This was published 11 years ago
Worrowing House, Worrowing Heights review: Meeting with the mob
Country spread... Worrowing House is rich in charm.
Kangaroos and kookaburras are welcome guests for Miriam Steffens and family.
Hopping out of bed and into a shower from where you can look out the bathroom window and see a mob of kangaroos grazing is rather satisfying for a desk-bound city-slicker.
That's the scene that greets me at Worrowing House on Saturday morning, having arrived shortly before sundown the night before to a welcome from a flock of ducks and two large wood-carved giraffes.
Worrowing house's colourful palette.
The owners of the Worrowing estate aren't around to say hello but have left an envelope with keys and instructions.
While our self-contained accommodation is only a few hundred metres from where we park, it takes some time to get to as we dawdle past kangaroos eyeing us cautiously - understandable, given the squeals of delight from our two-year old. We quickly make ourselves at home in the two-level farmhouse, its four bedrooms big enough to sleep up to nine adults, travel cots not included.
We are the first of our weekend group to arrive and have the choice of sleeping downstairs, next to a spa bathroom with the tempting prospect of bubble baths, or upstairs, where there is ample room in a main bedroom with en suite, offering the bathroom view of the wildlife.
As is often the way with weekenders, Worrowing House is stone cold when we arrive, its large front windows not providing much by way of insulation.
The man of the party is dispatched to light a fire in the living room while I telephone the owner asking for heaters for the bedrooms, which he readily delivers.
A quick stroll around the property prompts more squeals as our child discovers the swing set at the side of the house.
Back inside, the large lounge room provides plenty of space for children to spread out toys and books, while parents pour a drink and set about conquering the barbecue on the front deck.
And then we ate Being apartment-dwellers without a garden, we are keen for a decent barbie of sausages and steaks. The well-equipped kitchen means we can also bake vegetables and in the morning compare best egg-poaching techniques. Food is self-supplied.
The deal-maker We wake to a crisp morning of kangaroos, wallabies and birdlife, including kookaburras, parrots and galahs.
If you have visitors from overseas burning to see Australian wildlife, gumtrees and views, this region is a safe bet.
Stepping out We spend a morning on the white sands of Green Patch Beach, less than a 10-minute drive away. Nearby St Georges Basin hosts canoeing, fishing and sailing but building sandcastles is fun enough.
We later head to Huskisson for afternoon tea and a stint at a playground. On the final morning of our stay, we stroll along Hyams Beach and have breakfast at the Hyams Beach Store and Cafe. Our waitress shows only the merest hint of a raised eyebrow when we order decaf skim soy lattes. The babyccinos come with sprinkles of hundreds and thousands - topping off the weekend with a final treat.
Weekends Away are reviewed anonymously and paid for by Traveller.
VISITOR'S BOOK
Worrowing House
Address 81 Wool Road, Worrowing Heights.
The verdict Four-bedroom farm stay perfectly placed for the attractions of the Jervis Bay region, with wildlife more than making up for the lack of a few personal touches.
Price Two nights for two adults is $550 at weekends; $450 midweek, with $50 extra for each additional adult and $25 extra per child.
Two-night minimum stay. Linen is provided for $25 per person.
Bookings Phone 4443 8912; see worrowing.com.au.
Getting there Worrowing is about a 2½-hour drive south of Sydney CBD via the Princes Highway.
Perfect for Families and small groups; overseas visitors wanting to see kangaroos. Worrowing House is on an estate that includes several other accommodation options. Combined, it's large enough for small wedding parties.
Wheelchair access No.
While you're there Breakfast at Hyams Beach Store and Cafe. Swim at Jervis Bay beaches. Ride bicycles to Vincentia, Huskisson and Sanctuary Point.
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