One of two beautiful mudbrick cottages close to the Shoalhaven River, Seven Mile Beach and Berry ... just two hours south of Sydney ... five acres, overlooking river flats and Coolangatta Mountain ... walk to a winery!
The self-contained Cottage has a nice open living area with a full equipped kitchen and a terrace with a BBQ. There is a queen-sized bed in one bedroom, a double and a single in the other bedroom and a single in the loft which is up top of the living room. The bathroom has a hot shower. The cottages were built along passive solar principles. Most of the windows face north to let in the winter sun and there are wide eaves to block out the summer sun. Mudbricks give the cottages a high thermal mass to store heat and smooth out the day-night temperature variation. There is a gas heater in the living room for the extra chilly or cloudy days and fans help to cool down on hot summer days.
In between the cottages is a large games room where your children and you can play foozball or table-tennis, have a barbecue or just relax with a book. Enjoy the view from the terrace of each cottage and spott a beautiful bird. Or say hi to our two friendly sheep Coco and Mama and our chooks.
Across the street from the end of our driveway is a delightfully quiet place to dangle a line into Broughton Creek, or walk a few hundred metres to its confluence with the Shoalhaven River. Just down the road is a boat ramp.
Put your canoe into Broughton Creek, paddle out into the middle of the Shoalhaven River and over to Numbaa Island. Canoe around it and be astounded by the variety and number of waterbirds. Or take part in the annual Bridge to Bridge regatta from the bridge on Coolangatta Road near Berry.
Walk along the creek, over the hill, up Coolangatta mountain, and far far away. Or just around the property looking for the endangered, green and golden bell frog. Bring your binoculars to look for Black Shouldered Kites, Wedge Tailed or Sea eagles and pelicans. One of our favourite walks is to Drawing Room Rocks, near Berry. Only a 15 minutes walk from here is Two Figs Winery - the view of the Shoalhaven River flowing from the mountains to the sea is spectacular.
One of the many delightful local drives is a circuit past Cambewarra Lookout, through Kangaroo Valley to the historic Hampden Bridge, over the mountains again to Berry, along Beach Road to Seven-Mile Beach, past Coolangatta winery and then back home again. The drive can be done in an hour, but why not take a picnic lunch and make a day of it?
Only 40 minutes away is Huskisson where you can take Dolphin cruises any time of year. And a few kilometres from there is Hyams Beach, recognised by the Guinness Book of Records for the world's whitest sands. In between are a number of beautiful calm beaches which are suitable for swimming and snorkelling.
Seven Mile Beach, Jervis Bay and Morton National Parks are all within half an hour's drive, so whether you like to explore nature near the surf, still water or the mountains, you will not be disappointed.
Now open every Sunday, Bundanon was Arthur Boyd's home. His studio is set up the way he left it and it doesn't take much imagination to visualise him there, painting the beautiful vistas of his beloved Shoalhaven. Book first at the Information Centre on (02) 4421 0778
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Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
About the area
Back Forest
Located in Back Forest, this cottage is next to a golf course and on the waterfront. Nowra Museum and Meroogal are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Two Figs Winery and Coolangatta Estate. Travelling with kids? Consider Nowra Aquatic Park and Shoalhaven Zoo. Discover the area's water adventures with snorkelling and windsurfing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking/biking trails and cycling.
Seven Mile Beach National Park - 8 min drive - 9.2 km
Seven Mile Beach - 10 min drive - 10.0 km
Getting around
Berry Station - 13 min drive
Shellharbour, NSW (WOL) - 39 min drive
Restaurants
The Heads Hotel - 7 min drive
Bomaderry Bowling Club - 8 min drive
Moons Fresh Sushi - 10 min drive
Subway - 11 min drive
Surah Korean BBQ - 10 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Back Forest Retreat Sunrise Cottage pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Back Forest Retreat Sunrise Cottage?
As of 13 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Back Forest Retreat Sunrise Cottage on 1 June 2026 start from AU$250, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Back Forest Retreat Sunrise Cottage?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Back Forest Retreat Sunrise Cottage?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Back Forest Retreat Sunrise Cottage?
Checkout is at 12:00 PM.
Where is Back Forest Retreat Sunrise Cottage located?
This family-friendly Back Forest cottage is located on the waterfront, 0.2 mi (0.4 km) from Two Figs Winery, and within 6 mi (10 km) of Nowra Aquatic Park and Seven Mile Beach. Bomaderry Creek Regional Park and Nowra Golf Course are also within 6 miles (10 km).
Reviews
9.2
Wonderful
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Great communication. Warm and friendly host who was more than happy to help make our stay enjoyable. We were comfortable and felt at home. Lovely quiet location, yet close to all amenities.
Alan and Naomi were such friendly and generous hosts. And their mudbrick cottage was comfortable with loads of character. We loved our stay at Back Forest.
The hosts were very friendly and helpful with suggestions to visit local attractions around the area. The location was fantastic. It’s a great location to launch from to see all the surrounding areas from Geringong, Seven Mile Beach, Currarong, Hyams Beach, Berry and Kangaroo Valley. The house itself was great located on a small farm, with lots of country charm.
Beautiful property! Cabin may be basic, but very comfortable, spacious, kitchen is well kitted out for cooking for 5. Could walk down to the river to take out our kayak, walk to nearby winery. A relaxing and peaceful stay!
The place was in fairly good condition and nice little place to stay. We had 4 adults and 2 kids and the size was sufficient for our group. The only negative is that I thought the price was a bit high. We really liked the garden though and the surrounding area is very nice
We were in town to visit family at the local hospital. The cottage was a welcome respite. It was clean, beds were comfy and the kitchen had all we needed.
Danielle M.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024
Verified
4/10 Poor
Meirav B.
10 Jan 2026
Liked: Check-in, listing accuracy
Disliked: Cleanliness
The place is very unkept It looks like nothing inside (or outside) has been updated in yearsOld towels/linenLots of spider webs on the windowsCooktop showen in photos doesn’t exist.The fact that there is no aircon matters greatly if the weather conditions are extreme- it’s hot!!! In saying that Alan the owner is a lovely man.
The property was exactly what we needed - clean, cosy, great location. Alan was exceptionally helpful with our questions and their recommendations for things to do in the area were awesome. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Thank you Alan!
Close enough to Nowra and all the surrounding beaches. Most important for us however, was the peaceful view of cattle and hills. Everything we needed for a short stay.
A quirky older style mud brick apartment with glorious views to watch birds, butterflies and flowers. Close to all the other joys like Berry and beaches.
cozy mud brick cottage with beautiful garden in a peaceful location. Check in was easy and good communication with the owner. A great base to explore the surrounding area. Really appreciated fresh eggs from the chickens!
We had a lovely stay at Sunrise Cottage. Very quiet and relaxing location. Alan was a fantastic host and always there to help with any enquiries we had. Just a very small point, as we were staying for 6 nights we could have done with an extra towel each :) but other than that we were very impressed with the property and our stay
A lovely mix of mini-farm-stay but in accommodation with all of the modern conveniences. Loved the quiet location, feeding the very friendly chickens, birdlife, and lovely hosts. Yes, the property (more so the surrounds) aren't immaculately curated, but that was absolutely fine with us. The only real negative was the advertised gas heating had been removed, and the replacement oil heaters were a tad inadequate. Would definitely like to return in the non-winter period.
Our time at BFR hosted by Alan met all our hopes. The cleanliness of the property was first class. Alan could not have been more helpful in meeting all our requests and we shall certainly consider returning for another visit. The wines that we purchased from Two Figs Winery next door are also of excellent quality.
A lovely, cozy, homely place to stay, felt like we were miles away from anywhere. Comfy bed and great facilities.
The serenity was pure, and the games room provided a much needed platform for fun and connection playing pool, table tennis and chatting. If i had one suggestion it would be a more substantial welcome pack with milk, bread, eggs, oil and butter but otherwise an excellent stay. Alan was very welcoming, warm and accommodating. Highly recommend
Such a beautiful location. It felt like we were in the middle of nowhere but we were close to so many lovely places.
Our hosts knew how to balance everything perfectly. They were welcoming, friendly and attentive but not intrusive at all.
The cottage is very comfy with everything you need and the fire pit is great to sit around at night
When we arrived the owner (Allan) came over and gave us figs from his orchard. Flowers are beautiful. Birdlife, native blue bees, lizards, chickens, cattle and sheep - so lovely, and you can contribute to feeding some of them. Very eco friendly, good air flow in house, pretty stained glass windows. Lovely stay, peaceful, and friendly owner. Thanks again Allan!
Hannah C.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2022
Verified
6/10 Okay
Min H.
27 Jan 2025
Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Cleanliness
Stayed for 4 nights
House had too many overgrown plants outside resulting in alot of bugs and mozzies. Also lots of cobwebs inside the house. Definitely more effort could be put in to clean the house. Also despite having kitchen there was no basic cooking things like oil and salt. Decent stay but notbing special, housekeeping seems a bit lazy.
Min H.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025
Verified
6/10 Okay
Cody S.
3 Nov 2024
Liked: Check-in, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Cleanliness
Great potential
While the cabin and the surrounding area were both lovely, the cleaniness and maintenance was a major issue, the kitchen and lounge absolutely reeked of grease and fat from an uncleaned stovetop, the first 45 minutes of our stay was spent airing out and cleaning the kitchen. The garden outside was completely overgrown and would have been beautiful if properly maintained. They is also no internet reception and no wifi. Once we had settled in though it became a much more enjoyable experience, exploring nearby berry and Shoalhaven heads Being the best parts. At least the room was cheap
Cody S.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Nov 2024
The people who stayed before you did so must cooking with oil that we had to get rid of the oven. It’s a different kitchen now. Most people love our gardens and have no problems with the wifi.
Verified
2/10 Terrible
Verified traveller
8 Jan 2023
Liked: Check-in
Disliked: Cleanliness, location, listing accuracy
Not as good as the photos
The property is very dated and does not match the pictures very well. The grass was very overgrown as was the front garden. There were warnings about snakes which we did not see but were concerned about due to the height of the grass. There were a few wasps around close to the doorways which was a concern. We were given the impression that you could throw the kayak in the water across the road but this is not the case. You must go down the road about a kilometre away to drop the kayak in the water. Overall a bit disappointing.