Inside NSW’s dreamy new safari-style farm stay

This glamping stay is made for slowing down.

Set on a 2800-hectare working farm in NSW’s Central West, Budgalong Spicers Creek delivers a glamping experience that blends rustic charm with contemporary comforts. Located in Spicers Creek between Mudgee and Dubbo, this off-grid retreat feels like a secluded escape, but is still close enough to enjoy the region’s famed food and wine scene.

Budgalong Spicers Creek blends safari-style luxury with rustic charm on a working sheep station near Mudgee – and yes, the views are just as dreamy as the tents.

Location

budgalong exterior — The property is hidden in the NSW Central West.

Budgalong Spicers Creek is located about 45 minutes from both Mudgee and Dubbo, and 25 minutes from the small town of Wellington. Set on the traditional lands of the Wiradjuri people, the property spans bushland, farmland and rolling hills covered by herds of sheep, making it an ideal setting for nature-lovers and stargazers. While there’s plenty to do nearby – including touring Mudgee’s cellar doors or visiting the Wellington Caves – most guests will find everything they need right on the property.

Style and character

Budgalong lxuury safari lodge — Budgalong fuses safari-style luxury with eco-conscious, off-grid elements.

Budgalong combines the aesthetic of a luxury safari lodge with thoughtful, off-grid sustainability. The two spacious tented pavilions – Mountview and Fairfield – are pitched on timber platforms and designed to take in sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. While technically the pavilions are the same, Fairfield is more suited to families as it has lots of open space as you step off the verandah, and Mountview is best for couples or group trips as there’s more of a drop off from the verandah. I stayed in the latter.

Natural materials, earthy tones and curated Australian-made furnishings give each space a homely but elevated feel. The mood here is quiet, slow and immersed in nature. You can watch kangaroos at sunrise, spot rare birdlife or take a meditative walk to one of the lookouts on the property.

Facilities

Budgalong living room — The pavilions are spacious and cosy for guests.

Each pavilion is fully self-contained, with a generous open-plan layout and enough room for up to four guests. Facilities include a full kitchen (with gas stove, oven and fridge), a stylish bathroom with a walk-in rain shower, and a covered deck with a fire pit a bit further out for cool evenings.

Budgalong view — Enjoy a stay that’s slow, serene and surrounded by nature.

Inside, there’s also an indoor fire, and it gives off a big flame, so take care when using it. We stayed during a particularly stormy stretch and spent most of the time indoors for the first day. If you’re someone who’s always on the go, there’s something nice about surrendering to the pace of the place – even if that wasn’t the original plan. And it turned out to be delightfully cosy.

The lodge has what you need to make a rainy day still feel like a retreat: electric blankets, hot water bottles, wool throws, bean bags, cards and board games are all provided. While there’s no reception desk or concierge, guests receive a thorough welcome pack and can contact the hosts if needed.

Rooms

Budgalong bedroom — The rustic interiors of the bedrooms make for a serene oasis.

Each pavilion contains two separate bedrooms, each with a king bed (which can be split into singles) and an ensuite. Beds are made with crisp linens and soft wool throws, and large sliding doors open to let the outside in. While you’re off-grid, there’s ample power for charging devices, plus fans, lights and hot water powered by solar energy. Waking up to birdsong and sunrise views over the hills is one of the highlights of the experience.

It’s worth noting that although the tents are sturdy and well-insulated, they do still let in a breeze. On a windy, rainy night, we were definitely glad we’d packed extra winter layers.

Food and drink

serving platters at Budgalong — Cheese plates are a must for whiling away the afternoon.

There’s no onsite restaurant, but each pavilion comes with a full kitchen and outdoor barbecue, so guests can self-cater with ease. Local produce is available on request – think Mudgee wines, fresh eggs, sourdough and seasonal fruit – and there’s a small pantry stocked with essentials. The kitchen is thoughtfully equipped with everything from olive oil and salt to serving platters and decent coffee. If you feel like venturing out, wineries and restaurants in Mudgee are an easy day trip away.

Does Budgalong Spicers Creek have access for guests with disabilities?

budgalong driveway — The property isn’t suitable for guests with disabilities.

The retreat is not currently wheelchair accessible. Both tented pavilions are reached via gravel driveways and wooden steps. While the interiors are spacious and level, there are no specific mobility aids or accessible bathroom features. Guests with mobility concerns may find it challenging to navigate the outdoor terrain.

Is Budgalong Spicers Creek family-friendly?

Yes – Budgalong welcomes children and families. The second bed can be split into singles for kids, and the open-plan layout makes it easy for families to stay together. There’s plenty of space to explore safely on the property, including walking trails and grassy hills, and some board games are provided. However, families with very young children should note the open fire pits and unfenced bushland.

Details

Best for: Couples or families seeking a stylish off-grid bush escape.

Address: 302 Budgalong Road, Spicers Creek NSW

Cost: From $467 per night for two guests.

Underpinned by grassroots hospitality and award-winning organic produce, the Central Coast’s gastronomy scene is thriving, with the region quickly becoming one of the best destinations in NSW for epicures.

Revered for its rugged natural splendour and laid-back seaside charm, NSW’s Central Coast has soared in popularity in recent years, becoming a top choice for an affordable slice of weekend escapism for Sydneysiders. Just a short 45-minute drive north of Sydney, it’s the kind of place that, no matter how many times you visit, leaves you with the sense that there’s always more to uncover. But while the ocean pools, bushwalks and beaches have (rightly) taken the spotlight, it’s the Central Coast food offerings which have been quietly simmering in the background.

From fresh-as-it-gets seafood and juicy organic citrus you can pluck yourself, through to regenerative farming and reputable farm-to-fork dining, this coastal gem has become an idyllic foodie mecca. Here are some of the best ways to immerse yourself in grassroots hospitality and gastronomic glory on the NSW Central Coast.

vegetables in a basket at Bells Garden at Bells At Killcare — From picking your own, to farm-to-table, discover the best Central Coast food experiences. (Image: Remy Brand)

Central Coast oyster experiences

From humble grub to opulent delicacy, oysters have ascended into a league of their own. Epicureans are fascinated by them – willing to pay upwards of $35 per dozen (double at some of Sydney’s reputable fine dining restaurants) – and ‘shuck bars’ seem to be popping up at every milestone celebration.

But it’s rare to find places that really draw back the curtain on how they’re farmed and why everyone is mad for these molluscs. The Central Coast , however, is home to several of these venues. With its pristine waters, mild climate and nutrient-rich estuaries, it’s the perfect breeding ground for oysters.

Learn about oyster farming and, importantly, how to shuck them at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours . Nestled on the Hawkesbury River at Mooney Mooney, Sheridan Beaumont and her team offer a hands-on foodie experience where you can feast on dozens of oysters (white tablecloth and all) while wading through the calm waters. You can even bring your own bottle of bubbles to wash them down.

guests in the water for an experience at Sydney Oyster Farm - Central Coast food — Learn tricks of the trade at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours. (Image: Remy Brand)

Elevate your oyster knowledge even further by heading north over the Hawkesbury River Bridge to the Hawkesbury River Oyster Shed . Tour their scenic oyster leases and saltwater paddocks by boat to uncover the distinct characteristics of the Sydney rock oyster and creamy Pacific oyster. They’ve also partnered with Broken Bay Pearl Farm to offer a one-of-a-kind oyster and pearl farming guided tour, showcasing the Central Coast’s very own pearl oyster, the Broken Bay ‘Akoya’. But if you’re simply in the mood to devour a dozen delectable oysters while soaking in the tranquil river views, pull up a chair at the shed. It’s friendly in every sense of the word: pets, families and BYO welcome.

shucking oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm — Taste freshly shucked oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm. (Image: James Horan)

Central Coast farms to pick your own fruit

While the Central Coast is known for its breathtaking 40 beaches and 80-kilometre coastline, its lush hinterland is equally impressive – abundant with orchards and agriculturally rich farmland. And when it comes to the simple joy of picking your own fruit, the Central Coast is a ripe playground.

Family-owned Meliora Farm at Peats Ridge is an orchard that blends conventional, biodynamic and organic philosophies. Third-generation farmer Tim Kemp and his wife Elise are dedicated to honouring the family legacy by growing a rich variety of oranges, lemons, limes, mandarins and avocados. In late May, roam the sustainable and nutrient-dense property during ‘Pick Your Own’ weekends.

Eastcoast Beverages is another bountiful citrus orchard boasting over 60 hectares of fruit. From June you can learn about the cultivation of high-quality ingredients – like lemons, limes, grapefruit and oranges – by touring both the farm and factory before setting out and picking your own straight from the source. You can also sample an array of citrus-inspired sweet and savoury treats at their on-site cafe, Bambino’s .

If it’s just juicy oranges you’re after, Cedar Farm in Dooralong is a must-visit. Located about 30 minutes north of Peats Ridge, it features 15 flourishing orchards and over 3000 orange trees – with take-home bags during the season (from July) at low prices. Not bad for a fruity weekend haul.

woman picking oranges at Oranges at Dooralong — Pick your own citrus fruits on the Central Coast. (Image: James Vodicka)

Organic dining

What makes the Central Coast hinterland so special is the unwavering respect the communities have for their cherished backyard. Locally owned and operated farms are all striving for more sustainable practices and methods to both enhance biodiversity and reduce environmental impact, each with a heartwarming food philosophy.

The Food Farm in Wyong Creek believes good food is worth both the work and the wait. Devoted to regenerative farming, first-generation ‘farmily’ Tim Eyes and Hannah Greenshields are recognised for their grass-fed, grass-finished beef and pasture-raised, gold medal-winning chickens. With an open gate policy, The Food Farm encourages visitors to swing by and try some of their slow-grown produce at their small ‘honesty’ farm shop. With no staff, you can pick up a few quality cuts of meat and pasteurised eggs, leaving the owing amount in cash or via eftpos.

Keeping the spirit of generational organic farming alive is Fanelli Organics . Nestled in the Central Coast’s scenic and sleepy Mangrove Mountain, founders Eden and Louise Fanelli own over 45 hectares of plentiful farmland and orchards that produce a huge range of organic fruit and vegetables, like purple Dutch carrots, blood oranges, broccoli and Tuscan kale. A true home-grown operation, Fanelli Organics shares its fresh produce with local restaurants and community markets, including the beloved markets at Like Minds Cafe at Avoca Beach every Wednesday afternoon.

farmers holding fresh produce picked at Fanelli Organics — See where your food comes from at Fanelli Organics.

Paddock-to-plate dining

High-quality ingredients go hand in hand with premium dining, and the Central Coast is home to several paddock-to-plate restaurants that showcase its diverse and rich agriculture. Paired with warm, grassroots hospitality, there are culinary triumphs, new menus and revered chefs constantly popping up, putting the local dining scene firmly on the map.

Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce. Nestled in thick bushland with wraparound verandahs, floral gardens and an idyllic dam, the gourmet homestead and bakehouse is unlike any restaurant on the Central Coast. Here, head chef Reece Collins and his team serve up an impressive breakfast and lunch menu that oozes rustic charm. Pull up a comfy armchair on the expansive deck, listen to birdsong, and tuck into flavoursome dishes like the farmhouse Benedict with honey-cured ham, lemon myrtle hollandaise and Warrigal gremolata, or the hearty beef brisket pie with confit garlic potato purée and rainbow chard.

woman writing in notebook next to a table of food at Saddles, Central Coast food — Taste country-style cooking at Saddles. (Image: Destination NSW)

Delivering a slice of sophistication and luxury to the shores and bushland of Bouddi Peninsula is Bells at Killcare . One of the few boutique resorts on the Central Coast, it’s known for its premium service and five-star suites, as well as its bountiful kitchen gardens that boast an orchard, olive trees, avocado trees, free-range hens and a honey bee hive.

Cameron Cansdell has returned to Bells at Killcare as head chef, bringing his expertise to the casual yet refined menus that feature a raw bar with Oscietra caviar, freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters and Moreton Bay bugs, all served alongside optional matched wines. Sample some of Australia’s best regional wines and standout dishes, like roasted Wollemi duck with grilled leeks, rocket, grilled grapes and 10-year-aged balsamic, or the shareworthy salt-crusted snapper with herb salad and salsa, before roaming the picturesque gardens, wine in hand.

cocktail at Bells At Killcare — Sample incredible wine, cocktails and dishes at Bells At Killcare. (Image: Nikki To)

Plan your next visit to the delicious Central Coast.