Entire home·Private host

Moonya, the writer's retreat, the 1950s vintage holiday home and house gallery

Photo gallery for Moonya, the writer's retreat, the 1950s vintage holiday home and house gallery

Exterior
Property grounds
2 bedrooms, iron/ironing board, cots/infant beds, WiFi
Smart TV, fireplace, books, video library
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Reviews
9.8

Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • FireplaceFireplaceFireplace
  • Breakfast includedBreakfast includedBreakfast included
  • KitchenKitchenKitchen
  • Barbecue grillBarbecue grillBarbecue grill
  • WasherWasherWasher
  • DryerDryerDryer

Explore the area

Map
Katoomba, NSW
  • Popular LocationKatoomba Scenic World15 min walk
  • Popular LocationThree Sisters3 min drive
  • Popular LocationEcho Point Lookout3 min drive
  • AirportSydney, NSW (SYD-Kingsford Smith Intl.)87 min drive

Space details

2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, sleeps 5
100 sq m
Bedroom 1
    1 queen bed
Bedroom 2
    1 double bed
    1 single bed
Bathroom 1
    Combined bath/shower

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Moonya, the writer's retreat, the 1950s vintage holiday home and house gallery

Moonya is a lovingly restored vintage 1950s holiday house located in a whisper quiet street in one of South Katoomba's most sought after locations. The house is very close to the escarpment and premier attractions, the Jamieson Valley, Katoomba Cascades, numerous bushwalks, Scenic World, and within walking distance to the Three Sisters, and Katoomba township and its quaint galleries, boutique stores and gourmet cafes

Built in 1949 in post war Art Deco style, it is a tastefully furnished with vintage and retro furniture, contemporary artworks with all the modern comforts and set in a sun-drenched, beautiful and peaceful 1950s garden setting with vintage outdoor furniture. Comfortable, warm and bright, this north-facing house maintains many of its original features which adds to its vintage charm.

What also makes Moonya a truly unique holiday experience is its mid-20th Century collectables, designer furniture, fittings and furnishings from the 1920s to the 1970s including pieces from New Zealand, Australia and Denmark. The house has high ceilings, deco cornices, original Bakelite door handles, a restored original kitchen and bathroom, and polished hardwood floors with flokati and wool rugs.

Featured artworks includes contemporary work by local artist, Audrey Rhoda and more classical paintings by my father Colin Cameron who was a well known New Zealand artist.

The kitchen is equipped with everything needed to cook including a new 90cm Italian dual fuel cooker along with quality appliances. Enjoy alfreso dining around the barbeque or just relax in the private ambiance of the garden and watch the birdlife.

Each of the two bedrooms is vintage styled with dresser, wardrobe, a queen bed and double beds. Linen and towels are supplied and are of good quality and each of the four beds have electric blankets.

Moonya faces north so it is filled with sunlight and warmth during the day. The house is beautifully warm in winter with underfloor gas central heating in the lounge, dining room, kitchen and bedrooms, and a gas heater.

Entertainment includes unlimited, fast NBN wifi, a new LG smart TV with all the apps plus Stan and Netflix, board games, DVDs, books, magazines and jigsaw puzzles. There is also an excellent quality sound system in the dining area with a collection of blues, funk and soul from the 1940s to the 1980s.

The house is well equipped for babies, toddlers and children with a cot, high chair, changing mat and a toy box. Two single beds are also available.

Moonya is an ideal romantic getaway and retreat for couples, small families or a group of friends. The house is also set up as a writer's space for those who would like to have a relaxing place to work.

LOCATION-LOCATION -LOCATION. The house is located on an escarpment just above Katoomba Park, from where you have a 7 minute walk through native bushland accessed at the end of the street that will take you to the Katoomba Cascades, Falls, Scenic World and then on to the Three Sisters. At Scenic World take the cable car and view Katoomba Falls from high up, or take the scenic railroad down to the floor of the rainforest to see tall gums and other ancient trees. Take the Cliff walk with its spectacular lookouts and gaze towards the Jamieson Valley, Three Sisters, Mount Solitary, the Ruined Castle, Orphan Rock and Narrowneck. You will find that there are so many activities to choose from and all within reasonable walking distance to the house. Katoomba shops and cafes are a 15 minute walk. Restaurants, galleries, cafes and second hand shops in Leura are close by and Blackheath is a 15 minute drive away.


Additional items:
Fully equipped kitchen includes essential cooking items: olive oil, herbs and spices, salt & pepper, black and a range of herbal teas, coffee (instant and ground beans), hot chocolate, biscuits, sugar, baking items etc;
Nespresso pod machine, Italian stove top percolator and coffee plunger;
Excellent cooking facilities with a state-of-the art Artusi dual fuel cooker;
Separate internal laundry with Bosch washing machine and washing powder;
Shampoo and conditioner plus liquid soap, soap, shower gel and moisturiser;
Dining room with table for 6;
Hair dryer, iron and ironing board
Electric blankets on all beds, for the winter nights.
Continuous gas hot water system for bathrooms and kitchen. Never runs cold.
Gas central heating with vents in all rooms apart from bathroom
Gas heater in lounge room
Books and magazines
Dishwasher (including dish wash powder), fridge & microwave in the kitchen
BBQ and outdoor furniture on covered deck.
Pots, pans, plates, cutlery, glasses, cups, toasters, kettle, toilet paper, hand soap, dish washing supplied,
Ironing board and steam iron available.
Toilet paper, hand wash liquid, disposable glovers, hand sanitiser and Glen 20
Off street parking for 1 car. Additional parking right out the front of the property
Fully fenced front & back with gates.


Moonya cannot accommodate pets.

Things to see and do during your stay at Moonya

Relax & enjoy the clean, crisp mountain air !
Visit one of the many Day Spas for a bit of pampering !
Enjoy beautiful, scenic walks & spectacular valley &
escarpment views
Visit the world famous 3 Sisters & Scenic World
Browse for antiques & enjoy some fine dining in
Katoomba & surrounding areas
Go horse riding in the Megalong Valley
Visit the vineyards in the Megalong Valley and enjoy a wine overlooking spectacular scenery
Visit Jenolan Caves - a comfortable 1 hours drive.
Take a day trip to Bathurst or Mudgee & check out historic Little
Hartley & Lithgow on the way !
Explore the villages of Leura, Blacheath & Mt Victoria.
Visit beautiful Mt Wilson & Mt Tomah botanic gardens.

Sightseeing and amenities close to Moonya

Three Sisters/Echo Point = 15 mins walk, 3 mins drive North.
Leura Cascades = 20 mins walk East.
Katoomba Cascades = 7 mins walk South, 2 mins drive
Katoomba cafes, shops = 10 mins walk, 2 mins drive North.
Blue Mountains Cultural Centre = 10 mins walk, 2 mins drive North.
Historic Carrington Hotel & Pub = 10 mins walk, 2 mins drive North.
Katoomba RSL Club = 8 mins walk, 2 mins drive North.
Katoomba Scenic World (Skyway, Walkway, Railway, Cableway) = 10 mins walk, 2 mins drive West.
Katoomba Sports & Aquatic Centre (Council swimming pool) = 10 mins walk, 2 mins drive South.
Leura village & boutiques= 25 minus walk, 5 mins drive East.
Edge Large Screen Cinema = 20 mins walk 5 mins drive North.
Jenolan Caves = 75 kms, 1hr 15 mins West.

Minutes away from antique shops, bush walks, abseiling, horse riding, convention centre.

Aldi, Woolworths, Liquorland, Dan Murphy's, Big W, Coles are near by.

Sleeping arrangements

Bed 1 - Queen Bed
Bed 2 - Double Bed
Cot in Bed 1 also available
Single day bed available in sunroom
Single bed available for child

Property manager

Fiona Cameron

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the house: WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Limited on-site parking (max. 1 space)
  • On-site parking

Kitchen

  • Fridge
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Spices
  • Blender
  • Paper towels

Dining

  • Free breakfast available
  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bed sheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Fireplace
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Smart TV
  • Games
  • Books
  • Video library
  • Stereo

Outdoor areas

  • Patio
  • Fenced garden
  • Barbecue
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Washing machine and dryer
  • Near a laundromat

Work spaces

  • Desk chair

Comfort

  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • On the river
  • In the mountains
  • Near a health or beauty spa
  • Near a hospital

Things to do

  • Golf privileges
  • Fitness facilities nearby
  • Golf on site
  • Horse riding nearby
  • Winery tours nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Wildlife and game walks nearby
  • Golf nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Hiking nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Unit size: 1076 sq ft (100 sq m)

Similar properties

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 2:00 PM
Contactless check-in and check-out are available

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Cots are available on request at the property

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a deadlock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Property registration number 2780%2C+PID-STRA-5651

Property is also known as

136212
Moonya the writer's retreat the 1950s vintage holiday home

About the area

Sydney

This holiday home is located in Katoomba, a neighbourhood in Sydney, and is near theme parks and on a river. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Katoomba Scenic World and Blue Mountains National Park. Travelling with kids? Consider Everglades Historic House & Gardens and Mount Victoria Railway Museum. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

What's nearby

  • Katoomba Scenic World - 15 min walk
  • Three Sisters - 3 min drive
  • Echo Point Lookout - 3 min drive
  • Leura Cascades - 3 min drive
  • Leura Mall - 5 min drive

Getting around

  • Katoomba Station - 18 min walk
  • Sydney Airport (SYD) - 88 min drive

Restaurants

  • Scenic World - 16 min walk
  • Scenic Skyway - 16 min walk
  • Sushi n Co. - 15 min walk
  • 8Things - 12 min walk
  • Cattlefish - 15 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Moonya, the writer's retreat, the 1950s vintage holiday home and house gallery pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Moonya, the writer's retreat, the 1950s vintage holiday home and house gallery?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Moonya, the writer's retreat, the 1950s vintage holiday home and house gallery?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Moonya, the writer's retreat, the 1950s vintage holiday home and house gallery located?

This family-friendly Sydney holiday home is located on the riverfront, within 1 mi (2 km) of Blue Mountains Cultural Centre and Katoomba Scenic World. Katoomba Falls and Leura Cascades are also within 1 mile (2 km). Katoomba Station is 18 minutes by foot.

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 21 out of 26 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 26 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 26 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 26 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 26 reviews" "

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Tiffany

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A lovely cottage to base our Blue Mountains hiking holiday from. A pleasant walk into town & nearby attractions. Cosy & comfortable - live like a local!
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2024

8/10 Good

Jayne D.

Liked: Cleanliness
A Pleasant and Relaxing Stay in Katoomba
We enjoyed the comfortable cottage and the quiet, tranquil location. The home is light filled and has lovely windows. The mattresses are comfortable, the large gas stove is a real treat, and the gas heating with floor vents was an exceptional bonus.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sue F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Moonya stay Spring 2023
we had a great week at Moonya, it is a lovely characterful property in a wonderful location. Fiona is very easy to communicate with and has the property well prepared for our stay, including some stocks in the fridge etc. We would defiantly stay again in the future
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Vinay P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful stay
We really enjoyed our stay, the location was perfect for walks as well as eating and the house was just as we liked it.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jane F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Spring in the Mountains
Great little cottage, as described. Walking distance to three sisters, Katoomba main drag. Plenty of supplies. Easy instructions and great communication. Lovely weekend away, thanks muchly.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jill M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Cozy home away from home.
Third time visitors this property brings us back to Katoomba. Each time enjoying what the Blue Mountains offers but also knowing our stay at Moonya will be great. The property offers you a comfortable and cosy moment in Katoomba history. Communication fantastic, centrally located and well provisioned. Would thoroughly recommend.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Steven P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Weekend Stay
Thanks Fiona for your wonderful hospitality. We enjoyed staying at Moonya!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

slavica z.

Liked: Cleanliness
Nice small house
we enjoyed the house,especialy dining room
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Marianne T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Cozy, comfortable
Cozy, comfortable, quirky. Home from home. A nice touch to provide the makings of a cuppa, Tim Tams, bacon eggs and wine. Much appreciated.
Stayed 13 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca H., Australia

Liked: Cleanliness
Fantastic stay
We had a lovely time staying in this cute cottage. It was a perfect place to base our stay while exploring the area. The host was very friendly and helpful and made us feel very welcome. Thank you!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022