Group holidays in national parks are popular for a reason — they let you connect with nature, give you endless options for activities, like hiking, river swimming and playing games outside, and usually feature accommodation in stunning settings.
When it comes to accommodation in NSW national parks great for groups, we’re spoilt for choice. Ahead, we share some of our picks, though, for the best NSW group homes.
The Residence, Armidale
The Residence is a cosy cottage in the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforest in Armidale’s New England National Park. Soak in the rainforest’s greenery from every window in the cottage, and spend your holiday here trying a new walk within it every day. After a day of exploring, curl by the indoor fireplace or, if it’s warm out, chat at one of the cottage’s picnic tables under the stars.
Guests: 10 (4 bedrooms)
Location: New England National Park, Armidale
Montague Island Head Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage, NSW South Coast
Montague Island Head Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage can be found in Barunguba Montague Island Nature Reserve, off the coast of Narooma on the NSW South Coast. The island is known for its birds, dolphins, whales and seals, with many boat tours letting you get up-close to the wildlife. For a larger group, also book the 3-bedroom Assistant Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage. Boat transfers and a 2.5-hour tour of the island are included in the accommodation. Be sure to book more than seven days in advance to allow for boat transfers.
Guests: Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage: 10 (5 bedrooms)
Assistant Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage: 6 (3 bedrooms)
Location: Barunguba Montague Island Nature Reserve, South Coast
Hosies, NSW Central West
Hosies is in the heart of historic gold mining town Hill End, between Mudgee and Bathurst, Hosies is the perfect place for large groups seeking a unique country getaway. Formerly a haberdashery store and residence, the 1870s building has been beautifully renovated and offers a full kitchen plus a dining and lounge area with plenty of room for relaxing together.
Guests: 14 (5 bedrooms)
Location: Hill End Historic Site, Central West
Karamea Homestead, Gloucester
Karamea Homestead is a Federation-style homestead on a former grazing property. It overlooks Bretti Range and an exotic garden. Spend your stay here exploring nearby trails by foot or mountain bike and trying your luck fishing in Barnard River, a short stroll away. At night, head outside to stargaze in the open country air.
Guests: 10 (4 bedrooms)
Location: Curracabundi National Park, Gloucester
The Pines Cottage, Adaminaby
Located in the Australian Alps of Kosciuszko National Park, The Pines Cottage is a rustic heritage cottage, part of a historic complex of buildings that include Currango Homestead and Daffodil Cottage. They date back to the late 1880s and were originally built for stockmen.
Guests: 18 (6 bedrooms)
Location: Kosciuszko National Park, Adaminaby
East Kunderang Homestead, Armidale
Tucked in the mountains of Oxley Wild Rivers National Park in Armidale, East Kunderang Homestead was once a grazing property. It has big living areas, a modern kitchen and valley views from many of its windows. Walk its nearby tracks or relax on its wide verandah, soaking up the afternoon sun.
Guests: 14 (5 bedrooms)
Location: Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, Armidale
Plomer Beach House, NSW Mid-North Coast
Surrounded by swimming, surfing and fishing spots, Plomer Beach House in Limburners Creek National Park is an ideal option for groups or families keen on creating memories by the water. Guests can take advantage of the area’s world-class surf break or simply hang at home, enjoying sunset drinks on the large deck overlooking the forest.
Guests: 10 (4 bedrooms)
Location: Limeburners Creek National Park, North Coast
Myer House, NSW South Coast
Myer House in Mimosa Rocks National Park on the NSW South Coast has direct to Bithry Inlet, so you can swim with nowhere else around. Guests can spend their time here heading to different beaches, walking through surrounding eucalypt forest or playing tennis at the house’s own tennis court.
Guests: 12 (4 bedrooms)
Location: Mimosa Rocks National Park, South Coast
Capertee Homestead, NSW Central West
Capertee Homestead can be found in Captree National Park, west of the Blue Mountains, overlooking Capertee River. Remember to pack your binoculars as the area has some of the best birdwatching in the state. You’ll also spot kangaroos and wallabies from the home’s verandah. If you prefer to get your adrenaline up, you can also mountain bike, walk or hit one of the many 4WD tracks.
Guests: 14 (4 bedrooms)
Location: Caperee National Park, Central West
Gibraltar House, Glen Innes
Gibraltar House is a modern house, a great base for exploring the Gibraltar Range and Washpool World Heritage Area. It is relatively affordable about NSW group accommodation, offering bunk-style accommodation. In cooler months, guests can cosy up in front of the fire with a tea and good book, or in summer, they can walk the many trails in Gibraltar Range National Park or take a tip in a creek near the house.
Guests: 10 (2 bedrooms)
Location: Gibraltar Range National Park, Glen Innes
Forest House, NSW Mid-North Coast
Forest House is surrounded by rainforest, rivers and a beach just 300m away. The home has large living areas, a deck that gets plenty of sunlight and picnic tables overlooking the water. Visitors can hit one of the many coastal walks nearby or go for a swim at one of the beaches. The area also offers fishing.
Guests: 12 (5 bedrooms)
Location: Bundjalung National Park, North Coast
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