Nestled in a nature corridor between Myall Lakes and Wallingat National Parks in Bungwahl is Wandha, a 25 acre eco-retreat, certified by Ecotourism Australia. The comfortable three bedroom cottage accommodates up to 6 people.
Although the property is just minutes to popular Seal Rocks and Blueys Beach, it is completely private and separate to the outside world. Guests discover that Wandha is more than just a place to stay; it’s a sanctuary for families, adventurers, nature enthusiasts and wildlife alike.
The name Wandha is a nod to the Worimi people who lived on and cared for the land for thousands of years. It was important for the owners, Gabrielle and Patrick, to pay their respects to the Worimi by seeking permission from elders to use the Gathang word.
Gabrielle and Patrick are on a mission to create a nature-positive operation. This includes cutting down on resource consumption, reducing waste and using natural low-tox cleaning products. They’re enhancing the biodiversity on the land and creating habitats for wildlife by removing exotic plants and weeds and replanting indigenous species that provide food and shelter for fauna. They see it as their way of inviting the wallabies, birds, bandicoots, gliders, koalas back to the land.
Whilst creating a haven in which wildlife can thrive may seem at odds with the usual dog-friendly accommodation, they’ve struck a balance by providing protective shrubs, removing inhibiting weeds and installing nesting boxes and artificial hollows. With the support of Midcoast Council’s Koala Safe Spaces program they’ve recently had another 55 koala feed trees planted on the property. Over half the property is protected bushland, leaving plenty of space for the dogs explore themselves.
The local area is a natural wonderland with endless fun to be had, but guests can also choose to spend their time on the property. Pack the marshmallows to enjoy around the bluestone firepit area. Send the kids out to collect firewood. Fall asleep in the hammock under the gumtrees. Make a list of all the birds you can see through the binoculars provided. Stargaze over dinner on the back deck at night. Pick produce from the fruit trees and harvest garden. Its endless.
Gabrielle and Patrick Witter are the owners of Wandha Myall Lakes, set on the southern edge of the Myall Lakes Catchment and in close proximity to the Myall Lakes, Wallingat and Booti Booti National Parks. The property slopes down to a perennial wetland and dam, ascending back up to dense native bushland and dry sclerophyll forest which contains koala food trees and is left largely undisturbed.
Wildlife is abundant and includes eastern grey kangaroos (Macropus giganteus), swamp wallabies (Wallabia bicolor), lace monitors (Varanus varius), sugar (Petaurus breviceps) and yellow-bellied (Petaurus australis) gliders, southern greater gliders (Petauroides volans), feathertail gliders (Acrobates pygmaeus), brush-tailed phascogales (Phascogale tapoatafa), spotted-tailed quolls (Dasyurus maculatus) and potentially koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus). A range of birds including powerful owls (Ninox strenua) and black bitterns (Ixobrychus flavicollis) are also present, as well as various frog species including the Wallum froglet (Crinia tinnula) and green and golden bell frog (Litoria aurea).
Contact the owner
This sanctuary has been listed by Gabrielle and Patrick Witter who can be contacted by phone on 0412 161 982 or stay@wandha.com.au
