Just one hour from Sydney by car or train, nestled by the world’s second oldest National Park, spectacular Mount Mitchell and pristine beaches. Spacious 3 bedroom house with wide, sun-drenched deck overlooking a tropical garden. Just minutes’ walk to the beach, cafés, shops and train. A romantic, private getaway for up to three couples or ideal for a family, sleeps up to six, with large kitchen, dining and living areas; covered parking.
Layout: NEWLARGE KITCHEN INSTALLED SEPTEMBER 2020 2 rooms with Queen sized beds 1 room with two single beds that can be made into a Queen sized bed Separate toilet, vanity area and bathroom with shower and bath Large dining and living area that opens out to a large outdoor deck Large well equipped kitchen also opens out to the large outdoor deck Outdoor deck has three modular tables that allows for seating up to 10 Outdoor BBQ Large private tropical Garden Entrance foyer with Keyless Entry (pin code) containing historical photograph gallery Undercover parking
Close to a range of cultural, nature and sporting based activities
*Short walk to (patrolled) Stanwell Park Beach, Surf Club, lagoons, creeks and parks *Cafes, an Art Gallery, boutiques, convenience store and bottle shop also a very short walk away *Fish from the rock platform at Coal Cliff and Stanwell Beach *Relax at Stanwell Park Beach, children's playground with refreshments from the kiosk *Nearby Public Baths, Ocean Pools, horse riding, mini golf *Walk the Sea Cliff Bridge, climb the Wodi Wodi Track, row at Audley Boatshed, bushwalk in the world's second oldest National Park *Bike ride to Wollongong along the coast and the famous Seacliff Bridge *10 minutes' drive to Helensburgh, supermarket, specialty butcher and grocer, wine cellar, library, Helensburg Tradies Club *Breakfast, lunch or dine at the Scarborough Hotel, a short drive views, picnic and barbecue tables in the lower and whales to watch in season *Visit Anita's Theatre at Thirroul for live music *Visit coastal beaches - Austinmer, Garie, Wattamolla Beach... *Foragers', antique, food and clothing markets and music events at several villages...Bulli, Berry, Coal Cliff... very pleasant drives away *Visit Symbio Wildlife Park nearby to view hundreds of exotic, native and farmyard animals *Visit the Hindu Temple *Ride horses on trails at Darke's Forest and Otford (glow worms sometimes in the old tunnel) *Shop for plants, gardening equipment and outdoor furniture at Helensburgh
Stanwell Park has a fascinating history
Jacaranda House is situated between two natural creeks (Stanwell and Hargraves Creeks) and two of the first houses owned by famous Australians. Sir Thomas Mitchell built the first house in Stanwell just down the road from Jacaranda house and it overlooks the main beach and two lagoons that are fed by the creeks. Sir Thomas was Australia's first Surveyor General who discovered and mapped much of the early colony. He declared Stanwell Park the jewel for where he wanted to reside. Just up the road in the other direction is 'Hillcrest', where Lawrence Hargraves first designed his box kite that lifted him 16 feet off the ground (hence the name of the local cafe) and led directly to the Wright Brothers' ability to take the first heavier than air powered flight. Indeed the first commercial airplane ever built was named in honour of Lawrence's remarkable contributions. As an interesting aside, two houses up from Jacaranda is Articles Art Gallery, originally the second Mitchell House and later the first Guest House in Stanwell Park (opposite the first location of the railway station) and nearby the famous rail line viaduct. In honour of this history, Jacaranda House has a gallery of historical photographs.
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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 not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
About the area
Wollongong
Located on the beach, this holiday home is in Stanwell Park, a neighbourhood in Wollongong. Sublime Point Lookout and Delta Force Paintball, Sydney are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Royal National Park and Garawarra State Conservation Area. Symbio Wildlife Park and Helensburgh Tunnel are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with surfing/body boarding and fishing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with horse riding and ecotours.
Scarborough Wombarra Bowling Club - 10 min drive
The Scarborough Hotel - 7 min drive
Loaf Kitchen - 6 min walk
Saltie Dog Coffee And Crepes - 12 min drive
Headlands Hotel - 14 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Jacaranda House where beach meets rainforest pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Jacaranda House where beach meets rainforest?
As of 14 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Jacaranda House where beach meets rainforest on 1 June 2026 start from AU$264, 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 Jacaranda House where beach meets rainforest?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Jacaranda House where beach meets rainforest?
Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Jacaranda House where beach meets rainforest?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Jacaranda House where beach meets rainforest located?
Located in Stanwell Park, this holiday home is within 1 mile (2 km) of Stanwell Park Beach and Royal National Park. Bald Hill Lookout and Garawarra State Conservation Area are also within 2 miles (3 km). Stanwell Park Station is 13 minutes by foot and Coalcliff Station is 29 minutes.
Reviews
8.4
Very good
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
The house was very comfortable and peaceful. Also in a great location, just down from cafes and an easy walk to the beach. The host was very communicative and helpful. Would definitely go back!
Great location, quiet and safe., close to beach and cafe. We enjoyed our stay and property offered exactly what we were looking for. Visit was for a family get together and wedding. Had problems working out locking system with door however host was prompt in responding and assistance. Would stay again
The location was nice and close for the wedding we went to. The house house lovely but lots of cockroaches both dead and alive in kitchen area / cupboards.
Really enjoyed our stay at Jacaranda House. Host was very communicative. Small issue upon arrival in that we'd expected, as was listed, all three bedrooms to be available, but one was locked. After confirming we had no additional guests, the host helped us to access the 3rd bedroom.
As others have noted, bit of lived-in-ness (dirt to be wiped off the window and found some socks and rubbish under a bed) but nothing sinister by any means.
Was a lovely stay.
Stacy R.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023
Verified
6/10 Okay
Elena S.
2 Feb 2024
Liked: Check-in, location
Disliked: Cleanliness, communication
Expected more
Dead roach in main area, very stuffy so aircon would improve the experience. Also a better fan. Manager's email was terse; 'We expect the house to be in clean order when you leave. On one occasion someone stole some items. So I expect your workers to realise that this is actually our home and we live here and rent out only due to necessity - it is not a hotel!'
Elena S.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2024
Verified
2/10 Terrible
Chloe G.
19 Sept 2025
Liked: Location
Disliked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication
DO NOT BOOK. (Please keep in mind I’m not someone who posts negative reviews) We arrived to pure filth. There was cockroach feces in the kitchen cupboards, mould on the chopping boards that were placed on the bench, the oven had old food in a tray with oil in it, the sink had black mould and the place STUNK. Thank goodness the park down the road had clean BBQ’s. If that wasn’t bad enough there was NO HOT WATER and the cold was a dribble at best. I reached out to the owner to express how disappointed we were.. In response nothing but sorry, no compensation. I have used Stays frequently along with all my family members and never have I experienced anything like this. I will be thinking twice before I use Stays again if this is the standard they allow. See photos
Chloe G.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Sept 2025
As mentioned I offered no compensation as this guest left the house in an unsatisfactory state. A number of items had to be disposed of, and smoking was evident. I felt her threat of a poor review was intended to get her stay for free and reflected her earlier changes of number of guests. She did not address any concerns during her stay. The photographs are very misleading.
Verified
2/10 Terrible
Jane N.
23 Apr 2022
Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Cleanliness
Very unclean (pest problem)
Although a great house and location, it was extremely unclean with a huge pest problem. We saw cockroaches running across the mugs in the cupboards, and what looked like nests of baby cockroaches throughout the kitchen. We felt very uncomfortable so avoided the kitchen all together. It would be a nice place if the owner put more effort into cleaning and maintenance.
Jane N.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 24 May 2022
Unfortunately having birds and wildlife is part of the country life. Occassionally cockroaches join'the party' and naturally we place many cockroach baits out.
I have travelled extensively and stayed in many countries around the world, but I must say that our stay at your property was a very unpleasant surprise for both me and my mother. I have never experienced guest accommodation in such unclean conditions.From the moment we opened the entrance door, there was a strong smell of stale air, and the floor was visibly dirty. As we went upstairs, we saw a stained carpet with marks of various sizes. Cushions were left scattered on the sofa and chairs, as if someone had just been sitting there and had not tidied up.In the kitchen, all surfaces we touched were greasy, including the metal table and chairs.When we opened the refrigerator, the shelves were dirty, and there were food items left inside. There were live cockroaches in the kitchen, as well as several dead ones.In the bedroom to the right of the stairs, the fan could not be used because it was covered with a thick layer of dust, and switching it on would have blown dust into the air. This was very uncomfortable, as the room was overheated and poorly ventilated — on the second night, the temperature exceeded 31C …We are genuinely shocked by this level of guest accommodation. Based on this experience, we would have no choice but to give the lowest possible rating. It was an extremely unpleasant stay, and we would not recommend this property to anyone.
Ilze Z.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Feb 2026
This guest was asked not to stay before their stay as they have a disabled person, a problem due to the stairway. They refused which was a surprise to me. This is a home not a hotel.
Verified
6/10 Okay
Lisa U.
13 Sept 2022
Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Cleanliness
Close to café
The house was well equipped and the bed was comfortable. Takes about 7 mins downhill walk to the beach and a couple mins walk up the hill to cafés. Bring your own food if you don’t want to eat out as there’s no local supermarket. Stanwell Park is a nice place and the view from Bald Hill is amazing
Great place. Kitchen is extremely well equipped if you like to cook.
Host is very helpful and location is great, in between beach and cafes.
Will book again.