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Barakee Creek - The Old Shack

Photo gallery for Barakee Creek - The Old Shack

Property grounds
Interior
Exterior
Miscellaneous
TV, fireplace, DVD player, books

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

1 bedroom1 bathroom60 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Hot Tub
  • Parking available
  • Pool
  • Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor Space
  • Air conditioning

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Barakee Creek - The Old Shack

The Old Shack - is a self catered cottage and has been tastefully renovated with an abundance of unique character for couples to sit back and relax, to slow down and unwind. It is filled with furniture and fittings handcrafted on site from reclaimed materials. Set on 26 acres nestled in its own valley with Cattai Creek meandering through, there is only one guest cottage so you can be assured of your privacy. (sorry no children or pets)

The Old Shack was built around 1890 by the first landowner. It was built mainly from materials found on the property, rubble sandstone for the walls and round poles for the roof structure. It slowly fell into disrepair as a result of termite damage, fire and disuse.

For the first ten years of our ownership the Old Shack was deteriorating, with large cracks in the stone walls, and holes through the rusty corrugated roof. Repairs began with the intent to house the chooks and store hay. As the renovations took place we got a little carried away, creating the distinctive retreat that you see today. We have always called it 'The Old Shack' so I guess the name will stay.

To watch our YouTube clip, copy and paste link into your web browser. ?v=lDPF8rkk3fQ

Location

The Old Shack is located at Cattai, New South Wales on the tidal section of Cattai Creek approximately 60 minutes North West from Sydney CBD. It is situated on 26 acres in a very private valley with a short stroll to the wharf and bush walking tracks. Access to the creek by kayaks/canoes is by a gentle ramp. It is a short (4km) paddle downstream to the Hawkesbury River where you can picnic at Cattai National Park. The creek has a 4 knot speed zone which ensures paddlers are not disturbed by speeding watercraft.

Vehicle access - There is about 800 metres of maintained gravel driveway to the Old Shack which is suitable for all standard vehicles.

Boat access - You can access The Old Shack with your own boat (height restricted 1.4m at high tide at Cattai Bridge on Wisemans Ferry Road), 16km from Windsor boat ramp, 69km from Wisemans Ferry boat ramp and 125km from Berowra Waters boat ramp.

Things to do

We have a TV for watching DVDs (with limited TV reception). There are DVDs, board games and plenty of books and magazines for your enjoyment. If you are the type that can't sit still you can take the canoe for a paddle or follow the tracks though untouched native bush. Visit the local National Parks, there are great drives around the Hawkesbury River area, visit some historic sites, browse the shops have an ice cream, enjoy a cappuccino or play golf at the local golf courses.

Property manager

MARK and JUDITH FULLAGAR

Languages

English

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach sun loungers

Pool/Spa

  • Private pool
  • Hot tub

Parking and transportation

  • Onsite parking
  • Car required

Kitchen

  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Dishwasher
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Toaster
  • Spices

Bedrooms

  • 1 bedroom
  • Bed sheets provided

Bathrooms

  • 1 bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Hair dryer

Living spaces

  • Fireplace
  • Wood stove

Entertainment

  • TV
  • DVD player
  • Games
  • Stereo
  • Video library
  • Books

Outdoor areas

  • Patio
  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Gravel flooring in public areas
  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In a rural location

Things to do

  • Kayak on site
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Golf nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Kayaking nearby

Safety features

  • No carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is no carbon monoxide detector or gas appliances on the property)
  • Smoke detector installed (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • First aid kit

General

  • Unit size: 646 sq ft (60 sq m)
  • Property does not allow children

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Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 2:00 PM
Contactless check-in available

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

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

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

This property does not allow children

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 indicated there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
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
Property Registration Number 2756, PID-STRA-13788

We should mention

A car is required for transportation to and from this property

Property is also known as

Vrbo Property
Barakee Creek The Old Shack
Barakee Creek - The Old Shack Sydney
Barakee Creek - The Old Shack Private vacation home
Barakee Creek - The Old Shack Private vacation home Sydney
111394

About the neighborhood

Map
Cattai, NSW

What's nearby

  • Cattai National Park - 1 min walk
  • Riverside Oaks Golf Resort - 12 min drive
  • Hawkesbury River - 17 min drive
  • The Australiana Pioneer Village - 22 min drive
  • Norwest Business Park - 28 min drive

Getting around

  • Sydney Mulgrave Station - 17 min drive
  • Sydney Airport (SYD) - 75 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Vintage Pantry - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Glenorie Bakery - ‬22 min drive
  • ‪Pitt Town Sports Club - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Australian Pioneer Village - ‬21 min drive
  • ‪Bird in Hand Inn - ‬10 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Barakee Creek - The Old Shack pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Barakee Creek - The Old Shack?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Barakee Creek - The Old Shack?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Barakee Creek - The Old Shack located?

Located in Cattai, this cottage is steps from Cattai National Park and 2.8 mi (4.5 km) from Scheyville National Park. Hawkesbury River and Pitt Town Nature Reserve are also within 6 mi (10 km).

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Barakee Creek - The Old Shack Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 172 out of 176 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 176 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 176 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 176 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 176 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

John C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great stay
We have stayed here twice before and this was just as good. It’s a beating and peaceful place in a wonderful natural environment.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Phillip W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Ideal getaway
Terrific property in a beautiful location
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ebony J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our favourite place to stay!
Has everything you need to relax and enjoy each others company! No need to watch tv, plenty to do!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2020

10/10 Excellent

Lisa F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing Space
We had a lovely two nights, was an amazing little place two chillax & unwind! Highly recommended 🥰❤️
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023

8/10 Good

vashti b.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great get away spot, very secluded. Makes you feel like you’re truly living in a rainforest
Such a beautiful experience, it was so amazing being able to wake up in the morning making myself and my husband a coffee and going outside to watch the sunrise and listen to all the beautiful birds and other woodland creatures waking up and singing their beautiful songs. Definitely will be visiting again!
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Angus T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
5 stars
A very well thought out and relaxing stay. We were very impressed with the attention to detail our hosts provided. 5 stars!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Miriam T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Exemplary.
The perfect stay. Clean and well appointed. Every need has been considered and there isn’t a thing that these thoughtful hosts haven’t provided! Just wonderful.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2023
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Summer S., Sydney

Absolute Relaxation
Everything was exactly what we expected and needed. Was far enough away from the city, but not too far to have to be in the car for hours. Could not fault this property at all. Everything was clean and fresh. The owners out did themselves.. from the greet to when we left. Will definitely be going back here again an again.

10/10 Excellent

Stuart G.

Peaceful, tranquil, relaxing
This is tucked away from city noises and busy people. Perfect! We woke up with the birdsong, paddled up and down the creek, read books, drank wine and used the hot tub. Just what we needed for our weary souls.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2018

10/10 Excellent

Lucy B.

Perfect tranquility
The pictures do not do “the shack” justice! This is the most superbly restored cottage and every comfort has been thought of. We thoroughly enjoyed watching the bird life, the kangaroos and canoeing down the peaceful river. The perfect place to wind down and take a break- we will be back.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2018

10/10 Excellent

Lisa A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A slice of heaven
You won't be disappointed staying here. The pictures simply don't do The Shack justice. There are not enough words to say what our stay was like. We were blown away by everything. The creativity of Mark and Judith is seen everywhere. Thank you for sharing your Shack with us .We will be back !
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023

8/10 Good

Michael F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely place to chill
Great beds, bathroom and location near the river. No internet though if that's important to you. Virtually no mobile service. Spent 6 hours trying to heat up the hot tub to no avail. Would be better if it was gas or electrical rather than having to build a fire and constantly monitor it. Hosts are lovely and provided a beautiful chocolate cake for free.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Paul D., Australia

Beautiful, Iconic Australiab Bush Setting
In line with many other visitors to Barakee Creek we enjoyed a wonderfully tranquil stay. The accommodation was very comfortable with plenty of space to spread out inside and out. Easy access to the creek if you wished to try your hand at boating, and a bush track if you needed to walk. There has been a great deal of thought put into the whole package and it's not hard to see why there are a number of repeat visitors. Stunning Aussie bush location, beautifully appointed "shack" with all the peace and quiet you could wish for. What's not to like?

10/10 Excellent

Toni J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Total relaxation and a chance to re-connect with nature
A beautifully secluded cottage that enables you to truly get off the roller coaster of life and really relax. No internet, limited phone reception and only DVDs to watch at night in front of the fire was exactly what we needed to re-charge. Sitting on the verandah throughout the day (or soaking in the hot tub) whilst watching the trees sway in the breeze at the same time as being greeted by the wildlife. We were visited by two Kookaburras throughout each day, a family of wallabies and even a large deer with magnificent antlers. Even though the owners were on hand, if needed, it felt like we were the only two people on the planet. I have never felt more relaxed on any other getaway (and we do a few every year).
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

YVONNE M.

Quirky & Sustainable Valley Hideaway 60 mins from Sydney
We were very impressed at the first site of “The Old Shack” & the privacy of the property when we arrived. But it’s not till you actually spend time there does the real essence of the place truly come to you. We really loved all the recycling of products & obviously Marks sustainable & quirky but brilliant ideas. Your attention to detail didn’t go unnoticed either Judith. “The Old Shack” is very comfortable & user friendly. We also loved being able to use the canoe & the herd garden was a great bonus to our menu along with the delicious chocolate cake. Thanks again for a lovely relaxing stay & a gem of a place so close to Sydney. We would certainly recommend this property to anyone!! Malcolm & Yvonne November 2018
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2018

10/10 Excellent

Kara W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing!
What a perfect place to relax and recharge, The Old Shack was just what we needed. Everything you could possibly need has been thought of but the highlight was definitely the Wood Fired Pool. It took a few hours to get the temperature up but it was worth the wait. The craftsmanship and ingenuity shown in the construction of the cottage was impressive and it was so thoughtfully decorated. Thank you for the complimentary Chocolate Cake, it was the best we’ve ever had!! Although we didn’t make use of the boat or canoe this time, we’re planning to return and hope to use them next time. We loved just sitting on the wharf by the water, listening to the sounds of the bush…. Thank you Judith and Mark for sharing your beautiful property with us.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sally M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Anniversary Getaway
What a gem of a place to stay. LOVED it so much. It was so much more than expected.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Amy M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Excellent
The Old Shack is the perfect place for a peaceful getaway.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mathew C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Superb escape
Thank you for building such an awesome retreat for us to enjoy, attention to detail is amazing, along with the fire place which was a great feature. Privacy is amazing just like everything you supplied for our stay. Than you so much for having us relax and enjoy our time.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Isabelle C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Magical
The property is incredible - perfect for a weekend away and definitely exceeded our expectations! Judith was an amazing host. We’d love to come back!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

David B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A perfect place to escape to and unwind.
This cottage is a perfect hide away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Every part of the cottage has been thoughtfully created to provide a peaceful experience where you can truly unwind and relax. I would highly recommend staying here to anyone looking for a little slice of heaven and peace of mind. We will definitely be coming back!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Grant F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Judith and Mark certainly have something special.
Perfect
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Louise A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stunning place for a short break
This was the long weekend away that we dreamed of - gorgeous setting, beautiful property and everything inside it presented and organised to exceptional quality. Everything was done to make us feel entirely comfortable. The hot tub was a big effort on the first day (would recommend 6 hours) but totally worth it. And the chocolate cake was superb, thank you Judith!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Ben P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This place is amazing!
Absolutely loved it here. Will definitely be returning
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Francesca S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Suprise gem
Our stay at The Old Shack was organised by our daughters as a birthday treat for my husband and self. We set off with trepidation, resigned to our enforced outward bound treat. Our pessimism was short lived as we spied the charming cottage and its natural bush and river surroundings. We were warmly welcomed by Judith who explained and demonstrated the well thought out comforts and thoughtful inclusions of this unique historical cottage. My builder husband was enthralled, continually marvelling at the detailed craftsmanship and ingenuity of the interior. We settled in quickly to begin a most enjoyable weekend of inside and outside activities especially appreciating the resident wildlife, relaxing plunge pool and warm inviting open fire. On return home, I challenged myself to think what forgotten inclusion would have earned a 100% perfect score and was unable to think of a thing! So, it will hopefully be a case of many happy returns for our next birthday treat.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022