SUMMARY

Welcome to our dream place. We are, Thomas and Helen Ebersoll, and we first discovered the Wolgan valley on a camping trip to Wollemi National Park. Like many people before us, we were amazed by the spectacular scenery of this magic place and excited by the possibility of restoring the Newnes hotel. Little did we imagine that one day, our dream would start to become a reality. Now with our family, our daughter, Marianna, aged 10, and dog, Bella, we have begun. We opened our first cabin in 2004, the second in 2006 and the third in 2007. Surrounded by the wilderness of Wollemi National Park, spectacular sandstone cliffs, rain-forested canyons and the historic ruins of the former shale oil mining town, we invite you to stay in our unique, hand-crafted cabins and experience this stunning place.

OUR ACCOMMODATION

Our cabins offer you comfort not yet seen at Newnes. The larger cabin, the "Wolgan" Cabin, sleeps 6 and is designed for wheelchair access. This spacious cabin is self contained with a modern kitchen, beautiful bathroom, one bedroom, open living area and a large verandah with spectacular views. The smaller cabin, the "Capertee" Cabin (we also call it the "Honeymoon Lodge"), sleeps 4 in an open-plan area which includes a fully-equipped kitchen and dining area. There is also a modern bathroom and a verandah to relax on and enjoy the view. The latest cabin, the "Colo", is similar in design to the "Capertee" but with the addition of a tower sleeping area and study nook. We also offer accommodation in our on site caravan and campground where well behaved pets are welcome. We do not have spa baths!!! They are the ideal breeding ground for germs and it would take very harsh desinfectants to keep them clean. Those chemicals have no place in our eco development and they would have a negative effect on our on site sewerage treatment. These photos show our "Wolgan" cabin.

ECO-DEVELOPMENT
	Ours is an "Eco" business without "the hype". We like to think of ourselves as a "Grass Roots Eco Resort". We are not a member of some (expensive) "Eco" logo, but we do:     • Run entirely on solar power;     • Operate our own sewerage treatment plant;     • Provide fresh organic food from our own garden;     • Collect fresh eggs from our happy, free-range chooks.
	Our electricity is created by 36 solar panels which produce 2.7KW of power. These panels are mounted on 3 trackers which follow the sun. The power is stored in a battery bank and provides all our energy needs for lighting, fridges, etc.. Free power from the sun!!!! Sewerage and water from showers and sinks are treated, firstly in septic tanks and then filtered in underground trenches so that the final product can even be drunk.
	We have just put new seedlings in our garden. We invite our guests to pick their own fresh vegies. We also have seven very friendly chickens who produce eggs for breakfast and recycle all organic wastes. Let your kids pull out a carrot and chew it and then collect some eggs from the chook pen. Let them realise that food does not grow at the back of the local supermarket.

THE NEWNES HOTEL

Built in 1907, the Hotel is the only remaining building of the former mining township of Newnes. The old bar operates as a kiosk on weekends. The Hotel is the focal point of our development and our aim is to restore it to its former glory. We have rebuilt the fireplace in the bar, to keep our visitors warm in winter. Ruins of the old township, especially the impressive structures of the former shale oil refinery, bring alive the atmosphere of the early 1900s.

ACTIVITIES

Surrounded by the vast wilderness of the Wollemi National Park, nature is at our doorstep. Wildlife is abundant and wombats and wallabies are especially frequent visitors. Birdwatchers will also find much of interest in the range and variety of species which make the Wolgan valley their home. Bushwalkers can choose from a number of different walks, the 1 hour climb to the top of Mystery Mountain with its spectacular views over the ridges and canyons of the Park or the challenging 7 day hike out of the Park along the Wolgan River to Putty Road. There are also rainforested canyons and gullies or rugged mountain tops to be explored. For the more adventurous, mountain climbing, abseiling and canyoning are there to be enjoyed. For those interested in history, the walk through the the ruins of the former shale oil refinery is a must. And if nothing else can enthuse the visitor, the Wolgan River brings peace and relaxation to anyone who wanders along its banks.

MISSION STATEMENT
The overall aim of the Newnes Hotel Historic Wilderness Retreat is to promote, conserve and market the historic and recreational value of Newnes and its natural beauty. The guiding philosophy is 'low key', sustainable and environmentally sensitive.
Our vision is to create a 'family place' with 9 cabins tucked in the woodlands surrounding the hotel. The Newnes Hotel will be restored with an information kiosk, a shop, a cafeteria and bed and breakfast accommodation for 10 guests. There will be an outdoor pavilion for special functions such as bush dances, music festivals and weddings.

PROGRESS REPORT
	Our first three cabins are now available for bookings and we have had wonderful feedback from our guests. The cabins are becoming increasingly popular but there are still plenty of vacancies and we will do our best to fit you in. Construction is now underway for a shower and toilet block for the Hotel and campground which we hope to complete by Easter 2009.
	(Left) The inside of our "Capertee" cabin.
	Our crop of vegies is thriving in the garden. Guests are welcome to help themselves to our wonderful garden produce. The chooks are laying well.
	In spite of our worries about climate change (there can never be enough rain!!!), the scenery at Newnes is as magnificent as ever. We are happy to serve you a cup of tea or plunger coffee on the verandah whenever you visit.

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Links to the Pages on this web site:

Home Page	About Us	Getting to Newnes	Accommodation offer	Voucher Scheme	Emirates
Newnes Centenary	Photos - Cabins	Photos - from "chopper"	Photos - Newnes area	Photos - Main walks	Photos - Cliff-top views