STAY
OUR WISH FOR YOUR STAY
“To find the universal elements enough;
To find the air and water exhilarating;
To be refreshed by a morning walk or an evening saunter…
To be thrilled by the stars at night;
To be elated over a bird’s nest or a wildflower in spring – these are some of the rewards of a simple life.”
John Burroughs – Leaf and Tendril, 1908.
LUXURY OFF-GRID ACCOMMODATION RIVERINA HIGHLANDS
Kestrel Nest EcoHut, is the perfect off-grid and off-line (no phone or internet) eco-retreat for couples and small families. An eco-retreat doesn’t mean you go without. Solar panels and batteries will guarantee energy for your stay, while panoramic double-glazed windows will allow glorious views. Linger in the outdoor bath.
We called our hut after the magnificent Kestrel – the ONLY bird we saw near EcoHut for two weeks following the ‘19-’20 Black Summer Fires, which nearly consumed our hut while it was still being built.
A well-equipped kitchen will have you cooking up a storm with our farm-fresh produce and locally sourced produce available for purchase. We also have special hampers and local wine.
You’ll stay warm and cosy with an internal wood fireplace and fire pit outside during the winter months and cool and refreshed during the summer.
The night sky will have you amazed – marvel at the heavenly show via our stargazing hammocks.
Our aim is to offer memorable experiences that are accessible and inclusive. Our Inclusivity and Accessibility policy is provided to help guests plan their stay.
The authenticity of our eco-claims are backed by our internationally recognised certifications with Ecotourism Australia – Advanced Ecotourism and Climate Action.
Your stay helps us fund our Environmental Projects at Highfield Farm and Woodland. Since opening in June 2020, we have planted 4,300 locally endemic plants – around 8 per booking.
Located in Mt. Adrah, near Tumut in the Riverna Highlands Region, halfway between Sydney & Melbourne and one hour from Wagga Wagga. Just 10 mins off the Hume Highway
ACCOMMODATION FEATURES
Open plan studio style
1 queen bed
2 single beds (bunks)
Well equipped kitchen
Maximum capacity 4 guests - 2 adults, 2 children
HIGHLIGHTS
Walking trails
Farm animals on-site
Star-gazing hammocks
Fire pit & wood-fired heater
Indigenous Culture
Outdoor bath
Paddock to plate produce
Kitchen and pantry basics
Breakfast provisions with local produce - bread, milk, eggs
Environmental Design and Responsible Sourcing Features
Off-grid, off-line
Solar panels, battery & storage
Double glazed windows
Recycled building materials
No new plastic
Handmade toiletries
Local food and wine
Timber grown and milled on the property
FOOD & DRINK EXPERIENCES
You can choose to have your fridge filled with local, seasonal produce if you want to self-cater and not venture too far from the comforts of our EcoHut. We offer three options that can be purchased with your Kestrel Nest EcoHut stay at checkout on the Book Now button.
EAT OUR FARM
Choose from our seasonal farm-raised Lamb, Beef or Chicken. Opt for BBQ, slow-cook, or roast. Paddock to plate has never been closer.
Depends on seasonal availability.
$25 for two guests, $50 for four guests.
FISH OUR DAM
One of our farm dams has been stocked with the delicious native Silver Perch. BYO fishing gear and worms ( that’s what they like the best). If you’d like to fish, let us know ahead so we can show you which dam!
Free of charge.
REGIONAL PRODUCE HAMPER
Eat the very best of our region’s produce.
Hamper varies according to the season but may include locally-made or grown cheeses, chocolates, nuts, apples, berries and stone fruit.
$100 per hamper for up to four guests.
Baked Brie
Dip into a luscious baked brie teamed with locally grown hazelnuts and locally made fruit paste and crackers. A perfect wintery treat. Cooking instructions provided
$30
THE BEST MARSHMALLOWS IN THE COUNTRY
Imagine staying in a gorgeous place and you like marshmallows, but they provided with the cheap rubbishy domed ones from the supermarket. How does that match the quality of the beautiful place you are staying at? We’ve solved that problem by sourcing the best marshmallows in the country, but you have to order them. They are just too special.
$15
LOCAL CELLAR
On booking, we will provide guests with a menu of locally-produced beers, wines, and ciders. We will stock your fridge for your arrival.
Prices vary according to your selection.
Woodland Experiences
While staying with us at you may just want to chill out and take a walk or relax in a hammock. But if you want to learn more about your surrounds we have a few tours you can book with us or explore by yourself.
WANDER THE TRAILS
There are 14 km of trails in our farmland and conservation areas for guests to explore.
Observant guests will see incredible birdlife and native wildlife and seasonal wildflowers.
Free of charge.
FARMING WITH HABITAT TOUR
Join us on a tour of our small-scale sustainable farm. Meet our Dorper Sheep, Dexter Cattle & pasture-raised Chickens. Learn about our conservation projects & how we aim to farm with our endangered habitat to provide refuge for native wildlife and to increase biodiversity.
Suitable for both children and adults.
1.5 hours, $100 per tour for up to four guests.
BIRD WATCHING TOUR
We have identified 141 different bird species at Highfield. David, our resident twitcher, will introduce you to some of the bird species that live at Highfield. Includes hire of binoculars, a map and a knowledgeable bird-watching guide.
Two hours, $100 per tour, for up to four guests.
SEED BOMB MAKING
Our re-vegetation efforts rely on sourcing seed as locally as possible. Help us make seed bombs containing seeds sourced from our property for distribution on Highfield Farm & Woodland. All materials supplied.
1.5 hours. Suitable for children 7 and over. $100 per party.
SEED COLLECTING (Seasonal)
Help us collect native seed to support both our own re-vegetation work and local environmental projects across the region. We gather seed from our conservation area for the local Landcare Nursery, where it’s propagated into plants used in on-ground restoration.
We’ll start with a short chat about the importance of this habitat, responsible seed collecting, and some basic plant identification, then head out to collect seed in the field.
1.5 hours, adults only (not suitable for children), $100 per party.
Please check availability with us for during late spring and summer.
WILDFLOWER WALK (Seasonal)
In late winter and early spring, our conservation area comes alive with wildflowers. Join Louise for a guided wildflower walk (with a short drive as needed) as you go searching for what’s in bloom across Highfield.
Along the way, you’ll learn more about the habitat and help record your finds using the citizen science platform iNaturalist, adding to the growing knowledge we’re building about the plants at Highfield.
2 hours, $100 per party. Please check availability with us.
Wolgalu Footprints Cultural Experience
Shane Herrington, Wiradjuri man, offers a hands-on learning opportunity that focuses on various aspects of Wiradjuri culture. Participants can expect to engage in activities related to stone tool technology, bush foods, bush fibre, story-telling, and the traditions and protocols of the people of the local area. This experience offers a unique opportunity to learn directly from Shane, a knowledge holder of the Wiradjuri community, and gain a deeper understanding of his rich cultural knowledge.
This activity can provide valuable insights into the history, customs, and practices of the Wiradjuri people. A unique way to connect with Indigenous culture and gain a greater appreciation for Wiradjuri traditions and way of life.
Currently only open to Kestrel Nest guests. Half-day, $600 per party of up to four guests.
SOME OF THE DELIGHTS OF KESTREL NEST ECOHUT
GUEST REVIEWS
We have felt nurtured here; we have been nourished here. The love you have poured into this place has not been lost on us – we have felt it! We have felt it as we have eaten your bread and eggs so kindly given. We have soaked it in with the sunshine on the verandah and the water in the bath. The stars have put us in our place. We have loved what we have learnt here – about ourselves and the land. The birds have been our constant companions throughout the day ( and most likely) at night as we lay sleeping. Thank you for providing this learning, nourishing space. Thank you for wanting to. Every good thing to you.
RATES & PACKAGES
- Retail from $450 per night and $500 Friday and Saturday for up two guests
- $25 supplement for each additional bed
- Minimum 2-night stay
Rates are valid from 1 April 2026 -31 March 2027.