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Welcome to Nattai Lodge

Built in 1896, Nattai Lodge is set on a picturesque one acre of landscaped gardens only 75 minutes from Sydney. The property consists of the original homestead as well as a 1-bedroom cottage, which is available for short stays on Airbnb.


Escape the city and relax in the NSW Southern Highlands

Records show that what is now the “Cottage at Nattai Lodge” was initially built and designed in the early 1900s as a single story “servant’s quarter” with bedroom, living room, bathroom, tool room with “wood and coke storage room”. It was converted to a two-story cottage with loft bedroom in around 2010 and we’ve continued renovation work since we took ownership of the property in 2016.

The cottage now consists of a loft bedroom with ensuite, living room with slow combustion wood heater, dining room, dedicated work area with desk and swivel chair, downstairs cloakroom, fully equipped modern cottage kitchen with dishwasher, butchers block and 4 hob electric oven.

Sleep in, then enjoy your morning brew in the king size bed overlooking the fountain garden, in the sun under the front veranda or in the greenhouse (especially on cold windy highlands day). Stroll through the gardens, taking in the fresh highlands air and native flora and fauna. Have a mid week change of scenery and "work from anywhere"! You can do it all from the Cottage at Nattai Lodge.

Experience the natural beauty of the NSW Southern Highlands while bush walking or cycling the reserves and national parks, or visit the local wineries, antique stores and museums. We provide locally sourced natural and organic skin and hair care products and use quality towels, sheets, and pillowcases to ensure you have the comfiest stay possible.

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Floorplan

Things to do

Sample the Highlands wines

With over 60 vineyards and cellar doors to choose from, you can spend a day checking out some of the cool climate wines the Southern Highlands is renowned for.

And then enjoy them over a home cooked meal at Nattai Lodge.

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Explore the bush and National Parks

Walking is a popular recreation activity in the Southern Highlands and there is a wide range of bushwalks, town walks and historic walks.

Follow the link to learn about some of the more popular walks.

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9 holes or 18?

The NSW Southern Highlands is home to some of the most spectacular golf courses in the country.

Whether you’re a social player looking for a relaxing round, or a more experienced golfer looking to challenge yourself… there’s a fairway for you only a short drive from Nattai Lodge.

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Tours and transfers

If you’re looking for a relaxing way to tour the local wineries, check out Highlands Chauffeured Hire Cars.

Their tours are tailored to your requirements and they can arrange your tour to include a visit to some of the well known galleries, antique shops, open gardens or scenic areas. 

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Fly through the tree tops

The award winning Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures is one of Australia’s premier Treetop Walk and Zipline Experiences.

It’s a great day out for families, couples or groups of friends, and only a 45 minute scenic drive from Nattai Lodge.

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Enjoy the local cuisine

If you want relaxed pub dining or posh fine dining, the Southern Highlands has hundreds of restaurants to choose from. Many operate from historic buildings and in picturesque surroundings, and use food sourced from local growers and producers.

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June is Pie Time

In June, the NSW Southern Highlands turn into the Southern Pielands , to celebrate the great Aussie pie with a series of mouth watering pie themed events and festivals.

Could there be anything more appealing than a delicious warm pie on a wintery highlands day?

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Shopping and antiques

The small collector and the investor searching for special pieces will enjoy the collection of antiques stores found in the quirky towns and villages of the Southern Highlands.

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Take time to smell the tulips

Beautiful gardens have always been a drawcard for visits to the Southern Highlands, with the region being blessed with some of Australia’s best public and private gardens.

Tulip Time – usually in late September – is one of Australia’s oldest and best loved floral festivals.

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Sticky beak at the local grand mansions!

Only a short drive from Nattai Lodge, Retford Park is a place of great heritage significance; its European history extends back to grants of land promised to Edward Riley senior by Governor Macquarie in 1821. In 2016, James Fairfax AC gifted his historic home to the National Trust of Australia (NSW).

Check out the National Trust web site for dates when the estate is open to the public.

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Work from anywhere

With many companies now allowing their employees to work from home, then why not have a change of scenery and work from anywhere? Actually, not just anywhere...work from Nattai Lodge.

With high speed internet and great mobile coverage, your productivity won't diminish, but your stresses will. Send me an email for special "Work from Anywhere" mid week rates!

Nothing!

Sit in front of the fire and read a book. Cook or bake up a storm in the gourmet kitchen at Nattai Lodge. Explore the acre of manicured gardens and lawns.

Relax in one of the bath tubs. Appreciate the time away with friends and family.

Breathe. Relax!

History of Nattai Lodge

In the late 1800s the plot of land along Leopold Street was still only paddocks, with the original house constructed in 1896-1897.

The original house on lots 8-14 Leopold Street and lots 15-16 were owned by a Mrs Parkinson.

The Nattai Lodge you see today is the result of many modifications over the years. The guest wing and portico areas were added in 1947 from plans drawn up by Herwald Kirkpatrick. The property consisting of 6 acres on the architects plans.

It was in a derelict state back in 2010, when it was purchased and restored to its former glory. In 2016 the new owners opened the house up to short stay accommodation.