Nature is not somewhere that you visit; it is coming home.
Come to this place with respect, and ask yourself ‘what can I learn?’.
Access
Grasstrees is accessed from the New England Highway. The entrance road is unsealed; it includes a creek crossing, some steep grades and many winding turns.
It is suited to 4WD or AWD vehicles only.
From the highway, it is approximately 1km to the entrance gate and then another km to the house yard and accommodation.
Short term accommodation options
The Gatehouse
A self-contained cottage for two people, with spectacular views from its spacious verandah.
Enjoy
• A private garden loaded with native plants and birds; great photo ops for shutterbugs
• Uninterrupted 180 degree views of The Great Dividing Range
• The warmth of a wood-fired stove on frosty winter nights; all firewood supplied and replenished as needed
• Fully equipped kitchen, quality crockery & utensils, fridge/freezer, electric cooking appliances as options; and gas BBQ available on request
• Satellite TV, digital radio, excellent 4G reception
• Queen bed prepared with hotel quality linen, seasonal doona & cotton blanket
• Ensuite bathroom; environmentally-friendly personal hygiene products provided
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Stringybark Campsite for tent or RV
Stringybark Campsite has been prepared to suit self-contained caravans or RVs (up to 7m long). One site ONLY; no noisy neighbours, just the birds and wallabies.
Tent camping is available for families or friends of Gatehouse occupants
Tent camping at Stringybark Campsite allows for families or groups (up to 6 people) to enjoy camping out while accessing the kitchen and bathroom facilities of The Gatehouse. The campsite is located uphill and approximately 25m from The Gatehouse.
Exploring and observing Grasstrees
Close encounters of the local kind are available by :
– taking a stroll along our network of Mowed Walking Tracks
– taking a longer bush walk with some amazing views
– exploring awesome granite outcrops (Be a little bolder ?!)
– investigating our wonderful variety of native plants. If plants are your passion, then Spring and Summer is your time of year to hunt down some absolute stunners. Check your sightings against our photo-guide to the Plants of Grasstrees
– ticking off your bird observations against our list of over 90 species known to frequent the property. Verified sightings of Little Eagle are recorded as our contribution to the Northern Tablelands Threatened Birds of Prey Recovery Strategy
– focusing your cameras on spectacular sunrises & sunsets, lazy lizards, feathered friends and beautiful blooms just waiting to be snapped, or
– exploring planets and galaxies on starry, starry nights (with the help of our telescope if you wish)
Mowed Walking Tracks
The tracks are perfect for easy exploratory strolls without traveling too far from home. With wide cleared walkways, easy grades, and no unexpected jumps or bumps, these tracks cater for all fitness levels, including the ‘no longer so young and agile’. There’s lots to see along the way, and places to sit when you get there.
Bush Walks
Visitors are welcome to wander freely across Grasstrees at their leisure. Some rough and rocky tracks may interest keen “bush-bashers”. A list of GPS coordinates for selected reference points is available. Two notable destinations are The Cave (for a bit of an explore) and Orchid Rock (for a walk on the shady side) .
Things you need to know about staying at Grasstrees
Detailed information on finding our entrance from the New England Highway can be provided prior to your arrival.
It is 19km from Grasstrees Private Nature Reserve to the nearest supermarket, servo and hotel in Deepwater. Please remember, The Gatehouse comes with starter supplies for coffee and tea-making only; we do not provide meals.
The Gatehouse kitchen comes complete with quality cutlery, essential utensils and crockery; pots & pans; and assorted glassware. A fridge/freezer and ample cupboard space provide storage for your supplies of perishable goods. Appliances include microwave, fry-pan, ceramic hot plate, rice cooker, toaster and kettle.
The wood-fired stove has 2 stove–top cooking plates, and an oven big enough to take a 32cm pizza tray. All firewood and fire-starters are provided. A gas BBQ is available on request.
Satellite TV, ample power outlets, and 2 USB ports enable you to view, listen to and enjoy your favourite entertainment media. The Gatehouse has excellent 4G reception.
All bedroom and bathroom linen is provided for The Gatehouse; the queen bed will be prepared with fresh cotton sheets and pillowcases, a seasonal-weight doona, and cotton blanket.
Guests are welcome to make use of our campfire (fire pit). Firewood is supplied. Safe use of the campfire is paramount; please be understanding if dry and/or windy conditions render it unsafe (and potentially illegal) to light an open fire at that time.
Sitting at 1010m above sea-level, the daily weather at GPNR can fluctuate dramatically. Please come prepared with warm clothing for sub–zero nights and frosty mornings in winter. Even at the height of summer, a cool change and a strong easterly wind may require long trousers and a warm jacket for comfort outdoors. And don’t forget a beanie or a hat!
Please be aware that we operate an On-Site Wastewater Treatment System powered by thousands of hungry composting worms. Some chemicals commonly found in body wash, hair care or cleaning products can be toxic to the composting environment. If you think this may be the case with your products, please minimise their use during your stay. Alternatives are provided.
PETS ARE NOT ALLOWED in Grasstrees Private Nature Reserve including in The Gatehouse.