Beyond the urban street entrance is an open plan forest retreat with sundeck/exotic Balinese styled pavilion backing bushland. All this, with a rainforest backyard, makes a beautiful leafy escape in Baulkham Hills, which is only 30 minutes by non stop express bus to Sydney CBD. 30 Minutes also will take you out of metropolitan Sydney to the North, South or West on the nearby M2 expressway entrance.
Easy access: Numerous bushland walking trails begin just 300 metres away for healthy morning walks and a mood lift. A local IGA, take away food shops and bus stop are 200 metres from our door. Sporting fields - Tennis, soccer, basketball - are just 400 metres away.
Convenient location: Supermarkets; the Metro to greater Sydney; Castle Towers shopping mall; North Rocks shopping mall; dozens of restaurants... all just a ten minute drive. Parramatta’s restaurant belt is amazing and just 15 mins drive or 20 mins by bus practically at our door.
We also provide: Third bedroom for additional guest fee Off street parking for one car. Air conditioner which covers entire house. Fully equipped kitchen (no dishwasher) and laundry. Living room with dining/office/sunroom extension. Opens to a large Sundeck with weather proof Balinese style pavilion overlooking trees. All Linen provided. Big screen smart TV with numerous streaming services.
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Smoking area is available in rear in the luxurious Bali pavillion over looking bushland
Primary renter must be at least 25 years old and be present for the entire stay.
Important information
You need to know
Property Registration Number PID-STRA-55507, 2153
Property # 9863064
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
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
About the area
Sydney
Baulkham Hills, a neighbourhood in Sydney, is home to this holiday home. Riverside Theatres and Bella Vista Farm are cultural highlights, and travellers looking to shop may want to visit Castle Towers Shopping Centre and Carlingford Court. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at Qudos Bank Arena or Accor Stadium. Break out the clubs and hit the links on a nearby golf course, or seek out an adventure with hiking.
Is Forest Retreat 30 mins from Sydney CBD pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Forest Retreat 30 mins from Sydney CBD?
As of 13 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Forest Retreat 30 mins from Sydney CBD on 13 June 2026 start from AU$298, 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 Forest Retreat 30 mins from Sydney CBD?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Forest Retreat 30 mins from Sydney CBD?
Check-in begins at 10:00 AM.
What time is check-out at Forest Retreat 30 mins from Sydney CBD?
Checkout is at 4:00 PM.
Where is Forest Retreat 30 mins from Sydney CBD located?
Located in Baulkham Hills, this holiday home is 1 mi (1.6 km) from Baulkham Hills Library and within 3 miles (5 km) of Castle Towers Shopping Centre and Castle Hill Community Centre. Norwest Business Park and Castle Hill Heritage Park are also within 6 miles (10 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Booked this for family visiting from overseas. They were delighted, loved it for the relaxed tranquil Bali vibe yet just minutes from an express bus to the tourist highlights of the city. Hosts were most welcoming and helpful. Well worth thinking outside the box of a hotel room especially if one room isn't enough
Ernie J.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Jan 2026
Thankyou Ernest. We loved hearing the guests enjoy our bush pavillion so frequently. We're happy our place made a lovely memory before returning to a European winter.
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Dom
22 Feb 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
We recently spent seven nights at Gary and Rowena's Forest Retreat during a series of business meetings in Sydney, and it was the perfect getaway. The accommodation provided the perfect start to each day in the Balinese pavilion listening to nature, offering a peaceful view of the surrounding bushland and after a hectic day of meetings, the home served as a tranquil haven to unwind.
Our hosts, Gary and Rowena, were very welcoming, and we truly appreciated the calming atmosphere throughout the house. The convenience of a small group of essential shops just a short walk away made our stay even more comfortable. We’ll definitely be returning to this little slice of paradise the next time we’re in Sydney.
Gary and Rowena’s accommodation offers the best of both worlds for a holiday in Sydney. Their residence provides a truly homely experience with all the necessary amenities. The cleanliness and communication by the host reflects a genuine level of care. Morning coffee with the serene backdrop of the bush was a perfect way to start each day. The home’s location is fantastic, meeting all our itinerary needs. It’s just a 30-minute express bus ride for CBD excursions and serves as a great base for drives to the Blue Mountains for a refreshing nature escape. Our group of three can’t wait to return to this wonderful accommodation.
Louis P.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2024
About the host
Hosted by Gary Notley-Smith
We are both artists in and from Sydney. We use the upper street level house to exhibit our work, as an art studio, and for long stay guests. There is always an audible gasp when visitors enter the back area, someting we love to share. We live below in the separate apartment but will not be present when the upper level is rented so your privacy is assured.
Why they chose this property
The forested environment we have created out the back feels far from suburbia while being just 30 mins from all Sydney CBD's amenities on the astonishingly quick Hillsbus express. Alternatively Sydney’s rail network can be accessed at the Castle Hill Metro station 10 minutes drive . Parramatta’s restaurant street is amazing and just 15 mins drive or 20 mins by bus practically at our door.
Being right near the entrance to the M2 expressway you can drive absolutely anywhere in Metropolitan Sydney easily ... except the beach :( However the Hills region is interlaced with connecting bushland creek gulleys everywhere. These are wonderfully relaxing to explore, and the entrances are just minutes from our door. Make sure you use them!
Go for short jog up the street ... down the bushtrack ... around the soccer fields, tennis courts, baskets ball courts and children's playground and be back in 20 minutes if you're fit.
What makes this property unique
What you will like about our property is the quality of life you can achieve while staying in urban Sydney. We have created a ‘magical’ feeling out the back with the Balinese style and a planted rainforest which descends into a bushland gully. There are many outside eating nooks to enjoy and share with the King Parrots , Kookaburras and Lorikeets.