We are so lucky to live and work where we do, and one of our favourite getaways, just on our doorstep is Faraway Domes.
In the heart of Northern New South Wales, Faraway Domes is a unique retreat designed to bring the fast pace of modern life to a gentle halt. The Domes as they are so often referred to as, offers a unique and intimate escape for two amidst nature’s raw beauty, embracing serenity in its richest form.
Faraway Domes might be further away than other retreats but therein lies its charm. Its isolation means that, aside from your fellow guests, you’ll encounter no other tourists and, as the owners Belinda and Jamie Munsie will tell you, makes for a truly authentic experience.
So, what can you expect when staying at this beautiful rural oasis? Whether it’s spending hours upon hours taking in the views (literally) as far as the eye can see, curling up with a good book on the luxurious four-poster bed or relaxing in the bathtub with some wine and cheese, you will never want to leave!
Featuring our terracotta vase and iron tray
Featuring Walter G Uluwatu Cactus Linen Cushion, Elena Iron Side Table and Eadie Lifestyle Cushions
Once there, you’ll want for nothing. Each dome emanates a boutique ambiance while offering a spacious king-size four-poster bed, ensuite, and an open plan living and kitchen area, carefully curated with unique furniture. Enhancing the allure of your secluded escape, you can indulge in an outdoor bath under the sprawling Australian sky, plunge into a private pool, or tantalise your palette with a selection of gourmet treats.
Featuring Elm Wood Pizza Board, Ghana carry basket, Brass Mill and Shirokaratsu dish
Featuring Whitney Spicer Tea Towel, Rinka Small Dish, Cara Coffee Mugs and Rattan Tray with leather handles
We were lucky enough to pay this gorgeous part of Australia a visit and sit down with the Munsie family to chat more about Faraway Domes. Read our conversation below.
HAK: Tell us your background story of how you decided to open the beautiful Faraway Domes?
FD: In 2016, we visited the USA and saw so many ranches being utilised for tourism, which brought additional economic benefit to the farming operation, whilst also attracting tourists to the different areas. In 2018 when we were experiencing the driest conditions in 100 years, I was inspired to create a similar diversification on our mixed farming business to safeguard the future of our family operation for generations to come. It was then that our glamping business, aptly named Faraway Domes, literally rose up from the drought-stricken paddocks. The erection of Faraway Domes also provided a good distraction from the dry conditions and gave our family hope for the future. Faraway Domes is now a thriving side hustle which works alongside our farming and grazing operations, which are now once again in full swing.
HAK: The architectural Dome structure is so unique, How did you find such a structure and what was the process behind bringing everything together? Who helped etc?
FD: I needed to find a unique style of accommodation that was easy to construct and was financially viable and more importantly, that would offer a unique experience for visiting guests. I discovered a geodesic dome structure while researching and noted that dome structures were becoming popular right around the globe in various climates. The Faraway Domes structure was the first of its kind in NSW – now you see them popping up everywhere. Faraway Domes is very much a family-run business. Jamie and our two sons Will and Sam built the deck and erected the domes and my daughter Kate manages the marketing, PR and day to day running of the business.
HAK: What is different about Faraway Domes compared to other retreats?
FD: Unlike many other retreats that are situated in coastal hinterland regions or on the scenic rim of metropolitan cities, Faraway Domes is nestled amongst the bushland of leafy trees and undulating hills on our private property. Guests literally have 9,000 acres to themselves while watching native birds flying overhead and cattle, sheep, goats and kangaroos grazing below. We have positioned our domes approximately 140 meters apart and out of sight of each other for the ultimate privacy for both parties. Our isolation means that our guests will not see or hear any other tourists.
Featuring Elm wood stool, wooden paddle board and Eadie Lifestyle woven bath towel and bath mat
HAK: What can guests enjoy most about their stay in the domes?
FD: We are confident that from the moment guests arrive at Faraway Domes they will feel at ease and ready to immerse yourself in the tranquil surroundings. So many of our guests are blown away by the views, our attention to detail in the dome design and what we supply, the wildlife at their doorstep and the luxury.
We highly recommend booking an in-dome massage for the ultimate stay!
Featuring Wooden Paddle Board and Pepperjack Rose
HAK: What else is in the area that guests can enjoy?
FD: We have such a beautiful region and we love showing it off to visitors interested in escaping to the country and connecting with nature. If guests wish to venture out, there are plenty of walking trails from their dome and lots of local attractions within an hour’s drive of Faraway Domes. These include local fishing and swimming holes, waterfalls, sculpture parks, farm tours, nature reserves, cafes and fossicking spots and of course the lovely Harry and Kit in Goondiwindi.
To find out more about Faraway Domes and to Book Your Stay here.