It feels like every hour is golden hour at Parklands Country Gardens and Lodges Blue Mountains.
When I arrived at dusk, I found the setting sun casting a golden glow over the lakeside canopy and gardens.
At night, I saw gold dance in the fire pit as I roasted marshmallows before bed.
And during the day, I noticed gold in the dry autumn leaves blanketing the ground and clinging to tree branches for dear life as winter took hold.
This place feels like treasure as a destination, and I’m going to share the bounty with you.
In Blackheath, far from the rat race, is the luxury retreat accommodation. The grounds of Parklands offer 31 elegant rooms, including 28 guest rooms across seven garden cottages and three lakeside canopies. I was lucky to call a lakeside canopy my home for a night.
Offering 53 square metres of refined indoor-outdoor living, the premium tented lodge was perfectly positioned alongside the estate’s private lake and surrounded by tranquil gardens.
It offered an outdoor bathtub, a fire pit, a deck with views, a kitchenette, and everything you need for a comfortable stay.
Gentle jazz welcomed me to the “tent”, flowing through a Samsung TV mounted on the wall.
The room was lit by sunshine streaming through sheer curtains lining the sliding doors leading to the deck. That light highlighted the notes of green around the room, blending seamlessly with the garden outside.
Against the back wall was a plush queen bed, to the left of which was a door leading to a smaller deck where the glorious outdoor bathtub stood.
With a glass of bubbles in hand, I ventured outside where the trees had started stripping for winter.
The orange and crimson leaves were a highlight for me. Every year I remember to properly appreciate them before they fall away. And against the lake – blue and brown with the reflection of the sky and the tree trunks and filled with green lilypads – the colours were striking. I spent most of my time braving the cold outside to take in the view before attending my dinner reservation at the Hydro Majestic, which was less than a 10-minute drive away.
I was given a glass of mulled wine when I took my seat at one of the giant windows overlooking the Megalong Valley. The best way to describe the beverage is ‘Christmas in a glass’ – sweet, spicy and fruity.
The Wintergarden restaurant was dimly lit, lending the room a romantic feel, amplified by the orchid in the table vase.
The menu featured amazing options for all food tolerances. My choices for the night were Twice Cooked Venison for my entree, Chargrilled Wagyu MB5+ Ribeye for my main, Charred Broccolini with Kimchi Butter for my side, and Strawberry and Jannei Goat Milk Cheesecake for dessert.
Knowing the experience was going to be luxurious, I was prepared for the occasion. I had the whole classy schtick going. I was dressed like a sophisticated lady and my posture was immaculate. My downfall came when I had my first bite of food and couldn’t hold back the words, “Holy crap”.
So, props to the chef.
After dinner, I retreated back to my accommodation, where my first destination was the fire pit. I chucked a robe on to keep warm and once again braved the cold for the sake of the view. Also, those marshmallows weren’t going to roast themselves.
The clear sky gave me a wonderful view of the stars – a view I often can’t find at the foot of the mountains.
Between the patterns of the flames in front of me, the thousand twinkles in the sky above me, and the warm bed awaiting me inside, I felt content.
The next day, I explored the gardens, but not before indulging in breakfast and barista-made coffee at the Lakeview Breakfast Room.
The bright, cheerful atmosphere of the breakfast room set the tone for the rest of my day. As I ate my eggs benedict, I looked out the cottage-style windows to appreciate the dense forest green blur that formed the backdrop for the colourful flowers and bushes in the foreground.
It’s clear a lot of love and care is given to the gardens, and that became clearer after walking back to my canopy the long way.
The garden wraps around the lake, giving it a leafy hug. It has an English feel to it, but when your eyeline travels upwards, the mountains remind you you’re still home.
Parklands Country Gardens and Lodges Blue Mountains is a treasure in Blackheath, and I hope everyone discovers it. I’ve marked the X for you.
Visit https://www.parklands.com.au.
Ally Hall
Ally Hall joined the Weekender in 2024, and focuses on entertainment and community stories. She's a graduate of the University of South Australia and has previously worked as a Video Journalist with Southern Cross Austereo and as a News Reader with Australian Radio Network.