Escape to the quiet
Relax in complete peace and quiet while enjoying your own experience at Smokey Cape Retreat
Relax in complete peace and quiet while enjoying your own experience at Smokey Cape Retreat
At Smokey Cape Retreat, our deep respect for the natural world shapes everything we do. Sustainability isn’t just a feature—it’s a foundation.
Every element of the retreat has been created with intention and care. All of our timber is responsibly sourced directly from our own property, allowing us to reduce our footprint while maintaining harmony with the surrounding landscape. This thoughtful approach ensures that each structure not only blends seamlessly into its environment but also leaves it untouched for generations to come.
We are proudly self-sufficient. Powered entirely by an off-grid solar energy system, the retreat runs clean and silent—letting nature’s soundtrack take center stage. Our water is harvested from pure mountain rainfall, filtered and stored onsite, and we manage waste responsibly through an eco-friendly septic system.
By choosing to stay with us, you’re not just experiencing the beauty of nature—you’re helping preserve it.
Perched 1,100 metres above sea level and surrounded by lush temperate forest, Smokey Cape Retreat offers a secluded haven of peace and stillness. Hidden deep within one of the most remote corners of the New England region, and encircled by over 30,000 acres of National Park and State Forestry, this retreat is your invitation to truly disconnect—and reconnect with nature.
Guests can journey here by road, winding through dramatic and ever-changing landscapes. Or, for those seeking the ultimate arrival, touch down in style on our private helipad. However you choose to get here, one thing is certain: from the moment you arrive, a sense of calm takes over.
Designed for rest, reflection, and deep rejuvenation, Smokey Cape Retreat is more than a destination—it’s a breath of fresh, mountain air for the soul.
Our couples retreat offers an exclusive, high-end residence designed for just two guests—where luxury, privacy, and natural beauty come together seamlessly. Nestled on a breathtaking 1,200-acre property and spanning 270 square meters of refined living space, this sanctuary promises an unforgettable experience.
Sink into the plush comfort of a king-sized bed or share a moment of tranquility in the spacious dual rain shower, complete with sweeping views of the majestic Great Dividing Range. Step onto the deck and immerse yourself in a deep outdoor bath, a glass of wine in hand, as the sky is painted with the warm, golden hues of a New England sunset.
As night falls, let the flicker of the firepit set the mood, or peer into the stars through your own private telescope. Every detail is curated for connection, comfort, and awe
Life in the country offers endless opportunities to reconnect with nature. Whether you're bushwalking through pristine wilderness, admiring the ever-changing 180-degree views of the Great Dividing Range, or simply unwinding in peaceful solitude, Smokey Cape Retreat caters to every kind of escape. Begin your day with a morning yoga session as the first light warms the paddocks, or explore the surrounding landscape with one of our detailed hiking maps, guiding you to untouched forests. For those seeking stillness, relax on the deck and watch native wildlife wander freely through the property.
Check out this great video
Please reach us at enquiries@smokeycaperetreat.com.au if you have any other questions.
Due to our beautifully remote location, the nearest shops are located in the charming village of Nundle, approximately 60 kilometres away. We recommend bringing all food and beverages for the duration of your stay. That said, we do provide a selection of essential items, including milk, bread, eggs, bacon, juice, tea, coffee, cereal, and a range of basic kitchen staples such as oils and spices.
Our fully equipped, modern kitchen features a full-sized gas range, dishwasher, microwave, fridge/freezer, and all necessary cookware. Start your morning with a freshly brewed coffee from our barista-style machine as you take in the sunrise from the front veranda. For alfresco dining, a barbecue and outdoor dining area are available on the back deck, complete with undercover seating suitable for all weather conditions.
Given the region’s variable climate, we recommend packing a mix of wet-weather, summer, and winter clothing, along with sturdy, gripped footwear for exploring the terrain.
To help you unwind, we offer a range of leisure options including board games, high-speed internet, yoga mats, and a cozy reading nook—all available for your enjoyment at any time during your stay.
If you'd prefer to skip the drive to Smokey Cape Retreat, you can fly into either Armidale or Tamworth airport—we're happy to arrange pick-up and drop-off for you. The same goes if you're travelling by train: NSW TrainLink services both Armidale and Tamworth stations, and we'll gladly collect you from there too.
Please reach us at enquiries@smokeycaperetreat.com.au if you cannot find an answer to your question.
Smokey Cape Retreat has been thoughtfully designed as an exclusive romantic escape for couples, and as such, accommodates a maximum of two adults.
For safety reasons, the property is not suitable for children, as it features unfenced bodies of water and steep terrain.
The majority of the journey to Smokey Cape Retreat is via sealed roads; however, the final 25 kilometres are on well-maintained gravel. Under most conditions, the route is accessible by 2WD vehicles. For your safety, we strongly recommend arriving during daylight hours, as native wildlife can pose a hazard to vehicles after dark.
For those who prefer not to drive, we offer the convenience of a private helipad for personal or chartered flights. Additionally, airport or train station transfers can be arranged for an extra fee—please contact us in advance to organise this service
Yes, our pristine rainwater is safe to drink. It is carefully filtered through a triple filtration system from the water tanks before entering the house, ensuring the highest quality for our guests.
In the unlikely event of a power outage, a backup generator is seamlessly integrated into our battery system. For instructions on how to operate it, please refer to the binder located in the kitchen.
The firepit will be pre-filled with methylated spirits, and lighting instructions can be found in the binder inside. For safety, please ensure the firepit is fully extinguished before leaving the premises or retiring for the night.
Smokey Cape Retreat is a pet-free property for several important reasons. The building itself is not equipped to accommodate pets, and the surrounding environment is home to numerous native species and farm animals that could be disturbed by domestic animals. The presence of wildlife is one of the unique and cherished aspects of staying in such a remote location, and we feel it is essential to preserve their natural movement. Additionally, in the unlikely event that pets were to wander off, the dense wilderness could make it difficult for them to find their way back.
During the summer months, it's not uncommon to encounter some of our slithery residents, so we encourage you to stay alert while out on walks. In wet weather, the roads and paddocks can become muddy and slippery, so please exercise caution with every step. Leeches are also more active in the rain and may latch on, often leaving behind an itchy mark. Due to the remote location of Smokey Cape Retreat, mobile reception is limited, so we advise taking extra care while exploring the area.
Smoking is permitted outdoors only, and we kindly ask that you dispose of cigarette butts responsibly. Both the New England bush and the timber used to build the Retreat are highly susceptible to fire, and we want to ensure the safety of both our guests and the surrounding environment.
All breakfast items are provided, along with a selection of staple goods and snacks for your convenience. However, we kindly ask that you bring all other food and beverages for the duration of your stay, as the nearest shop is located in the charming village of Nundle, approximately 60 kilometres away.
Throughout the renovation of our old mill house, we have made a conscious effort to support local tradespeople and source materials from within the region wherever possible.
We would like to express our sincere thanks to Jim Gehrke for his outstanding craftsmanship in creating our custom bedhead, barn doors, and kitchen benchtops. His attention to detail and skill are truly second to none.
A special thank you also goes to Lisa from Corner of the Garden in Nemingha for her guidance and beautifully printed cushion covers, which bring warmth and character to the retreat.
We’re incredibly grateful to Matt Sharpham for not only designing and installing our solar system but also for capturing stunning drone footage and photography that beautifully showcases the retreat and its surroundings.
And finally, a big shoutout to Sam Martin of Great Hops Brewing in Armidale for supplying his locally crafted beer—a perfect way to enjoy the flavour and spirit of the New England region.
1926 Cowsby Road Niangala NSW 2354
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