Bush retreat ... each of the Evamor Valley eco-tents has a barbecue and firepit.Credit:Amber Creative
THE PLACE
Evamor Valley,Mudgee,opened its luxury eco-glamping doors in early November just as residents of greater Sydney peeked out of their COVID bunkers with thoughts of hitting the road. Owners Chad and Charmaine Hurrell and their young family had their eyes on this picturesque 32 hectare property for years before snapping it up in 2016. They immediately set to work planting trees and shrubs,widening the dam,while taking great care not to harm established old trees surrounding it,and adding a jetty. The result is that Mudgee's newest glamping attraction is not only stunningly beautiful,but is now also home to returning birds that seem to regard the dam as their own personal playground. There are bright green parrots,maggies,willy wagtails,ducks and other waterbirds,and many more.
THE LOCATION
Room with a view - inside one of the Evamor Valley eco-tents.Credit:Amber Creative
The property is a short drive from town,a big advantage when"town"is the attractive and gastronomically blessed Mudgee. In fact Evamor Valley is so close that you can even get a local taxi home if you prefer to head out for dinner without worrying about driving. This is wine country after all,and one of the best,Lowe Wines (lowefamilywineco.com.au),is just down the road. Mudgee is three and a half hours'west of Sydney and the drive here is very much part of the getaway as you wind your way through destination Blue Mountains towns like Wentworth Falls,Leura,Katoomba,Blackheath and Mount Victoria on the Great Western Highway. Or take the picturesque Bells Line of Road and stop at the Mount Tomah Botanic Gardens and fill the car with apples and still-warm pies at Bilpin.
THE SPACE
A long drive framed by an honour guard of poplars marks the entrance to the property. These young trees hint not only at the dramatic welcome they will eventually provide,but also of the artistry that awaits at the end of them. As we pull up,our eyes take in two wooden shutters perched against trees to perfectly frame the cow and sheep-dotted countryside and hills beyond;deck chairs in just the spot you'd want to sit under a tree,and some elegant bird sculptures beside the main attraction - the dam.
Here,ducks glide under a pink and white cloud of galahs that shatters then regroups in the branches of a giant gum and frogs can be heard in a clump of reeds. The jetty introduces itself as a perfect spot for sundowners. There are three glamping eco-"tents"spaced well apart from each other. Each has their own verandah with leather comfy chairs and dining benches,fire pits and barbecues,though a larger communal fire pit is closer to the dam. Look out for the resident bee hive which provides Evamor with honey and for Jackie the blonde kelpie who will say hello.
THE ROOM