Moonya, the writer's retreat, the 1950s vintage holiday home and house gallery

Top rated by guests
Exterior
Private kitchen
Private kitchen
Exterior detail
Living area
review stars
9.6Outstanding
(38 Ratings)
"We had a wonderful stay at this Blue Mountains home. The location was excellent — perfectly positioned for exploring the area while still feeling peaceful and relaxing. The house was warm, well heated..."
Greg S.
Don't miss out! Price and availability may change
9.6 / 10
Outstanding(38 Ratings)

House in Katoomba

5 guests · 2 bedrooms · 1 bath

Reasons to book

Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
Well priced for this locationPriced under area average
Book with confidenceWe partner with the top travel sites so you know you're getting a great deal on the perfect rental

About this house rental

Moonya is a lovingly restored vintage 1950s holiday house located in a whisper quiet street in one of South Katoomba's most sought after locations. The house is very close to the escarpment and premier attractions, the Jamieson Valley, Katoomba Cascades, numerous bushwalks, Scenic World, and within walking distance to the Three Sisters, and Katoomba township and its quaint galleries, boutique stores and gourmet cafes

Built in 1949 in post war Art Deco style, it is a tastefully furnished with vintage and retro furniture, contemporary artworks with all the modern comforts and set in a sun-drenched, beautiful and peaceful 1950s garden setting with vintage outdoor furniture. Comfortable, warm and bright, this north-facing house maintains many of its original features which adds to its vintage charm.

What also makes Moonya a truly unique holiday experience is its mid-20th Century collectables, designer furniture, fittings and furnishings from the 1920s to the 1970s including pieces from New Zealand, Australia and Denmark. The house has high ceilings, deco cornices, original Bakelite door handles, a restored original kitchen and bathroom, and polished hardwood floors.

Featured artworks includes contemporary work by local artist, Audrey Rhoda and more classical paintings by my father Colin Cameron who was a well known New Zealand artist.

The kitchen is equipped with everything needed to cook including a 90cm Italian dual fuel cooker along with quality appliances. Enjoy alfresco dining around the barbeque or just relax in the private ambiance of the garden and watch the birdlife.

Each of the two bedrooms is vintage styled with dresser, wardrobe, a queen bed and double beds. Linen and towels are supplied and are of good quality and each of the four beds have electric blankets.

Moonya faces north so it is filled with sunlight and warmth during the day. The house is beautifully warm in winter with underfloor gas central heating in the lounge, dining room, kitchen and bedrooms, and a gas heater.

Entertainment includes unlimited, fast NBN wifi, a LG smart TV with all the apps plus Stan and Netflix, board games, books, magazines and jigsaw puzzles. There is also sound system in the dining area with a collection of blues, funk and soul from the 1940s to the 1980s.

The house is well equipped for babies, toddlers and children with a cot, high chair, changing mat and a toy box.

Moonya is an ideal romantic getaway and retreat for couples, small families or a group of friends. The house is also set up as a writer's space for those who would like to have a relaxing place to work.

LOCATION-LOCATION -LOCATION. The house is located on an escarpment just above Katoomba Park, from where you have a 7 minute walk through native bushland accessed at the end of the street that will take you to the Katoomba Cascades, Falls, Scenic World and then on to the Three Sisters. At Scenic World take the cable car and view Katoomba Falls from high up, or take the scenic railroad down to the floor of the rainforest to see tall gums and other ancient trees. Take the Cliff walk with its spectacular lookouts and gaze towards the Jamieson Valley, Three Sisters, Mount Solitary, the Ruined Castle, Orphan Rock and Narrowneck. You will find that there are so many activities to choose from and all within reasonable walking distance to the house. Katoomba shops and cafes are a 15 minute walk. Restaurants, galleries, cafes and second hand shops in Leura are close by and Blackheath is a 15 minute drive away.


Additional items:
Fully equipped kitchen includes essential cooking items: olive oil, herbs and spices, salt & pepper, black and a range of herbal teas, coffee (instant and ground beans), sugar, baking items etc;
Nespresso pod machine,
Excellent cooking facilities with a state-of-the art Artusi dual fuel cooker;
Separate internal laundry with Bosch washing machine, washing powder and dryer;
Shampoo and conditioner plus liquid soap, soap and shower gel;
Dining room with table for 6;
Hair dryer, iron and ironing board
Electric blankets on all beds, for the winter nights.
Continuous gas hot water system for bathrooms and kitchen. Never runs cold.
Gas central heating with vents in all rooms apart from bathroom
Books and magazines
Dishwasher (including dish wash powder), fridge & microwave in the kitchen
BBQ and outdoor furniture on covered deck.
Pots, pans, plates, cutlery, glasses, cups, toasters, kettle, toilet paper, hand soap, dish washing liquid supplied,
Ironing board and steam iron available.
Toilet paper;
As a welcome gift I provide wine and chocolates to my guests.
Off street parking for 1 car. Additional parking right out the front of the property
Fully fenced front & back with gates.

Things to see and do during your stay at Moonya

Relax & enjoy the clean, crisp mountain air !
Visit one of the many Day Spas for a bit of pampering !
Enjoy beautiful, scenic walks & spectacular valley &
escarpment views
Visit the world famous 3 Sisters & Scenic World
Browse for antiques & enjoy some fine dining in Katoomba & surrounding areas
Go horse riding in the Megalong Valley
Visit the vineyards in the Megalong Valley and enjoy a wine overlooking spectacular scenery
Visit Jenolan Caves - a comfortable 1 hours drive.
Take a day trip to Bathurst or Mudgee & check out historic Little
Hartley & Lithgow on the way !
Explore the villages of Leura, Blacheath & Mt Victoria.
Visit beautiful Mt Wilson & Mt Tomah botanic gardens.

Sightseeing and amenities close to Moonya

Three Sisters/Echo Point = 15 mins walk, 3 mins drive North.
Leura Cascades = 20 mins walk East.
Katoomba Cascades = 7 mins walk South, 2 mins drive
Katoomba cafes, shops = 10 mins walk, 2 mins drive North.
Blue Mountains Cultural Centre = 10 mins walk, 2 mins drive North.
Historic Carrington Hotel & Pub = 10 mins walk, 2 mins drive North.
Katoomba RSL Club = 8 mins walk, 2 mins drive North.
Katoomba Scenic World (Skyway, Walkway, Railway, Cableway) = 10 mins walk, 2 mins drive West.
Katoomba Sports & Aquatic Centre (Council swimming pool) = 10 mins walk, 2 mins drive South.
Leura village & boutiques= 25 minus walk, 5 mins drive East.
Edge Large Screen Cinema = 20 mins walk 5 mins drive North.
Jenolan Caves = 75 kms, 1hr 15 mins West.

Minutes away from antique shops, bush walks, abseiling, horse riding, convention centre.

Aldi, Woolworths, Liquorland, Dan Murphy's, Big W, Coles are near by.

Sleeping arrangements

Bed 1 - Queen Bed
Bed 2 - Double Bed, Single Bed
Cot in Bed 1 also available

Amenities at Moonya, the writer's retreat, the 1950s vintage holiday home and house gallery

Non-smoking
No pets allowed
Family friendly

Map of Katoomba


Ratings and reviews

9.6 / 10
Outstanding(38 Ratings)
10 / 10Outstanding·Jan 2026
We had a wonderful stay at this Blue Mountains home. The location was excellent — perfectly positioned for exploring the area while still feeling peaceful and relaxing. The house was warm, well heated and very comfortable.The welcoming gift on arrival was a lovely and thoughtful touch and immediately made us feel at home. The house was beautifully decorated, the beds were cozy and everything was clean and well set up for a comfortable stay.We really enjoyed our time here and would happily stay again.
10 / 10Outstanding·Oct 2025
The host was very professional and polite. Thank you. The house is 1950’s charm in an absolutely beautiful street which is wonderfully quiet and close to town. We had a delightful time. Highly recommend!
10 / 10Outstanding·Oct 2025
Compared to a hotel room, the house was spacious, comfortable, and located in a quiet suburban street. We really enjoyed the location, there was no traffic at night or noise, except for the wind. Two issues we would query. I ticked the breakfast included filter, but did not find any breakfast included. If this has changed, then it should be removed from the filter. The TV remote did not work, despite replacing the remote with the spare batteries. This meant no access to streaming services, and using the button controller behind the screen was very inconvenient. The welcome box of chocolates and bottle of wine were much appreciated.
10 / 10Outstanding·Aug 2025
Wonderful authentic 1950’s (?) place to stay with all you need for a weekend away. Warm, comfortable, interesting place that is far enough away but close enough to all you need!!Highly recommended to those wanting a different, and as I said authentic 50’s (not an 5 star hotel) experience!

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FAQs

Is parking included with this house?

Parking is not specified as an available amenity at Moonya, the writer's retreat, the 1950s vintage holiday home and house gallery. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.

Is there a pool at this house?

We didn’t find pool listed as an amenity for this house. It may be worth double checking if a pool is important for your stay.

Is Moonya, the writer's retreat, the 1950s vintage holiday home and house gallery pet friendly?

Unfortunately, this house is not pet-friendly. Try searching again and filter for "Pets Allowed"

What amenities are available at Moonya, the writer's retreat, the 1950s vintage holiday home and house gallery?

We found 3 amenities for this rental. This includes non-smoking, no pets allowed, and family friendly.