Book here
Live Music
Every weekend at The Royal Hotel, Dungog. From old-time American mountain musicians to Flamenco guitar and Kurdish Flute.
Sample the Locally brewed Beers
The Tin Shed Brewery, Dungog
Annual/One Off Dungog Events
Life Drawing with a Comedian – Thursday 29 March 2024
Arts Upper Hunter (AUH) is excited to present Life Drawing with a Comedian from Laugh Mob, an original hilarious show that seamlessly merges the worlds of art and comedy for a one-of-a-kind entertainment experience.
It’s cheeky, yet classy with a lesson of fine art thrown in.
Featuring comedian Sean Michaels, this show has toured extensively, including at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
https://artsupperhunter.com/auh-
Gresford Billy Cart Derby – March 30th 2024
Enjoy a fun day out cheering on the Billy Cart racers and trying to win the Gum Boot tossing. You can also visit the Arboretum while you are in Gresford and it’s a stunning drive to Gresford from our cabins
Dungog Rodeo – 30 March 2024
Horse and cow events (bareback riding, followed by calf roping, saddle-bronc riding, steer wrestling, team roping, barrel racing, bull riding).
Hot dogs, pluto pups and Aussie steak sandwiches, side shows with rides, hats, clothing, coffee, and ice cream, and watch the fearless cattle dogs show their skills at high jumping.
UCI Pump Track World Championships Australia Qualifier Event-Saturday 24 August 2024 to Sunday 25 August 2024
The new 177 m Velosolutions pump track opened on 19 January 2024, the layout of which is especially appealing to competitors. Its adjacent 36 m kids’ loop will also be featured during this two-day event and promoted to young families.
Explore Dungog Common Reserve
MOUNTAIN BIKING
There is over 30kms of single track, two purpose-built flow tracks and a fun track within the Dungog Common.
BIKE HIRE
PUMP TRACK
On 19 January 2024 the Dungog Common unveiled its newly refurbished Velosolutions Pump Track. Set in the picturesque Dungog township, the track features a main 177m competition loop as well as a 36m kids’ loop.
WALKING & TRAIL RUNNING
With 650 acres there are plenty of areas to explore on foot. On the first weekend of August every year, the Dungog Reserve is host to Run Dungog – a community trail running festival. The main Girriwa Loop is 4.8 kilometres long and takes two to three hours to complete.
HORSE RIDING
Horse riding is permitted in all areas of the Dungog Common (except on the Mountain Bike Flow Tracks).
The Barrington Tops National Park
Barrington Tops National Park, situated amidst the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests of Australia, serves as a portal to a world of unmatched natural splendour and abundant biodiversity. Formed from an ancient volcano, the park stretches from coastal plains to lofty heights exceeding 1500 meters. It’s pretty huge at 76.500 acres so can accessed in a few different ways.
There are walks to suit all abilities from the Bluegum trail (4km approx.) to the 20km Corker Trail and others in between.
Our closest access point is via Chichester State Forest West and we will send you maps and guides to our favourite places when you book a stay. (Stay 3 nights or more and receive a discount)
Forest Bathing/Wild Water Swimming/Ice Bath alternative
Whether it’s Forest Bathing or the closest thing to an Ice Bath in the woods you will find all of these if you head up to some of the gorgeous walks and waterholes in the Barrington tops. The waters coming from the Barrington Tops will take your breath away (in the nicest possible way) whether it’s a 40 degree or 10 degree day.
Venture into the heart of the rainforest amongst towering trees and lush foliage. Follow winding trails that lead you deep into the wilderness, where the air is alive with birdsong.
We always say you will never regret a swim and jumping into a crystal-clear water hole or under a cascading waterfall will help you feel the worries of the world wash away. It will take your breath away in so many wonderful ways. Create some memories that will last a lifetime.
The allure of Barrington Tops’ waterfalls that truly captivates the soul. Picture yourself wandering through ancient Gondwana rainforest, the air alive with the melody of birdsong and the gentle murmur of flowing water. As you follow winding trails, you’ll stumble upon hidden gems – magical waterfalls cascading from moss-covered cliffs, their waters tumbling into clear pools below.
Waterfalls and Secret Water Holes
There are so many beautiful places to explore, each unique, from the stunning beauty of Rocky Crossing to the delicate beauty of Jerusalem Creek Falls.
Dip your toes in or ideally jump right into the cool, crystal clear pools and have your breath taken away (temporarily) or stand under the waterfall and letting it massage your cares and worries away.
For the adventurous, there are plenty of opportunities for swimming, hiking, and picnicking amidst nature. Pack a lunch and spend the day exploring the rugged terrain, stopping to admire panoramic views of rolling hills and verdant valleys and return to your cosy cabin to enjoy a spa bath.
Chichester Forest
We’re right next to Chichester State Forest which is managed by the Forestry Corporation of NSW has been responsibly managing environmental sustainability, tourism, and timber production in the state’s forests for over 100 years.
On the lush south-eastern side of the forest, you’ll find camping areas like Telegherry, Frying Pan, Currawong, and Coachwood, easily accessible from Dungog.
On the southwestern side, near Gresford, you’ll discover camping spots like White Rock, Old Camp, and Pademelon Park. The drive from Bluegums to Gresford is a stunning one.
Allyn River Forest Park is perfect for a relaxing picnic and the famous Ladies Well swimming hole. (Please leave this area as you would like to find it)
We look forward to welcoming you to Bluegums Cabins whether it’s to explore the diversity of this beautiful place or just to stop and relax.
