Choose a spot nestled amongst the wayward trees opposite Mares Forest National Park.
Hike down the mountain to Guineacor Creek where platypuses frolic or picnic at the The Wooded Dam, wake up in the morning with Gang Gang Cockatoos, foraging Wombats, Echidnas & Rock Wallabies as the mysteries of the forest slowly reveal themselves and are repeated back via resident Ly
Choose a spot nestled amongst the wayward trees opposite Mares Forest National Park.
Hike down the mountain to Guineacor Creek where platypuses frolic or picnic at the The Wooded Dam, wake up in the morning with Gang Gang Cockatoos, foraging Wombats, Echidnas & Rock Wallabies as the mysteries of the forest slowly reveal themselves and are repeated back via resident Lyre Birds.
Perfect for birdwatchers, alpine flora & fungi lovers. In the cooler months enjoy the delights of a campfire in one of the ancient stone fire circles under the star filled sky, caressed by enigmatic tree shadows. Campfires must be controlled at all times and within local fire regulations.
You are welcome to drop by The Magic Bus on creek hikes to pick fresh organic greens from the aquaponics for picnic salads, feed oversized goldfish and tiny native rainbow fish who drive the chemical free eco-system providing a bountiful harvest. There's plenty to share. Our micro farm specialises in yummy wild greens & edible flowers with minimal footprint using 10% water that traditional agriculture uses. A precious resource in these parts. All powered by the sun.
Situated between the picturesque village of Taralga and awe inspiring limestone Wombeyan Caves as featured in the Gundungurra Dreamtime Story of Mirrigan and Garangatch, The prehistoric caves are close by and worth spending a day getting lost in, especially over summer where in addition to a cooler subterranean stalactite rich climate is the infamous Wombeyan Caves swimming hole.
The Monastery is well placed to experience the best of both worlds whilst being off the beaten track off-grid in the bush. If you decide to explore beyond the gate in the other direction [best current route via Sydney/Canberra]; Taralga is a small thriving community less than a 30 minute drive and offers fuel everyday but Sunday, an enviable General Store, eclectic bookshop, local cafe Grand Ettie; where wizards conjure ambrosia in the guise of deceptively simple lunches and cakes whilst peddling Melbourne worthy coffee. There's also two great pubs on the main drag: The Taralga Hotel plus hatted Argyle Inn which offers bespoke bread, takeaway delights as well as fine wine and a full degustation most wknds [book early].
Back at basecamp, guests are required to be self sufficient however a simple compost toilet will be provided for each site. Shared 1000L square of bore water is available for dishes etc and a compost bin will also be provided for food leftovers which will be integrated later as compost back into the redeveloping gardens. We ask that you take all other rubbish with you on departure and respectfully leave the space as you found it. Leave no trace, except food for the earthworms please. We have no rural rubbish collection so rely on you to do the right thing. Thanks so much!
- Check in: After 2PM
- Check out: Before 12PM
- Cancellation policy: Super Strict
- On arrival: Meet and greet
- Minimum nights: 2 nights
- Accepts bookings: 6 months out Weeknight discount: 10% off
- Response time: Within an hour
- Response rate: 95%
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Natural features you'll find at Monastery of 11 Strings in New South Wales.
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17 Reviews
VIc went to so much trouble to help us find a spot out of the wind. The property is beautiful and we enjoyed the moderate walk to the creek. The cold windy conditions meant that Vic had to work hard on the property but she was cheerful and friendly throughout. We look forward to a return visit in summer!
We arrived in gale force winds with grassiers alert. It was freezing but we survived the night. Weather slowly improved so we could enjoy what was on offer. A wonderfully relaxing weekend in a beautiful spot.
Kudos for persevering with your visit on the tail-end of that blizzard. So glad that your stoic spirits kept you going and the weather came good in the end! Hopefully see you again in October when the rest of your crew finally makes it. :)
Great spot and great host!
Great guests and chainsaw sharpener! Me and my [not so blunt now] Stihl kindly thank you. :)
I have to echo previous reviews in saying that I’m torn in leaving a good review because I don’t want all the bookings to get filled up!
But I couldn’t not rave about this place. Just a three hour drive from Sydney, Vic’s property is a dog friendly paradise! 🏕
Acres upon acres of sublime untouched forest, with local Wombats and Kangaroos passing through 🦘
The campsites are ridiculously affordable, and Vic- the host, is one the most incredible and knowledgeable people I’ve ever met. ✨
Do yourself a favour and come and see Mother Nature in all her glory 🌲
Thanks for your beautiful words. It was such a pleasure to get to know you & your Spirit. Look forward to sharing space with you and your gorgeous dawg again soon. X
Great little spot, good example of genuine Aussie bush.
Camp sites are secluded and well spaced, out of eye line for the vast majority, and noise isn't an issue.
Great hike opportunity down to the creek (a hilly 9km round trip).
Saw some wildlife, a decently sized black snake and a big goanna/lace monitor, and plenty of bird life.
Track in and out is probably best for 4wd only when damp, but otherwise should be fine for your average ute/truck/suv etc.
Thanks for the sweet review and even sweeter stay! Glad you loved the fully legit bush setup... it's rugged but real. Great to have your posse here and grateful that your visit was fun, fit & nature filled. :)
Beautiful spot in bush. Great set up and very spread out - our closest neighbour was probably 300 metres away. We had site 1 which was perfect for our bigger group.
About an hour walk from our spot to the river but you can drive down most of the way and probably a 20 mins walk from there.
Driveway to get in was a bit dicey - bigger car would be best after rain but we also had a Skoda which didn't have any problems.
A 30 mins drive to wombeyan caves (and tent city) from camp.
Victoria was lovely and helpful.
Hey Claire! Glad you had a lovely stay and thanks for the informative review. Thanks also for leaving everything so perfect and please feel welcome to revisit anytime in the future, it was lovely to see the site filled with a vibrant posse full of such industry and good cheer!
We had such a great weekend camping here. The property is beautiful and we would recommend the hike into the valley to the river and swimming holes. Victoria was a warm, welcoming and fun host. We will be back soon.
Really happy you and Ashlee had a beautiful time! It was such a pleasure to have you both here and happy to play chauffeur to the wounded. Please come back soon!
Great secluded campsite, site 5, roomy and good for a camper trailer, great walk down to the creek, plenty of space and separation from other sites. Excellent friendly host
So happy you & Robyn had a lovely stay AND that you experienced the platypus frolicking in the creek. Truly blessed! Thanks for being such great conscientious guests; it was a pleasure to have you both here & I'm delighted the site works so well with a camp trailer. As you know level areas in this mountainous landscape are a precious resource, so it's great that there's enough space to fit you in. Always welcome back.
I came for a weekend, stayed a week and counting!
A place for those seeking serenity and rejuvenation from the mundane. Mother nature at its best! Every camp site is privately positioned, with a picturesque setting. I stayed on a long weekend and was so grateful of how quiet the location is. You are welcomed by Victoria, the most wonderful host, who is very hospitable and would go that extra mile to ensure you have the most enjoyable and comfortable stay.
Victoria made my visit all that more memorable. Such an inspiring and wholehearted woman. Places like this, would only attract like minds. Thank you Victoria for sharing your slice of paradise. One of many more visits indeed =)
Your commission is in the wombat mail! May you never leave and in the sad likely event that occurs, might you always return! X
- Property
- Monastery of 11 Strings
- State
- New South Wales
- Country
- Australia
- AU$25/night
- 7 Sites
Thanks for being such lovely gracious guests and I'm grateful your stay was mostly unmarred by the awful weather conditions. Look forward to things being a little more leisurely next time & being able to share a glass of mulled wine with you both. It might be chilled bubbly by then! :)