Holiday houses in Rylstone

Located about 3.5 hours northwest of Sydney, the heritage village of Rylstone is set in one of the most picturesque areas in all of New South Wales, on the western edge of the Blue Mountains. Sandwiched between Cudgegong River and Wollemi National Park — and with the Capertee Valley, Dunns Swamp, and Lake Windamere all easily accessible from town — Rylstone makes for a great base for exploring the surrounding nature and all its bounty. That includes the Mudgee wine region, beloved for its bold, tannic Cabernet Sauvignon and alfresco lunches in the vineyards.

Not that there isn’t enough to do right in town — there are lots of hidden gems waiting to be discovered just steps from your Rylstone accommodation. On Louee Street, the 19th-century buildings and churches made of local sandstone beckon travelers with an eye for history. The self-guided Rylstone Heritage Walk lets you catch a glimpse of what life was like for locals here 150 years ago.

Rylstone enjoys a mild, warm climate, with overnight temperatures dropping a bit low during winter evenings. Daytime temperatures in July and August are perfect for those visitors hoping to set out on a bush walk or hike at Dunns Swamp. If you’re visiting in summer, be sure to monitor the temperatures as things can get pretty hot around midday, when hiking is probably best avoided. However, this is a good time to follow the Rylstone Heritage Walk that takes you through all the main historical attractions near Louee Street.

Dunns Swamp

Home to more than 100 bird species and several accessible walking tracks, Dunns Swamp makes for a great day out for the whole family. There are opportunities to learn more about the region's biodiversity, with canoeing and swimming also popular with visitors, particularly when things heat up in December and January.

Hall’s Corner

History buffs should add a trip to Hall’s Corner to their to-do list. These two early Victorian cottages are thought to be among the oldest constructions in the village, built in the 1860s by the same architect who designed the local pub, as a residence for his family. Though these buildings have been converted into shops in recent years, they remain an important symbol of local heritage.

Ferntree Gully Reserve

Just a 15-minute drive from Rylstone, Ferntree Gully reserve is a rainforest area bursting with wildlife, such as lyrebirds, rare owls, glossy black cockatoos, and marsupial mice. Take the one-hour loop path to fully explore this unique stretch of land and the ecological wonders it has to offer, particularly the sandstone rock formations.