Short Term Accommodation, with a difference.
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Meet Brad.
Brad's love of the outdoors is at the heart of Ngurra Retreat.
As caretaker of the property and home of Ngurra Retreat, Brad is passionate about creating a place where others can slow down, connect with nature, and experience everything the Southern Highlands has to offer.
Since 2017, Brad has volunteered with Operation Flinders, a wilderness adventure therapy program for young people in the Flinders Ranges, South Australia.
Through this work, he has seen firsthand the confidence, resilience and personal growth that can come from stepping outside your comfort zone and spending time in nature.
Read more about Operation Flinders & wilderness programs via the link.
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Meet Natalie.
Natalie has worked in the disability sector for over 10 years and holds a Bachelor's Degree in Disability and Human Development.
Founder and director of My Connected Community, an allied health practice made up of Developmental Educators who support people with disability to build skills, increase independence, and work towards meaningful goals. Natalie is passionate about advocating for inclusion and promoting human rights.
Ngurra Retreat has grown from many of the same values that underpin My Connected Community—creating opportunities for people to build confidence, develop life skills, and experience meaningful connection in a supportive environment.
To learn more about the role of a Developmental Educator, follow the link.
Escape the ordinary and immerse yourself in the true heart of nature on Gundungurra country.
Ngurra Retreat is an inclusive opportunity for everyone to experience the calm and beauty of the Southern Highlands in New South Wales.
Offering respite and short term accommodation. Solo or small group retreats.
Our farm offers an authentic off-grid experience where you can wake to the sounds of native wildlife, breathe in fresh air, and savour sunsets that paint the sky in colours you won’t find anywhere else. We believe everyone deserves an opportunity to have new experiences, visit beautiful places, and take the time out to reset in nature
What To Expect
Every Ngurra Retreat experience is tailored to the participant's individual goals, interests and support needs. While every stay is different, a typical retreat may include:
Before Your Stay – Let’s meet! We come to meet you at home or a local cafe. We get to know you, your goals, interests, support needs and any important routines.
Book your stay - We'll work with you to plan your retreat, including discussing funding options, choosing the length of your stay, selecting suitable dates, planning transport, and deciding whether a solo or small group experience is the best fit for your goals.
Day One of Retreat - Arrival & Welcome – Settle into the property, meet your support team, explore the farm and become familiar with your surroundings.
The Farm – Explore the peaceful property, home to friendly farm animals, open paddocks, native bushland and sweeping valley views. Unwind on the spacious deck or in the hammock, or enjoy a quiet afternoon indoors with a book, board game or home-cooked meal in the cosy living area.
Your Room – Settle into your own private cabin overlooking the property. With a private deck, comfortable furnishings and a cosy fireplace, it's the perfect place to relax, recharge and enjoy the tranquillity of Ngurra Retreat.
Personalised Activities – Enjoy a balance of activities based on your interests, which may include bushwalks, campfires, cooking, creative projects, local community outings or simply relaxing in nature.
Community Participation – Explore the beautiful Southern Highlands, visit local attractions, cafés and shops, or participate in community activities aligned with your goals.
Time to Recharge – Slow down, disconnect from daily pressures and enjoy the peaceful surroundings at your own pace.
Ongoing Collaboration – Where appropriate, we work alongside families, support coordinators and allied health professionals to ensure your retreat complements your broader goals and supports.
Real Impact.
Combining years of experience in the disability industry, and our love of nature, Ngurra Retreat was born to enhance opportunities for individuals with a disability to get away and reset in the wilderness.
“Ngurra” from the local Gundungurra language meaning
‘Country, Place, Belonging’
Our vision is to create an inclusive environment where individuals can connect with nature while fostering friendships, independence, and personal growth.
Each retreat is carefully planned to ensure accessibility, enjoyment, and a sense of belonging for all participants.
From exploring the lush landscapes to engaging in activities that inspire creativity and relaxation, Ngurra Retreat is committed to making every journey unforgettable.
Ngurra Retreat offers an opportunity for NDIS participants to stay within rustic cabins and experience nature.
Choose from either Short Term Accommodation (STA funding) or Core Supports (Core Assistance with Daily Life funding).
Onsite 24/7 support.
Solo or small group retreats. Participants have the choice to socialise and connect by sharing their getaway a small group, each with their own private accommodation and bathroom.
Our Services
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Short-Term Accommodation (STA) provides temporary support away from your usual home and care arrangements. It offers participants the opportunity to build independence, develop new skills, experience different environments, and engage with the community, while also giving families and informal carers a planned break from their caring responsibilities. During an STA stay, participants receive the disability-related supports they need in a safe and supportive environment.
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Many participants can access Short-Term Accommodation (STA) funding through their NDIS plan. Depending on your individual goals, supports and funding arrangements, some participants may also be able to use Core Supports funding for disability-related supports provided during their stay.
As every NDIS plan is different, we encourage you to speak with your Support Coordinator, Plan Manager or the Ngurra Retreat team to discuss the most appropriate funding option for your circumstances.
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Ngurra Retreat welcomes opportunities to collaborate with allied health providers, support coordinators, support workers, community organisations, and other services to create meaningful experiences for participants.
Our property can be utilised for therapeutic sessions, small group programs, skill-building activities, respite, team retreats, and other disability-related supports.
We are always open to new ideas and enjoy working alongside other providers to develop flexible, person-centred opportunities that meet the unique goals of participants.
Ngurra Retreat is held on a remote farm, nestled in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales.
This is on the land of the Gundungurra people. Ngurra (NGUH-ruh) is an Aboriginal word meaning ‘Country, Place, Belonging’.
A two-hour drive from Sydney NSW, one hour and 15 from Campbelltown NSW, or a two-hour drive from Canberra.
Ngurra Retreat sits above a high valley, looking down into the Wollondilly River. The cabins are eco and off-grid, each one with it’s own cozy fireplace and stunning views.
The farm is a unique location, surrounded by awe-inspiring nature. Be treated to watching the clouds rising up out of the valley in the morning. On clear evenings the sky above is awash with stars.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Ngurra Retreat is held at a unique farm in Canyonleigh NSW.
We are a 2-hour drive from Sydney, and a 2-hour drive from Canberra.
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Ngurra Retreat can currently only accept Plan or Self-Managed Participants.
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When you book a retreat, you get full access to your own private cabin and private bathroom. Your cabin has a Queen Bed, and 2 single beds.
Please note! The two single beds are in a small loft area which is accessed via a ladder.
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Yes! We are more than happy for you to bring your dog with you.
We only ask that your puppy is kept on a leash when walking near the farm animals, that you clean up after them, and that they do not sleep on your bed.
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The Southern Highlands is full of native animals, and we often see them visiting the farm or nearby areas. The animals native to the area include wombats, kookaburra, emus, kangaroos, and wallabies.
On our farm, we have highland cows, sheep, horses, and alpacas.
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This is your choice.
You can opt for a solo retreat or you may choose to share the farm with a small group.
Each participant has their own private cabin, with a private deck, and private bathroom. Only the kitchen area is communal, meaning you can choose how much or how little you want to socialise during your stay.
Having a retreat with other participants can be a great way to socialise and connect with others. Activities such as night-time bonfires, movies under the stars, board games, and farm tours can add some extra fun in a small group.
When selecting a multi-participant stay, we aim to book your stay with others who are of the same age and looking for a similar retreat.
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On our farm you can choose to relax on the deck in the hammock, go for a walk to feed the horses, spot wildlife, roast marshmallows on the fire, watch a movie on the projector, arts and craft activities, cooking activities, and board games.
We can also organise activities outside of our farm, in the Southern Highlands (may incur extra cost). Local activities include visiting local art galleries, book stores, cheese and chocolate stores. There is also horse riding, nature walks, visit waterfalls, or explore the Wombeyan Caves.
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Unfortunately not yet.
As much as we understand the importance of accessibility, and we strive for full inclusion, the location of Ngurra Retreat is a rugged location meaning undulating rocky paths and several steps into each cabin due to uneven ground.
Please stay tuned as we work towards a more inclusive environment.
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We can discuss an option which works for you. We may be able to offer transport, depending on your starting locations. There are also trains which operate to the Southern Highland and we will collect from the station upon arrival.
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NDIA rates (26/27) are inclusive of your onsite supports and accommodation.
Additional expenses such as transport, meals, and activities can be discussed to develop a plan that works for you.
Get in Touch
We welcome enquiries from participants, families, support coordinators, allied health professionals and disability service providers.
If you'd like to learn more about our retreats, discuss your goals, explore funding options, or chat about how we might work together, please get in touch.
Every participant is unique, and we're always happy to have a conversation about how Ngurra Retreat can provide a meaningful experience tailored to individual needs.
