The girls and I have been on a lot of bushwalks together – it’s a great way to escape the everyday, relax and have fun together in the great outdoors.

You don’t need any special equipment, fitness or know-how to go for a family bushwalk – just pack the essentials (which you probably already have – see our 5 essentials for a fun family bushwalk infographic here), grab the kids and go!

That’s just what I did when we were lucky enough to be invited to spend some time at Wombeyan Caves recently – and experienced an extra-special bushwalk which we want to share with you!

Read all about how to get there, where to stay and what to do in our Wombeyan Caves feature article here

Our chosen hike, the Mares Forest Creek Track, is one of the best bushwalks we’ve ever done. It has everything a great bushwalk should – plus three special reasons that set this bushwalk apart from all the others.  So without further ado, here are our top three reasons why you need to take your kids on the Wombeyan Caves Mares Forest Creek bushwalk!

1 – Native animals are everywhere at Wombeyan

Kangaroos and wallabies and lyrebirds….oh my! You are going to see so much native wildlife in and around Wombeyan you simply won’t believe it – and most of them are really quiet!

We started out on our hike fairly early in the morning – be sure to grab a free map of the walk from the Wombeyan Caves information centre before you go. The complete bushwalk is 3.2kms long, and  takes around one and a half hours return, which is the perfect amount of time for the whole family to enjoy themselves and not get too tired or worn-out.

Leaving from the Wombeyan Caves Visitors Information Centre, by now you will have already seen a lot of kangaroos – they are all around the camping and cabin areas, near the visitors centre…even as you cross the footbridge and head up the wide hillside path (which also leads to all of the Wombeyan Caves entrances – buy a ticket before you leave to see these magnificent caves).

As well as kangaroos and wallabies, there are some really wonderful views back over the valley from this hill path, and a lookout with seats part of the way up.

From the top of the hill, follow the sign to the Mares bushwalk. The track is easy to follow, clear and good underfoot. There are some ups and downs, but mostly the path is undulating with beautiful sweeping valley views.

As you approach the end of the track, the going ranges from easy to moderately steep, but with a helping hand and close supervision, school age kids can manage perfectly well.

2 – The Tinted Cave

The Tinted Cave is a beautiful family-friendly cave close to the end of the Mares Forest Creek bushwalk track. This lovely little cave is open to the public and requires no admission ticket or token to enter.

The cave has push-button timed lighting installed, hand rails or cables, and is easy to navigate. It can be handy to have your smart phone along to use as a torch for the darkest sections, but it’s really not essential.

An important note – if you see any “wild”, or unlit, caves in the Wombeyan Caves Karst Reserve area they are not open to the public – for your own safety and the cave’s preservation, please keep out!

There are some lovely, illuminated stalactite and stalagmite formations in the Tinted Cave, but perhaps it’s biggest feature is that when you emerge from the other end, it opens out onto a natural rock balcony which overlooks the Limestone Gorge (otherwise known as the Marble Canyon).

Once you catch sight of the Marble Canyon, you’re probably going to want to get down there as quickly as possible – because it is just spectacular! You’ll need to retrace your steps back through the Tinted Cave to continue on down to what has to be one of the most beautiful natural swimming spots in New South Wales.

3 – A stunning natural swimming spot

When you have finished exploring the Tinted Cave (it’s so much fun, we went back into the cave on the way back up, too!), continue on down the path to access the river and the Marble Canyon.

The trail down involves a steep-ish descent. Take care with your younger children here, as there are no hand-rails. There is a flight of concrete stairs situated at the bottom section of the trail to help you negotiate your way down and back up more easily.

Once you reach the bottom, there is a raised metal walk way running alongside the river for a short distance.

The Marble Canyon is such a beautiful place – a tumbling, bubbling river strewn with large boulders – very wide and shallow in some parts, narrow and rocky in others with crystal-clear, clean water. Soaring rock walls on either side make this a particularly spectacular bushland swimming spot – don’t forget your lilo in summer!

The kids can climb and explore to their hearts content at the Marble Canyon

The return bushwalk

When it’s time to set off back, you can either return back along the same bushwalk trail, or add a bit of variety and turn right at the sign post to hike across the valley and join up with the Junction Cave Track which runs along the other side of the valley. This effectively turns your bushwalk into a loop.

Returning via this linking trail is very scenic and doesn’t add much distance on at all, however it does involve another short but steep-ish descent/ascent through a dry river bed. Therefore, parents carrying or assisting very young children at this point may perhaps prefer to return using the same bush track they came along, as it is easier going.

Oh, and one extra reason that mum and dad are going to love – this bushwalk doesn’t cost a cent. It’s absolutely free!

The Mares Forest Creek Track is a really enjoyable bushwalk with the reward of a fun cave to explore at the end and a fantastic swimming canyon river – your family is going to love it!

Wombeyan Caves is located in rural NSW, Australia – a 3.5 hour drive from Sydney or 2.5 hour drive from Canberra. You can do this one-and-a-half hour bushwalk easily during a day trip, but I recommend you consider making a weekend of it – not just so that you can take it easy, but also because there’s so much to see and do at Wombeyan – 3 big caves to tour, 3 separate bushwalks and beautiful camping grounds or cabins to stay in (You can read more about Wombeyan Caves accommodation and activities in our feature here).

The Let’s Go Mum family were invited guests at Wombeyan Karst Conservation Reserve. As always, all opinions are our own.

Do you like to go bushwalking with the kids? Tell us your best spots in the comments below…

The post 3 big reasons why your kids will love this NSW bushwalk! appeared first on Let's go Mum.

We’ve just spent a wonderful few days at Wombeyan Caves, located in NSW. Run by NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, this gorgeous little valley is truly a secret treasure for Sydney, Canberra and surrounds families to discover – it’s the perfect place to go play with the family exploring caves, bushwalking and swimming, or just kick-back and relax surrounded by beauty!

Wombeyan Karst Conservation Reserve

As we drove down the windy little road into the valley that is the Wombeyan Caves Karst Conservation Reserve, we were struck by its astounding beauty. Tall poplars (amazing right now, as they turn golden in autumn) and old gum trees combine with rolling green plains for a stunning effect.

Among the trees, cosy campsites are scattered about. Not only does Wombeyan feature caves and bushwalks, it also has beautiful campgrounds for tents and caravans, plus on-site cabins to stay in. All of this makes for the perfect weekend getaway from Sydney or Canberra.

Kids play, ride bikes and wander about unhindered. This is family holidaying at its best – far away from civilisation, and in its own little world of nature – plus caving and bushwalking adventures to be had!

One of the best places to see wild Kangaroos in Australia

If you’ve always wanted to see, or show your children kangaroos in the wild, this has to be one of the best locations in Australia to see them. Quiet, almost tame family mobs of kangaroos, and even wallabies, graze around the edges of the idyllic camping area. You can literally stroll right up to them and watch them at close-quarters. They are always there, rain or shine, grazing, sleeping and…well, hopping about! It’s a real treat to have these furry neighbours living right alongside of the campers!

The Wombeyan Caves

Without a doubt, the Wombeyan Karst Conservation Reserve is most famous for its incredible caves. The limestone and marble Wombeyan Caves system is a natural marvel, and you can walk and climb right through the three caves which are open to the public for admission price.

An important point to mention here, is that entry to any wild (unlit) caves at Wombeyan is illegal and highly dangerous without an experienced guide  – both to the trespassers and also the caves. So make sure that you buy an admission ticket, and only stick to the official caves!

It’s historically known that the outer areas of the caves (at least) were frequented by local Aborigines for thousands of years, and the caves were first European-discovered by John Oxley in 1828. In the early days, cave tours were done by candle-light!

To access any of the Wombeyan Caves, it’s a ten minute walk from the Visitor Information Centre to the top of the hill where the guided tours meet, or in the case of the Fig Tree Cave, another five minute stroll over the hill and down to the cave entrance. As you walk up, you may be lucky enough to hear the bellbirds like we did – here is a short video so that you can have a listen…

The path up the hill features spectacular views back over the valley. As with any of the high paths, it’s a good idea to closely supervision younger children as you walk up, due to the steep sides.

Native wildlife is everywhere at Wombeyan, and the path up to the top of the hill is no exception. Bell Birds call to each other in the trees. Kangaroos pop up everywhere. Lyrebirds rustle through the undergrowth. We even came across a pair of Red Necked Wallabies right next to the path. The best of it is that the wildlife is all so quiet and accepting of people – you can get quite close before they even think about moving away.

At the top of the hill is the meeting spot for the two-guided tour caves.

Three caves are currently open to the general public to view and explore, and we test-ran all three of them for you so that you can choose which cave best-suits your family.

Cave no. 1 – The Fig Tree Cave – allow about one hour – self-guided

Difficulty: Easy
Cave Ladders: 0

Especially suits: families with very young children or visitors with limited time at Wombeyan

The Fig Tree Cave is the only Wombeyan Cave which visitors explore via a self-guided tour. This means you pay admission at the Wombeyan Caves Visitors Centre first ($20 adult/$13 concession-child) and are given an access token. You then walk up and over the hill to the cave entrance, located approximately 15 minutes walk away, where you can access and explore the cave unaccompanied by a guide.

The cave entrance is an iron door with a token slot – insert your token, and pull open the door, and you’re presented with a narrow, rocky set of stairs descending into the cave!

The children were just astounded with this disappearing-into-the-side-of-a-hill act. They couldn’t believe they were actually going to walk inside a hill – just like an adventure story! It was wonderful fun to watch their reactions and excitement.

Inside this beautiful cave are several chambers containing well-lit spectacles of limestone splendour. Enormous stalactites, stalagmites and columns are all the way along.

Being a self-guided tour, there are points to stop and listen to an audio commentary. This coordinates with a clever lighting system which highlights special features – and reveals amazing spaces, such as the “Opera House Cavern”. In the Fig Tree Cave you’ll also find amazing stone formations such as the Colonnades, the Galleries and the Marble Way.

The trick of the whole adventure is getting the kids to slow-down and actually listen to the fascinating audio – we probably achieved this…well, maybe half the time!

The cave is brilliant for families with young children because it is so easy to navigate, and feels very safe. Walkways are well-lit, smooth and even, and are lined with continuous chrome-metal handrails.

The handrails also help with negotiating several short flights of rock/cement stairs, and narrow – sometimes low-hanging – rock passages. The constantly winding, climbing and descending passageway is actually a lot of fun!Eventually – perhaps 45 minutes after entering the cave – we reached the bottom to emerge inside of the magnificent Victoria Arch – a natural rock arch of astounding size and beauty. We were initially all struck speechless at its wonder!

From Victoria Arch and the cave exit, it is a mere two-minute, level walk back to the car park. The funny thing is, once you emerge from the Figtree Cave, you feel like turning around and going back in – it’s that fascinating!

Cave no. 2: The Wollondilly Cave – 1½ hour guided tour

Difficulty: Moderate
Cave Ladders: 5

A little about cave ladders and kids

Cave no. 3: The Junction Cave – 1½ hour guided tour

Difficulty: Moderate
Cave Ladders: 4

Especially suits: families with school aged children, up – visitors with more time (due to cave’s slightly farther-away location)

Bushwalking trails

The caves aren’t the only fun family activity to do together at Wombeyan – there are also several bushwalks! There are three marked walking trails radiating out from the Wombeyan Karst Conservation Reserve – the Waterfall Walk (4kms, 2 hours), Mares Forest Creek Walk (3.2km, 1.5 hours – includes a crystal-clear river swimming area, which is great for the summer months) and the Karst Walk (a shorter loop near the valley).

To learn more about bushwalking safely with children, see our 5 essentials for a fun family bushwalk in Australia article here

We decided on bushwalking the Mares Forest Creek Walk – and it would have to be one of the best family bushwalks in NSW, if not Australia. This picturesque bush walk took us through beautiful bushland along well-formed trails with stunning views, all the way to the fascinating Tinted Cave and the Limestone Gorge (otherwise known as the Marble Canyon). The river running through the Canyon makes an amazing natural Summer swimming spot. (You can read all about our Wombeyan Caves Mares Forest Bushwalk in our up-coming special feature).

Wombeyan Karst Conservation Reserve Accommodation

Wombeyan Caves Reserve is a simply beautiful place to stay, and there are several accommodation options to choose from. The perfect weekend getaway from Sydney or Canberra, staying a night or two at Wombeyan Karst Reserve is the perfect way to see the caves and do one or two bushwalks as well. Plus you’ll have some time to take it easy and just enjoy being there. Huge trees, masses of native wildlife, including kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, and lyrebirds to name just a few – this is a hidden paradise, unspoiled by modern times. As in all National Parks, no pets and no smoking are allowed.

The Wombeyan Caves Caravan and Cabin Park

Our two-bedroom cabin

Wombeyan Caves budget accommodation – the campground camping area

The Wombeyan Caves camping area is just a little farther down the road from the caravan park. Tent and caravan campsites are located next to a large clearing where families of kangaroos and wallabies graze day and night.

There are limited powered sites at the campground which are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Whilst you don’t need to book for unpowered tent sites, you do need to book if you are bringing a caravan or camper trailer – particularly in the school holidays (see the telephone number in info at the end of this article for bookings).

There are formed campfire sites to sit around and toast your marshmallows over too, but you do need to bring your own firewood in with you.

The Camp Kitchen

Wombeyan Caves Campground is very well serviced. There is an attractive stone camp kitchen and dining room building available to all. The communal kitchen contains large ovens, cook-top stoves, kitchen sinks, a hot water urn, jug and a fridge. The large dining room next door features a large wood-fire, and provides a place to eat and relax out of the weather.

No, or limited mobile phone service – welcome to a genuine holiday getaway!

As we drove up, out of the valley, campfires were springing to life as the evening closed in, their hazy smoke snaking up into the valley sky. Kangaroos peacefully grazed in the twilight. It was a surreal scene of family camping bliss which we were very sorry to be leaving. We certainly look forward to our next visit to Wombeyan Caves.

Wombeyan Caves Karst Conservation Reserve useful info

Wombeyan Caves is an excellent New South Wales destination for a day-trip, weekend getaway or  relaxing holiday where you can escape the rat-race and get back to nature – with some fun adventurous exploring on the side. The Caves, wildlife and bushwalks will keep you and the family as busy as you want to be – or just take it easy and soak up the peacefulness and beauty of this magical location. You can choose your own family adventure!

Run by NSW National Parks, Wombeyan Caves Karst Conservation Reserve is open year-round, weather permitting (with the exception of Christmas Day for the Visitors Centre).

Accommodation booking and price information

Camping fees information
Unpowered camp sites for tents and caravans (no prior booking necessary) are from *$15 per adult or *$39 per family per night.

Cabins pricing information
Standard cabin 2-night school holidays or weekend stay: *$272 for 2 adults, *$289 per family (2 adults, children up to age 16). *$103 per extra night. Cheaper off-peak.

Caves information

Fig Tree Cave self-guided tour prices
$50 per family
or
$20 per adult
$13 per child/concession
$17 seniors

Junction Cave and Wollondilly Cave guided tours prices
$60 per family
or
$24 per adult
$19 per child/concession
$22 seniors

Wombeyan Passes for discounted multiple entries are also available.

*All prices are correct as at May 2017

For information and bookings
Wombeyan Caves Visitors Centre
Tel: +61 (02) 48 43 5976
Email: wombeyan.caves@environment.nsw.gov.au
You’ll find more information at the official NSW National Parks website here

How to get to Wombeyan Caves

Wombeyan Caves Reserve is located inland, in-between Sydney and Goulburn.

We approached Wombeyan Caves from the direction of Goulburn, NSW, taking a sealed bitumen road to just past Taralga, then turning right onto Wombeyan Caves Road. Only the last 15kms or so of the trip being dirt/gravel unsealed road. The last couple of kilometres do return to bitumen for a steep-ish, narrow descent into the valley where the caves are located. Normal 2 wheel drive cars can easily access Wombeyan Caves.

Access from Sydney also includes unsealed road, and takes around 3 and a half hours from the Sydney CBD, via the Hume Highway to Mittagong, then turning right onto the Old Hume Highway which becomes the Wombeyan Caves Road. Progress along the Wombeyan Caves Road (from the Mittagong end) is winding and slow, and at one point passes through a historic sandstone tunnel.

The Let’s Go Mum family were invited guests at Wombeyan Karst Conservation Reserve. As always, all opinions are our own.

Do you like to go camping with your family? Tell us in the comments below…

The post Sydney family camping getaway – Wombeyan Caves appeared first on Let's go Mum.

The Sofitel Sydney Wentworth is a five-star hotel located right in the centre of the Sydney CBD. Heritage-Listed, this deluxe hotel is offering some very special family packages right now!

“Be Our Guest!”

From the moment you enter the Sofitel Sydney hotel lobby, you can’t help but notice that the hotel has been transformed into an elegant Disney wonderland.

A decorative, beautifully set tea-table complete with romantic roses, fine china and gold embellishment, features in the centre of the lobby – a reminder that the Sydney Sofitel is currently featuring yet another Disney treat for families – the Beauty and the Beast High Tea.

Next to the reception desk, a mystical red rose housed in a glass dome – just like the one in the Beauty and the Beast movie – takes pride of place. The children were drawn to it like moths to a flame.

A beautiful Belle ball gown dress replica can be found on display in one corner of the lobby, and Belle’s Reading Corner, complete with comfy arm-chairs, dress-ups and story books in another.

The Sofitel Wentworth Sydney has really gone all-out with its amazing Beauty and the Beast theme – and it’s just fabulous.

The Disney Family Fun Package

More delights awaited us in our luxurious Disney Family Fun Package room – an accommodation package inspired by the classic Beauty and the Beast tale. This was a fairy tale family getaway indeed.

The girls were excited to discover gorgeous pink cup cakes, topped with red sugar-roses. Beauty and the Beast story books and colouring book gifts were laid out on one of the tables. More surprises were to come – the most enchanting Bluetooth speaker-come-night-light was part of the room decoration – here is a video to show it to you!

You can connect to the speaker with your smart phone via Bluetooth, or just play the built-in Beauty and the Beast theme music. (This high-tech Disney marvel was available for purchase from the front desk for $249).

The extra fun of the Disney-Sofitel family package is a real delight for any little Disney princess or prince – and even us big Disney fans!

Our Sofitel Sydney Wentworth Superior hotel room

Take a walk around our Superior hotel room by watching the video below

Our room itself was beautifully decadent. The twin double beds were plush and comfortable, and the furniture was modern and elegant. There was a large flat-screen TV, a desk and a lounge situated by the window.

The view from the 9th floor window was a sky-scraper city-scape leading down to the hotel roof-top gardens. Even though you are staying in the Sydney CBD, the rooms are well sound-proofed – we couldn’t hear any street noise at all.

Tea and coffee items were supplied in a fold-away cabinet, and a mini bar-stocked fridge was located beneath it. A large cupboard offered hanging space for clothes, and contained luxury bathrobes, a safe and an iron.

The Superior Room ensuite bathroom

The bathroom ensuite was perfect for our needs. Ultra-modern and clean with a good shower, bath and plenty of vanity space.

There were fluffy towels, a hairdryer and complimentary luxury toiletries provided.

Belle’s Reading Corner

We had been so charmed by Belle’s reading corner (the historic Wentworth library) when we first arrived that we decided to head back downstairs and spend some time there.

The girls enjoyed getting into the Beauty and the Beast spirit by dressing up in the supplied Disney Belle dresses and reading the Beauty and the Beast story books there.

Belles Reading Corner is also a great place for parents to relax with a tea or coffee – you can order café items via an elaborate antique telephone on one of the tables there – perfect!

Eventually we headed back up to our room where we all had a very sound sleep (beautifully comfortable hotel beds – bliss!) until we had to be up at 5am for an early spot on the Today Show (watch it here). After the show, we headed straight back to the hotel for breakfast.

Superior Service

The staff at the Sofitel really are a cut above. From the warm welcome from hotel reception to the breakfast room staff, we were so well looked after by polite, caring and attentive staff – we wanted for nothing our entire stay. The children were even given a gorgeous teddy-bear each by the breakfast manager as a cheer-me-up when one of the girls took a tumble on the way in to breakfast – they were very thoughtful and kind.

Breakfast in the Garden Court Restaurant

The Garden Court Restaurant was a very pleasant place to eat Breakfast. Staff welcomed and seated us straight away, and before I knew it I had been furnished with a hot cup of barista coffee.

We were all well-provided for with a great range of breakfast food choices. Cereals (including Cocoa Pops for the kids), juices, fruit, cheese, yoghurt and a hot buffet – complete with Chef! (Don’t miss the honeycomb honey collector too!)

The outdoor courtyard gardens

Immediately outside of the breakfast room we found access to the courtyard rooftop gardens. This was such a unique feature of this historic hotel. Geometrically laid-out, we had been able to see it from our room, and now the gardens served as a place for the children to explore while I got to finish my coffee and catch-up on some news.

After we had all re-charged and relaxed at breakfast, we were able to return to our room to unwind for half an hour, thanks to requesting a late check-out at 12pm – again, Sofitel staff couldn’t be more facilitating.

The Sofitel Disney Family Fun Package had been a wonderful experience for the whole family. What a magical Disney stay we had had with Sofitel Sydney!

You don’t need to end your Disney adventure here – read about our next fun Sofitel Disney experience – the Beauty and the Beast High Tea here.

Sofitel Sydney Wentworth useful info

We stayed with Sofitel on a Disney Family Fun Package
Priced *from $379 per room, per night
Includes Superior class accommodation, welcome gifts, buffet breakfast and free dinner for one child per room under 12

*All prices are correct as at April 2017

Sofitel Sydney Wentworth
61-101 Phillip Street Sydney, NSW, Australia, 2000
Tel: +61 (02) 9228 9188
Fax: +61 (02) 9228 9133

Parking is available in a parking station underneath the hotel at an additional cost.

You’ll find more information at the official Sofitel Sydney Wentworth website here

The Let’s Go Mum family stayed as invited guests of Sofitel Sydney Wentworth. As always, all opinions are our own.

Haveyou ever visited Sydney on a family holiday? What did you enjoy doing there? Tell us in the comments below…

The post Sofitel Sydney Wentworth Disney Family Fun Package appeared first on Let's go Mum.

The Discovery Parks Big 4 Dubbo Parklands has a lot going for it. Located just around the corner from the Taronga Western Plains Zoo, this immaculate holiday park offers quality accommodation, family fun facilities and all the services you could need on your family holiday or weekend away.

After checking in with the welcoming staff at reception, we were supplied with a map of the park and code to the security entry. We drove in and easily found our cabin – complete with its own parking spot for our car next to it, which made unpacking a breeze.

Our Dubbo Parklands deluxe two-bedroom cabin

Even though we were there during a heatwave, the whole cabin was kept beautifully cool with a powerful reverse-cycle air conditioner – it was a relief to have a cool haven to take refuge in from the 40 degree heat.

Family water-play area and swimming pool

Play ground and jumping pillow

Recreation Lounge

General Park features and Guest facilities

 Dubbo Discovery Parks Big 4 useful info

We stayed in a two-bedroom deluxe cabin

Price: *$179 per night, per cabin (sleeps 4)(10% discount for Big 4 members)

*All prices are correct as at March 2017

Address: 154 Whylandra Street
Dubbo New South Wales 2830
Australia

Phone: 1800 033 072
International: +61 2 6884 8633

You’ll find more information and the most up-to-date prices and booking system at the official Discovery Park Dubbo website here

Getting there

To Dubbo from Sydney by road – approximately 400km/5 hours drive. Go to Google Maps for rote options here.
To Dubbo from Sydney by train – approximately 7 hours. Go to XPT service for more information.
To Dubbo by bus – from Sydney – no direct route available. From Newcastle – 5 hourse Sid Foggs Coachlines (Newcastle).
To Dubbo from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra and Newcastle by air – one hour flight to Dubbo City Airport (7kms from town centre) Go to Qantas, REX airlines (Sydney), Jetgo (Melbourne and Brisbane) and FlyPelican (Canberra and Newcastle) for schedules/prices.

The Let’s Go Mum family stayed as invited guests of Discovery Parks Big 4 Dubbo Parklands. As always, all opinions are my own.

Have you ever visited Dubbo on a family holiday? Or perhaps just passed through? What did you enjoy about Dubbo? Tell us in the comments below…

The post Dubbo Discovery Park family accommodation – close to the Zoo appeared first on Let's go Mum.

Approaching from Sydney, Lincoln Downs Resort and Spa is located on the left side of the Princes Highway just before you cross the iconic bridge into Batemans Bay. (You can read our family review of the Batemans Bay area here).

Although a four star hotel, Lincoln Downs Resort’s room rate is price comparable to several three star hotels in town – and some of these other hotels can be quite basic in comparison to Lincoln Downs (I’ve stayed in almost all of Batemans Bay’s hotels over the years, being a Sydney weekend-escapee!).

Tip: Like any hotel on a highway, it does also mean that you may get some traffic noise in the rooms located closest to the highway, so when booking, ask for the rooms farthest away, at the rear of the property.

Standard, garden view room

As we were only spending the one night, we booked into a standard room with a garden view ($140 for a Thursday night, Booking.com), and were able to park right at the front of our lower-ground room. When you’re a single parent, ease of unpacking has a lot going for it, and this is where motor inns shine for an over-night stay – we were unpacked and settled in moments.

Lincoln Downs offer different room pricing, including rooms with a spa. All rooms come with free Wi-Fi with a guest password provided upon check-in.

Room access is via key card entry, which also operates the power in the room via a slot. The rooms feel solid – secure and safe. I always appreciate this, being a woman staying with two young children. The garden was accessible from the other end of our room via double sliding doors, which were lockable and secure.

Quality room furnishings and fittings

Although a motor inn, this hotel has a quality, up-market feel to it. The room at Lincoln Downs was immaculate, and featured elegant furnishings. We had a queen and single bed, both quite comfortable with nice, crisp bedding.

The bathroom was very modern and stylish, with a large double shower, and a good assortment of essential toiletries – I always seem to forget something when we go travelling!

There was a mini-bar in room, flat screen tv, small table with two chairs, bar fridge, tea and coffee facilities and accessories, including a small pod coffee machine (every business-person’s savior). A storage wardrobe holds an ironing board, iron, and hair dryer, and also spare blankets and pillows.

Lighting was a little sparse and annoying – many lamps to switch on, rather than one or two overall switches. There were plenty of power points for laptops and iPhone and iPad chargers.

Here is a short walk-through video of our standard garden-view Lincoln Downs Resort room

The grounds and swimming pool

The garden was a nicely maintained outdoor lawn space where the kids had a good run around and explore to burn off their road-trip inactivity.

Directly off the garden area was a nicely situated swimming pool. Being early spring and probably too cold for most guests to swim, there was no one game enough to take a dip. My kids would have swum in it anyhow, if I had let them – children don’t seem to feel the cold at all when it comes to the chance of taking a quick dip in a hotel swimming pool! I was met with much protesting when I told them no swimming – it was just too cold at this time of the year!

On-site breakfast and dinner options

The onsite restaurant is Briars Restaurant, available for both breakfast and dinner.

As a price-guide, breakfast starts from $7 for continental or for room service, $7 for a bowl of cereal, $24 for a cooked breakfast.

Lincoln Downs Resort and Day Spa is a nice little Batemans Bay hotel option, and good value for money compared to most motor inns in the centre of Batemans Bay.

Lincoln Downs Resort and Spa useful info

Phone: +61 2 4478 9200
Email: info@lincolndowns.com.au
Address: 11683 Princes Highway, Batemans Bay, NSW, Australia
Website: You can find out more at the official Lincoln Downs Spa Resort website here

Lincoln Downs Spa Resort Location Map


*All prices are correct as at September 2016

This review is an independent, non-sponsored Australian hotel blog review. All opinions are my own.

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