Wolgan Valley; Luxurious outback resort in Australia

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Set in a national park, this conservation-based resort has been managed by One & Only resorts since 2015, and is one of Australia’s most exclusive, premier, ultra-luxurious resorts.

In many ways Wolgan Valley is a showcase of the best of Australian country luxury. A rare combination in Australia of luxury, pampering , the outback and conservation.

Blogger Renae Leith-Manos in the sitting room at Emirates One & Only Wolgan Valley Resort

Three hours from the heart of Sydney by car or just 45 minutes by helicopter, the captivating resort stretches over 7000 acres of Australian bushland.

There are 40 villas, two restaurants, a bar, wellness spa, pool, gym, tennis court and equestrian centre.

The villas are more like sprawling apartments than country cabins, and the interiors are unique, stylish, and modern. They are designed to offer a space to unwind, relax, read perhaps or just chill over a wine.

Each includes a private swimming pool, with views over the surrounding bushland.

There are rainfall showers with towering glass ceilings, letting in natural light, coffee machines, plush King size beds, huge walk in robes and verandahs where kangaroos and wombats can be observed daily.

The swimming pools within the villas at Wolgan Valley.

Kangaroos and wombats live around each cabin, so they can be seen at all hours along with the native birdlife.

There is premium food and wine on offer which is all inclusive. Rooms are stocked with local wine – and you can drink as much as you like at no additional charge.

The dining room, reached by a 5 minute walk or quick buggy ride is striking. It has soaring ceilings, exposed rafters, chunky sandstone, huge open fireplaces in winter, oversized couches and luxe furnishings. The feel is Australian country luxe.

There’s a gorgeous marble bar with bartenders mixing world standard cocktails to order (at an additional cost) with fresh local almonds and snacks to go with each one.

woman in brown jumper and jeans in front of cabin at Emirates One & Only Wolgan Valley Resort
Blogger Renae Leith-Manos at Emirates One & Only Wolgan Valley Resort

The food is inclusive for all guests and is upmarket Australian. The blessing is the serves are sufficient but not crazy unlike some all inclusive resorts. You wont leave here heavier unless you deliberately want to.

For dinner, there is an exceptional degustation option every night with matching local Australian wines, or for a small fee you can upgrade to the premium option.

Both the general menu and degustation change nightly, so there is no chance of repetition.

the wooden interiors with furniture at Emirates One & Only Wolgan Valley Resort
A villa at Emirates One & Only Wolgan Valley Resort

Lunch is in another more casual restaurant, and has healthy, light options.

And or breakfast, there is both a broad but healthy buffet and a la carte on offer.

Off to the side of the main dining room is a gorgeous shop stocking Australiana including RM Williams, stuffed wombats and opal jewellery.

Activities at Wolgan Valley abound. Each villa has mountain bikes, there are guided nature walks, horse riding, a tennis court, archery range, wildlife safaris and even night time star gazing tours.

The view at Emirates One & Only Wolgan Valley Resort

Each villa has its own pool, and in addition there is a spectacular infinity pool for all guests to use, with deck chairs and cabanas and even cocktails made to order poolside in summer months.

The spa is luxurious but still brings in the nature theme.

The design is long and luxe with huge windows letting in natural light, cream and neutral furnishings and views of the calming surrounds everywhere you look.

Treatments are holistic, and use luxury Australian products, Sodashi.

A waiter attending to wine in a huge wine cellar at Emirates One & Only Wolgan Valley Resort
The wine cellar at Emirates One & Only Wolgan Valley Resort

The 40 free standing villas are located in a dramatic setting,  between exposed sedimentary rock, planes of wollemi pines and eucalyptus trees.

At both sunrise and sunset, the setting is spectacular, calming and majestic. It is uniquely Australian.

Wolgan Valley is eco friendly at its Australian best, Designed by Turner & Associates, it has carbon neutral certification achieved by water recycling programs and solar panels. And is the only property in Australia to have achieved this.

This is five star comfort within a luxury retreat focussed on legitimate conservation. Light years from civilisation, yet close enough to Sydney to drive in 90 minutes. Bliss.

Click here for more.

What Renae says:

Who should Stay here: Couples.

Who shouldn’t Stay here: singles.

Location: 2 hours from Sydney airport.

Best culinary delight: The degustation menu

The Highlight: Wombats and kangaroos roaming the property.

The lowlight: Some of the service is below par for the exorbidant prices.

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