After a day of travelling, nothing is more relaxing than slipping into a steaming, bubble-filled bath, particularly one surrounded by nature. Soak up the dreamiest views at these stunning stays with outdoor tubs.
Apr 2023 -
3
min readKimo Estate, Gundagai
Picture rolling hills and deep valleys, your own private off-the-grid cabin and a countryside with barely another soul as far as the eye can see. They're the views you’ll be treated to from the woodfired hot tub on the decks of Kimo Estate’s three far-flung Eco Huts. Sitting high on the hilltops above the Murrumbidgee Flats, and just a 10-minute drive from Gundagai, these tiny-but-mighty solar-powered cabins have modern interiors, floor-to-ceiling windows and log fires for post-bath cuddles.
Currajong Retreat, Burragate
Perched on a forested clifftop above the Towamba River just north of Eden, this luxury glampsite in the Sapphire Coast hinterland has a private deck of dreams. Its main star: the enormous bath, which is in prime position for staring out into the distant farmland or lying back and stargazing. Out of the bath, step into your tent’s luxurious queen bed, cosy up by the crackling fireplace or rest up ahead of a day of scenic hikes and wildlife spotting across the 40-hectare property.
Currajong Retreat, Sapphire Coast - Credit: David Rogers
Sierra Escape, Mudgee
This is camping, but not as you know it. These five award-winning safari-style glamping tents have everything you need to feel like you’re staying in a five-star retreat: wood-burning fireplace, designer kitchen, big screened windows, large bathroom and, of course, an outdoor bath with views so good they’re destined for Instagram. Once you sink into this picturesque tub there’s nothing between you and sweeping countryside, rolling hills and the vineyards of Mudgee in the distance. Before your bath, opt for an in-tent massage or wine-tastings to make the experience even more luxurious.
Sierra Escape, Mudgee
Kestrel Nest EcoHut, Tumut
Blissfully disconnect from the world at this off-grid retreat near the pretty town of Tumut in the Snowy Valleys. Created with recycled tin and timber by husband-and-wife owners, the hut features an incredible outdoor bath on the wraparound verandah, which looks out onto a sprawling 330-hectare property and conservation area. When you’re not in the tub, toast marshmallows in the fire pit, go birdwatching on the protected bush trails or take a dip in the bubbling creek.
The outdoor bath at
Faraway Domes, Warialda
As its name suggests, Faraway Domes aren’t really near anything – and that’s their appeal. These adults-only domes halfway between Moree and Glen Innes are perfect for holidaying in isolation. Inside you’ll find every luxury you could want or need: an Egyptian cotton-clad king bed, a full kitchen and bathroom, and air conditioning. Outside is where you’ll find the bath (and plunge pool!). Sit back in the stone bath with an add-on cheese and wine hamper and a good book and enjoy being in the middle of nowhere.
Rydges Sydney Harbour Hotel, Sydney
For a bath with a postcard-worthy view, head up to the rooftop of this harbourside hotel in The Rocks. The al fresco hot tub offers front-and-centre scenes of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House and sits alongside a refreshing pool for splashing around in warmer months. Let the bubbles of the jacuzzi jets rest your muscles after a long day of sightseeing, and watch the lights begin to twinkle both in the sky and in the city around you.
Rydges Sydney Harbour Hotel, The Rocks - Credit: Rydges Sydney Harbour Hotel
Evamor Valley, Mudgee
Sometimes switching off in nature is the only antidote to a busy life, and a few nights at Evamor Valley’s 34-hectare property will do just that. Just 10 minutes from Mudgee, and located next to a glistening dam and a flowing river, these six luxurious glamping tents bring total immersion in nature, each with heating and cooling, ensuites, kitchenettes and their own private hot tub. Wake up early and watch the sun rise from your steaming tub or settle in at night with a glass of wine, silence and the stars.
Evamor Valley, Mudgee - Credit: Amber Hooper
Cupitt’s Estate Villas, Ulladulla
If you’re craving a weekend away with a touch of romance, Cupitt’s Estate Villas provide total indulgence with a side of relaxation and reconnection. New additions to the winery estate located in Ulladulla on the South Coast, these 10 freestanding villas are surrounded by rolling green hills, and four come with a stunning outdoor bath on their private deck. With a cellar door, brewery and fromagerie just steps away, stock up on wine, beer and cheese to bring back to your pod and enjoy before, after or even during your bath.
Cupitt's Estate Villas, Ulladulla
Japanese Bath House, Blue Mountains
Tucked away in the wilderness of South Bowenfels, just a 15-minute drive from Lithgow, lies a hidden oasis reminiscent of the gorgeous gardens and steaming onsens of Japan. Soak away your aches and pains in Japanese Bath House’s therapeutic outdoor and indoor onsen baths, all using natural mineral spring water and featuring views of Lake Lyell and the surrounding Blue Mountains. Private baths are available to book, massage treatments are on offer, and if you stay the night in their Japanese minimalist ryokan (Japanese inn) you get all-day entry into the baths plus a massage included.
Japanese Bath House, Lithgow - Credit: Japanese Bath House
Into the Wild Escapes - Kookaburra Ridge, Central Coast
Not every campsite has the luxury of a hot bath at the end of the day, but this secluded little spot at Wyee ensures ultimate rejuvenation after a day of exploring nature. Settle into your fairy-lit safari tent then pour yourself a hot bath to enjoy as the sun sets. More creature comforts make this glamping getaway near Lake Macquarie even better – towels and shampoo are provided and there’s a separate kitchen and living area with a barbecue plus a firepit to cook up a feast for dinner, or just enjoy the crackle of some flames.
Into The Wild Escapes, Kookaburra Ridge - Credit: Into The Wild Escapes - Kookaburra Ridge
Billabong Moon – Tree Tops, Hunter Valley
Relax amongst the trees in the Hunter Valley at Tree Tops, a self-contained treehouse on Billabong Moon estate in Pokolbin. The secluded private spa retreat for two features open plan accommodation with a king bed, indoor corner spa bath and a combustion wood fireplace for cosy nights in. Outside, take a stroll through the swaying casuarina trees to your own private claw-foot bath tub or to the estate’s refreshing saltwater swimming pool. Cook a romantic dinner in the self contained kitchen or barbecue, or head to some of the excellent nearby restaurants, such as Muse Kitchen and Restaurant Botanica.
Billabong Moon – Tree Tops, Hunter Valley - Credit: Billabong Moon – Tree Tops
