accommodation faqs

FAQS

Learn more about the Callicoma Hill Eco-cabin, the rustic Mount Royal Bunkhouse and Camping area.

General

QHow far is it to a shop or petrol?
A

The nearest shops and petrol are available in Singleton, 50 km drive from Callicoma Hill.

QCan we bring our dog or cat?
A

Sorry, we do not allow pets. The property is a nature reserve.

QWill I be able to use my mobile phone?
A

There is patchy mobile phone coverage in the Mount Royal area. Assume that you will not have mobile reception.

QDo I need to bring drinking water?
A

No. We provide high quality rainwater for drinking, although this is untreated. If you feel more comfortable with bottled water, then please bring your own.

QIs the access road suitable for 2WD vehicles?
A

Only 2.5km of the access road is unsealed, as is the road to the nearby national park. These are suitable for all vehicles in most conditions, although you should always drive with care, especially when roads are wet.

QWhat is the best season to visit?
A

The bunkhouse and camping area has an elevation of 700m, with temperatures significantly cooler than most of the Hunter Valley and more frequent rainfall. Winters are cold, and evenings throughout the year often cool, so guests should be suitably prepared. The best times of year are generally from March to October.

QCan I have a campfire, and do I need to bring firewood?
A

Yes, campfires are allowed and a simple wood BBQ is available except during a total fire ban. We provide necessary firewood, although the amount is limited. You can purchase additional firewood if you wish to have a larger fire or bonfire. Note that fire restrictions are in place in summer months, and you are responsible for checking whether a total fire ban is in place.

QWhat bush walks and mountain bike rides are available nearby?
A

A number of short marked walking tracks are on the property. Adventurous walks are available in nearby Mount Royal National Park, and a 30 km circuit mountain bike ride is also a highlight for fit riders.

QIs WiFi or TV available?
A

No, these are not available at Callicoma Hill. We provide relief from the hectic digital world, and an excellent location for a digital detox.

Bunkhouse & Camping

QWhat sorts of groups is the bunkhouse and camping area suitable for?
A

The facilities are suitable for family get togethers and celebrations, groups of friends, mountain bike riders and bushwalking groups, church groups, artists and photographers, and more …

QWhat power and lighting is available?
A

The bunkhouse and covered BBQ area has a small independent solar power system providing lighting only. There are no powered campsites, and no 240V power is available.

QWill anyone else be staying?
A

Only one group is booked at a time. This means whether you have 2 or 50 people in your group, the site will be exclusively for your use. For this reason, we have a minimum booking fee. There may be people staying at Callicoma Hill eco-cabin about 800m away through the forest, although many groups book the cabin in conjunction with the bunkhouse and camping.

QAre bathroom facilities provided?
A

A basic bathroom is provided with a flush toilet and gas hot water for the basin and shower.

QWhat do I need to bring?
A

You need to bring all your own bedding. It is advisable to bring your own cooking implements and food storage containers, torches, and appropriate clothing for all weather conditions. There are no refrigeration facilities so you should plan food accordingly, and bring eskies.

QAre there noise or other restrictions?
A

Motor bikes and generators are not allowed, nor is amplified music. However, being in a remote and secluded environment means that no other noise restrictions apply.

QCan I bring my caravan?
A

The road to the Bunkhouse & Camping area is unsuitable for caravans and large motor homes. Camper trailers can however be accommodated.

QIs there space for games and activities?
A

Large grassed areas are available near the bunkhouse for games and outdoor activities.

Eco-Cabin

QWhat types of guests is the Callicoma Hill Eco-cabin suitable for?
A

The Eco-cabin can accommodate couples, families, groups of friends or a number of families. It is also excellent for children who wish to camp while parents stay in a room. It is possible to hire both the Eco-cabin and bunkhouse area for larger groups. The Eco-cabin is also ideal for solo or groups of artists, writers, musicians, thinkers and photographers who need quiet time and space.

QHow many people can the 3 bedrooms accommodate?
A

The bedrooms can accommodate up to 9 people, and two bedrooms have double beds. There are two bunk beds. See the plan of the cabin layout.

QWhat do I need to bring?
A

Bring your own bedding (pillows, sheets, doonas/sleeping bags) and towels. We provide hot water bottles and tea towels. Please bring warm clothes depending on the season, especially for cool evenings, which can happen even in summer. Note that bedrooms are unheated. More frequent rain and mist occurs in the mountains, so it is useful to bring a raincoat and suitable shoes and a torch for use at night.

QDo I need to cook on a wood stove?
A

Cooking in the cabin kitchen is on a wood stove, and also provides hot water. The wood stove is excellent for cooking (both as a stove and oven), we will show you how to use it, and instructions are provided on how to use it. However, it needs around 1 hour to heat up for cooking. Well seasoned firewood for the stove is sourced from our own property and cut and provided to you free of charge.

QWhy is it described as an ‘Eco-cabin’?
A

The cabin was specifically designed and located with the environment in mind. The building minimises the use of electricity, water and materials, with a focus on durable building materials and appliances. All energy (electricity and wood) to operate the cabin comes from the site and rainwater is collected, used and disposed of without use of pumps by gravity flow. Organic waste is composted and wastewater is treated and managed on site.

Accommodation Bookings

Ready for your Callicoma Hill Eco-cabin, Mount Royal Bunkhouse or Camping stay?