In a previous issue of Swell, I wrote about the trials and tribulations of holidaying with kids. Most parents of young children would agree that even putting those three words together creates an oxymoron. Think of all the usual words you’d associate with a holiday – peace, quiet, indulgence, relaxation and so on – and immediately remove those from your vocabulary.
So, as I loaded our bags, coffee machine, eskies, board games, raincoats, gumboots, bikes, swimmers, boogie boards and totem tennis pole into the car for our two-night family getaway, I had little to no expectations for a restful weekend.
But what if I told you, there was a magical place less than two hours from Newcastle, where parents could truly relax? A place where wide open spaces beckoned your little ones to play, explore and get messy for hours on end. Where, despite your small human alarm clocks waking you before dawn, you’d soon be distracted by the calming sound of the Barrington River flowing past your back porch, inviting you to take a pause.
The Swell team and our families were recently invited to spend a weekend at the Barrington Hideaway Cottages. Just five minutes north of Gloucester, you’ll find this gorgeous rural retreat, featuring four self-contained two-bedroom cottages – perfectly suited to groups of friends or family.
When I think of a relaxing weekend away, I picture myself with a beverage in hand (coffee by day, gin by night), snacks within arms-reach and a delicious novel to get lost in. Ideally, I’m surrounded by nature and if my children are nearby, they’re far enough away for me to not be able to hear them, but also know they’re safe and having the time of their lives. Naturally, life before kids looked a little different – but I’m happy to take these small moments of joy when I can.
But what if I told you, there was a magical place less than two hours from Newcastle, where parents could truly relax? A place where wide open spaces beckoned your little ones to play, explore and get messy for hours on end.
Barrington Hideaway is the perfect spot to achieve all of this. Each fully stocked cabin backs on to the river, with large, covered verandahs serving as an ideal spot for meals or a peaceful morning coffee. The property itself features extensive native gardens, home to a range of wild fauna and birdlife. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a platypus or two (unfortunately our group of noisy children scared them off this time).
The river can be accessed via a short amble downhill at either end of the cabins. So, if fishing
is your thing – don’t forget to pack a line. Just be mindful that the river path can be a little treacherous, especially following lots of rain (as was the case when we visited). If you fancy a paddle, kayaks and canoes can be hired from nearby Barrington Outdoor Adventure Centre.
Each fully stocked cabin backs on to the river, with large, covered verandahs serving as an ideal spot for meals or a peaceful morning coffee.
No weekend away in the countryside would be complete without a campfire (nor your children stuffing themselves silly with toasted marshmallows). Hosts Sue and Paul were more than happy to get the fire going for us and they can organise a proper camp dinner for any groups interested. We opted to pick up supplies from the butcher in town and shared a meal together on one of the cabin’s balconies (each of which have a small Weber BBQ).
Barrington Hideaway’s close proximity to both townships of Gloucester and Barrington mean those wanting to explore the wider area can easily do so. A one-hour drive to the west will take you to the World Heritage Listed Barrington Tops National Park, home to a variety of scenic walks to suit all fitness levels.
If you’re craving a barista-made coffee or some sweet treats to bring back, head to The Common – a bustling little café on the corner of Church and Denison Streets. The Swell team took the opportunity to sneak away and enjoy a child-free coffee date while the dads and kids stayed at the farm. We may have arrived back to all six children covered in mud – but the couple of hours we had to sip coffee and stroll about town were absolutely worth it.
Between breaks in the rain the kids occupied themselves by riding bikes up and down the driveaway, foraging for frogs or bugs, playing hide-and-seek or chatting to the resident cows.
Between breaks in the rain the kids occupied themselves by riding bikes up and down the driveaway, foraging for frogs or bugs, playing hide-and-seek or chatting to the resident cows.
Another way the Barrington Hideaway hosts encourage guests to slow down is by stocking each cabin with a DIY clay kit by Kate of Barrington Coast Ceramics. These kits are available for purchase and contain all you’ll need to craft your own mug or vase – a perfect rainy-day activity (or any day, really). Kate has also recently started hosting her own ceramics workshops on the property.
When Sunday came around and we reloaded our cars to head home (seven loads of muddy clothing waiting for us), I couldn’t help but feel like another couple of nights at Barrington Hideaway would have suited me just fine.
A huge thank you to the Hedditch and Wheaton families for hosting us at your amazing property. We had an absolute blast!
As seen in Swell Issue 14.
