Escape Into Five-Star Luxury At Osborn House

A stay at Osborn House in Bundanoon, NSW, is a lesson in slow luxury.

Nestled deep in the Southern Highlands of NSW, you’ll find Osborn House . The five-star, luxury accommodation offering is a guest-driven experience, with everything you need (and more) to relax, rest and rejuvenate, all in one place. It’s one of those sublime stays that, once you arrive, you’ll never want to leave.

Osborn House in Bundanoon, Southern Highlands, NSW — Osborn House is nestled in the small town of Bundanoon.

Location

Osborn House can be found in the small Southern Highlands town of Bundanoon in regional NSW on Gandangara Country. If you’re coming from Sydney, it’ll take you roughly one hour and 45 minutes by car to arrive.

Bundanoon is also just under an hour’s drive from Goulburn and around two hours from Canberra. Trains also run from Sydney’s Central Station and Canberra Railway Station. However, some routes may require a changeover.

Style and character

The atmosphere at Osborn House is an expertly concocted balance of upbeat modernism and relaxed luxury. Every detail has been masterfully curated but effortlessly styled, from the lobby to the dining spaces and rooms.

The main house dates back to the late 1800s and resembles a museum of eclectic yet sophisticated decor. After valeting your car, you’ll enter a homely lobby with potted plants, comfy couches and a wall pockmarked poetically with room keys.

Go deeper into the heritage house and you’ll find a masterful fireplace sits in the centre of the dining room, which blazes throughout the winter months. Come summer, the space opens up onto a large balcony boasting ample dining space and mountain views.

The dining room is awash in deep navy blues, mustard yellows and olive greens, which are seamlessly blended with sky blues, terracotta browns and blush pinks. Rattan textures are paired with wooden features and gold accents that dance together under striking original artworks by Jai Vasicek. Jai did an Artist in Residence stint at Osborn House back in June, and his distinct paintings are sprinkled throughout the property.

The multifarious play on colour and style seeps into the accommodation options at Osborn House, particularly the exclusive Forest Lodges. While a little more muted, the palette inside perfectly matches the mood the room instils. The primary pop of colour comes from a plush red couch, which is surrounded by soft browns, blues and greys. Freshly cut flowers, small book stacks and low-lit lamps all work in relaxation’s favour.

Outside, the grounds are faintly reminiscent of a manor in the English countryside. But there are subtle nods at each corner that remind you where you are. Like the ancient craggy pines that mingle with old eucalyptus gums. Kangaroos lazily munch on the grass next to dainty cream narcissus in full bloom. The paradox brings Osborn House into a league of its own, heightened even more so by the luxury lodge’s exclusive offerings.

Facilities

Osborn House is one of those places where, once you arrive, you really don’t have to leave until check out; everything you need is onsite. Breakfast, lunch and dinner can all be had just a stone’s throw from each room, plus your mini fridge is stocked with snacks and drinks.

Keen to get active? There are well-maintained tennis and pickleball courts outside. You can also head to the gym, which includes weights, pilates equipment and Peloton bikes for unlimited guest use. Or simply go for a stroll around the gorgeous grounds.

If you’d rather relax, the onsite spa is a must. Treat yourself to a luxurious massage or facial featuring luscious LaGaia products. Or grab your current read and head to the library room in the main house. In the cooler months (and let’s be honest, all year round), the sauna, steam room, heated lap pool and spa are also non-negotiables.

For those staying in a Forest Lodge, you’ll also have access to the new Forest Bathing Deck. Hidden up in a woodland of pines, away from the rest of the property, this secret setting is the ultimate in mindful luxury.

Featuring a sauna, jacuzzi, ice bath, yoga platform and fire pit, the deck overlooks nearby Morton National Park. Open to just two guests at a time, it’s the perfect way for couples to rejuvenate and reconnect with themselves and nature.

Rooms

Just 27 suites make up Osborn House – 15 in the main house and 13 Forest Lodges. Inside, there are the main suites and premier suites, as well as the Highland Suite, Garden Terrace and Premier Garden Terrace.

But the real stars of Osborn House are the Forest Lodges. At first, there were just seven onsite, but five new, elevated Forest Lodges have recently been added to the collection.

These divine dens are fitted with a king-sized bed, cosy fireplace, mini bar (with complimentary non-alcoholic beverages) and separate bathroom with a double-headed rain shower. The stand-alone outdoor bath on your private balcony is a highlight, too.

Additional amenities include a large skylight above the bed, a Smeg kettle with tea and coffee provided, LaGaia products in the bathroom, a wall-mounted TV, a Sonos speaker, luxurious bathrobes and air conditioning. There’s also firewood at your door, which is restocked daily.

To celebrate the five newly built Forest Lodges, a handful of new all-inclusive packages are being offered at Osborn House. Available for two-, three- and five-night stays, the packages include a range of different inclusions.

Think bubbles on arrival, dinner daily (plus breakfast and lunch, depending on the package), excursion experiences, twice-daily room services, daily mini-bar restocking and, of course, private access to the Forest Bathing Deck.

Food and drink

There are two onsite restaurants at the property. George’s is a more relaxed, laid-back dining experience where guests can have breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. The menu is paired back but packed with flavour. Think slow-cooked lamb pasta, dry-aged grass-fed sirloin, tuna crudo with finger lime and basque cheesecake for dessert.

For something a little (or a lot) more fancy, head to Dinah’s. Open for dinner between Wednesdays and Sundays, the menu here is set and prepared to be shared. Guests will love the Gundagai lamb backstrap, Musset Holdings salad and slow-cooked pineapple granita.

Both restaurants mainly use fresh produce from the Southern Highlands and offer extensive beverage lists featuring local makers. Oenophiles can sip on both regional and international wines, while cocktail lovers will enjoy the signature Osborn Sour, a take on the iconic Peruvian/Chilean drink.

Does Osborn House have access for guests with disabilities?

All dining rooms and facilities throughout the main hotel (including the spa, bathrooms, steam room, sauna and gym) are wheelchair accessible. The three Garden Terrace suites are all accessible, too.

Is Osborn House family-friendly?

As Osborn House aims to provide its guests with a safe and quiet place to relax and rejuvenate, children must be over the age of 12 to stay and must be supervised by an adult at all times.

Details

Best for: Couples or small groups looking for a luxurious escape immersed in nature.

Address: 96 Osborn Ave, Bundanoon, NSW

Phone: (02) 4883 6027

Cost: The new all-inclusive Forest Lodge packages are priced between $3500 (two-night stay, two guests) and $8399 (five-night stay, two guests). General room rates at Osborn House vary depending on dates but are accessible online.

Whales breaching, fires crackling and slow-cooked feasts that make the cold so cosy, one might wish it lasted longer. Winter is no time to stay at home in NSW.

When the mercury drops, winter in NSW comes into its own. Beaches are quieter, the air is crisper and hearty food tastes even better when there’s ice on the windows.

Winter here isn’t for hiding away. It’s for long walks, deep baths, deeper reds and the kind of fireside lounging that feels simultaneously indulgent and entirely deserved after a day of exploring. From whale-watching up north to moodily lit bushwalks and pastry pilgrimages, we’ve mapped out your new favourite season.

a beach winter in nsw — From coastal walks to tasty delights, winter in NSW is a time to get out and about.

The Tweed

In winter, the NSW north coast has a front-row seat to one of nature’s greatest migrations. From May to November, humpbacks cruise past the Tweed coast between Antarctica and the Great Barrier Reef. Spot them from the Cabarita Beach headland or get up closer with a boat cruise.

Inland, find the Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre , which is home to a rotating cast of big-name exhibitions (including Monet).

Later, grab a table at Bistro Livi , where the modern Spanish menu features whipped salt cod on toast and spanner crab with curry butter and spelt flatbread. Stick around to poke through the artist studios and indie boutiques of M|Arts Precinct .

visitors at Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre — Browse the art. (Image: Destination NSW)

The next day, jump aboard the Indigenous Lunch Cruise with Tweed Escapes. You’ll cruise upriver listening to yarns from local Indigenous guides, stop at the Minjungbal Aboriginal Cultural Museum and tuck into lemon myrtle-crusted snapper.

Next, drive out to Farm & Co to pull apart some juicy smoked lamb shoulder with green olive tapenade while gazing out over the macadamia fields and avocado groves of this working farm.

End the day at Mantra on Salt Beach where you’ll enjoy beach access, a heated rock spa and a lagoon pool.

dining room at Bistro Livi — Taste modern Spanish at Bistro Livi.

Blue Mountains

The cold season is hands down the best time to visit the Blue Mountains. Temperatures are perfect – sunny enough for hikes, and crisp enough at night for snuggling up.

For a trip that equally soothes and stirs, start with a meditative meander through the national park’s eucalypts and Australian wildflowers. Brave the steepest passenger railway in the world, Scenic Railway , then hop the Skyway aerial cable car for unrivalled Three Sisters views.

Thaw out at the Japanese Bath House in South Bowenfels. Soak in steamy outdoor onsens filled with natural mineral water and mountain views, wander the rose and zen gardens, or sip hot drinks in the tea house.

group leader at Blue Mountains Stargazing — Rug up for Blue Mountains Stargazing. (Image: Destination NSW)

Afterwards, head to Ates in Blackheath, where everything revolves around a 150-year-old ironbark-fuelled oven – like the wood-roasted duck with nectarines and Szechuan spice. Or visit Tempus Katoomba , which leans experimental and sustainable, serving up dishes like braised fennel with cumin, spiced yogurt and Aleppo pepper.

Rug up and head into the night with Blue Mountains Stargazing . Sessions are guided by astrophysicists, helping you understand what you’re looking at as you look into deep space.

Wrap it all up at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains – MGallery Collection . There’s a whiskey bar in the basement (and crackling fires that make a dram taste even better), indoor and outdoor pools and a day spa. Kids will love the mirror maze and ice rink, too.

dishes laid out on table at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains — End the day with delicious meals at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains. (Image: Destination NSW)

Southern Highlands

Good food and wine by the fire, experienced between sifting through second-hand treasures, is a winter vibe in Bowral.

Start with a lap around Dirty Janes , an antique and vintage market. Recover from your shopping frenzy at Bendooley Book Barn , where floor-to-ceiling shelves and a roaring fire set the tone for an afternoon of red wine or hot coffee.

When it’s time to eat, head to Hickory’s Restaurant & Bar , Peppers Craigieburn Bowral’s onsite restaurant. Try the crispy pork belly with Granny Smith crisps and apple gel, or ocean trout with wakame, lemon gel and pickled radish.

couple looking through Dirty Janes in bowral — Wander the antiques at Dirty Janes. (Image: Destination NSW)

Another option, Onesta Cucina , does Italian with flair. For something more casual (with cocktails), Flour Bar swings between brunch and dinner, with an onsite bakery, over 400 wines and a hidden deli in the old bank vault.

Later, clamber Mt Gibraltar , where trails wind through eucalypt forest to views over Bowral and Mittagong.

Stay at Peppers Craigieburn Bowral , a century-old estate with open fires, elegant lounges and a nine-hole golf course.

woman and her dog winter in nsw at Peppers Craigieburn Bowral — Stay cosy at Peppers Craigieburn Bowral.

Penrith

Shake off winter inertia with an adrenaline boost out in Penrith. Kick things off with a kayak paddle on the Nepean River with Horizon Line, or head to Cables Wake Park , where cold-weather wetsuits take the edge off a wipeout.

For something a bit more cruisy, opt for the Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler for slow-floating views and a hot cuppa.

kayakers on the nepean river in penrith — Head out on the Nepean River. (Image: Destination NSW)

Refuel at Marcel Bar & Bistro , where reimagined European comfort food – like seafood risotto in bisque with little neck clams and Moreton Bay bugs – is king. Then check in at the Pullman Sydney Penrith , the area’s first international five-star hotel, to enjoy your well-earned rest.

Start planning your NSW winter getaway at all.com.

Escape into five-star luxury at Osborn House