After six months of hovering around Canberra every weekend either neck deep in study or too exhausted to move my boyfriend Mitch and I decided enough was enough. We needed a break.
So three days out from the weekend my wonderful boyfriend called around and found us a hideaway.
On Friday afternoon we took off along the Federal Highway past Goulburn all the while listening to some edgy tunes and watching the rain clouds build up nearby. Just past the rest stop that signals the driver is half-way to Sydney we turned and raced instead towards Moss Vale.
Out beyond the town, after a left turn then a right we emerged near Fitzroy Falls. Following the road we traversed down the side of Barrengarry Mountain, weaving around and around in damp conditions until we reached the bottom and the road straightened again to spit us out in Kangaroo Valley.
The scenery was intoxicating.
Once through the Village we turned a few km's beyond the edge into our home for the next two nights.
Crystal Creek Meadows, set on a vast, lush 16 acre estate is the ideal getaway from city life. Almost entirely self-sufficient we barely saw another human for the entirety of our stay.
We stayed in the Jumbuck Cottage (which as the website notes is ideal for a romantic getaway) and payed the additional charge for the "deluxe" which meant we received the following extras in our cottage:
1. Afternoon tea in your cottage on arrival with homemade scones, jam and lamingtons, a box of handmade chocolates and local port;
2. Cosy robes and slippers, freshly cut flowers from the extensive gardens, and house-made natural aromatherapy spa products; and
3. A sumptuous hamper of local produce to cook full breakfasts each day (smoked salmon, deli ham, tomatoes, mushrooms, local yoghurt and cheese, fresh fruit, and our own eggs – 2 per person per day).
The additional cost was more than worth the extras we received.
From the moment we set our bags down and looked out from the deck to the expansive lawn and pond in front of us we felt relaxed.
On Saturday morning I indulged in a massage and facial from the comfort of the cabin while Mitch napped. Later in the morning I then set up residence in the bath with my book and relaxed in the warmth.
As the day progressed we wandered through the grounds, explored the river and played a game of chess near the pond. In the afternoon we drove back into the village, rented a canoe and floated down the Kangaroo River and in the evening, we watched a movie rugged up on the couch and played a board game.
By the time we checked out on Sunday morning at 11 we were relaxed, slightly burnt and adamant that we would be returning - possibly to become an annual tradition!
Sophie and Chris who own the business and also live on the property were easy to chat to over the phone (despite never meeting in person!) and were happy to help in any way.
Overall the trip was divine and the perfect break from reality. We got lucky with out booking - slipping in on a cancellation as they are booked out up until next year - but next time we will be certainly booking in advance an recommend that you check this place out the next time you're looking for a getaway.
Here are a few photos of our time:
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