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CALABASH BAY LODGE IS A BOUTIQUE LUXURY RETREAT
Foxtel/FreeWiFi/Computer/iPad/Wii/Movies. Use of Boat/BBQ/Kayaks/fishing equipment. Full Kitchen/Double Oven/Coffee Machine.
THE DISCERNING TRAVELLER in a unique and exemplary water-access only location on the Hawkesbury River. Unlike other destinations further afield, Calabash Bay Lodge offers a quintessential experience of the Australian wilderness and absolute waterfront way of life, yet is only a heartbeat away from the bustling national metropolis of Sydney..
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Location |
Sydney, Australia
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Price Range |
AUD$ 625.00 to AUD$ 1367.00 per night
An extra person charge applies for bookings over 6 people
Bookings must be for a minimum of 2 nights
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Bedrooms |
4 (Sleeps 8)
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Beds |
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Key Locations |
- Airport: 55.00 km
- Train Station: 6.70 km
- Downtown: 45.00 min (driving)
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| Ratings |
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A 20% deposit is required to secure a booking for this property.
Full payment is required if your arrival date is less than 30 night/s from the date of booking.
The following seasonal pricing periods to note are:
From
2
January
to
24
January
The following terms and conditions apply for this period:
Minimum booking 3 night/s
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AUD$ 875.00
per night
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From
25
January
to
28
January
The following terms and conditions apply for this period:
Minimum booking 3 night/s
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AUD$ 1067.00
per night
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From
29
March
to
1
April
The following terms and conditions apply for this period:
Minimum booking 3 night/s
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AUD$ 1067.00
per night
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From
12
April
to
28
April
The following terms and conditions apply for this period:
Minimum booking 2 night/s
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AUD$ 725.00
per night
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From
7
June
to
10
June
The following terms and conditions apply for this period:
Minimum booking 3 night/s
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AUD$ 1067.00
per night
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From
28
June
to
14
July
The following terms and conditions apply for this period:
Minimum booking 2 night/s
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AUD$ 725.00
per night
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From
20
September
to
3
October
The following terms and conditions apply for this period:
Minimum booking 2 night/s
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AUD$ 725.00
per night
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From
4
October
to
7
October
The following terms and conditions apply for this period:
Minimum booking 3 night/s
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AUD$ 1067.00
per night
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From
21
December
to
27
December
The following terms and conditions apply for this period:
Minimum booking 7 night/s
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AUD$ 875.00
per night
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From
28
December
to
31
December
The following terms and conditions apply for this period:
Minimum booking 5 night/s
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AUD$ 875.00
per night
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Q: Would you consider accepting a 1 night only stay?
A: We do regret to advise that we are unable to offer 1 night stays, having a min 2 night booking policy at both weekends and midweek, and for weekend bookings, we do have a mandatory Friday and Saturday night stay.
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Q: I can't stay on Friday. Can I book Saturday and Sunday night only for a discounted rate?
A: Our normal booking policy is for Friday and Saturday nights to be booked together. If a Friday afternoon check in is not possible for your group, you would be most welcome to check in as early as you like on Saturday morning, but we would still book the property from Friday for your exclusive use for the full weekend rate.
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Q: Maximum number of guests
A: We have a policy at our property of having a maximum of 8 guests on premises, which is our maximum sleeping capacity.
Subject to request in writing and approval by management, in certain circumstances (like a wedding) we may agree for day visitors to visit guests staying at the property, such as a hair and makeup artist, and photographer. No more than 10 persons may be on the property at any one time however. The same terms and conditions apply to day visitors as guests staying overnight at the property.
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Q: Child Policy
A: Calabash Bay Lodge accepts children without restriction and is family friendly. Two additional infants (up to 12 months of age) can be accommodated on the property in addition to the normal maximum of 8 guests subject to request in writing and approval by management.
I can re-assure you that Calabash Bay Lodge is a great destination for kids and very safe with regards to being on the absolute waterfront and a water-access only location. We have children's size lifejackets in addition to adult ones, and their use is mandatory anytime the kids are in the boat or around the pontoon area. We would normally recommend the kids are fitted with these in the house before heading outside, so anytime they are in the gardens adjacent to the pontoon area, they will be safe and sound. We also have a lockable swimming pool style gate on the main entertaining deck, which prevents access without supervision down into the garden area near the water. We also have one cot and one highchair at the property, and kid-safe plastic bowls, cups and plates. If you have more than one infant, you'll need to bring along a travel cot.
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Q: Are they any rooms where the beds can be split into twins?
A: With regards to your question about the room configuration, we do regret to advise that all of our beds are queen-sized, so we're unable to split them into two twins as you would like.
We do however have a very large custom-designed sofa with a chaise longue section which is large enough to double as a bed. We can provide you with an extra set of linen and duvet/pillow etc for this if necessary. If you have a look at our photo gallery on our website, you'll be able to see the couch and determine whether that will be suitable for your requirements. (NB offer this only if numbers don't go over the maximum of 8!)
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Q: Can I have a flexible check in or check out time or pre-arrange an earlier or later check in/check out?
A: With regards to organising an earlier check in time than 4pm, or a later check out time than 10am, we are always very happy to be flexible around check in time depending on whether we have vacating guests on the same day, condition of the property after that check out, and availability of boat transfers; or whether we have guests arriving on your day of departure.
Unfortunately we cannot guarantee anything upfront as it will be very much dependent on whether we have guests checking out that morning, and if so, the condition of the property after departure.
If we do have guests departing, we normally find we need the time until 4pm to prepare the Lodge to the high standard we know our guests expect. Having said that, if it is possible we will do everything we can to check you in earlier. If this scenario looks likely on the day, normally our guest relations manager to phone you around lunch time to confirm what's possible. If you have not supplied us with a mobile phone, please let us know this as this is usually the best way to contact you if you are already en route.
If we don't have a booking departing the same day as your arrival, then we only undertake to advise you of an early check-in time possibility no more than 48 hours prior to your booking commencement date.
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Q: How far away is Calabash Bay Lodge from the nearest road access point?
A: We normally recommend to our guests to have a look at Google Maps (maps.google.com) to overview our location. If you enter "Calabash Bay Lodge, Berowra Waters, Sydney", it will drop a pin right over the property, and give you a good aerial view of the distance to the nearest road access point at Berowra Waters, and roads to the city. It can also provide advice on the journey time from your departing location in order to plan your trip accordingly, and if you check immediately prior to your departure, will provide an updated journey plan based on live traffic information along the route. If you're travelling outside of peak hour it's approx. 45 mins to the CBD from Berowra Waters Rd, however, during peak hour or wet weather this can double.
The trip time from the public wharf at Berowra Waters by water taxi to Calabash Bay Lodge is approx. 10 mins.
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Q: Where is closest point for transfers and a good place to park cars?
A: All transfer and arrival information will be well covered in the Welcome Pack we'll send you in advance of your stay, however, with regards to parking, the closest road access point to the city is on the eastern side of the river, where parking is along a regular public road called Kirkpatrick Way which runs adjacent to the river, and where the public wharf is located - this is our official "meeting point". Kirkpatrick Way is a public road with unrestricted parking hours and no parking meters. The area we normally advise you park is along a section of the road that has security cameras with 24 hour monitoring by the Berowra Waters residents association. We just advise that you exercise the same amount of caution you would on any public road in Sydney by not leaving any visible items or valuables in your car.
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Q: Is secure parking available?
A: If you'd prefer not to leave your vehicle parked on the public road, or if you are worried about the security of a hire car or trailer, a secure casual car park that also accommodates trailers can be booked for a daily fee directly with the Marina at Berowra Waters. This is located on the western side of the river, and is accessible via short free vehicular ferry ride across from Berowra Waters Rd on the eastern approach. We recommend booking in advance if you desire the secure facilities, particularly in summer and at holiday periods, as they are limited and fill quickly. Contact Michael on 9456 7000 for enquiries and bookings. It's an approx. 5-10 minute boat drive from where your car will be parked up to Calabash Bay Lodge, and its easy for us to meet you for your arrival boat transfers at the wharf adjacent.
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Q: Can I hire a mini-bus to get the Lodge rather than bringing several cars and having to find parks for all them/leave them unattended over the stay?
A: You might like to hire a mini bus for your transfers – previous guests have found Easy Shuttle (www.easyshuttle.com.au or 1300 793 912) to provide good service and value for money (you can do an online quote on their website), but other local companies worth contacting might be Hills Airport Shuttle on 1300 139 271 or Dural Mini-Bus Service on 9651 2141. As we are not a licensed travel agent, we are unable to book these on your behalf, but are happy to liaise directly with whomever you book as to driving directions and arrival instructions to Berowra Waters.
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Q: Boat use policy
A: We provide use of a runabout boat as part of our rates, which seats up to 4 persons maximum (this is the largest possible boat size we can offer to unlicensed drivers). As part of our check-in procedure, you'll receive a briefing on safe operation from a qualified coxswain (commercially licensed boat driver). At the end of the briefing you will be given a boat use agreement, where you will acknowledge receipt of the safety briefing and that use of the boat is at your own risk. Lifejackets, including for children, mandatory safety equipment, and a full tank of fuel is provided. NB The boat cannot be driven after dark by unlicensed drivers, so that needs to be taken into consideration if you have any late arriving guests you are planning to collect yourself. In that scenario, an additional water taxi transfer will need to be booked and paid for.
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Q: Can I arrive to Calabash Bay Lodge via my own boat?
A: You are very welcome to bring your own boat – we have capacity to berth 2 additional boats on our private pontoon. For boats up to 6m, you are welcome to moor directly at our private pontoon. For all larger boats, you will need to moor on our private deepwater mooring immediately off the Lodge's pontoon. Please advise the size of your boat and tonnage in writing. We provide use of a runabout boat as part of your accommodation package, which you can use to tender across to the mooring if you don't have your own tender.
The closest public boat ramp to launch your boat from a trailer is at Berowra Waters Marina, off Bay Rd, accessible via the western side of the river via Dural and Arcadia. Immediately next to the ramp are unrestricted car and trailer parks in a council car park. Alternatively, a secure casual car & trailer park can be booked for a daily fee directly with the Marina at Berowra Waters. We recommend booking in advance if you desire the secure facilities, particularly in summer and at holiday periods, as they are limited and fill quickly. Contact Michael on 9456 7000 for enquiries and bookings.
Please note well that access to Berowra Waters with a boat trailer cannot be made from the eastern approach via Berowra Waters Rd, as the vehicular ferry across the river doesn't accept large boat trailers, and the road has a number of tight hairpins that may risk your trailer jackknifing. We recommend driving into Berowra Waters via the western approach via Bay Rd, thr
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Q: Do you have a fully equipped kitchen? What should I bring to cook?
A: We certainly do have a fully equipped kitchen for your use in preparing meals during your stay.
To help you with catering planning, we would suggest you should try to bring along as much of what you'll need for your stay with you - as once you're relaxing on the water you really won't feel like getting back into your car and facing civilisation! There are however multiple shopping options nearby should you find you need something you've forgotten or if you need to restock.
We do supply basic pantry provisions like olive oil, spices, flour, sugar, balsamic vinegar etc and organic fair trade coffee you can use in a plunger, as well as a supply of capsule's for use in our automatic Lavazza espresso machine (so you don't miss out on cafe quality coffee while you're on the river) and loose-leaf teas by T2. You will receive a detailed list of this and more in your Welcome Pack.
The things you will need to bring along include all of your perishables, fruit & veg, eggs, meat, and the main ingredients you would normally use to prepare meals. We would advise you to bring a generous amount of breakfast provisions like eggs, bacon, pancake mix, cereal, yoghurt etc that you can pick and choose from over each day; ingredients for several lunches - we always recommend a generous supply of ham off the bone, mustard, yummy sourdough bread, gourmet sausages to cook on the BBQ & mixed salad leaves.
You'll also need supplies for your dinners, but don't forget there's always the option of g
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Guest Reviews
These reviews are are all from people who have booked through the homeforhire system.
| There are currently no guest reviews for this property. |
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Bedrooms |
4 (Sleeps 8)
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Living Room: |
Comfortably fits 8 people |
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Dining Room |
The dining room comfortably fits 8 people |
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Bathrooms |
There are 3 bathroom/s available |
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Ensuites |
There are 2 ensuite/s available |
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Toilets |
There are 4 toilet/s available |
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Beds |
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Noise Level |
Occasional Noise |
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Home Category |
Self Catering |
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Facilities Directions |
- Garden: Garden setting
- Patio: Lake Facing
- Balcony: Lake Facing
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Holiday Types |
- Luxury
- Romantic
- Relaxing
- Seaside
- Activity
- Family
- Adventure
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Home Area |
- Waterfront
- Rural
- Seaside
- Peaceful
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Entertainment Equipment |
- Sound - Radio
- Television - DVD player
- Sound - CD Player
- Television Satellite/Cable TV
- Television - Game Console
- Television LCD
- Sound - Ipod Dock
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IT Communications Equipment |
- Computer
- Telephone (in & out)
- Cellphone Coverage
- Internet - Wifi or wireless
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Leisure Equipment |
- Heating
- Air-conditioning
- Heating - Open Fire
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Household Equipment |
- Towels/Linen Provided
- Microwave
- Clothes Dryer
- Hair Dryer
- Iron/Ironing Board
- Clothes Washing Machine
- Espresso Machine
- Kitchen - Fully Equipped
- Dishwasher
- Highchair
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Outside Equipment |
- Barbeque
- Outside Lighting
- Garage
- Outdoor Furniture
- Outside bath
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Views |
- Panoramic Views
- Lake Views
- Garden setting
- Bush View
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Activities Within Walking |
- Swimming
- Boat Hire
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Kayaking
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Activities Within Driving |
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Attractions Within Walking |
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Attractions Within Driving |
- Shopping
- Restaurants
- Food Shop
- Park
- Nature Reserve
- Winery
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Pricing details and offers:
Please note: All our weekend rates also include our Very Late Check-out special, offering the opportunity to also stay the Sunday night with our compliments, and checkout Monday morning for a weekend away with two full days and three nights of relaxation. On Long Weekends, guests get to relax the full day of the public holiday, and check out Tuesday morning. Sunday is ALWAYS closed to arrival.
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Weekly rates:
Our weekly rate is as follows:
Low season: $3,800 per 7 nights
High season: $4,800 per 7 nights
During XMAS and summer we do not offer a discounted rate for 7 night stays.
Please make a booking enquiry to discuss final costs.
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Description:
Surrounded by 360 degrees of riverfront national park, the pristine eucalypt bush and 200 million year old Hawkesbury sandstone cliffs that ring Calabash Bay Lodge will seduce you.
OUR ACCOLADES
* Unique Accommodation Gold Winner at the 2012 Greater Sydney Tourism Awards
* Unique Accommodation Finalist in the NSW Tourism Awards 2012 (to be announced in November)
* Virgin Australia's Voyeur Magazine rated us as one of the world’s “51 top luxe experiences” on their 2012 Luxe List
* A top luxury pick in Fairfax's 52 Good Weekends Away list of 2011
* The Weekend Australian rated us in the world's "Top Water Beds" in 2009
ESSENTIAL DETAILS
• Only 45 minutes north of the Sydney CBD, 1 hour from Sydney Airport
• Sleeps up to 8 in four queen bedrooms, two with private ensuite, additional large bathroom
• Indoor and outdoor entertaining and lifestyle zones over 3 north-facing levels
• Contemporary international and Australian designer furnishings
• Water views from every room
• Fully self-contained with services available as required
• Absolute waterfront with private moorings
• Water-access only, use of boat included
• Michelin trained Private Chef available for in-house gourmet 3 course lunch or dinner, or 5 or 7 course degustation
• Gourmet Catering available for breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Nature-based activities - kayaks & fishing equipment provided, direct access to bush walks.
• Family friendly
CALABASH BAY LODGE OFFERS NORTH-FACING FLOOR TO CEILING VIEWS from every room to a 4km sweep of riverfront that ends at the best address in Berowra Waters, Calabash Point. We have four beautifully-styled double bedrooms - all with access to balconies and water views, and 3 bathrooms, 2 being private ensuites. Our interior-designed indoor and outdoor entertaining and lifestyle zones feature the best of Australian and international design from Coco Republic, Hub, Planet, and Cloth Fabric, and essential modern amenities, including high speed wireless broadband, integrated stereo system, games console, and an HD media centre.
BEING WATER-ACCESS ONLY, Calabash Bay Lodge is a very private and exclusive sanctuary for guests to replenish, rejuvenate and recharge in this magical setting. Naturally, your stay with us includes arrival and departure boat transfers from the closest road access point, and use of a boat and kayaks to explore the river from the property, as well as fishing rods and a crab pot to try your luck at catching dinner.
IF YOU'RE CELEBRATING A SPECIAL OCCASION or just feel like treating yourselves, we also offer an unparalleled in house dining experience with a Michelin star trained private chef, and full gourmet catering packages. Massage and spa pampering options are also available.
THE LODGE HAS A SUSTAINABILITY FOCUS, running on GreenPower energy, an eco-friendly septic waste system and is cleaned with chemical-free products, to maintain a low footprint on our pristine natural environment. We support local business and preference Australian suppliers.
WHATEVER THE OCCASION, be it a romantic escape, a weekend getaway with friends or a family reunion, Calabash Bay Lodge is a beautiful place to relax, indulge, and celebrate life. We invite you to share the experience with us.
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About Calabash Bay Lodge
Calabash Bay Lodge is a boutique luxury retreat for the discerning traveller in a unique and exemplary water-access only location on the Hawkesbury River. Unlike other destinations further afield, Calabash Bay Lodge offers a unique experience of the Australian wilderness and absolute waterfront way of life, yet is only a heartbeat away from the bustling national metropolis of Sydney, only 1 hour to the south.
Calabash Bay Lodge is surrounded by 360 degrees of riverfront national park. The pristine eucalypt bush and 200 million year old Hawkesbury sandstone cliffs that ring Calabash Bay Lodge offer an unparalleled nature-based luxury escape.
Calabash Bay Lodge offers north-facing floor to ceiling views from every room to a 4km sweep of riverfront. There are four beautifully-styled double bedrooms - all with access to balconies and water views, and 3 bathrooms, 2 being private ensuites. The interior-designed indoor and outdoor entertaining and lifestyle zones feature the best of Australian and international design from Coco Republic, Hub, Planet, and Cloth Fabric, and essential modern amenities, including high speed wireless broadband, integrated stereo system, games console, and an HD media centre.
All of our accommodation rates are for exclusive private rental of the fully self-contained property, with the following standard inclusions: Water taxi transfers on arrival and departure, use of runabout boat for fishing and adventuring, kayaks & fishing equipment, firewood, linen, amenities, complimentary WiFi, iPad & computer access, HDTV, sparkling wine on arrival, coffee & tea provisions, cot & highchair, final cleaning.
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Activities
Activities
Make the most of your stay with a combination of active experiences, adventuring or just surrender to the pleasures of pure relaxation and indulgence...
• Explore the 200 million year old sandstone cliffs and waterways by kayak, travelling into Calabash Bay and down adjoining mangrove creeks as indigenous Australians once did, looking out for rock art along the shoreline
• Swim straight off the Lodge’s private pontoon and in Calabash Bay at low tide
• Discover secret beaches by boat, perfect for a romantic waterfront picnic under the shade of a gum tree
• Bushwalk into the adjoining Marramarra National Park straight from the back of the Lodge, exploring the eerie sandstone ruins of an abandoned 19th century hotel atop Calabash Point on the way (approx. 15 mins to ruins; approx. 1-2 hours total return walk at depending on fitness level)
• Watch a classic or new release movie on our extensive Apple media centre collection, or via Foxtel HD TV
• Take the boat out into the bay, sink a few fishing lines & put your feet up while you wait for them to start biting
• Trek the famous Great North Walk on the eastern side of Berowra Waters across to Jerusalem Bay in the Kuring’gai Chase National Park (full day return walk; medium to hard difficulty)
• Chill out on the lawn waterside, or the upstairs sun terrace off the bedrooms, soaking up the magical atmosphere of life on the waterfront
• Read a book from our library or latest magazine as you lounge on the hammock or a deckchair
• Do some morning yoga on the lawn or upstairs sun terrace
• Take a scenic cruise along the Hawkesbury aboard the Elsie May with our friends Aquality Cruises
• Or if that’s too much effort, fish straight off our private pontoon on Calabash Point, which has bream, flathead, mulloway and crabs teeming underneath and is one of the best fishing spots north of Sydney, and also one of the best positions on the river.
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Services on Request
Services on Request
• Private chef gourmet in house dining
• Gourmet catering
• Relaxation & Remedial Massage in-house
• Spa Therapies
• Babysitter on request
• Seaplane flights direct to property
• Water taxi transfers to and from property from nearest road access point
• Security undercover car & trailer parking can be arranged for a daily fee at nearby marina
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Calabash Bay Lodge Awards
Our accolades that we're proud to share with you:
• Unique Accommodation Gold Winner at the 2012 Greater Sydney Tourism Awards
• Unique Accommodation Finalist in the NSW Tourism Awards 2012
• Virgin Australia's Voyeur Magazine rated us as one of the world’s “51 top luxe experiences” on their 2012 Luxe List
• The Weekend Australian rated us in the world's "Top Water Beds" in 2009
• A top luxury pick in Fairfax's 52 Good Weekends Away list of 2011
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Facilities
• 4 double bedrooms, 3 bathrooms
• 4.2m 30hp runabout boat - seating up to 4 persons, with easy electric start & sun canopy
• Launch your own trailer boat from the nearby Berowra Waters Marina and moor at our private pontoon, accommodating 2 additional boats up to 6m
• Deepwater mooring for large vessels cruising in from Sydney Harbour or Broken Bay
• Tandem and two single kayaks with comfortable seat-back pads
• Fishing rods & tackle provided
• Direct access to national park
• High speed wireless internet & iPad and computer access on a complimentary basis
• Foxtel HD TV with all movie channels
• Nintendo Wii games console
• Apple media centre with extensive classic and new release movie library
• Integrated hifi stereo system with iPod dock
• Library collection & magazine selection
• Greenpower fuelled reverse cycle airconditioning/heating on both entertaining and sleeping levels
• Open log fire & firewood provisions
• Automatic espresso coffee machine with capsules provided
• Fully equipped entertainer’s kitchen with double oven
• Weber Q large barbecue
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How to get there
Calabash Bay Lodge can be reached in only a 45 minute drive north from the Sydney CBD via the Pacific Highway or M2 Tollway and F3 Freeway, and 1 hour from Sydney's international and domestic airports. The Lodge is also reached easily from Sydney's north-west and west via the M2 and M7 tollways, Newcastle & the Central Coast south on the F3, and from the Hunter Valley region on a pleasant tourist drive via the old Pacific Highway. GPS coordinates for those cruising in on their own boat from Broken Bay or Sydney Harbour can be provided.
Prior to your stay, we will send you a Welcome Pack that contains: a personalised itinerary, detailed access information including driving maps and directions, and instructions on where to park and how to meet us for your arrival water taxi transfer, information on all the activities & dining options in Berowra Waters and it's wider vicinity that you can refer to over the weekend, plus tips on what you'll need to pack and leave behind - making the life of the holiday coordinator that little bit easier!
Parking is available adjacent to the meeting point for your arrival water taxi transfer in time-unrestricted on-road parking. Security undercover car & trailer parking can be arranged for a fee if you want drive in with a trailer boat or just want a little more security for your car.
If you plan to bring your own boat, please advise us upon booking so we can provide specific arrival instructions and directions to the public launch facilities.
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Catering Options
We can also can provide full in house gourmet meals to accompany a stay through our catering partners. This would provide a treasured and memorable experience, and enable you and your family the ultimate opportunity to relax and unwind in each other's company.
We can also organise for a unparalleled in house dining experience, where a Michelin star trained private chef would come to Calabash Bay Lodge to prepare a 3 course dinner to be served at table by a waitress as if you were at your own private restaurant. Guests also have the opportunity to engage with the chef as they prepare the meal, learning special techniques and tricks, and about the produce and suppliers. Afterwards, the kitchen will be left spotless so all that remains is to tumble into bed! Pricing is available on request.
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