Stay & Explore
Do everything, do nothing, or find somewhere beautifully in between.
Explore Carawirry's private forest, arrange something special at your cabin, or venture into Dungog and the surrounding region. Shape the stay to suit you.
Your stay, your way
There is no right way to spend your time here. Settle in and switch off, stay close to the cabin and forest, add something memorable, or use Carawirry as your base for discovering Dungog and the surrounding countryside.
Forest walks, natural pools, fishing, cycling and wide-sky stargazing.
Grazing boxes, private wine tastings, massage, yoga, flowers, photography and guided stargazing.
Mountain biking, wild swimming, horse riding, local shops, art and classes.
Make your stay extra special
These experiences are provided by independent local businesses. Book and pay directly with the provider, preferably before your stay. Availability, inclusions, locations and prices are set by each provider and may change.
Food delivered to your cabin
Grazing boxes, breakfast hampers, dinner boxes, celebration cakes, s'mores boxes and more, prepared for Carawirry guests and delivered to your cabin.
Private wine tasting at your cabin
A private wine educator brings the Hunter Valley tasting experience to your accommodation, with options for couples, small groups and larger gatherings. Wine, glassware and the tasting set-up are provided.
A minimum spend and return travel fee apply to Hunter Valley bookings outside Pokolbin. Confirm availability, the travel charge to Main Creek and current inclusions directly before booking. Wine service is for adults aged 18 and over; non-alcoholic options are also available.
Massage and local treatments
Chloe and her team offer in-cabin massage, facials and beauty treatments for Carawirry guests.
Visit Healing Hands of the Hunter.
Message Healing Hands on Instagram.
Call to book: 0422 210 474
Private yoga, movement and mindfulness
Anne offers private yoga and meditation sessions at your Carawirry cabin, tailored to your energy, experience level and the natural setting. She has been a favourite of Carawirry guests for years, known for her warm presence and intuitive approach.
Flowers delivered to your cabin
Dom and Tom can create a beautiful bouquet and arrange delivery and set-up at your cabin — ideal for an anniversary, birthday or thoughtful surprise.
Order flowers or contact The Flower Shop Dungog.
Call: 0434 928 948
Forest photography
Carly is a Dungog photographer offering couples, family and milestone sessions.
View Carly Skinner Photography sessions.
Outdoor family and children's photography for a lasting record of your time together.
Guided stargazing at Carawirry
Dusty brings guided telescope viewing to Carawirry, with planets, stars and other night-sky sights shaped by the season and conditions.
Contact Dusty directly before your stay to confirm availability, timing, pricing and the wet-weather plan.
Experiences at Carawirry
Every cabin is surrounded by Carawirry's private forest. Your cabin includes a custom trail map, and the activities below begin on the property unless noted otherwise.
Hike through the forest
When: All year round
Where: Private forest trails at Carawirry Forest Escape
How: Use the custom trail map in your cabin for suggested routes, timeframes and places to pause.
Carawirry's trails wind through gums, fern gullies and mossy creek beds. Some tracks meander gently; others are more challenging and reward the climb with forest views and stillness. Choose a short morning loop or a longer wander, with every route beginning and ending at your cabin.
Swim in natural pools
When: Best in summer, or year-round for cold-water swimmers
Where: Natural pools beyond the treeline
How: Pack a towel and ask for directions when you arrive.
A series of natural plunge pools, fed by freshwater creeks, sits within the forest. Expect smooth stone, dappled light and clear, cold water. Conditions in natural waterways can change, so use care and follow any advice provided during your stay.
Fish from the jetty or find a quiet creek bend
When: All year round
Where: Two stocked dams and flowing creeks across the property
What to bring: Your own rod and tackle.
The dams are stocked with Silver Perch and Bass, while the creeks offer quieter places to cast a line. Ask us to point you towards the best spots. Insider tip: our son Mace swears by a black cricket lure and a little patience.
Cycle through the eucalyptus
When: All year round
Where: From your cabin, or around 22 minutes away at Dungog Common
What to bring: Your own bike and helmet, or arrange local hire.
Ride Carawirry's leafy tracks straight from your cabin. For more established mountain-bike terrain, Dungog Common has trails for different experience levels.
Hire a bicycle in Dungog
Speedy Cycles Dungog
Speedy Cycles is the local stop for bicycle hire, trail advice, spare parts and repairs. Scott knows the Dungog riding network well and can help guests get back on the trail if something goes wrong during their stay.
146 Dowling Street, Dungog
Phone: 0408 607 272
Visit Speedy Cycles Dungog
Contact Scott directly before your stay to confirm bike availability, suitability and current hire arrangements.
Stargaze beneath wide country skies
Settle outside after dark and look up from the quiet of your cabin. For a guided experience, Dusty's Astro Tours offers telescope views of planets, stars and more.
Contact Dusty's Astro Tours on Facebook to ask about dates, location, pricing and weather arrangements.
Around Dungog
The wider Dungog region is made for time outdoors. Follow a rainforest track, ride or run the trails at Dungog Common, look and listen for forest birds, cool off in a swimming hole or plan a horse-riding day. Check road, track, park and weather conditions before leaving.
Dungog Recreation Reserve has more than 22 kilometres of single track through open country and tall forest, plus a purpose-built fun track and 2.2 kilometres of groomed flow track. There are options for newer riders as well as high-quality flow riding, steep descents and technical terrain for experienced mountain bikers.
Plan your ride with Ride Dungog. For bike hire, trail knowledge, spare parts or repairs, contact Scott at Speedy Cycles Dungog before your stay.
Run on Carawirry's marked forest trails, or head to Dungog Common for a longer session through creek lines, gullies, forest and open country. Run Dungog is a useful local source for trail-running routes and the annual community festival.
Carawirry sits on Cabbage Tree Road, one of the recognised stops on the Dungog Area Birding Route. Quiet mornings may bring green catbirds, Australian logrunners and russet-tailed thrushes, with seasonal visitors such as monarchs and rufous fantails.
Bring binoculars, move quietly and stay on Carawirry's marked tracks.
These walks and swimming places range from nearby rainforest outings to longer day trips. Distances and drive times are approximate from Carawirry.
Problem Creek Falls — 13 km / about 25 minutes
An easy-to-moderate rainforest trail ending at a cascading waterfall tucked deep in the bush. A rewarding choice for nature lovers, birdwatchers and photographers.
Jerusalem Creek Walk — 13 km / about 21 minutes
A scenic walk through shaded rainforest to a series of clear rock pools. Bring your swimmers and keep an eye out for local birdlife.
Ladies Well — 77 km / about 1 hour 25 minutes
A family-friendly walk to a swimming hole surrounded by bushland — a welcome place to cool off on a warm day.
Blue Gum Loop and Crystal Pools — 55 km / about 56 minutes
A gentle trail through blue gums leading to natural pools suited to a quiet dip. Pack a picnic and allow time to linger.
Rocky Crossing — 55 km / about 56 minutes
A moderately challenging rainforest walk with creek crossings, wildlife and broad views. The crossing itself is a memorable highlight of this more remote outing.
Sahara Trails offers guided bush and beach rides at Anna Bay, with options for beginners and more experienced riders. View Sahara Trails rides.
B Natural Equine Training offers lessons and clinics in Stroud using a natural-horsemanship approach. Visit B Natural Equine Training.
A little planning
Frequently asked questions
What can you do at Carawirry without leaving the property?
Guests can walk Carawirry's private forest trails, swim in natural pools, fish in two stocked dams and the creeks, cycle from their cabin and stargaze after dark. Your cabin includes a custom trail map.
Do experiences need to be booked in advance?
Property-based activities such as walking do not require a separate booking. Independent experiences — including food delivery, massage and beauty treatments, yoga, flowers, photography, horse riding, bicycle hire and guided stargazing — should be arranged directly with the provider, preferably before your stay.
Do experience providers come to the cabin?
Some do. Gourmet Delights by Mel delivers food to the cabin, Stay n' Sip brings private wine tastings to the accommodation, Healing Hands of the Hunter offers in-cabin massage and beauty treatments, Anne Mooney offers private yoga and meditation, and The Flower Shop Dungog can deliver and set up flowers at the cabin. Confirm the location and current arrangements directly with every provider when booking.
What should I bring for walking, fishing or cycling?
Bring sturdy footwear and clothing suited to the weather for walking; your own rod and tackle for fishing; and your own bike and helmet if you plan to ride from the property. Local bicycle hire may be available through Speedy Cycles Dungog.
Are the forest activities available all year?
Walking, fishing and cycling are described as year-round activities. Swimming is most comfortable in summer, although some guests swim year-round. Access and conditions can change after rain or other weather, so follow current advice during your stay.
Wide skies, slower days
Choose your cabin, check available dates and leave a little room for the day to unfold.