Willow’s Retreat Accommodation and Camping
4826 Great N Rd, Fernances Crossing NSW 2325
Website: willowsretreat.com.au
GPS Coordinates: -33.07745, 151.12201
Site Details
- Location: Fernances Crossing, Hunter Region, New South Wales.
- Site suitable for: Tents, Camper Trailers, Off-road Caravans. Suited to self-contained setups.
- Road access: Access is via the Great North Road (sealed), with property access likely being gravel or dirt track.
- Site surface: Grass, natural bush clearings.
- Camping permitted: Yes, this is the primary offering.
- Maximum overnight stays: Please check with the operator when booking.
- Number of powered sites: Not available; this is an unpowered, off-grid experience.
- Number of un-powered sites: Multiple private sites available.
Facilities
- Facilities: Very basic, rustic facilities. Expect a camp toilet. Guests should be largely self-sufficient.
- Picnic tables: Not provided; campers must bring their own furniture.
- Potable water: It is highly recommended to bring your own drinking water.
- Mobile phone coverage: Extremely limited to non-existent. A true digital detox.
- TV reception: Not available.
- Onsite public toilets: A basic camp toilet is generally available.
- Rubbish bins: No, this is a leave-no-trace property. All rubbish must be taken with you.
- Open fires: Permitted in designated areas when local fire restrictions allow.
- Generator use: Discouraged to maintain tranquility. Check with the owner for any specific policy.
- Number of sites available: A limited number of private sites to ensure seclusion.
Essentials & Activities
- Essentials to bring: All camping gear, sufficient food and drinking water, a portable toilet, firewood, and rubbish bags.
- Pet friendly: Yes, generally permitted but must be confirmed upon booking and kept under strict control.
- Fishing: Not a primary activity onsite.
- Short walks: Yes, excellent opportunities for bushwalking and exploring the property.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- Great Northern Trading Post, Laguna (approx. 15km)
- Wollombi Tavern (approx. 28km)
- Bellbird Hotel (approx. 40km)
- Places to Eat:
- Great Northern Trading Post, Laguna (cafe and bistro) (approx. 15km)
- Myrtle House Cafe, Wollombi (approx. 28km)
- Local Attractions:
- Historic Wollombi Village (approx. 28km)
- Yengo National Park and Finchley Aboriginal Area (access via Laguna)
- Hunter Valley Wineries (Lower Hunter) (from approx. 45km)
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Wollombi Tavern (basic camping) (approx. 28km)
- Wine Country Tourist Park, Cessnock (approx. 50km)
- Next Free Camps:
- Mangrove Mountain Memorial Club (requires patronage) (approx. 40km)
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Cessnock Showground (approx. 50km)
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Laguna (limited) or Peats Ridge (approx. 40km)
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Cessnock is the most reliable source (approx. 50km). Bring your own.
- Nearest Public Toilets:
- Laguna (approx. 15km) or Wollombi (approx. 28km).
Seasonal Weather Forecast: Fernances Crossing Area
- Summer (December – February): Can be very hot and dry. Daytime temperatures regularly reach into the 30s (°C). High fire danger period.
- Autumn (March – May): Generally considered the best time to visit, with warm, clear days and mild nights. Temperatures range from 12°C to 26°C.
- Winter (June – August): Cool to cold. Expect crisp, sunny days and cold nights where temperatures can drop close to freezing. Morning frosts are common.
- Spring (September – November): Weather becomes milder and the bush comes alive with wildflowers. A beautiful season for hiking, with temperatures from 10°C to 25°C.