good for you

Cloudlands certainly lives up to its name, as a visit to this elegant mountain lodge in Australia's World Heritage- listed Blue Mountains can only be described as 'heavenly'.

Staying in the historic fully self-contained writer's retreat on the property could have you inspired to pen that long-overdue novel or just relax in complete privacy.

Originally built in 1916 for the Swiss Consul, the main house is occupied by the owners, husband and wife team, Anne Elliott and Ron Bradford, who offer the writer's retreat as separate guest accommodation.

Rescuing the property in the late 90s from near-derelict condition, the couple have painstakingly restored the buildings, recycling all the original materials wherever possible.

The beautiful oak-panelled lounge room with its unusual beamed ceiling conjures up another era, when life was a bit slower and there was time to sit by the fire reading a good book.

The retreat is in the perfect location for visiting the natural wonder of the Three Sisters and other local attractions, and has private access onto the world-famous Prince Henry Cliff Walk for exploring the nearby national park. There is literally 'mountains' of things to see and do in the area.

During your stay you'll surely find a spot for quiet contemplation, or be tempted to take an invigorating bushwalk for breathtaking views of the mountains from the many lookouts. Or you might just be content to soak in the claw-footed bath and smell the lilac and magnolia blossoms that adorn the property's gardens in the Spring.

Be warned though, all the walking in fresh mountain air; the romantic setting of the cottage, and the artistic cultural and rich natural environment, could leave you feeling quite 'celestial'.

good for the blue mountains

Cloudlands proudly supports small businesses in the region, using local produce in the breakfasts provided for guests; locally sourced furnishings; and purchasing services provided by the local community.

Guests are encouraged to walk as much as possible when staying here, in order to fully appreciate the special qualities of the area – such as the breath-taking scenery all around. There is good reason why the Greater Blue Mountains area is one of just 16 World-Heritage listed areas in Australia. Walking also contributes to low-impact tourism, with less reliance on driving.

The Katoomba Heritage and Art Walk, which was developed with assistance by Cloudlands arts-loving owners, is a must to experience the diversity of local culture and arts and crafts of the region. They are passionate about supporting the arts and have been involved with supporting many cultural initiatives and local community projects.

The property's is committed to sustainable principles, with self-sustaining gardens and environmentally-friendly water and heating systems and plans to install solar energy in the future.

Cloudlands has also been granted Blue Mountains Business Advantage accreditation, a scheme which promotes sustainable business practices, adding a big tick to its green credentials.

Rooms

Food

Cloudlands supports the principles of 'slow food', and the breakfast provided during your stay reflects a passion for supporting small business, organic food, regional cuisine and artisan producers (especially the Mountains' fabulous small organic sourdough bakeries and traditional jam-making and fruit preserving customs).

Lingering breakfasts of locally-produced organic treats such as bircher muesli and free-range eggs are served on the sheltered verandah, with rosellas and parrots in the trees nearby providing suitable accompaniment.

Special dietary requirements are also catered for including vegan and wheat-free, and in-house catering and picnic hampers can be arranged with advanced notice. Details of these options are given to guests on enquiring.

For other meals, guests can cook their own at the retreat's fully equipped kitchen or sample one of the many quality restaurants within walking distance of the property.

The owners can make a number of recommendations for the best places to buy local produce including home-baked breads, home made jams, fruit and herbs and fresh cheeses.

Make sure to sample some of their own home-made apple jam made from their own organically-grown trees.

Features & Facilities

• A unique four-bedroom fully self-contained writer's retreat in the midst of the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains.
• Fully equipped kitchen for self catering options.
• Massages, facials, and health treatments can be arranged.
• Private access to the national park
• Bushwalking, bird-watching, historical tours, cultural experiences and nature tours can be arranged.
• Themed packages such as Yulefest, Christmas, and Women's R & R are all offered as free upgrades.
• A selection of CDs, videos and DVDs is available along with a wide selection of books, board games and puzzles if you choose to stay indoors.
• A trolley bus stop is a few minutes walk away taking guests further afield.

Local Info & Activities

Katoomba: A trip to Katoomba would not be complete without visiting the myriad of local organic farms; olive groves, wineries and gardens, or taking high tea at one of the historic hotels in the area. A whole day could be spent just browsing through the antique shops, bookshops and galleries in the area.

Scenic Railway: Don't miss catching the Katoomba Scenic Railway, the world's steepest, which descends from the cliff-top at Katoomba down into the Jamison Valley.

The Three Sisters: This amazing trio of natural rock formations is best viewed from Katoomba. Descend the steps to the scenic boardwalk on the valley floor, or dare to try rock-climbing or canyoning with one of the specialist local operators.

The City of the Blue Mountains: The city has recently won international endorsement as a Cittaslow, highlighting the region as an outstanding source of fine food and quality produce, and a thriving artistic environment. Cittaslow (pronounced CHITTA-slow) literally means 'slow city' and is an extension of the worldwide 'slow food' movement.

National Parks: The Blue Mountains National Park is a wonderland of sandstone outcrops, deep ravines and hazy blue eucalypt forests. It is one of eight national parks that make up the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area.

The Wollemi Pine, world's oldest species of tree, is unique to the Wollemi National Park in the Blue Mountains area. The region is so densely forested the 40-metre-high trees escaped detection until 1994, flourishing undisturbed in a remote valley less than 200 km from Sydney.

Hiking: The area is renowned for its well-marked walking trails past spectacular scenery and pristine bushland. The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service conducts walks, as do a number of local operators.

Gardens: Gardens in these parts are a delight. One of the most noteworthy is Everglades Gardens, laid out in the 1930s by Danish-born landscape designer Paul Sorensen. Don't miss the old-fashioned tearooms for afternoon tea with home-made scones and jam.

Sustainability

Both buildings have been lovingly restored with care taken to salvage all the valuable timbers and as much of the original historic features of the house as possible.

'Eco-conscious' initiatives include composting, providing paper lined bins, and planting native floras and grasses to reduce water use, although they don't use unbleached toilet paper or energy efficient light-bulbs.

The often cold climate in this region means heating is a must. At present at Cloudlands heating is provided by gas and a fire with 'enviro' logs, but better methods of alternative energy could be used. Plans to install solar energy in the future will improve the property's environmental footprint.

Cloudland's advocacy for 'slow food' using local produce has definitely had a profound impact not only on the food sector of the town, but the whole infrastructure and interaction between business, council and the community. Using organic, locally produced products keeps much needed revenue from tourism in the community.

Cloudlands also supports a number of community-based projects and has recently adopted the Help In Suffering organisation in India as its major charity to support. This unique initiative provides one of the local residents with the opportunity to spend six months of the year in India working on humanitarian and conservation projects.

Getting There

Katoomba is approximately one and a half hours drive from Sydney or two hours by train.

Cloudlands is only five minutes from the Katoomba Railway station and as it is not necessary to have a car when staying at the property, as many of the local attractions can be reached on foot.

In the interests of the environment it might even be better to leave the car at home and take the train for a true eco-experience.

Interstate visitors travelling by train can connect with the line which leaves Central Station, while Sydney Airport trains go direct to Central Station for those flying or connecting from overseas.

insider tips

The Blue Mountains can be very cold in winter from June – October so be prepared to rug up. The rest of the year the region experiences a temperate climate and a cool respite in the heat of the Australian summer.

Tariffs range from A$125 per person per night based on four people sharing. This reduces to A$95 per person per night if seven people are sharing. The minimum stay is two nights. For a couple, the cost is A$250 per double per night with a minimum two-night stay.

All tariffs include quality linen, fresh flowers, fresh fruit, handmade chocolates and fudge, natural toiletries and a generous breakfast.

Secure bookings and enquiries can be made through the website and all bookings are confirmed in writing.

Visit our Transport section for flights, hybrid car rentals and train bookings.

Rates & Bookings

• Generous breakfasts featuring organic local produce.
• Quality linen & pampering Natural toiletries.
• Fresh flowers, fresh fruit, handmade chocolates and fudge
• Use of fully equipped kitchen for self-catering lunch or dinner.
• Rates are per/person per night unless otherwise stated.

• Minimum stay 2 nights, minimum 4 people staying

group of 4

AUS$125 p/per/p/night

group of 5

AUS$115 p/per/p/night

group of 6

AUS$105 per person per night

group of 7

AUS$95 per person per night

• Applies to stays from Monday - Thursday
• Minimum stay 2 nights

2 people sharing

AUS$250 per double per night

group

AUS$250 for first two people

AUS$70 for each additional person

midweek packages

2 people sharing

AUS$720 per double for 3 nights

AUS$820 per double for 4 nights.

group

AUS$880 for 4 people for 3 nights

(AUS$130 each additional guest)

AUS$1050 for 4 people for 4 nights

(AUS$130 each additional guest)

AUS$1590 (summer) for 4 guests for 7 nights

AUS$2190 (Autumn to Spring) for 4 guests for 7 guests

AUS$150 each additional guest for 7 nights

booking & cancellation policies

• AUS$200 plus 10% of the total cost of the booking is required as a non-refundable deposit in order to secure a booking.
• Cancellations will result in the forfeit of the entire deposit - AUS$200 + 10%of the total cost of the booking.
• If cancellations are made on the day, or there is a 'no-show' then the total cost of the booking is taken as a cancellation fee.

Want to avoid cancellation fees? Visit our Insurance section for information on travel insurance.