This year we spent the Australia Day long weekend at this fabulous AirBnB above Sydney - Hilltop Cottage, Middle Dural. This absolute gem is listed as:
Nestled within a five acres property, with swimming pool, tennis court, pond, gardens, animals and more, the Hilltop Cottage offers a beautiful romantic retreat or a family vacation away from it all.
Middle Dural is just a 30-minute drive from Sydney, yet it feels worlds away from the cityโs hustle and noise. The owners, a genuinely welcoming family, have created an experience that feels both peaceful and personal. Surrounded by open space and quiet beauty, youโll find it incredibly easy to slow down. The salt water pool, farm animals, gardens, pond, and tennis court all added to what became a weekend of simple joys and treasured moments.
This year, Australia Day held a deeper weight for me. It was my first as a single dad, and sharing these days with my kids now carries a new kind of meaning. The moments of laughter, swimming, and connection mean more than ever. Being surrounded by nature, and the calm of this place, offered the perfect backdrop to reflect and reset.
Australia Day can be complexโitโs a day of national pride for some, and a day of mourning and remembrance for others. For me, itโs a time to pause and appreciate the privilege of living on this land, while also acknowledging its history and the stories that came before us. To do that in the company of those closest to meโmy children and close friendsโfelt especially meaningful this year.
My great mate Dennis joined us for a day, and we spent it in and around the pool, enjoying the sun, sharing drinks, and just being present. These kinds of weekends are more than just a getawayโtheyโre a reminder of how important it is to cherish the people and quiet moments that keep us grounded.
Hilltop Cottage delivered everything it promised and more. A wonderful property made all the more special by what the weekend came to represent.
You will not regret this listing, see it here: https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/5310960
