Knowing we can’t travel overseas is a huge hit to our wandering hearts, but one thing we’re excited about is being able to spend time exploring our own beautiful country and in particular; the many sights available across NSW.

With the cooler weather still hanging around for a little bit longer, a trip out west into regional NSW is a must for anyone looking to escape the hustle, bustle, and daily grind here in Newcastle.

So, where are we headed? To the recently renovated, family-owned property home to one of the area’s most historic buildings; Hilton Homestead. Situated on a working cattle farm near the town of Mandurama, the rustic-style holiday home is only 10-minutes to the country town of Carcoar or 30-minutes to both Millthorpe and Canowindra.

Sitting on its own oasis on over 2000 acres of the family’s land, visitors can really experience the serenity and solitude of the open countryside whilst still being close enough to pick up a morning coffee or freshly baked bread.

The renovated 1890s historic homestead has six beautifully furnished bedrooms, each with its own distinct personality and character. The two king rooms at the front of the property are adorned with original cornices, ceiling roses, fireplaces, and of course, are luxuriously furnished.  

The kitchen has been designed to accommodate up to a group of 12, but still with some of the cottage’s original pieces. Just check out that cooking area; stunning!

Through to the dining, pull up a seat at the beautifully handcrafted table made by local furniture maker Tom Baker from TK Reclaimed. The piece was crafted from an 1800s hand-cut slab salvaged right from an old cottage on the property.

Walking into each room you can feel the history - the owners have adorned the walls with images of generations gone by as well as pieces throughout the property collected over the years.

Choose to spend the day in town and exploring the surrounding areas or stay in and make the most of the property. You could be sitting by the fire with a good book and a cup of tea (or glass of wine), enjoying the sunshine on the wraparound deck, or wandering the property’s expansive gardens.

Wanting to explore the property even further? Ask the owners about the track up to the top of the hill. It can take a good hour to get to the top but trust us – the views are worth it. Looking over the region’s rolling hills you get a real appreciation for the area.

Wake up to the fresh country air and the tranquil sounds of birds singing before sitting down and enjoying a quality cup of coffee and breakfast thanks to supplies provided by the owners. Fresh honey straight from the farm as well as eggs, milk, and other condiments.

The homestead truly is a bird watchers haven; with the wedge-tail eagle, parrots, blue wrens, honeyeaters, black swans, and many other native bird species making themselves known in the surrounding gardens.

You might also spot some of the properties other regular guests including kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, and wombats. Being situated on a working cattle farm, you might also spot a cow or two!

Hilton Homestead, set in an extensive country garden, lined with English oak trees and native Australian flora; might just be the ideal place for those looking to experience their very own rural retreat. So, grab your mates or get the extended family together and book out Mandurama’s Hilton Homestead and make the most of a regional NSW exploration holiday.