1. Bunjaree Cottages (www.bunjareecottages.com.au) has a beautiful bush setting in four different styles: Wattle, Tea Tree, Banksia and Waratah. They are fully solar-powered, water is from catches, gas is used for warming the water, large verandas and warm wood fires. Only a stroll into the quaint town of Wentworth Falls and an abundance of bushwalks. They have self-contained kitchens, BBQ, TV, DVD, and CD players for your modern comforts. Wattle cottage has is two-story with a queen bed and spa; Tea Tree has a separate romantic bathhouse, queen bed on one-story; Banksia and Waratah are for families and groups fitting up to eight guests. Banksia also has a Finbar’s Folly cubby built for young guests with toys, games, and kid’s size furniture provided. (There will be an extra $10 charge for firewood to be donated to a regeneration project.)

2. Old Leura Dairy (www.oldleuradairy.com.au) is a unique atmosphere that will leave a lasting imprint on your memories. The Straw Bale House consists of five bedrooms and three bathrooms. It is made of 80% recycled materials and insulated with straw for a solar design. The Studio is a cozy one room cottage with king bed, and claw foot bath. The Worker’s cottage is a 1920s weatherboard renovated with three bedrooms and two baths. The Milking Shed is two bedrooms with the hayloft holding one of them, one and half bathrooms and original barn doors to swing open for fresh air. Moo Manor is two bedrooms, two and half baths. Buttercup barn is a loft bedroom with ensuite bathroom newly constructed out of 95% recycled materials. There is also an unusual communal hot tub made from an old milk vat that fits up to ten people. It has kitchen and barbeque facilities in each unit and is within walking distance of town.

3. Jenolan Cabins (www.jenolancabins.com.au) is on Porcupine Hill with 360° views over two National Parks (Blue Mountains and Kanangra Boyd) and Jenolan Caves Reserve. The cabins are earth-sheltered and clad in timber. Each accommodates six, has equipped kitchenettes, log fire, TV, VCR, DVD and bathrooms. You will have to bring your own linens, but Doonas and blankets are provided. Only minutes from Jenolan Caves, is the beginning/end of Bicentennial National Trail, 4WD trails, fishing and Kanangra Walls.

4. Jemby-Rinjah Eco Lodge (www.jembyrinjahlodge.com.au) is situated in Blackheath out Evans Lookout Road surrounded by the bush. It was designed to co-exist with the natural environment and has won several awards for design. All buildings are constructed on pole frames and oriented for optimal solar benefits. Cabins are self-contained one or two bedroom units with all convinces. The Eco Lodges can accommodate up to 16 people (minimum of eight upon booking). Cook for yourself or enjoy the on-site restaurant. It is only moments from Grand Canyon bush trail to rainforest glens, waterfalls and more trails to Govetts Leap.

5. Hatter’s Hideout (www.hattershideout.com.au) has a cave for rent with eight acres overlooing the Wollemi Wilderness World Heritage Area, unlike anything available in the Blue Mountains. A 25 metre high arch protected by a groove of Coachwood trees has open fire, kindling, 20kg wood, gas barbecue, ice box, table and chairs, solar powered lights, candles, rainwater, kitchen sink, basic cooking utensils and condiments, composting toilet and first aid kit. Swags and sleeping bags are provided. Also available is the lodge with three bedrooms and a loft with artistic decor. Lyre’s Loft is a two bedroom cottage on 29 acres for private escape. Mark O’Carrigan has hand built this haven with his daughter, Pheobe.

6. Woolshed Cabins (www.woolshedcabins.com.au) is situated on 250 acres just 20 minutes from Blackheath in the Kanimbla Valley. Two cabins available that can sleep two to six people. They are self-contained with all convinces (no TV reception so bring DVDs if you wish), and toilets are non-flushing composting. Food baskets are available for purchase: three different breakfast, BBQ and salad packs and bushwalker backpack lunch. Neighbouring property has horse rentals if you wish. The walks in the valley are amazing with views that will captivate you.