Oberon is a small rural local government area 1130 metres above sea level and sees spectacular seasons including snowy winters. In this area on the western fall of the Blue Mountains that’s known for forestry and cattle,there’s a network of cute villages surrounded by unspoiled landscapes popular with mountain bikers,hikers and other outdoorsy types.
One of those villages is Rockley,and in 2022,famed Australian chef Matt Moran,who hails from these parts,reopened The Rockley Pub as part of his wider plan to reinvigorate the eponymous town of 200.
Cooking enthusiasts can stay at the rustic property.Supplied
And now in Oberon proper,Simmone Logue has started a venture that includes a cooking school with her twin sister,the artist Joanna Logue.
Essington Park,2.5 hours’ drive from Sydney,is housed in a 1960s shearers quarters which the sisters have restored.
Country vibes … guest accommodation.Supplied
Five comfortable guest rooms open to a vegetable garden and orchard. It’s a bed and breakfast affair,so guests get eggs fresh from the coop,just-baked sourdough and homemade preserves for breakfast.
The whole place can be booked as one,or individual rooms are on offer,and it won’t be just cooking classes luring people to stay.
“Long ago my sister and I stumbled upon Essington Park and fell under its spell,” says Simmone,who grew up in the countryside of the Hunter Valley. “My dream is that it will nurture people’s creative adventure as it has my own.
Country comforts.Supplied
“We welcome guests to come and rest,retreat,make new friends,share delicious meals inspired by our vegetable garden,and learn new things in our workshops.”
Those workshops will feature local artisans and artists and include basket weaving,landscape painting and of course,those cooking classes with Simmone Logue for groups of up to 12.
After the activities guests can enjoy the gardens including a fire-pit,soak in their private bathtubs or find a spot to curl up in with a book.
Other attractions in the Oberon region include Jenolan Caves,and Mayfield Garden,the largest cool climate garden in the Southern Hemisphere.
Accommodation from $295 a room or $1500 for the whole property. Workshops from $495.
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