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'The Refinery' at Hartley Vale

92%
·
· Hartley Vale, New South Wales
7 acres hosted by Michelle Z.
4 Vehicle/Tent sites
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Off-leash friendly
Pets can be off-leash at this Hipcamp.
Built on the site of the old Hartley Vale oil shale works that closed in 1916, 'The Refinery" was re-established in 2018 as an organic garlic farm now owned by James and Michelle and their two children. The farm features a hempcrete building named 'The Stinking Rose' used for drying and curing garlic that also acts as a big room for garlic feasts during planting (March, April and May each year). The building also houses toilet and shower facilities for guests when camping on site. On some evenings, the sky puts on a real show of golden sun rays with pink, purple and blue clouds while swallows flit across the garden beds catching moths. Our guests like to sit around their campfires watching the spectacular show while kids and dogs run around without the burden of leashes or noise of city traffic.We invite you to come and camp on our organic garlic farm. Our whole property is an exercise in sustainability.  We live off grid and are highly committed to the circular economy and connecting people from the city with rural areas.  We use sustainable farming methods to produce organically grown garlic on an elevated site in beautiful Hartley Vale (near Lithgow),  just 2 hours from Sydney.  We especially love guests with young children and dogs and can offer paddock to plate meals on request for large groups, served in our beautiful farmhouse. We have composting toilets. Hot showers. Pets welcome. We sometimes offer garlic tasting after harvest (time dependent, once per year) so be sure to ask us! Built on the site of the old Hartley Vale oil shale works that closed in 1916, 'The Refinery’ was re-established in 2018 as an organic garlic farm now owned by James and Michelle and their two children.  The farm features a hempcrete building named 'The Stinking Rose' used for drying and curing garlic that also acts as a big room for garlic feasts during planting (March, April and May each year). The building also houses toilet and shower facilities for guests when camping on site. On some evenings, the sky puts on a real show of golden sun rays with pink, purple and blue clouds while swallows flit across the garden beds catching moths.  Our guests like to sit around their campfires watching the spectacular show while kids and dogs run around without the burden of leashes or noise of city traffic.
Activities
Biking
Hiking
Climbing
Wildlife watching
Natural features
Farm
92%
228 Ratings · 166 reviews
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Lynne S.
August 12, 2024
Farm camping with stunning views
A close getaway
Just two hours from Sydney, this is a great spot for a weekend away. It was quiet (only one other camping group), had lots of space and even a toilet and shower were on offer.
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John G.recommends
August 8, 2024
Farm camping with stunning views
Great place top camp
We camped at Michelle's place, lefty our gear there and did a bit of 4x4 driving. Loved her location, she was friendly nothing was too much trouble
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Shannon G.recommends
July 23, 2024
Farm camping with stunning views
Camping with a pup
Absolutely beautiful. The family were super accommodating and just lovely people, even though we arrived in the dark and had to leave in the dark I would still recommend this place. Steven/steve their dog was amazing, kept us and my puppy company even put up with my puppy being a puppy which was fantastic
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Claudia M.recommends
July 18, 2024
Farm camping with stunning views
Great camp site
We had a very enjoyable weekend camping with some friends at this site. We stayed for 2 nights in our 4WD camper. It’s within 20 mins drive to Lithgow town. It was a really nice, large camp ground with very clean bathroom amenities (natural drop toilets and an outdoor shower). Very friendly hosts who were happy to bring a load of firewood up to our site, and a gentle resident dog for the kids to play with.
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Clarice S.recommends
July 8, 2024
Farm camping with stunning views
Great spot, beautiful valley within 2 hours drive of Sydney which is perfect for a weekend trip. Feels like proper camping being able to have a fire. Bathrooms were beautifully renovated. Michelle and her family were very welcoming and friendly. Loved their dog Steve and the baby lambs.
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Andy H.recommends
July 1, 2024
Farm camping with stunning views
Staying at the farm camping site in Hartley Vale near Lithgow was an absolute delight. The stunning views surrounding the area provided a perfect backdrop for relaxation and unwinding. The convenience of having toilets and hot shower facilities made the camping experience comfortable and enjoyable. A special highlight was the company of Steven, the friendly dog owned by the hosts, who became our companion throughout the stay. This unexpected but delightful addition added an extra layer of warmth to our experience. Overall, Hartley Vale offers a beautiful escape just two hours from Sydney, combining natural beauty with thoughtful amenities and friendly hospitality.
Location
Hartley Vale, New South Wales, AustraliaTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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Hosted by Michelle Z.

Joined in October 2020
Response rate: 100%Response time: Within an hour
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