Somnium at Bingie: A secret waterfront haven you’ve never heard of

Somnium at Bingie is a hidden architectural marvel on NSW’s South Coast.

I had never heard of Bingie. In fact, neither has anyone I’ve asked. Located on NSW’s South Coast and part of the Eurobodalla Shire, this remote and rugged area is mostly beaches, headlands and bushland. The four-and-a-half-hour drive from Sydney might sound a little daunting to some. But I promise a stay at Somnium at Bingie – an architectural house for large groups and families – is worth every kilometre of the journey.

a kangaroo at Somnium Bingie — Dozens of kangaroos call the property home. (Image: Rachael Thompson)

I’ve brought my sister, a close family friend and her toddler with me on this trip as they never fail to instil a sense of calm. When we drive down the long driveway to the property we are greeted by dozens of kangaroos. They’re our only neighbours during our stay – no other houses are visible from the property.

a scenic view of Coila Lake from Somnium Bingie — Take in scenic views of Coila Lake.

Spectacular lake views – the property has over one kilometre of private lake frontage – backdrop the modern, one-story house. Designed by architecture firm Eoghan Lewis Architects, the property comprises the Main House  – where we are staying – and The Barn. The former sleeps up to 10 guests while the barn sleeps four. If you book the Main House, The Barn will remain unoccupied by other guests, but it won’t be available for your use. But booking both is ideal for multi-gen family holidays.

the accommodation exterior of Somnium Bingie — The striking Somnium at Bingie is a hidden country retreat for large groups and families. (Image: Matt Horspool)

The house has been designed to maximise views of Coila Lake, the ocean and Mount Gulaga, with floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding doors in every room, creating a true indoor/outdoor feel. Covered walkways and courtyards connect the sections of the house, which feature a robust materials palette of Spotted Gum timber, off-form concrete, brass, marble and charred timber and zinc.

the interior of Somnium Bingie with water views — Settle into this dreamy waterfront haven. (Image: Matt Horspool)

The interiors are the work of Silvia Rajek, who has brought warmth to the otherwise industrial-looking space in the form of timber, leather, linen and stone. My favourite design feature is the recessed linear profile lighting that emits a warm glow that accentuates the architectural lines of the exposed timber ceiling.

We spend time in each sitting area marvelling on how luxurious it feels to have so many places in which to just relax and pass the time, while grazing on an antipasto spread that was delivered to us by local business Mr Bold Catering Co . We take turns reading the newspaper and doing the weekend quiz, moving from the window seating to the deck to the two living areas. A Fleetwood Mac Mix playlist on the surround sound system becomes the soundtrack to the weekend and there’s a palpable sense of nostalgia in the air.

dining at Somnium Bingie — Guests can whip up a hearty breakfast in the entertainer’s kitchen. (Image: Rachael Thompson)

As we sit on the deck, we watch 40 kangaroos lying down, looking back at us as if we are as entertaining to them as they are to us. We head outside to play Finska on the lawn while drinking bubbles – there is an impressive collection of board games, puzzles and books to get stuck into. Drinking Champagne while taking a leisurely stroll around a sprawling property also gets added to our ever-growing list of things we find luxurious.

the bedroom at Somnium Bingie — A thoughtfully designed, spacious bedroom. (Image: Matt Horspool)

There are four bedrooms, two of which have water views, and two and a half bathrooms. There is also a laundry – very handy for extended trips – and an entertainer’s kitchen equipped with everything you could possibly need. Those staying in the cooler months can also get cosy by the outdoor fire pit.

Somnium at Bingie is a destination in itself and we don’t leave the property the entire weekend besides grabbing coffee and groceries from nearby Moruya (Woolworths and BWS). But those keen to explore should turn their attention to the Bingi Dreaming Track in Eurobodalla National Park. It’s a 13.5 kilometre (one-way) track that traverses heathland, forests, headlands and the Coila Lake shoreline. There are also two kayaks and bicycles ready to be used.

the house exterior of Somnium Bingie — The Barn can be booked for extra space. (Image: Matt Horspool)

The elevated property is positioned on a peninsula-like point, which means you are treated to both sunrise and sunset views. We spend both evenings admiring the sunset before ending the day in the relaxed living space which features a high-quality projector.

The house gets the stamp of approval from my friend’s kid who is enamoured by the kangaroos and a pair of White-bellied Sea Eagles. We spot the “Big big birds" elegantly soaring the skies multiple times during our stay as well as pink and grey galahs. The lack of stairs makes this property ideal for young children.

the outdoor deck at Somnium Bingie — Stay in a secluded retreat on the NSW South Coast. (Image: Rachael Thompson)

Those looking for a peaceful getaway with complete privacy will delight in Somnium at Bingie. We walked away with a decided sense of calm and beautiful memories. If you’re coming from Sydney and would rather not drive, Moruya Airport is approximately 22 kilometres (around 20 minutes) away.

Details

sunrise view at Somnium Bingie, NSW South Coast — Enjoy both sunrise and sunset views. (Image: Rachael Thompson)

In addition to luxury getaways and retreats, Somnium at Bingie can also be used as a wedding and event space.

Price: The Main House starts at $1975 per night in the low season (Sunday – Thursday) $2270 (low season – Friday / Saturday) and sleeps up to 10 guests. The Barn starts at $300 per night for two adults in the low season (Sunday – Thursday).

Address: 528 Bingie Rd, Bingie NSW 2537

Pet-friendly: No

Accessibility: Even though the house is on one level, it’s not wheelchair friendly due to the exterior steps. However, if you had a portable ramp, the door near the car park would be accessible.

Aussies might think they know what Port Stephens is all about – but it’s time to take another look.

You might’ve driven through this NSW coast town. Maybe even stopped for fish and chips or a quick dip. But spend a long weekend in the new Port Stephens , and you’ll seriously regret not doing it sooner. We’re talking treks across beaches, reef dives and up-close time with rescued koalas.

All in all? It only takes a day before you see Port Stephens in a whole new light, and not much longer until it’s locked in as your favourite family destination.

1. Stockton Sand Dunes

Port Stephens incredible Stockton Sand Dunes are the largest moving sand mass in the Southern Hemisphere. They shift like an endless magic trick across the Worimi Conservation Lands , a 4200-hectare coastal co-managed by the Traditional Owners.

Tear over them in a 4WD. Rev through valleys soft as melting ice cream on a quad. Carve down 30-metre slopes on a sandboard. However you choose to cross them, you’re guaranteed a seriously wild ride.

Four rugged 4WDs kick up trails of golden dust as they charge across the sweeping desert landscape. — Chase thrills across shifting sands. (Image: Destination NSW)

2. Scale Tomaree Head Summit Walk

A short climb through bushland opens up to the coastal drama of Tomaree Head . Spot Zenith, Wreck and Box Beaches. See the Fingal Island lighthouse and offshore rookeries where Australia’s rarest seabird, the Gould’s petrel, nests.

History buffs can’t miss the WWII gun emplacements. And if you’re hiking between May and November, bring binoculars. Travelling whales might just be breaching below.

Friends enjoying a scenic walk along the Tomaree Head Summit Walk in Tomaree National Park, Port Stephens. — Climb Tomaree Head for jaw-dropping coastal views. (Image: Destination NSW)

3. Watch out for whales

You’ve seen the spouts of migrating humpbacks and southern right whales from shore. Set sail from Nelson Bay to see them up close. Cruise straight into the action, with tail-slaps, barrel rolls and all.

And they’ve got competition from the local show-offs. Port Stephens bottlenose dolphins leap and play. Some tours even spot pudgy fur seals, spending lazy days soaking up the sun on Cabbage Tree Island.

A whale’s tail on the sea’s surface. — Watch for ocean tails. (Image: Destination NSW)

4. Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary

Pop into the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary to learn about the rescued koalas who climb, nap, snack and heal in this natural patch of bushland. Wander the immersive Sanctuary Story Walk to discover more about their habits, then head to the SKYwalk – a treetop platform constructed for spotting these eucalyptus-loving locals. Peek into the hospital’s viewing window, where sick or injured koalas may be resting in their recovery enclosures.

Not enough time around these adorable marsupials? Stay overnight in silk-lined glamping tents.

Koala sleeping in a tree at Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, One Mile — See koalas in their natural habitat. (Image: Destination NSW)

5. Diving Port Stephens

Port Stephens has some of NSW’s best dive spots. At Fly Point, float through sponge gardens and coral castles thick with nudibranchs (AKA sea slugs). Halifax Park has blue gropers and crimson-banded wrasse, while Shoal Bay’s seagrass meadows hide pipefish, cuttlefish and octopus.

Accessible only by boat, Broughton Island is home to a vast array of marine (and bird) life. Snorkel with blue devilfish and stingrays at sites like The Looking Glass and North Rock. More experienced divers can head out with one of the many PADI-certified operators.

At nearby Cabbage Tree Island, expect to see shaggy-faced wobbegongs cruising along.

A couple suited up and ready to dive into adventure. — Suit up and dive into Port Stephens’ vibrant marine life. (Image: Destination NSW)

6. Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters

Not quite ready to dive in? Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters is the perfect way to spot local marine life without getting too deep. But there’s no obnoxious glass tank tapping here. Instead, this interactive aquarium allows guests to wade into natural-style lagoons that mimic the real thing.

Gently pat Port Jackson and bamboo sharks, hand-feed rays, and feel their sandpapery skin with your fingertips. It is all under expert guidance. If you want to go deeper, pop on a wetsuit and swim alongside tawny nurse sharks, white-tipped reef sharks and zebra sharks in the lagoon.

Family enjoying an animal feeding experience at Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters, Anna Bay. — Meet the ocean’s friendliest faces at Irukandji. (Image: Destination NSW)

7. Fish the estuaries

Fishing fanatics will fall for Port Stephens hook, line and sinker. Here, one of the largest estuary systems in the whole state sees tidal rivers and mangrove ecosystems. Waterfronts are thick with oysters, and residential fish that might include anything from bream, whiting and flathead, to blue swimmer crabs, kingfish and longtail tuna.

If you prefer to choose your own adventure and fish offshore, you can hire a boat from one of the marinas and set your own course.

three men fishing on a boat in port stephens — Join a tour or chart your own fishing trip. (Image: Destination NSW)

8. Taste new Port Stephens flavours

With plenty of activity to fill your days, refuelling on delectable cuisine becomes equally important. And Port Stephens answers the call.

Pop into Holbert’s Oyster Farm for fresh-farmed Port Stephens rock oysters and Pacific oysters, Australian king and tiger prawns, as well as a variety of tasty sauces to try them with.

Take a group to Atmos for an authentic Greek experience over large shared dishes and Greek-inspired cocktails. Or feast on sea-to-plate, modern Australian dishes at the pet-friendly Restaurant 2317.

A plate of fresh oysters. — Slurp your way through the region’s best oysters. (Image: Destination NSW)

Start planning your Port Stephens getaway at portstephens.org.au .

This secret waterfront haven is in a place you’ve never heard of