The Hawkesbury's leading guesthouse, Bandusia Retreat on the Macdonald River, is an oasis of indulgence in comfort and sensibility.

Bandusia is blessed by the beauty and serenity of the Australian bush setting. Bandusia's deluxe accommodation is set on 30 acres in the heart of a pristine river valley.

This incomparable lodge style guesthouse, with inspired architecture by award winning architects and plantings to accommodate the sophisticated traveller, is designed to pamper and reward our guests. Bandusia integrates the beauty of tall timbers and spectacular sandstone mountain ranges into the unique accommodation.

Bandusia Retreat is located under 2 hours drive from Sydney via Dural and the Old Northern Road. The drive takes you along the oldest roads in Australia and across the Hawkesbury River at Wiseman's Ferry. You will delight at the rustic farm houses, the steep and rugged ranges and the picture postcard Macdonald River.

Amble peacefully and begin your rejuvenation from the moment you leave the city. The retreat features a hot outdoor spa, outdoor sauna and salt water swimming pool and long bush walks suitable for all levels. During the day you will enjoy the clean, pure country air and at night you will marvel at the vivid stars viewed through crystal clear skies.

Enjoy therapeutic massage, rainwater bathing and other health and beauty treatments by arrangement. Our staff are trained to ensure you relax and enjoy your time at Bandusia. Please phone or email and book ahead for massage.

Bandusia's Farm and Vineyard property is First Farm 1820. Founded and granted to a son of convict William Bailey who arrived on the Matilda in 1791, this property features marvellous stone cottage, a graveyard that dates back to 1826 and a superb landscape.

It must be time to treat you and your partner to a special weekend and there is no better place to do this at than Bandusia Retreat.

Rooms:

Our accommodation rates include a continental buffet and a full cooked country breakfast with fresh farm eggs, locally made preserves and breads.

Deluxe Spa Rooms:

Deluxe Spa Rooms provide the ultimate in comfort and privacy, with marble bathrooms, Jacuzzi spa baths, queen or king beds, a writing desk and lounge chairs or couches in spacious designer surroundings.

Room lighting is dimmer controlled and includes sconces and recessed ceiling lights and plantation style overhead fans. The bathrooms are tiled in polished quarry tiles and marble and some include two-person spa tubs, separate shower, large mirrors, and most have spacious marble counters. All shower and bathing water is pure rainwater.

All deluxe rooms feature balconies or decks overlooking the the valley and hills or the towering ironbark forest. To call these comfortable rooms 'elegant and sophisticated' is an understatement.

The Barn Rooms:

The Barn Rooms are located in the barn building and allow for those seeking total privacy as one or two couples. Ideal for the family group. Both these rooms are deluxe standard.

The Family Rooms:

The Family Rooms are two rooms set either side of a shared bathroom. Both rooms open out through French Doors to stunning river valley and garden views.

Twin room accommodation is available in 3 rooms and a number of rooms include double bed foldouts for a 3rd person.

Romantic Getaways:

Bandusia's romantic getaways provide the ultimate in comfort and seclusion ideal for those seeking a weekend escape.

Truly superb deluxe accommodation is complimented by gourmet dining on Friday and Saturday nights. You and your partner can enjoy the tranquility and privacy of our retreat over a relaxing and invigorating weekend. Go for long walks or take a picnic into the pecans. The more active can enjoy some horse riding or tennis.

All getaway packages include our deluxe rooms which feature balconies or decks overlooking the valley and hills or the towering ironbark forest.

At night you can choose to dine in complete privacy at your own table or join with others in the main dining room. Make the weekend with your partner an occasion to remember at Bandusia.

Activities:

The Art Gallery in St Albans Village is a popular attraction as is the Settlers Arms pub which dates back to 1836 and is one of Australia's oldest operating inns. Great for a beer and a yarn with the locals, the village is just 10 minutes from Bandusia.

Historic sites abound including the convict built Great Northern Road, First Farm 1820 with its convict grave yard and stone cottage. Much of our earliest history can be uncovered with a visit to the many historic locations in the Macdonald Valley. Our library contains numerous books and maps to help you uncover these attractions and plan your daily itineraries.

Bring your bikes, your runners and your hiking boots and of course swimming togs are a must. Enjoy the scenery and the fresh air with walks along the river, in the pecans or if you have the energy, try a steep mountain trek to the top of the Macdonald Ranges. You will be rewarded with spectacular views across the valley.

Horse Back Riding:

Horse Riding is available nearby at our farm stay property, First Farm. Book in early for a formal riding lesson, horse handling experiences or to ride out with experienced instructors into the many trails that give St Albans the reputation of one of the best riding locations in NSW.

St Albans is home to the world's longest horse race, The Shazada, which is held every August over 5 days and 400 kms.

Pay a visit to Ynez (imp USA) our pure Arabian stallion. He is a magnificent animal with tremendous presence and awesome movement.

Dining:

Here at our Bandusia we feature a variety of fine dining, from modern Australian to spicy Indian and Thai styles. We pride ourselves in serving wonderful food in a casual atmosphere. Our menus include a selection of "Spa" dishes, that are low calorie, non-fat and vegetarian meals are always available at your request.

Our meals are designed to be as nutritionally appropriate and healthy as they are beautiful. We call on our local producers in this historic farming valley to yield up the freshest vegetables, free range eggs, and tender prime beef. Sydney's best seafood is a key ingredient in our dinner menus with rock oysters and barramundi fillets our specialty.

Al fresco lunches on the decks or around the pool are popular with groups of friends and take advantage of the manicured gardens and bush views.

Directions From Sydney:

Getting to Bandusia can be an adventure too!

Follow the instructions and you cannot go wrong.

• Firstly pick your route to get to Wiseman's Ferry either via Dural or via Windsor or Pitt Town.

• From the city or North Shore, consider Epping Road and then on to the M2.

• Then take the Pennant Hills Road exit turning right.

• Take a left into Castle Hill Road and a right into New Line Road and carry on to Old Northern Road and Dural.

• It is then a direct run of 38 kilometers to Wiseman's Ferry.

• Cross the Hawkesbury River on the "Webb Creek" car ferry, drive off and head up St Albans Road and exactly 22 kilometers later you will arrive at the St Albans village.

• You can enter the village by turning right over the Macdonald River bridge.

• To get to Bandusia Retreat, do not turn right at the bridge but carry on up the "Branch Road" signposted as Upper Macdonald Road and 10.5 kilometers you are at our doorstep.

The scenery is positively captivating as you pass through on of Australia's oldest farming valleys.

Remember to watch your trip meter. En route from the bridge at St Albans and 7.3 kilometers on, you will cross a concrete bridge and hit a T-junction where you must turn left! Carry on past the pecan farm and we will see you at the Retreat on your right after the last 3 kilometers. Elapsed driving time from the center of Sydney is usually 2 to 2½ hours on a Friday afternoon.