Kiwarrak Country Retreat
Location: 239 Half Chain Road, Old Bar, au
Star Rating: 4 Stars
Property Type: Apartments
About this Property
Tranquil Oasis in Nature
Stylish Self-Contained Cottages: Kiwarrak Country Retreat offers beautifully designed cottages with private patios, outdoor dining areas, and barbecue facilities. Enjoy the serene garden and lake views from the comfort of your own space.
Surrounded by Nature: Nestled in 10 acres of lush gardens and bushland, this retreat is a haven for nature lovers. Explore the nearby state forest and national parks, or take a short drive to Old Bar Beach and Taree for a day of seaside adventures.
Convenient Location: With Harrington and Forster just a short distance away, Kiwarrak Country Retreat strikes the perfect balance between seclusion and accessibility. Book your stay now for a peaceful getaway amidst nature's beauty.
Important Information
Please note that this property does not accept payments with American Express credit cards.
Policies
Check-in: 02:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Check-out: 10:00 AM
Amenities & Facilities
- Offsite parking discounted rates available
- Parking
- BBQ facilities
- Massage services
- Invoice provided
- Free wired internet
- Self parking (surcharge)
- Offsite parking discounted rates available
- Internet access
- Japanese garden
Rooms Available
-
The Bower Cottage
1 Queen Bed
Balcony/patio with lake views
Relax - Private hot tub and fireplace; in-room massage available
Entertainment - Flat-screen TV, digital channels, and DVD player
Food & Drink - Kitchen with refrigerator, stovetop, oven, and microwave
Sleep - Bed sheets
Bathroom - Private bathroom, separate bathtub and shower, free toiletries, and a hair dryer
Practical - Washer/dryer, iron/ironing board, and wardrobe or closet
Comfort - Heating and ceiling fan
Need to Know - No housekeeping, no cribs (infant beds) available
Non-Smoking
Connecting/adjoining rooms can be requested, subject to availability
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Coffee/tea maker
- TV
- Hair dryer
- Refrigerator
- DVD player
- Microwave
- Private bathroom
- Heating
- Kitchen
- Fireplace
- Interconnected room(s) available
- Electric kettle
- Wardrobe or closet
- Oven
- Stovetop
- Toaster
- Toilet paper
- Ceiling fan
- In-room massage available
- Separate bathtub and shower
- Private spa tub
- Balcony or patio
- No cribs (infant beds)
- Bedsheets provided
- No housekeeping
-
Studio Cottage - Adult Only
Overlooking the lake and gardens, this adult only cottage features a fireplace and an outdoor hot tub.
Please note that children cannot be accommodated in this cottage.
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Shower
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Refrigerator
- DVD player
- CD player
- Fan
- Toilet
- Microwave
- Private bathroom
- Heating
- Kitchen
- Fireplace
- Private entrance
- Dining area
- Electric kettle
- Wardrobe or closet
- Oven
- Stovetop
- Toaster
- Barbecue
- Linen
- Dining table
- Outdoor furniture
- Outdoor dining area
- Semi-detached
- Clothes rack
- Drying rack for clothing
- Toilet paper
- Trash cans
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body soap
- Smoke alarm
- Fire extinguisher
-
Two-Bedroom Cottage
This cottage features a fireplace, barbecue facilities and an outdoor patio overlooking the gardens.
Max Occupancy: 4 (4 Adults)
- Shower
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Refrigerator
- DVD player
- Fan
- Toilet
- Microwave
- Washing machine
- Private bathroom
- Heating
- Kitchen
- Fireplace
- Additional toilet
- Dining area
- Electric kettle
- Wardrobe or closet
- Oven
- Stovetop
- Toaster
- Barbecue
- Additional bathroom
- Linen
- Dining table
- Outdoor furniture
- Outdoor dining area
- Semi-detached
- Clothes rack
- Drying rack for clothing
- Toilet paper
- Board games/puzzles
- Books, DVDs, or music for children
- Sofa bed
- Trash cans
- Cots
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body soap
- Smoke alarm
- Fire extinguisher
Guest Reviews
- Allan (7/5): - Didn't think the breakfast supplies were adequate for two nights
- Sharon (9/5): -
- Greg (10/5): - Love the quiet location and the space. Friendly staff and a lovely place to stay when I'm in the area visiting family.
- Kevin (10/5): A superb retreat, and great relaxing stay. Wonderful accommodation, great attention to detail. - It would be far easier just to say that there wasn't anything not to like.
Thank you Meg and Tara. We have recommended to everyone that we have seen since we left you, that they should book to stay. We wouldn't hesitate to visit again if we are up your way.
- FRANCES (10/5): - All the extra personal touches. The cottage was delightful
- Rachael (10/5): Beautiful surroundings, comfortable, peaceful. Will definitely be recommending to friends & family. -
- Kate (10/5): Relax in the beautiful surrounds of Kirawwak - The property was stunning. Beautiful gardens and the cottage was spacious comfortable and well equipped.
It was close by to great beaches and national parks but you may just want to stay at Kiwarrak and relax.
The hosts provided a great breakfast for the first morning and even brought our washing in when it started to rain. Very kind!!
- Tara (10/5): -
- Murray (10/5): -
- Khurram (10/5): -
- Feiyu (10/5): Stunning gardens and beautiful rooms, great breakfast. A true retreat. - One of the best BnB we have ever stayed in. The level of detail is just beyond speech. The wood fireplace was loaded with kindle and paper ready to go. Looking out every window you will have a lovely view of the garden. A bower bird bower right outside the bedroom sliding door! Rubbish handling truly shows how much the host cares about the environment We took a stroke in the garden and just couldn't help but smile at all the little things, a tin man climbing the tree, an egg chair nested in a tree surrounded yard, fairy gardens, etc, etc... Not to mention the breakfast provided - loved the sourdough, homemade muesli, and jam... Overall it's truly a retreat a family can just stay without needing to go anywhere else for a weekend.
- Telique (10/5): Perfect - The breakfast hamper was a lovely bonus and the grounds were amazing also getting to see the bower bird in its nest was a highlight Everything was perfect
- susan (10/5): -
- Jeanine (9/5): Very peaceful, relaxing and comfortable. Also very clean and well maintained. - Loved the location. In nature. Very spacious and comfortable stay. Close to the beach and close to Taree. Very peaceful with a fireplace and a bath. They also have a beautiful Bower Bird in the garden.
- Keneff (10/5): Exceptional -
- Robert (10/5): 11 out of 10 - my family and I had a wonderful long weekend stay in the arbour house it was spacious and inviting with so many little welcoming touches like fresh bread and eggs which were to die for !
There was even fresh juice and butter.... too many lovely little things too list....
it was absolutely magical walking around the beautiful grounds and finding the little treasures and seating areas , the children loved the bike trails and cricket set that was so thoughtfully left for them .
thank you so much we felt so at home and we can't wait to return .
- Ingrid (10/5): Stay at Kirwarrak, Old Bar - Loved the serenity and the welcome breakfast. The gardens and surrounding areas were beautiful. The lighting in the kitchen needs to be improved. There needs to be light over the benchtops.
- Tara (10/5): Thank you Tara and Meg for the beautiful accommodation in a stunning setting - This was the best holiday accommodation we’ve stayed at in a long time. Everything you need was there, the location setting was beautiful, beds comfortable. Couldn’t fault it. There was nothing not to like.
The only thing missing was a garbage bag in the bin which I’m sure was just an oversight. Would definitely go there again.
- Mellisa (10/5): Perfect little getaway - Beautiful bush setting, relaxing getaway for two Nothing we didn't like about the accommodation. Everything was perfect!
The gravel road was a little concerning though as it was raining, which made it slippery in some areas, and there were quite a few pot holes..glad we had a landcruiser
- Cassia (10/5): Exceptional -
- Lokeswara (10/5): Exceptional -
- Jeanne (10/5): Top Notch Cabin in the Woods - Beautiful and serene setting in the middle of a forest- yet close to beaches and three national parks. The cabin was filled with special touches that don’t go unnoticed- a fresh bouquet of herbs perched in a jar by the door, fresh flowers placed thoughtfully among candles everywhere, a spa to soak away your troubles, homemade organic body scrub by the tub, local honey and jam with sourdough, homemade granola, comfy couches and bed. The propriety is full of trails and ponds to explore with benches and spots to sit and enjoy nature. There was a Bower Bird nest outside the cabin where we could watch him build a nest for his mate. We had a lovely stay and definitely plan on returning again. Meg was there when we needed her, but otherwise left us to ourselves. Nothing! Everything was perfect.
- Allan (10/5): Quiet, relaxing, comfortable and well appointed. - It was so peaceful we didn't really head out anywhere. We just relaxed.
- Kelly (4/5): Disappointing - Location was close to the service I needed. Bathroom was not clean, black mould in the shower, no soap in the bottle, discusting grime on the soap bottle, toilet was not clean, bathroom lighting so terrible and no good for putting on make-up for work, 1 fan positioned ridiculously, no insulation so the cabin is hot and sweaty, cheap portable ac unit which doesn't cool the room and is very loud. Walking to the cabin the hedges are over grown and spiders and web go according making it unpleasant to walk through.
- Elaine (9/5): Great location close to our family that we were visiting! The property was spacious and clean and the grounds were super - It was spacious, clean and very relaxing! No hot tub
- Wendy (10/5): Hidden Gem - Set in absolutely beautiful grounds we found our lovely cottage accommodation. The cottage is thoughtfully decorated with lots of wonderful touches throughout, it was a pleasure to call it home for a few days. The quality of linen made hopping into bed was a nice experience. We were lucky enough to see the bower bird guarding its blue treasures just outside the window. I look forward to a return visit in the near future. A handrail from the downstairs bedroom up into the main house would be a welcome addition.
- Judy (10/5): Very relaxing, homely feeling. I left feeling regenerated and a new lease on life. Thank you ❤️ - A Breakfast hamper was supplied in your cabin.
A bbq was available to use as was a Spa on the front verandah. The layout was perfect for my stay. I’d thoroughly recommend Kiwarrak to all my friends. I will return 😀 There was nothing to not like.
Leaving on the last day was the only thing not to like.
- Jennifer (10/5): if you want the best, this is the place it's 5 star - it's the most magical place, beautiful accommodation, wonderful breakfast basket, lovely extra touches. this place is 5 star leaving
- Tony (10/5): A quiet and relaxing setting to recharge. Bushland walks, resident bower bird, spa and wood fire were fantastic addition - A quiet bushland setting with a resident bower bird was fantastic.
- Matthew (10/5): Exceptional -
- Trish (10/5): Unfortunately, we had to leave 2 days earlier than planned due to personal family reasons wwbb! - Everything was perfect from the location to the accommodation itself - and yes thank you for the breakfast - very enjoyable Needs a better road coming in to the property (less potholes)
- Anne (10/5): Such a lovely place - we come back here any time we are in travelling in this area. - The location is idyllic, very beautiful and peaceful. The owners are lovely - close & helpful, but not invasive. Rooms are comfy, and kitchen and bathroom spotlessly clean & tidy. Breakfast basket was appreciated: simple but yummy!
- Susan (10/5): A tranquil paradise only 20 mins from the lovely Taree - The bower cottage was so comfy and cosy, fireplace ,Spa, candles, a fully equipped kitchen, shower and bed were great, so much attention to detail, exceptional! Can't fault anything, a great place to stay
- Lisa (10/5): Exceptional - Loved it. Wish we stayed longer. Only had 2 nights. Felt like I was on my honeymoon. Nothing.
- Nigel (9/5): Superb -
- Tania (10/5): You will not be disappointed with the reality of each detail you find when you visit. I cannot wait to return once again - My husband and I were simply looking forward to a few days away together. What we found at Kiwarrak Retreat- the Bower was a place to breathe and BE. Every little detail was cared for with thoughtfulness.
From the welcome breakfast hamper with the most delicate honey, to the fire being laid in readiness for the cool night ahead, details matter because you matter to Meg and Tara.
The bed was not just welcoming to look at but comfy to sleep in, with beautiful sheets and a very warm doona. It invited you to rest.
The kitchen was well appointed and everything was clean! What a pleasure to prepare even a small meal.
As you meander through the gardens, you get a sense of welcome and wonder. There is someone here who wants you to feel at peace. There was not one thing that I would want to change!
- Trent (10/5): Exceptional - Was peaceful and very relaxing
- Brian (10/5): Exceptional - Everything was absolutely fantastic. A great rural retreat to relax & enjoy. It was our 2nd stay & there will be more.
- Ken (10/5): Relaxing and peaceful. - The welcome breakfast that was supplied was lovely. Croissants, oats and home made muesli with fresh ground coffee. The accommodation was spacious and spotless.Beautiful gardens with a view from the bedroom of a Bowerbird with his bright collection of objects.
- Mellissa (10/5): Beautiful location, the hosts are very good to deal with and we will definitely be back again - The peaceful surroundings but yet still very close to towns and beaches. The facilities were fabulous, the hampers were a great add on and very convenient. Love the record player and book collection. The mosquitos, definitely make sure you use the coils provided if sitting outside and in the spa
- Patgp77 (10/5): Pleasant and memorable. - The location was a quiet place to rest, hear the birds sing and retreat in nature. The house itself was cozy with all the practical thoughtful touches of homemade meusli, local jam and honey. Enjoyed the cozy fire and candles on a cold autumn night and a dreamy pond near by.
- Michael (10/5): Lovely couple of nights. - The brekkie was great, with the super clean BBQ right outside. Being older, the steps into the bathroom & kitchen were not ideal, but I managed.
- Kellie (9/5): Lovely relaxing stay - Located in a peaceful location amongst lovely gardens. The cottage was clean and comfortable and felt like home, with lots of thoughtful touches and every comfort provided. The breakfast hamper was delicious, especially the muesli. Great location a short drive to Taree or Old Bar. The hosts were very helpful and check in and out easy and simple. There were a lot of mosquitoes outside in the evening, making it uncomfortable to walk around outside at that time. But the cottage itself was perfectly comfortable and no mozzies during the day. I took mosquito repellent but some guests may not realise to take some if they are wanting to do a stroll at dusk. But it was a wonderful stay and this was the only small detractor.
- Brad (10/5): great relaxing stay, would highly recommend - great free continental breakfast, home made muesli was excellent. and we cooked on the bbq for every meal, so nice to have a great hot bar b to use
- Margaret (9/5): Superb - Really relaxing and peaceful. Thanks Meg Tv remote. A bit confusing. No big issue though.
- David (10/5): A retreat worth visiting for its excellent location and facilities - very comfortable bed, lots of space, great cooking facilities , very quiet as you would expect from a retreat, nice welcome pack for breakfast incl milk , butter and honey absolutely nothing but if you push me all I could have wished for as an extra would be another ice tray , hardly worth mentioning
- Mark (9/5): Relaxation in the bush away from the hustle and bustle yet so accessible to nearby beaches and shops - Wonderful peaceful bush location with an abundance of birdlife. What a treat to see the Satin Bower bird in native surrounds and to experience the beautiful outdoor hot tub! We visited at a particularly hot time. Would love to come back in cooler weather!
- Jacinta (9/5): Peaceful retreat - Quiet natural setting with beautiful gardens. Perfect for people wanting time out to reflect or a quiet place to return to after a day on the beach. Think relaxing music, reading, garden strolls a peaceful evening drink and meal with loved ones listening to and engaging with nature
- Shellie (8/5): Very good - Quite Was nice we went to local tavern,but they would not pick us up to go up dirt rd ...so we had one friend drive unable to have a drink...
- Marianna (10/5): Attended a 50 th - Love the peace and tranquility and the location and loved the country cottage ambiance The mosquitoes
- Rosemary (10/5): Exquisite location, surrounding nature and lodgings. - Exquisite location, surrounding nature and lodgings. Well resourced, spotlessly clean with sublime attention to detail in every way. Very private. we enjoyed evenings in the outdoor spa and then sleeping with the (screened) windows and curtains open to capture the cool and nature calls. The air conditioning was most adequate however we barely used it as surrounding nature and forest kept the area cool. A very short drive to Old Bar Beach. We will definitely stay again! Thank you to the hosts for offering such wonderful lodgings. Everything was perfect.
- Newlan (9/5): Superb -
- Kylie (10/5): Exceptional - Absolutely beautiful relaxing place to stay. Definitely be back again . Needed more PowerPoints close to the bed.
- Brian (10/5): Absolutely amazing! - Everything was absolutely fantastic. Right from entering the gate, through to the cottage & peaceful surroundings. What a wonderful piece of Australia. Not applicable. Everything was perfect.
- Greg (10/5): Exceptional - Such a beautiful, quiet location Leaving
- Karen (10/5): You have to stay here!! - Absolutely gorgeous location, it provided the peace and rest we needed. The Bower Cottage was beautifully set up with everything you could need. We lo ed all the little touches, like the breakfast and having a record player with records just added to the enjoyment. Nothing, at all.
- Melissa (8/5): Great little spot - The location, the birds! and the garden Limited phone recpetion.
- Robert (10/5): Exceptional - An exceptionally nice place to stay.
Short, easy trip to beaches, coffee shops, supermarkets, etc but with a secluded feel. Set in wonderful surroundings with beautiful gardens and natural bushland. Exceptional in every regard.
- Peter (10/5): Would recommend this superb location to anyone. - Breakfast box was super. Included everything we needed for our first morning there. Can’t think of anything to be honest. It was a great accommodation.
- Joy (8/5): Very good -
- Susan (10/5): Exceptional -
- Susan (10/5): Perfect - As return guests we love everything about this property.
- Elizabeth (10/5): Very relaxing and comfortable accommodation and lovely surrounds. - Nice complimentary breakfast. Great cottage. Wonderful fire. Everything perfect.
- Fiona (9/5): A stunning location, comfortable cottage with beautiful grounds = very relaxing stay! - stunning location, comfortable cottage & beautiful grounds heating in bedroom would have been nice
- Evlyn (8/5): Very good -
- Tobias (9/5): Superb -
- Rene (10/5): Exceptional -
- Andrew (9/5): Enjoyed the stay and will recommend it to family and friends. - The property was beautiful and enjoyable to stroll around looking at the dams and plants and bird life. It made for a very relaxing stay. As we arrived at night in the dark it was a bit difficult to find the property entrance. It would have been good to know that the entrance was on Irwin Rd and Half Chain Rd corner.
- Robyn (10/5): Exactly what we needed for a quiet getaway - It really felt like a retreat , so relaxing & peaceful.
- Michael (9/5): Superb -
- Tymon (10/5): Exceptional -
- Kathy (10/5): Exceptional -
- Catherine (9/5): Superb -
- Anonymous (10/5): Ultimate relaxation in a hidden paradise ❤️ - Everything! From the private hot tub on the verandah to the lovely garden views from every window.
All the quirky surprises on the walk around the property and the in house massage and homemade sourdough bread.
The owners have thought of every special little personal touch in this accomodation and i I did not want to leave. Your given complete privacy but they are very accommodating if you reach out for anything too. Highly recommend this place, I will definitely be back. Nothing at all, I loved it. The mobile reception is limited which may be a bother for some but for me it helped me to switch off and relax more so no negatives really.
- Mark (8/5): Very good -
- Nicole (10/5): Exceptional -
- Lynette (9/5): great time with old friends - staff were helpful polite and helpful a - space and privacy dirt road and rain !!!
- Peter (10/5): It was excellent and most definitely will come back another time - The location was beautiful, tranquil, peaceful. Very comfortable accommodation. Great little walks around the property. Close to Old Bar to go and have lunch, dinner. nothing negative
- Julie (9/5): Superb - Loved the serenity, the setup & especially the spa! Unfortunately the weather was torrential rain so unable to take a walk around the beautiful gardens. Didnt enjoy driving through the pot hole ridden road to the Retreat. Luckily we knew a local so the courtesy bus would drop us home - otherwise hard to get drivers & no food delivery.
- Cameron (10/5): Exceptional -
- Lily-rose (10/5): If you're after a beautiful, relaxing and tranquil stay, this is the holiday for you. - We absolutely loved our stay here. Beautiful property and grounds, hot tub, comfortable bed, the addition of the fireplace was perfect for creating a cozy holiday. Also loved watching the bower birds. Tara and Meg were very accommodating and had provided everything within the retreat that you could possibly need to have a comfortable and relaxing stay. The retreat was also very eco friendly which was lovely to see. Would definitely recommend to anyone.
- Walter (7/5): Good -
- Sharp (10/5): peaceful, delightful experience with thoughtful hosts. - incredible. so beautiful and well appointed. so many thoughtful inclusions. the genuine effort to be green while maintaining comfort. spacious. the wood burner. breakfast supplies. easy checkin/ checkout. I liked everything about the property
- Timothy (10/5): Great little sanctuary- perfect Sydney/Byron stop - Absolutely beautiful little retreat - quite a surprising little sanctity. Great place as a sleepover between a byron/Sydney drive halfway. Beautiful cottage, breakfast basket and supplies in the kitchen - kids loved the toys’
- Verified traveler (10/5): - Great stay, lovely spot and friendly and helpful hosts
- Verified traveler (10/5): - This is a beautiful property in a lovely forested area with beautiful established gardens, It's conveniently located not far off the main road between Taree and Old Bar. We have stayed twice and found it well appointed, relaxing and no-fuss interaction with the friendly and helpful owners.
- Verified traveler (10/5): - We had a wonderful 5 day stay at Kiwarrak Country Retreat. It is a beautiful place with very kind, yet not intrusive, hosts.The cottage was private, very comfortable and well equipped. The grounds are beautiful and very well kept. We will stay again!
- Verified traveler (10/5): - The absolute quiet country location was excellent. The facilities were above expectations and the hosts could not be more helpful.
The only problem was trying to leave before the 10 am check out.
Will stay longer next time.
- Verified traveler (10/5): - Loved this place, great to get away from it all. Peaceful place, staff amazing, wish we could of stayed longer. 5 stars.
- Verified traveler (8/5): - Beautiful grounds and comfortable space. Only comments would be with the need for an extra fan in one of the bedrooms on very hot days.
- Verified traveler (10/5): - A lovely, peaceful location; private, comfortable and well cared for.
- Benton (10/5): Peace and quiet - Quiet, secluded and very pleasant, extremely accommodating yet non intrusive hosts, would certainly visit again
- Vicki (10/5): - Spent a very relaxing afternoon and evening in the Bower Cottage at Kiwarrak Country Retreat. The grounds were lovely and the cottage was beautifully presented with everything you could possibly need as well as many thoughtful extras. Particularly enjoyed the spa and the log fire. We will definitely return.
- Verified traveler (10/5): A very special place. - Beautiful location with gorgeous amenities. Very cosy, a perfect place to relax with a book or some wine in the spa. Everything you could want is supplied.
I liked it so much i immediately booked another stay so my husband could join me next time.
- Verified traveler (10/5): Lovely peaceful location. - We spent a lovely weekend here.
The staff were excellent and made sure we had everything we needed.
The accommodation is very private and had everything, surrounded but trees.
- amanda (8/5): - Beautiful place to stay. Loved the fairy gardens and all the thoughtful touches. Good value for money.
- pam and Glen (10/5): Quiet and peaceful. - Well worth a visit, we wouldn’t hesitate to stay again. The spar was a real bonus, we were sad we weren’t able to stay for longer.
- Yvonne (10/5): Great location for relaxing stay - Great host, well kept grounds, private accommodation with all needs met. Lovely spa area with bush outlook...clean and comfy. Highly recommend.
- Verified traveler (10/5): Away from everything - Excellent stay. Isolated but not far from anywhere. A perfect location. The gardens were wonderful and there was plenty of wildlife. The facilities were excellent and the rooms were very well appointed.
- Vicki (10/5): Quiet comfortable retreat. - A beautiful, well maintained quiet place to stay. A fairy walk for the kids was a nice touch. Toys and books for the kids also made the kids day. Beautiful decor, and a lovely little find. I would definitely stay again.
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