Sunshine Resort, located in the NSW mid north coastal town of South West Rocks, has launched new luxury lodges that literally blend in with the landscape.
The seven Ngurra Lodges (‘Ngurra’ means “place of home” in the local Dunghutti Aboriginal language) even boast a decal that replicates the forest setting behind it.
Award-winning Crescent Head photographer, Adam Williams, has created the decals by using over 200 original photos and photo-shopping them together to create remarkably life-like landscapes which mould the lodges into the local bushland.
The AUD$1.6 million investment in the Ngurra Lodges is the latest product innovation at Sunshine Resort, following last year’s introduction of permanent ‘Sunshine Tents’ to meet the growing demand for glamping-style holiday experiences.
The new two-storey Ngurra Lodges have been completed with modern high quality interior design fixtures and fittings including leather lounges, modern artwork, three televisions, full kitchen and laundry facilities (including oven, dishwasher, washing machine and dryer), ensuite bathroom and two large bedrooms that can sleep up to six, with bedding in the second room adaptable to accommodate larger family groups. A large verandah is perfect for outside dining, relaxing, and taking advantage of South West Rock’s attractive year-round climate.
The lodges were built in Armidale to a design by Sunshine Resort owner Tony Mayne, who is passionate about respecting the local environment.
The lodges were pre-fabricated in Armidale and transported to South West Rocks where they were established on vacant ground immediately in front of sub-tropical bushland.
“The word Ngurra comes from the language of our local Dunghutti Tribe who, years ago, used these grounds for one of their camps, hence the word Ngurra means home or hut,” Mayne said.
“The idea for using this Indigenous word was born out of our relationship with one of our residents, Liz, a very special person within the Sunshine ‘family’ and a Ngaku Elder of the local Dunghutti Tribe, whose knowledge of the region and her rich heritage based on stories passed down through many generations is inspiring and captivating. We hope guests will in turn share their stories of staying in this beautiful destination with family and friends.
“We think that South West Rocks is a very special destination, so we wanted these new Ngurra Lodges to be very special too, adding a new level of luxury while complementing the local landscape.
“We were very conscious of the setting when we designed the lodges. In fact they are so ‘harmonious’ that the local kangaroos can be found right next to the verandas.
“Holiday parks are changing dramatically and we have always been at the forefront of meeting the new demand. We transformed the property by adding the $1 million Shipwreck Island water park two years ago. We then added villas and permanent ‘Sunshine Tents’ for those who like the idea of camping, but not all the hard work that goes with setting up and dismantling them, and now these luxury lodges really take the park to a new level of comfort.
“We can now offer a comprehensive range of accommodation options wrapped around the popular holiday park experience. There’s something for everyone –couples, groups and families can choose from traditional camping and caravanning to luxury lodges,” he said.
Leisure facilities at Sunshine Resort include the Shipwreck Island water park, a resort style pool with toddler pool and spa, covered Jumping Pillow and playgrounds, mini putt-putt, kids club, games room, movie room, go carts, bike and canoe hire, half court tennis, WiFi and The Full Circle Eatery Café/Restaurant on site.