Overview
While much of the country usually goes into holiday mode over the Christmas and New Year period, that hasn't been the case in Australia's bushfire-affected communities. Many regional areas that rely on tourism at this time of year have been battling blazes instead. But, as the flames subside in some spots, rural businesses are eager to welcome back visitors.
One such place is Eden Farm Escape, which is located in the fire-ravaged Blue Mountains town of Bilpin just off the Bells Line of Road. As part of an area-wide #BacktoBilpin campaign, the farmstay 90 minutes from Sydney is offering holidaymakers a significant discount. Book a visit for January or February and, by entering the code '50OFF' online, you can receive 50 percent off the price of your accommodation.
If you were already thinking about an early-2020 getaway, you can nab yourself a considerable bargain — all while supporting a business that sustained bushfire damage during December. And, you'll be able to become acquainted with Eden Farm Escape's animal residents. Onsite, there are 12 horses and ponies, three miniature donkeys, a pig, a few alpacas, three goats, and some cows and sheep. Thankfully, all of the above escaped the fires unscathed.
Surrounded by Blue Mountains National Park, Eden Farm Escape sprawls over 90 acres, with five self-contained cabins located among its green paddocks. You can opt for a one-level abode with one or two bedrooms ($300–500 per night normally; $150–250 with the discount) or two-storey digs ($650 per night normally; $325 at 50 percent off) that sleep up to eight. And, because your doggo deserves a country holiday too, you can bring them along as well.
Run by Michael Cthurmer and Deborah Goodman, who are also behind The Grumpy Baker, Eden Farm Escape's cabins feature polished concrete and wooden floors, timber-panelled walls, touches of leather and outdoor timber decks. In the kitchen, you'll find stainless steel benchtops, gas cooking, a microwave and Nespresso coffee machines. Bring some groceries with you, and you will be able to get cosy for the duration of your stay.
You'll want to venture outside while you're there, of course. With Eden Farm Escape also a working equine-assisted therapy farm, there are also barns, stables and a riding area onsite. Nature and bushwalking trails weave around the property, and you can also take a dip in the dam.
And make sure you visit as many local businesses as you can along the way. Nearby, The Potager at Mount Tomah — the cafe with those incredible mountain views — has reopened for business, as has the Bilpin Cider Co's cellar door.
Find Eden Farm Escape at 13 Hanlons Road South, Bilpin. To receive 50 percent off your booking for accommodation in January and February, visit the farm stay's website and enter the code '50OFF'.