Antony and Chris say it was ‘love-at-first-sight’ when on a trip to the Southern Highlands they visited a property in Penrose. A long-held dream to combine their love for nature and passion for sustainable farming, local produce and warm hospitality saw the birth of ARUNA Estate.
Spread across 70 acres in the Southern Highlands, and located just 90 minutes from Sydney and Canberra, ARUNA Estate promises an exclusive getaway in the lap of nature set against Australia’s famed native bushland.
For those looking for their own escape to the country, ARUNA Estate, which opened in 2022, offers a secret hideaway to unwind, relax and recover from their hectic city life. This is a farm stay like no other, equal measures of luxury and nature.
The blue skies, tranquil waters and exclusive environmentally-friendly accommodations are paired with wine, fresh local produce, bush hikes and picturesque sunsets.
The name ARUNA owes its origins to two rich cultures. ‘ARUN’ means dawn or daybreak in Thai and ‘ARUNA’ literally translates to “moon love” in Japanese. According to Antony and Chris, it was the perfect name for their venture as it symbolises the beauty that visitors can experience from dawn to night.
And there is an abundance of beauty in all forms at this farm stay. This stylish retreat offers two types of accommodation – luxury eco villas and intimate-off grid cabins.
Both the villas and cabins are architecturally designed to ensure a low carbon footprint and feature solar power, rainwater tanks, stylish furniture, local artwork, luxury linen and stunning views.
The villas are nestled amongst the Australian Blackwoods and native Lilly Pilly, with spectacular views of the valley, the Estate’s own creek and the Penrose State Forest. The cabins come with a wood fire-heated outdoor bathtub and private meditation decks.
Though it is the perfect opportunity to disconnect from the world and enjoy nature, the world can still connect with you. Even the off-grid cabins have 4G coverage.
Brigetta, a guest who stayed at the Estate, describes it as a “little cabin in the woods” and “a magical little spot”. The super comfortable cabins and villas, located in the middle of nowhere, and stocked with everything one needs, have won praise from other guests.
All guests are welcomed with an exclusive hamper featuring the finest local produce, including wine from Cherry Tree Hill Winery, artisanal sourdough bread from Mouth Water Foods and seasonal produce from Duck Root Farm, which runs the organic gardens and orchard at ARUNA Estate.
Guests can choose the kind of getaway experience that they would like to have at this rural estate, which also operates a sheep farm. They can play at being farmers and harvest fresh produce and forage at the five-acre organic garden.
For a bit of adventure, the native bushland is yours to explore, on a bike or your own two feet. The Penrose State Forest is at your doorstep and you can directly access it from your accommodation to begin your bushwalking adventure.
Enjoy a game of tennis at the tennis courts, take private yoga and Pilates lessons on the banks of Paddy’s river, or relax in the sun lounge in the infinity pool. Get your own horses along too – the Estate has stables with space for six horses.
In addition to a well-stocked pantry and excellent restaurants nearby, the estate goes the extra mile to provide exceptional dining experiences for its guests – from local wine and cheese delivered directly to your villa and cabin to fresh pre-made meals from the estate’s many award-winning partners and providores to in-house dining at the villa with your own private chef.
If you have had your fill of the bush, why not go on the wine trail? The Southern Highlands is known for its cool-climate wines and guests have over 60 vineyards and 15 cellar-door visits to choose from.
The breweries and boutique distilleries in the region are known for their “handcrafted” spirits, cider and locally brewed beers.
The breathtaking Fitzroy Falls in the Morton National Park is just a 35-minute ride away. The Southern Highland heritage trail should also be on your itinerary. The trail showcases the region’s picturesque towns and villages that share a rich history.
If you are visiting in November, don’t miss the Southern Highlands Arts Festival. Artists, who have made Southern Highlands their home, throw open their art studios for the annual Art Trail at this time. Throughout the year, there are many events from park runs to food and music festivals and vintage car shows. ARUNA estate is the perfect base to explore the region’s many delightful offerings.
Whether you are looking for an idyllic weekend away from the city, an oasis to recharge your batteries or looking to connect with yourself in the midst of nature, ARUNA Estate hits all the right spots. Go bush!
