What it’s like to stay at Anchorage Farm Narooma, a nature-hemmed hideaway on the NSW South Coast bound to make you melt inside.
A stillness has settled over the Wagonga Inlet. Gums frame the horizon like tall custodians of dusk, the water beyond flushed copper and luminous in the waning light. Bellbirds drown out distant car engines. Chickens, absorbed in their small, earnest excavations, peck about the garden. It’s the kind of place that shrinks your everyday worries to their proper size, reminding you how little they matter in the grand scheme of things.
We’re staying at Anchorage Farm Narooma’s Shucker Shack, an annexed van turned tiny home offering a unique nature-hemmed hideaway on the far NSW South Coast. The 40-hectare farm is owned by the Dudley family and is also home to five off-grid campsites, along with three more tiny homes set to open in the coming months. On our hilltop perch, we coax open a bottle of sparkling and pare away at a generous wedge of local Tilba cheese.
Cheers to relaxing at the Shucker Shack.
Everything here feels crisper than usual, as if someone has grabbed hold of the lens of life and sharpened its focus. The produce feels brighter, the horizon vaster, the air purer, the sky darker. Away from the hullabaloo of the city, my mind feels clearer, too. My partner and I tuck into the dozen famous Narooma oysters – fresh as they come – our host Merri Dudley has kindly left in our fridge, and we find ourselves chatting about what it might be like to live here one day.
Where is Anchorage Farm Narooma?
The Shucker Shack sits on a hill with views over the Wagonga Inlet.
Anchorage Farm Narooma is situated 3.5 kilometres from the main street of Narooma, a township on NSW’s South Coast that’s about three hours’ drive from Canberra or five from Sydney. The farm lies within easy reach of all Narooma’s attractions (including its world-class mountain biking trails) yet still feels secluded thanks to its peaceful perch on a hill overlooking the stunning Wagonga Inlet. Around two minutes’ drive away is the popular Oyster Farmer’s Daughter, a much-loved waterfront spot for beer, light bites and super-fresh seafood.
The backstory
Family-owned and operated Anchorage Farm Narooma is welcoming to all.
Chickens roam freely around the farm.
Wake to the peaceful sounds of birdsong.
Anchorage Farm Narooma is owned by the Dudley family, with husband-and-wife duo Brad and Merri Dudley managing the guest-facing side of the accommodation. Brad and his brother Mark inherited the farm when their father, Bill, sadly passed away in 2023. When asked why they decided to open the farm up to overnight guests, Merri says it is a way of honouring Bill’s love of boat building, turning his projects into spaces for others to enjoy.
“Bill welcomed others to the farm and Narooma with a natural generosity and a strong sense of community that left a lasting impression on us, and has helped shape the foundation of what we’ve created here," Merri elaborates.
Anchorage Farm Narooma is readying to open three brand-new tiny homes expected for mid to late 2026: two that have been converted from boats Bill had built and a renovated bus that served as the original Narooma school bus in the 1980s.
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Staying in the Shucker Shack
The Shucker Shack features a firepit and terrace where guests can soak in the views.
Open since January 2025, Anchorage Farm Narooma’s Shucker Shack feels like a warm hug. There is no Wi-Fi (our phones still had reception, however). Furnishings are comfortable but not ultra-modern. But there’s something that just feels very homey about it all.
The shack exterior is laden with planks of wood and features a terrace area with two seats and a firepit. Cradled on one side by bird-filled gum trees and boasting beautiful inlet views on the other, it’s a magical place to switch off and disconnect from day-to-day stress.
The bedroom sleeps two and features a small kitchenette.
Small touches make for a memorable stay.
The lounge area is simple and homey.
Step inside the Shucker Shack and you’ll find a clean, self-contained space. Ideal for couples, it is separated into two main areas: a living space with a small ensuite, and a bedroom housing a double bed and small kitchenette, plus breakfast stools overlooking the inlet.
If you’re a stickler for sleek contemporary finishes and flashy design, I suggest you look elsewhere. But if you’re willing to overlook a leaky tap here or there, you’re in for a treat.
Guests can enjoy fresh eggs from the farm.
In the morning, I receive a text: ‘Hope you slept well! I have a fresh sourdough loaf here…let me know if you’d like me to bring it over’. How could one decline? Oven-warm, it is truly delicious. We have to restrain ourselves to just two pieces each so as not to fill up before the breakfast we’ve booked nearby.
Granola and fresh eggs from the farm’s chickens wait on the bench; local cheese and oysters fill the fridge. There are plenty of great places to eat in Narooma, but those who prefer a home-cooked meal can make use of the shack’s electric fry pan, microwave, toaster, kettle and gas barbecue.
Enjoying oven-warm sourdough.
Later, after returning from dinner at Quarterdeck – one of the most popular restaurants in Narooma, we step out of the car to an unexpected delight. Up above, the sky is dark and exceptionally clear, studded with a carpet of stars so dense I don’t know how anyone could possibly count them all. Both our jaws gape open; it is extraordinary.
After a hot shower, we’re drawn back outside again with cups of tea in hand. In the distance, Fleetwood Mac’s Everywhere echoes across the inlet. I’m not sure how long we remain out here in silence, enjoying the stillness, enjoying each other’s company.
The perfect place to find pure peace.
“Guests seem to love the tranquillity, the wide-open space, the wildlife, the views and the sense of peace they feel while they are here," Merri tells us, waving us off as we reluctantly head home the following morning. “Many tell me they don’t want to leave!"
We certainly don’t.
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The verdict
A peaceful, tiny home retreat surrounded by birdlife and gum trees, where phones are gladly cast aside. The Dudley family have created something very special – Anchorage Farm offers warm, heartfelt hospitality with personal touches you won’t find when staying at large hotel chains. I want to tell everybody and nobody about it at the same time.
The details
Address: 360 Riverview Rd, North Narooma NSW 2546
Best for: couples (the tiny homes) and families (the campsites) longing for a grounding return to nature
Price: from roughly $240/night in the Shucker Shack (two-night minimum stay) and $49/night at one of the farm’s campsites
Eleanor Edström is Australian Traveller’s Associate Editor. Previously a staff writer at Signature Luxury Travel & Style and Vacations & Travel magazines, she's a curious wordsmith with a penchant for conservation, adventure, the arts and design. She discovered her knack for storytelling much earlier, however – penning mermaid sagas in glitter ink at age seven. Proof that her spelling has since improved, she holds an honours degree in English and philosophy, and a French diploma from the University of Sydney. Off duty, you’ll find her pirouetting between Pilates and ballet classes, or testing her friends’ patience with increasingly obscure vocabulary.
Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.
When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle ). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.
Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)
Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.
1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle
Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)
Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB, the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.
Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.
Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe .
Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca , which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.
One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie , the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.
Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.
3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks
Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)
What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?
Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach . Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen , which is open from 6am.
Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse .
You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach , where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.
Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.
4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle
Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)
In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.
Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.
Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.
5. Newcastle nightlife
Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)
As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.
