Our Story

Resting place in the bush

An Aboriginal word meaning resting place in the bush, Noonaweena preserves the legacy of its name as a place of rest. Traditionally, the Darkinjung people enjoyed the surrounding lands for nourishment and rejuvenation. Biram Lodge; atop the summit of our property, showcases the most magnificent view of Mt Yengo, which remains a sacred place for the Eastern NSW Aboriginal people today.

Noonaweena’s genesis remains steeped in mystery to this day. Known as Noonaweena Health Centre in the 1950’s, Noonaweena is alleged to have been a private destination for the nation’s movers and shakers, who’d mingle amidst chandeliers and mud baths. That said; guests with a penchant for research are welcome to contribute their findings to Noonaweena’s missing years.

Following a period known only now though rumour and hearsay, a new chapter in the story of Noonaweena begun in 1999. Having the vision see past the dilapidated décor of the original guest lodge, the present owners and their friends transformed the Noonaweena Health Centre of the 1950s into the Noonaweena of today. Their dream to create a luxury retreat-style space, where guests are free to rest; reconnecting with themselves, others and nature, has been fulfilled.

Our guests feel at home as soon as they arrive. Many of our guests share how they sense a unique atmosphere of spiritual tranquility upon arrival, enabling them to unwind and regroup. We invite you to weave the Noonaweena story into your own.

Noonaweena offers you and your group an experience one might expect from a five-star retreat. Luxury and comfort, a refreshing air of solitude and the natural beauty of our manicured grounds offer guests an idyllic setting for renewal and reflection.

Enjoying four elegant lodges, Noonaweena can accommodate up to 32 guests. Our dedicated onsite managers host a range of events including business conferences, revitalising retreats, exclusive weddings and romantic B&B weekends. Considering the unique layout of the lodges, Noonaweena can host up to four groups onsite at any one time. Exclusive use of the property can also be arranged.

Noonaweena’s guest facilities include swimming pools, outdoor jacuzzis, a fully-equipped conference room, commercial kitchen, tennis court, bush walking and mountain bike riding tracks, alfresco BBQ and entertaining areas, and disabled persons’ access with wheelchair friendly accommodation.

We are blessed to be able to support many wonderful non-for-profit groups who find healing and respite here at Noonaweena.

Displayed proudly in Biram Lodge, this artwork depicts the heavy footprints entering Noonaweena and the lighter ones leaving. It was a gift from an Indigenous guest who came to us with a LinkUp support group.

1950’s Health Centre sign

Biram Lodge in 1999

Biram Lodge in 1999

Find Us

Travelling North from Sydney on M1

  • Access Tourist Drive 33 via the Peats Ridge Exit
  • From the M1 Freeway, follow Peats Ridge Road north for 14.8kms to George Downes Drive (just past the Peats Ridge shops)
  • Continue along George Downes Drive for 14.9kms (3.7kms past Kulnura General Store)
  • Watch out for the Concealed Driveway sign on your left, put your indicator on ready to turn right into Noonaweena’s Driveway

Travelling South from Newcastle on M1

  • Travel along M1 until you come to Peats Ridge Exit (11kms past Tuggerah Exit)
  • Continue along Peats Ridge Rd for 11.5kms to George Downes Drive
  • Turn right into George Downes Drive
  • Continue along George Downes Drive for 14.9kms (3.7kms past Kulnura General Store)
  • Watch out for the Concealed Driveway sign on your left, put your indicator on ready to turn right into Noonaweena’s Driveway

Your Stories

  • "My husband and I stayed in the Treetops Suite for 4 nights between Christmas and NY and we loved Noonaweena. We were welcomed by the lovely Simone, one of the retreat managers, who showed us around the accommodation and was very helpful and friendly. The accommodation itself is much better than it looks in the photos: gone is the purple wall pictured in the photos of the bedroom, and most of the boldly coloured artworks throughout. Instead there are lovely throws and bedding that are neutral and have a (very tasteful) Australian vibe that goes well with the lovely bush surrounds of the suite. The treetops suite is huge! This includes the enormous outdoor deck and bbq area. We spent loads of time in the jacuzzi on the deck, which is great for enjoying a glass of your favourite tipple while watching the sunset. The jet spa bath in the bathroom was also a big hit with us. There were lots of lovely touches that went with our stay, a chilled complimentary bottle of bubbles (and glasses) on arrival, and loads of other complimentary goodies including Byron Bay cookies, Lindt balls, a lovely Christmas pudding and generous breakfast provisions (eggs, bacon, mushrooms, bread, tomatoes, muesli, yoghurt, fresh juice...couldn’t ask for more!). Also robes and slippers to use during our stay. This is lovely place to stay any time of year, and so easy for a luxurious weekend getaway from Sydney. We will definitely be going back."

    Sonia

  • Thanks to Rod, Maureen, Adam and Staff for your help - our cousins reunion has been absolutely fabulous and my family thinks Noonaweena is the 'way to go'. We really love and appreciate the art work and interior decoration, particularly the woodwork.

    Glenys and Earle

  • This is our 6th visit for a scrapbooking weekend with friends. The accommodation is very comfortable, the views spectacular and the staff helpful. It was warm enough for a swim in the infinity pool but nothing beats having a glass of wine watching the sun going down over the distant hills. Looking forward to our next trip here.

    Wendy W

  • Fantastic birthday weekend "We stayed for a long weekend in late October, following the relaxation of Covid restrictions in NSW. A group of 12 adults and 10 kids, we found Biram Lodge to be perfect for our needs. Plenty of room, great fun cooking together in the communal kitchen. The kids spent all weekend in the pool and the hot-tub. It was great fun. People commented on the comfortable rooms and luxuriant nature of the lodge. We enjoyed use of the tennis courts, pool table and ping pong. It was great eating together al fresco and enjoying the beautiful sunsets. On our last night, it was cold enough to light the open log fire and we had a great evening sitting around with a few wines. Adam and Simone were very accommodating hosts. Pre-arrival communications were quick and clear. Adam also made delicious cocktails for us which we enjoyed by the pool on our first evening. Highly recommended!"

    Sam

  • My husband and I have stayed at Noonaweena for our wedding anniversary for the past 3 years. We always stay in the Tree Tops accomodation. We find this place so relaxing and just perfect. The views are spectacular and the managers are very friendly and welcoming. Highly this recommend this place for a quiet bush escape.

    Sylvanna J

  • Last week we held a small conference at Noonaweena and I have to say that our staff loved the “Noonaweena” experience. Many thanks for making their time out of the office so enjoyable.

    Belinda Peuser, Sanitarium

  • We had a family reunion there and it was everything we were hoping for and more. It was great for me as a wheelchair user and I would highly recommend it to anyone wanting a super comfortable holiday

    Sara, Stayz

  • Resort Home away from home. Amazing management who were so friendly and helpful any time we needed anything from check-in to check-out. The place was spotless and I have OCD tendencies. Everything you would want is there ready for use. Stunning views with a large pool to keep the kids occupied and a spa to relax and watch the sunset. Its a large groups dream getaway in every way!!!!

    Agnes , Stayz

  • What a ball we had! Lovely location, amazing accommodation, great privacy and the perfect location for an amazing weekend away with a bunch of friends

    Kara, Stayz

  • My Husband and I stayed in the Noonaweena TreeTops Holiday house, and it was amazing, by far the most relaxing trip we have had in a long time. the house is equip with everything you would need, we even had our own outdoor spa! Rod was extremely helpful at all times. Thank you for a wonderful stay, we will be definitely be back!

    Sandra H

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    Noonaweena are proud supporters of the following not-for-profits:

    Recognition