Arriving at The Willows at Kurrajong, the pace of life seems to slow. Sunlight drifts across the gardens, roses and towering red gums sway gently in the breeze, and the air carries the soft chorus of birdsong. Across 11 acres, there are three retreats. There’s Willow Cottage, the Loft Suite, and the Sunningdale Suite. They all offer quiet corners to unwind, verandas to linger on, and rooms that invite you to stay awhile. Just an hour from Sydney, it feels a world away, yet close enough to step out and explore the rolling hills, orchards, and historic villages of the Hawkesbury region.
Breakfast and Morning Rituals
Breakfast begins quietly, the scent of freshly baked bread mingling with the air from surrounding wildflowers. Prepare a full cooked breakfast or enjoy the thoughtfully supplied continental provisions – usually eggs, bacon, mushrooms, fruit, cereals, and muesli (do call ahead to arrange dietary changes).
There’s plenty of little touches too – a jar of honey, a pot of coffee. Chocolate waits in the evening. The bed is soft. The room is quiet, and a small note from Bruce and Janet… all linger in memory.
Outside, the cane outdoor setting glows with morning sunlight. Sit here in cosy robes, take a slow breath. Smell the roses. The estate’s tranquillity stretches beyond the verandas so walk the paddocks, follow nearby trails, or pause beneath the shade of red gums. Birdsong and the occasional rustle of leaves mark the passing of time.
Things to Do Around Kurrajong and the Hawkesbury
Kurrajong is a gateway to the Hawkesbury and Blue Mountains. Pick apples at Bilpin orchards, taste cider, wander local farmers’ markets, or stroll through nearby historic towns like Richmond and Windsor. Wander the Cabbage Tree Road lookout for stunning views over the Sydney Basin.
At The Willows estate itself, manicured gardens, meandering paths, and sun-dappled corners feel secret and intimate. Every turn invites reflection, a pause to simply be. Evenings arrive with a hush. Perhaps a glass of port on a balcony, or a quiet moment beneath the vast, silent sweep of the night sky.
Thoughtful Hosting and Subtle Luxury
Bruce and Janet anticipate everything. Linens soft, blankets warm, mosquito nets ready, a welcome basket waiting. The estate breathes comfort without ceremony, luxury without excess. Recognition for Excellence in 2021 only affirms what guests already quietly know, and that’s attention to detail, heart in the service, and a place designed to slow time.
Each accommodation reflects this ethos. From the airy Loft to the cosy Willow Cottage, and the serene Sunningdale Suite, every room feels like a soft exhale, a place where you can watch the light shift across paddocks and gardens, and feel the day stretch before you.
Your Stay, Your Story
Whether you’re drawn to the sunlit Cottage, the airy Loft, or the serene Sunningdale Suite, The Willows at Kurrajong invites you to slow down and savour each moment. Days unfold gently here, giving space to reflect, connect, and soak in the quiet beauty around you.
It’s a pause…from the city, from work, from the everyday, leaving you with the warmth of sunlight, the rustle of the gum trees, and a lingering calm that stays with you long after you’ve gone.
