About the cottage
Ashton's Retreat is a cottage on 100 acres of mostly rainforest, with a small creek, in the hills behind Coffs Harbour. The property is entirely off grid: solar power stored in batteries, rain water from the tanks, and enough of both to run every building and all of life's small luxuries. After a run of grey days you may hear the backup generator.
The property is part of a koala conservation project, and you might be lucky enough to spot one. Pademelons come out in the evenings and the birds treat the verandah as their own.
Pets are welcome, inside and out.
Your hosts
We're Glen and Carly. We moved from Sydney to Coffs Harbour in 2023, fell for this property the first time we saw it, and live in the main house at the end of the driveway. If you need anything during your stay, or want tips on the area, we're a message away.
Where it is
Two kilometres from the village of Ulong on the Eastern Dorrigo Way, about 35 minutes' drive inland from Coffs Harbour. Coramba is 20 minutes, Dorrigo about an hour. Directions come with your booking.
What's included
- One bedroom with a queen bed. Made for couples, and for couples travelling with a dog.
- Outdoor bathroom with a shower, and the outdoor bath under the trees.
- Kitchen with fridge, and milk, muesli and marshmallows left for you.
- Gas heater.
- Tank water, safe to drink, with a filter jug if you'd rather.
- Firewood: any sticks around the property are yours to collect.
- Smoke and carbon monoxide alarm, first aid kit, fire blanket and extinguisher.
- Parking at the cottage.
Rates
- $240 a night, all fees included
- No minimum stay
- Sleeps two, plus a child under 2
- Pets welcome, no extra charge
Rates are a guide. Final price confirmed on enquiry, or book direct on Airbnb.
House rules
- Check-in from 2 pm, check-out by 10 am.
- No smoking inside. Outside is fine.
- No parties.
- Pets are welcome inside and out. Let them wander, but keep an eye out for the wildlife.
- Please turn the gas heater off when you leave the cabin.
- On checkout, rinse the dishes and leave them in the sink.
- Leave the place as you found it. Thank you.
Around the cottage
Ulong, 2 km. The Ex-Servicemen's Club does dinner Thursday and Friday and lunch Saturday and Sunday, with a verandah looking over the hills. The schnitzels are the pick. The Ulong General Store and Cafe in the Valley does coffee, breakfast and lunch Monday to Saturday, pizzas on Tuesday nights by pre-order, and always knows the state of the roads.
Bindarri National Park. Waterfalls and walks, including Bangalore Falls, an easy 500 m from the carpark. Gravel road in, so check the weather first.
Cascade mountain bike trail, 25 minutes. 5.5 km one way through the national park. Bring your bike.
Coramba, 20 minutes. Pub meals at the Coramba Hotel, with a pet-friendly beer garden, and pies at the general store.
Dorrigo, about an hour. World Heritage Gondwana rainforest, the Skywalk lookout, Crystal Shower Falls and Dangar Falls. Lower Bobo Road is gravel; ask at the Ulong store about conditions.
Bellingen and the Promised Land. Quirky shops and cafes in "Bello", then 15 minutes inland to the rock pools of the Never Never Creek.
Coffs Harbour. The Jetty and its sheltered beach, the walk up Muttonbird Island, Forest Sky Pier through the banana plantations, and the Big Banana for the kids. Dark Arts for coffee, King Tide Brewing for a beer.
There's a full guide in the cottage with more places to eat and things to do.