your ultimate cabin in the
woods experience awaits

Carawirry’s a place to switch off, relax and just *be.* The kind of ‘being’ you’ve wanted for a while. But it’s slipped by. Because inboxes, crowded streets and deadlines. Escape the grind. Experience. Really experience. True nature and bonds. With the land, your people and yourself.

book now

forest bathing is a thing

It’s no co-ink-i-dink you feel refreshed after time in the forest. Actually, “forest bathing” is prescribed by Japanese doctors to replenish the soul. 

Step out of hustle bustlin’ urban life for a while. Wander into the woods… Explore. “Phoar.” Watch dappled light cascade to the forest floor. Smile at your best friend. Maybe sing a little bit. Turns out, forest bathing’s tonic for the soul.

discover true Aussie nature

250 acres of true-blue Australian hardwood forest… old growth timbers, seasonal creeks and waterfalls… Natural pools, rainforest trails and tree-topped mountains. Birds who know some seriously good tunes and sky-high trees. It doesn’t get more Aussie than that.

support eco-tourism

support eco-tourism

The Hunter Valley’s home to an exceptional array of sustainable, local suppliers. We support these small businesses wherever possible and bring them directly to you. From sustainably sourced grazing boxes right down to your shampoo. Hey, that rhymed.

roam like locals

roam like locals

We reckon Carawirry’s forest is the Hunter Valley’s best kept secret (..shhh). But there’ll be no secrets when you stay. We show you exactly where the best fishing spots, waterfalls and nature trails are.

forest friends

Carawirry’s home to many friendly locals. 

As a recognised koala breeding ground, our lush forest is a happy place to be. 

Here’s a few forest friends you might meet during your stay.

Gentle soul Skip loves meeting new people, being hand-fed oats and she’ll happily let you pat her. Way more puppy than wallaby!  

“Skip is too cute for words.”
- Jas, June 2019

Our resident ‘clean freak,’ Poss will most likely visit the deck to clean up any crumbs and pop her head in from time to time.

“The plumpest possum we’ve ever seen.”
- Margaret, April 2019

Kook’s got a pretty good voice. Sings in the morning, likes dropping by for a chat in the arvo (and a bite to eat if you’re offering). 

“What a character Kook is!”
- Laura, April 2019

Heather and John

meet Heather and John

“I get a kick out of meeting our guests, either IRL, via email or phone. Hearing their stories of exhaustion and survival from the concrete jungle. It gives me a sense of purpose… To create an escape for these hard-working souls.”

- Heather Watkins

He’s the sustainable timber business owner. She’s the bubbly nature lover. Together? Parents to 3 and ‘mum and dad’ to Carawirry...

… A 250-acre oasis of pure forest. Featuring natural pools, a creek, two cabins, hiking trails, rare species of forest friends and kilometres of untouched wilderness.

Carawirry’s their happy place.
Let’s make it yours, too.

“John and Heather went above and beyond with their hospitality and local knowledge.”

Casey, August 2018

“Heather has thought of everything to make your stay cosy and comfortable.”

Bronni, July 2018

“Heather and John have done a fantastic job renovating. It’s modern but still maintains rustic charm.”

Markus, May 2018

“Heather and John really care about their cabins and guests.”

Kat, March 2018

“Heather has the place spotless with all the modern facilities. Brand new kitchen and excellent bathroom.”

Ravi, September 2017
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the forest

  • 1909 - 1972

    Timber Mill

    Carawirry was originally a timber mill owned by John Samuel Gam. John supplied construction timber for the original BHP Steelworks in Newcastle.

    When John sadly passed in a wagon accident (1922), his son inherited the mill which continued until 1972 when A.S. Nicholas & Son (a competing mill) bought it and the mill was dismantled soon after.

  • 1975 – 2017

    Carawirry Cabins & Wildlife Refuge

    As the passion project and life’s work of John and Vicki Lloyd, Carawirry’s natural habitat was carefully restored after 80 years of logging.

    After building a home on the property, John and Vicki dreamed of sharing Aussie wilderness with guests. 8km of walking tracks, log cabins and the first of its kind in the Dungog Shire. John and Vicki’s hard work is still evident in the depths of Carawirry’s forest. Today, Vicki remains a recognised leader of ecological expertise in the local area.

  • 2017 – present

    Carawirry Forest Escape

    Young, local family John and Heather Watkins bought the property to promote eco-tourism and the Dungog region. Think: sustainable extras, wilderness charm and modern luxuries.

    Since then, John and Heather have completely rebuilt and renovated both cabins, made countless upgrades, stocked the dams with fish and mindful forest care. Carawirry’s future will see it remain a breathtaking parcel of Australian wilderness – a vision to continue John and Vicki’s sustainable work. 

    We look forward to welcoming you into Carawirry to experience the hidden wonders of this secret Hunter Valley haven.

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adventure awaits

Pack the bags. (Just food and clothes will do). Wave buh-bye to busy. 

And head to the forest.

Gum Leaf Cabin

Sleeping up to 6 people, Gum Leaf’s your dream locale for a comfy wilderness getaway deep within nature. Gather the gang, kiddos or your lover and hit the road.

let’s escape

The Treehouse

Perfect for groups of 8 (or couples who love their own space), sink into The Bathhouse’s luxe tubs, build a fire, kick back on the balcony, swing under the gums, explore walking trails or just *be* for a bit.

you had me at bathhouse

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Check out all your frequently asked questions here.

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