Glamping Near Sydney
Luxury domes, safari tents, and a family retreat in the Dooralong Valley - just 90 minutes from the CBD
Check AvailabilitySydney is brilliant until you need a break from it. The traffic, the noise, the constant screen time — sometimes you just need somewhere that forces you to slow down. Unwind Escapes is 90 minutes up the M1 from the CBD (60 from Hornsby), tucked into a valley most Sydneysiders have never heard of. No road noise. No neighbours. Just a redwood forest, a pine grove, kangaroos at dusk, and four unique stays designed for people who want to disconnect without giving up a comfortable bed. Leave after work on a Friday and you are sitting by a fire pit before sunset.
Where You Will Stay
The Nest Glamping Dome NEW
Our newest and largest dome. King bed, in-dome cinema with 65" smart TV, floor-to-ceiling glass doors, and a private fire pit with seating for four. Sleeps up to 4. From AU$280/night.
View & book
The Burrow Glamping Dome
Geodesic dome with panoramic windows, queen bed, air conditioning, and valley views. The one everyone puts on their Instagram.
View & book
Redwood Safari Tent
Spacious canvas tent overlooking the redwood grove with its own fire pit. Wake up to forest views and birdsong.
View & book
Serene Family Retreat
Our family-sized stay with room to spread out. Air conditioning, a full kitchen, and direct access to the oval for the kids to run.
View & bookWhat Makes It Feel So Different From Sydney
The first thing you notice is the quiet. After 90 minutes of highway, you turn off the main road and the landscape opens up — rolling hills, horse paddocks, and then the property itself: a redwood grove, a pine forest that looks like it belongs in British Columbia, and a wide-open cricket oval with mountains behind it. At night, the sky is properly dark — no Sydney glow, no light pollution. You can actually see the Milky Way from the daybed on the deck or sitting around the fire pit.
- Genuinely dark skies — no Sydney light pollution
- Redwood grove and pine forest for morning walks without another person in sight
- Kangaroos wander through at dusk — right past your stay
- Resident horses in the paddock next door
- 100% solar-powered — your city escape is carbon-friendly
- Free Starlink WiFi if you need it (but you probably will not)
- Firewood and s'mores kits from the on-site shop for evenings under the stars
Things to Do From Your Base
The Dooralong Valley is quieter than you expect for somewhere so close to Sydney. Here is what is within reach:
Outdoor Adventures
- Learn Blacksmithing at Artisan Estate - Make your own knife at a working forge (20 minutes away)
- Breakfast with the Alpacas at Iris Lodge Alpacas - Hand-feed alpacas in the morning light
- Richters Cave Walk - Aboriginal engravings and coloured sandstone formations
- Ourimbah Mountain Bike Trails - Premier mountain biking through the bush
- Showtime Kayaking - LED-lit clear kayaks under the stars
- TreeTops Adventure Park - High ropes and canopy adventures for all ages
Food & Wine
- Firescreek Botanical Winery - Award-winning botanical wines (40 minutes)
- Distillery Botanica - Artisan gin distillery with tastings
- Duck Duck Moose Cafe - Local favourite for coffee and brunch
- The Yard Brewery & Smokehouse - Craft beer and authentic BBQ
- Hunter Valley Wineries - A full day trip to Australia's oldest wine region (about an hour)
Family Attractions (all within 30 minutes)
- Australian Reptile Park
- TreeTops Adventure Park
- Amazement Farm & Fun Park
- Pick Your Own Oranges (July - September)
For a full breakdown, read our Ultimate Guide to Glamping on the Central Coast.
What Our Guests Say
"I booked a last-minute trip to get out of Sydney with my dog and stayed in the dome, it was such a cool and unique experience. The amenities were clean, well looked after, and everything felt thoughtfully set up."
"Staying in the Dome was an absolute dream come true! Everything was spotless, and having access to the kitchen made the stay even more comfortable. A lovely surprise was meeting Ronnie, a beautiful and friendly horse."
"We had an amazing stay! The place was exactly what we needed - cozy, peaceful, and the perfect little escape from the city. Everything was so well thought out, making it a truly relaxing experience."
Offers & Pricing
We keep things simple. Book direct on our site for the best rates - no platform fees, no hidden costs.
- First-Time Visitors: Use code WELCOME10 for 10% off your first stay
- Extended Stays: 15% off 2+ nights, 25% off 4+ nights, 40% off weekly stays
- Midweek Escapes: Special rates Sunday - Thursday
Weddings & Events
Our property hosts groups of up to 80 for the day, with overnight accommodation for up to 14. Larger groups bus in and out. The venue includes a restored clubhouse with a historic bar, ceremony spaces in the redwood and pine forests, and a wide-open oval for marquees.
Frequently Asked Questions
About 90 minutes from Sydney CBD, Sydney Airport, and Parramatta. Around 60 minutes from Hornsby. The drive is straightforward via the M1 Pacific Motorway.
We have four stays: The Nest Glamping Dome (our newest premium dome with king bed, in-dome cinema and glass doors, sleeps 4), The Burrow Glamping Dome (geodesic dome with queen bed and valley views), the Redwood Safari Tent (spacious canvas tent overlooking the redwood grove), and the Serene Family Retreat (our family-sized option with full kitchen).
Yes! We are pet-friendly. Just let us know when you book so we can make sure everything is set up for you and your dog.
Year-round. Spring and summer are ideal for outdoor activities and long afternoons on the daybed. Autumn is stunning — the dawn redwood trees turn golden and amber. Winter brings cozy fireside evenings and crisp stargazing away from Sydney's light pollution.
We are in the Dooralong Valley, easily accessible via the M1 Pacific Motorway. The closest train station is Wyong (about 20 minutes by car). Please note transport options are limited - you will need a car. Full directions provided after booking.
Getting Here & Contact
From Sydney
- From Sydney CBD: 90 minutes via M1 Pacific Motorway
- From Sydney Airport: 90 minutes
- From Parramatta: 90 minutes
- From Hornsby: 60 minutes
- Nearest train station: Wyong (20 minutes by car)
Please note: transport options in the valley are limited. You will need a car to get here.
Open in Google MapsGet in Touch
For availability and pricing, use our booking site.
Written by Riley Mackillop
Founder of Unwind Escapes. Riley built the property from the ground up starting with a single bell tent in 2022. He now runs five unique glamping stays in the Dooralong Valley, Central Coast NSW.