Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the answers to some questions you may have about your stay at Somewhere Unique.

Q: Where is Wollombi?
A: Wollombi is located at the Southern entrance to Hunter Valley Wine Country, and can be reached in approximately 2 hours from the Sydney CBD. For a general location map of Wollombi>>

Q: Are the two retreats identical?
A: The retreats have the same layout, and are equal in their quality of fixtures, fittings and furnishings. They are however decorated in different colour schemes, and have different outlooks. They both enjoy a northerly aspect. Lowanna is furnished in greens and charcoals, with natural bamboo flooring, and is nestled below a spectacular rocky outcrop with valley views. Allawah is furnished in blues and browns, with coffee bamboo flooring, and is set in a tranquil bushland setting with valley views.

Q: Can more than one couple stay in each retreat?
A: Each retreat is suitable for one couple only. They cannot accommodate extra adults or children.

Q: What is included in the breakfast hamper?
A: Fresh baked bread, bacon, free-range eggs, tomatoes, mushrooms, butter, handmade Alpine Berry Farm jam, Vegemite, juice, Brookfarm natural muesli, milk, yoghurt, tea, and Toby's Estate organic coffee. Your breakfast provisions are provided on your first morning, and will be waiting for you in your retreat when you arrive, ready for you to cook at your leisure. The breakfast provisions are generous, and should satisfy you for a couple of mornings.

Q: What is the check-in procedure?
A: There is not a formal Reception area at Somewhere Unique. Your retreat will be ready from 3pm on the day you are due to arrive. You will have been mailed or emailed driving directions to your retreat, and the key will be waiting for you there. If you have advised your arrival time will be in the evening, the lights will be left on for you.

Q: Are the retreats serviced daily?
A: Our experience has shown that many guests prefer to have no intrusion from us. As we wish your stay to be private and peaceful, we do not service the retreats daily. However, extra towels are provided should you wish to use them. For stays of six nights or more, the retreat will be fully serviced if requested.

Q: What dining options are there?
A: Other than the breakfast provisions, no meals are included in your tariff. Somewhere Unique is 2 kilometres from the village of Wollombi, which contains a couple of cafes open daily for breakfast and lunch and on weekends for dinner. Dinner options midweek are more limited. More information>>

Q: What is the weather like in the Hunter Valley?
A: Winters can be cool, especially overnight and early in the morning. Summers can be hot, while Spring and Autumn are glorious!
For an up-to-date weather forecast for the Hunter Valley>>

Q: How will you confirm my reservation?
A: All reservations are confirmed on the day of receipt of your deposit, by mail or e-mail, which will include directions on how to reach Somewhere Unique.

Q: How long will it take to reach Somewhere Unique?
A: Approximate travelling times are as follows:
Sydney CBD - 2 hours
F3 Freeway at Wahroonga - 1 hour 15 minutes
Newcastle - 1 hour 15 minutes
Gosford - 1 hour.
For driving directions to Wollombi>>

Q: Can my reservation remain a surprise to my partner?
A: Certainly. Many guests surprise their partners for a special occasion or celebration. We need to be made aware of where to discretely send confirmations and after that, the keeping of the secret is up to you! You may also like us to order champagne to be waiting in your retreat upon arrival.

Q: How much deposit is required to confirm my reservation?
A: All reservations require a deposit equal to 50% of your stay. This may be paid using Visa, MasterCard, Bankcard (credit card payments coming soon), Direct Deposit to our bank account, or by sending a cheque within four days of making the reservation.

Q: What is your cancellation policy?
A: Your deposit will be returned if cancellation occurs more than 14 days before check-in. Return of deposits on cancellations 14 days or less before check-in will be subject to the retreat being re-let.

Q: Do you offer Gift Certificates?
A: Yes. They can be purchased and mailed to any person designated. Payment in full is required before a Gift Certificate is issued, and they are valid for 12 months from the date of issue.

Q: What size are the bath and bed in the retreats?
A: The bath is oval in shape, and designed for two persons with ease. The bed is a king-size.

Q: Are there laundry facilities in the retreats?
A: Each retreat has its own individual laundry, complete with washing machine, dryer, laundry tub, iron and ironing board.

Q: Am I able to access the internet during my stay if required?
A: Each retreat has its own Broadband internet connection, which you can plug your own laptop into. There are no additional charges for this service once your tariff is paid.

Q: Is there a telephone available?
A: Each retreat has its own direct dial telephone.

Q: Is there mobile telephone reception?
A: There is a mobile phone tower for Telstra and Optus in the Wollombi village. Somewhere Unique is on the edge of the signal area, and you can usually get signal outside on the deck.

Q: Is smoking allowed inside the retreats?
A: All internal areas of the retreats are smoke free environments. We request that guests respect this and refrain from smoking inside. For smokers, there is an ashtray provided, which can be used outside on the deck. Please note that we are in a bushfire prone area, and sensible behaviour is expected.

Q: What should we bring with us?
A: You should bring your favourite CD's or your iPod (dock provided) to make the best use of the Kef Instant Theatre surround sound stereo system. You may wish to bring DVD's, although each retreat has its own complimentary DVD library. Should you wish to self-cater, we recommend you bring all your food with you - there is a small General Store in Wollombi with basic provisions. The nearest supermarket is at Cessnock, approximately 25 minutes drive from Somewhere Unique.

Q: Do you cater for children?
A: Somewhere Unique has been set up with high quality equipment and furnishings to accommodate just one couple in each retreat. Thus the property is unsuitable for children.

Q: Are pets allowed?
A: Because of the constant presence of native wildlife at Somewhere Unique, the property is not suitable for family pets.

Q: If I am in the area, am I able to inspect the retreats at Somewhere Unique?
A: As we wish to maintain the privacy of our guests, we do not admit day visitors to Somewhere Unique - inspections are by prior arrangement only.