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

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January 2025

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

Exterior
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Property grounds
2 bedrooms, iron/ironing board, WiFi, bed sheets
Smart TV, fireplace, Netflix, books

Reviews

9.6 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 5100 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Breakfast included
    Breakfast included
  • Parking available
    Parking available
  • Washer
    Washer
  • Barbecue grill
    Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor space
    Outdoor space
  • Kitchen
    Kitchen

Explore the area

Map
Katoomba, NSW
  • Blue Mountains Cultural Centre
    13 min walk
  • Katoomba Scenic World
    15 min walk
  • Katoomba Falls
    18 min walk

Room options

Similar properties

About the area

Sydney

Katoomba stay.Your stay at this Katoomba vacation home places you within 2 miles (3 km) of Blue Mountains Cultural Centre and Katoomba Scenic World. Katoomba Falls and Prince Henry Cliff Walk Trailhead are also within 2 miles (3 km).

What's nearby

  • Katoomba Scenic World - 15 min walk - 1.3 km
  • Three Sisters - 3 min drive - 2.1 km
  • Echo Point Lookout - 3 min drive - 2.1 km
  • Leura Cascades - 3 min drive - 1.9 km
  • Leura Mall - 5 min drive - 4.3 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Scenic World - ‬17 min walk
  • ‪Scenic Skyway - ‬17 min walk
  • ‪Sushi n Co. - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪The Yellow Deli - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Elephant Bean Cafe - ‬12 min walk

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.

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 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.

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), sugar, baking items etc;
Nespresso pod machine and coffee plunger;
Excellent cooking facilities with a state-of-the art Artusi dual fuel cooker;
Separate internal laundry with Bosch washing machine, washing powder and dryer;
Shampoo and conditioner plus liquid soap, soap and shower gel;
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
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 liquid supplied,
Ironing board and steam iron available.
Toilet paper;
Off street parking for 1 car. Additional parking right out the front of the property
Fully fenced front & back with gates.

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

  • WiFi available

Parking and transportation

  • Limited onsite parking (max 1 space)
  • Onsite parking

Kitchen

  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Dishwasher
  • Blender
  • Coffee grinder
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Spices

Dining

  • Free breakfast available
  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bed sheets provided

Bathrooms

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

Living spaces

  • Fireplace
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Smart TV
  • Netflix
  • Streaming services
  • Video library
  • Books
  • Games
  • Stereo

Outdoor areas

  • Patio
  • Fenced yard
  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Washing machine and dryer
  • Near 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
  • Golfing on site
  • Cycling nearby
  • Hiking nearby
  • Winery tours nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Rock climbing nearby
  • Wildlife and game walks nearby
  • Golf 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 installed (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Smartphone data usage (unlimited)
  • Unit size: 1076 sq ft (100 sq m)

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Contactless check-in available

Check-out

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

Special check-in instructions

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

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Important information

You need to know

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
Onsite 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 there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a deadbolt lock
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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited. For guests' safety, the property includes a smoke detector and a deadbolt lock in each accommodation.

Property Registration Number 2780%2C+PID-STRA-5651

Property is also known as

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

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

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 23 out of 30 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 30 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 30 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 30 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 30 reviews" "

9.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Stephen V.

Liked: Cleanliness
Quaint little cottage
The stay was memorable with beautiful walks, close to town and a warm welcome from the owner.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kerry S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Cosy mid-century cottage
Perfectly located, 15 mins walk from the town and from clifftop walking tracks and lookouts. Very comfortable mattress, excellent ducted heating and well-equipped kitchen (including bacon and eggs, a bottle of wine and Tim Tams!). Mid-century furniture and decor suits the Mountains’ atmosphere. My partner and I enjoyed a lovely week here - thank you!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

8/10 Good

Michelle L.

Good location
Fiona is a fantastic host with great communication and lots of lovely touches for our arrival. The house is in a good location and in original condition (1950s) apart from the renovated bathroom. The heating is very good and we had everything we needed to make our stay comfortable. The biggest problem is that the house is packed with too much furniture! It makes it hard to move around the rooms comfortably. It would be even better if some benches were cleared and excess furniture was taken out to give a little more space.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Leigh S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect Mountain holiday
Very quiet and cosy but so close to all the attractions and amenities. A really great place to stay.
Stayed 9 nights in Jun 2024

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

10/10 Excellent

Sara R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Mother Daughter Trip
Moonya was a great base for exploring the Blue Mountains together. Over our stay it became home with comfortable beds, clean kitchen and bathroom, comfy lounge. Location was excellent! Thank you, Fiona. The food supplies you left were much appreciated.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Nick L.

Liked: Cleanliness
A fantastic spot in Katoomba!
This is a great little cottage in the heart of Katoomba, with easy walking to the 3 sisters and tracks or the town. Fiona was a fantastic host who went above and beyond to make our stay memorable. Perfect for a family I couldn't recommend it more highly. 10/10
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Michael H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Quirky artist‘s cottage
Fiona communicates fast and efficiently. The kitchen is well stocked with tea, coffee, spices etc, and there were very nice additional treats in the fridge, a bottle of wine and chocolates. Yum. The house is very comfy with great central heating (we had -3 degree nights), but perhaps a bit over-furnished. There are original artworks on all the walls, some of which aren’t PG rated and triggered a few questions from our 9-year old…😳
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Michael L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Katoomba quiet retreat
Very quiet and enjoyed the underfloor heating. Close to walking tracks and 3 Sisters. Excellent communication with owner.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022

8/10 Good

Loyeanne W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Blue Mountains Road Trip
The property was quirky and showing its age but was very clean. The weather was freezing the week we stayed and the central heating was excellent. Plenty of hot water and warm and comfortable beds. Lots of extras in the kitchen, coffee, tea bags, herbs and spices etc. Fiona was quick to respond to any questions.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Rod M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Good old fashion hospitality.......
Moonya was just as we expected it to be. A charming cottage, very cosy and comfortable. It is the kind of place where you feel right at home. The house has all you will need and the added extras that Fiona provided re food and wine were greatly appreciated. It was a great place to escape for the weekend but would be even better for a longer stay. Would definitely come back .
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

Elaine P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful stay
Had a great week at the cottage, it was very peaceful and perfect for writing. Great location close to town and scenic walks, and the heating is perfect for cold nights. Thank you!
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Lindsay R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely mountain home!
Fiona was so helpful and accommodating. We recommend her lovely house.
Stayed 48 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Joye C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great Location
We enjoyed our stay at Moody’s. You definitely get a 1950s/60s artistic vibe. The kitchen was really well stocked and the washer and dryer met our needs during a rainy stay. It was very cozy and well located to sites. The notebook was very helpful in its restaurant selections. We enjoyed our trip to Avalon. Thank you! We had a lovely stay!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2019

10/10 Excellent

Brian C.

Wonderful stay
Had a meet up with friends in katoomba and the house was perfect. On a quiet street and less than 5 min from the shops. Very spacious, the central heating was perfect for the cold nights. 10/10 would stay again
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2019

8/10 Good

Nasir S.

Nice place for a getaway close to Scenic World.
It was a nice and homely place. There was everything available one could possibly during their stay to feel like home. Very close to shops and Sceninc World. Everything was well organized and all information were provided. We were very delighted with our stay and kids loved the place. The owner had a bottle of wine for us with some chocoloates, it was a very nice gesture. Would definitely choose Moonya again for our next visit to the Blue Mountains.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2018