Definitions

In these Terms: "Booking" means the confirmed reservation on the terms agreed between the Renter and the Guest (including as on the Website). "Delegate" means any person authorised by the Renter to act on his behalf, including the Partner. "Guest" means the person who made the Booking. "Information Book" means the Bluebird Escape information book at the Property. "Invitees" means all persons attending the Property during the Booking period other than the Guest. "Related Persons" means the Partner, any corporation of which the Renter or the Partner is a director, and any trust of which either is a trustee. "Renter" means Stuart Peter Byrne. “Partner” means Fiona Louise Read. "Property" means the land, buildings, structures, fixtures, fittings, equipment, amenities, and surrounds comprising Bluebird Escape at the address above, including all access roads. “Website” means www.bluebirdescape.com.au.

Agreement

By making a Booking or attending the Property, the Guest agrees to be bound by these Terms. The Guest must ensure all Invitees are aware of and comply with these Terms. Each Invitee, by attending the Property, is deemed bound by these Terms as if a party to them. The Guest is jointly and severally liable for any breach by an Invitee. References to the "Guest" regarding obligations, assumptions of risk, and indemnities apply equally to each Invitee. The Renter may act directly or through a Delegate.

Booking, Payment and Bond

Payment, cancellation, and security bond terms are as published on the Website or as otherwise agreed between the Renter (or a Delegate) and the Guest. The Renter may require a security bond on terms specified in the Booking confirmation or on the Website.

Check-In, Check-Out and Occupancy

Check-in is 3:00 pm and check-out is 11:00 am unless otherwise specified. The Guest must leave the Property in accordance with the Information Book. Access arrangements will be advised following payment. The Guest may use only the bedrooms included in the Booking (from: Valley King, Bush King, Ridge King I, Ridge King II, and Garden Queen). No more than the agreed number of persons may attend the Property unless otherwise agreed by the Renter. The Property is for short-term holiday accommodation only — no events or functions without the Renter's prior written agreement.

The Property and Restricted Areas

The Property comprises approximately 110 acres, mostly uncleared Australian bushland, with approximately 10 acres cleared. It includes a Main Pavilion, a Bedroom Pavilion, two further bedroom pavilions, a garage with attached bedroom and bathroom, and a sports court. Access is via a private road shared with other properties. The Guest has exclusive use (exclusive of other guests) for the Booking period. Guests must not enter the sheds adjacent to and below the sports court, the storage area behind the garage, or any area marked Staff Only. The Property operates off-grid — guests must not interfere with infrastructure (solar, batteries, generator, septic, or communications equipment) without the Renter's permission.

Assumption of Risk

The Guest acknowledges and accepts that the Property is in a rural bushland setting with inherent natural hazards including uneven terrain, falling branches and trees, wildlife (which may be dangerous and/or protected), an unfenced dam, creeks, water tanks, cliffs or drop-offs, steep or slippery ground, and other features typical of the Australian bush. Access is via unsealed private roads which may be uneven, narrow, steep, or weather-affected — the Guest drives at their own risk. Wildlife including kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, and emus may be on roads, particularly at night. All recreational activities (including the sports court, walking, and hiking) are at the Guest's own risk. The Guest is responsible for supervising all Invitees, including children, at all times.

Amenities, Equipment and Pantry

Amenities, equipment, and any pantry items are provided "as is." The Renter does not guarantee the availability, working order, or suitability of any of these at any time. Use is at the Guest's own risk.

Pets

Pets are permitted. The Guest is solely responsible for any pet on the Property. The Renter accepts no liability for any injury, illness, or death of any pet, howsoever caused. Pets must not be on furniture and must not be brought inside buildings when muddy or wet. The Guest must clean up after pets and is liable for any pet-caused damage.

Fire Safety and Smoking

The Guest must comply with all fire regulations. No open fires are permitted at any time. The gas barbecue may be used per the instructions provided — no charcoal grills or other open flame equipment may be brought onto the Property. Smoking is permitted outdoors on hard surfaces only (such as the concrete deck). Butts must be properly extinguished and disposed of. The Guest acknowledges that improper butt disposal in bushland poses an extreme fire risk.

Security Cameras

Security cameras are installed on the Property (not inside buildings). Cameras are ordinarily turned off during stays but may be operated at any time for security purposes. By attending, the Guest consents to recording.

Wildlife

The Property is home to native wildlife, some dangerous (including snakes and spiders) and some protected. The Guest must not harm, disturb, feed, or interfere with wildlife. The Guest accepts full responsibility for any wildlife encounter and acknowledges the Renter has no control over wild animals.

Damage

The Guest must promptly report any damage. The Guest is liable for all damage caused by the Guest, any Invitee, or any pet. The Renter may deduct costs from any bond held, without limiting the right to recover further amounts.

Exclusion of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law (including the Australian Consumer Law), the Renter and the Related Persons exclude all liability to the Guest and any Invitee for any loss, damage, injury, illness, or death arising in connection with the Property, its use, any amenity or facility, any natural hazard, wildlife, weather, road conditions, any act or omission of any person, or any other cause. Where liability cannot be excluded, it is limited to the supply of services again or payment of the cost of resupply. The Related Persons are not parties to any Booking and have no liability to the Guest or any Invitee.

Indemnity

The Guest indemnifies the Renter and the Related Persons against all claims, losses, damages, costs, and expenses (including legal costs on a full indemnity basis) arising from any breach of these Terms, any negligent, reckless, or unlawful act or omission of the Guest or any Invitee, any damage caused by the Guest, Invitees, or pets, and any third party claim arising from the Guest's use of the Property. This indemnity survives termination of the Booking.

Cancellation by Renter

If the Property becomes unavailable due to any cause (whether or not within the Renter's control), including bushfire, storm, flood, pandemic, government order, or structural damage, the Renter may cancel or curtail the Booking. The Renter's sole liability is a refund for the unused portion. The Renter has no liability for consequential loss or additional costs.

General

The Guest must comply with all applicable laws and the Information Book. Breach may result in termination of the Booking without refund. The Renter handles personal information per the privacy policy on the Website — by booking or attending, the Guest agrees to that policy. If any provision is invalid, it will be read down or severed without affecting remaining provisions. These Terms, with the Booking confirmation, Website terms, and Information Book, constitute the entire agreement. No variation is effective unless agreed in writing by the Renter. These Terms are governed by the laws of New South Wales and the parties submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of New South Wales.

We will provide you with details following confirmation of your booking.

You go straight to the property - no need to pick up a key at a different address.

Standard check in is 3:00pm and check out is 1:00pm, unless otherwise advised.

We can often accommodate early/late check in/out depending on other guests, availability of cleaners/groundsmen etc.

See the rates & where page.

See the rates & where page.

Yes. Bluebird Escape is registered on the NSW Short-Term Rental Accommodation Register (STRA Number: PID-STRA-7815) and operates in accordance with the NSW Code of Conduct for the Short-Term Rental Accommodation Industry. This means the property meets applicable NSW regulatory requirements, and guests and hosts are protected by a formal framework governing standards and conduct.

The cleaning fee applies per stay. Linen and towels are provided on your arrival. A waste bin and recycle bin for rubbish generated during your stay is also provided.

Just ask us. Our standard rates are set by a maximum number of rooms for the agreed number of guests. Use of additional rooms will incur additional costs.

No. Your party will be the only guests on the property during your stay.

Yes - we have listings on Stayz and Airbnb.

Note however that booking directly through this website avoids third party fees.

Everyone is welcome at Bluebird.

We request our guests to bring their own baby equipment.

The kitchen has a microwave.

Well-behaved pets are welcome at Bluebird Escape. Please keep them off furniture, beds and soft furnishings, and outside if muddy.

Fences surrounding Bluebird Escape are not dog proof.

Bluebird Escape is located on the Tugalong ridge overlooking the Wollondilly River valley about 20 minutes drive north from the Hume Highway turn-off in the vicinity of Sutton Forest.

That puts us ~30 minutes from Berrima, Moss Vale and Exeter, and ~40 minutes from Bowral, Mittagong and Marulan.

We are approximately two hours drive from both the Sydney and Canberra CBDs.

There is ample parking close to the pavilions, including 2 undercover spots in the garage.

Roads are suitable for 2WD in all weather - sealed to the front gate leading to a gravel driveway.

Yes — superfast Starlink across all pavilions and adjacent living areas. Mobile reception is limited.

The main pavilion, Valley King and Bush King are on one level with no steps and connected by a flat deck.

The garage and other rooms are located across a gravel courtyard.

There is a single small step to the Garden Queen and 2 single steps to the Ridge King I and Ridge King II.

All accommodation is on one level.

This is the Australian bush! While the areas in the immediately vicinity of the main living areas are cleared and fairly level, our 110 acres is largely covered in Australian bush with natural features including gullies, drop-offs and cliffs.

If you are lucky you may encounter a diverse array of flora and fauna at Bluebird Escape, all to be enjoyed and respected at a distance. Inquisitive dogs that wander may meet wombats and their warrens.

100m from the main pavilion is an unfenced dam.

While many families have enjoyed their stay at Bluebird Escape, it is not suitable for young, unsupervised children.

The usual including guests, food, drinks etc. Stock up before you leave town to avoid needing to travel to Moss Vale etc for provisions.

Linen, towels, firewood, coffe beans, teas and basic pantry items are provided.

Bluebird Escape is a wonderful place to stay in the Southern Highlands.

We are located ~20 minutes from Sutton Forest, ~30 minutes from Berrima, Moss Vale and Exeter, and ~40 minutes from Bowral, Mittagong and Marulan, by car.

If you are attending a night function, be cognisant of these approximate driving times and keep an eye out for fauna on the road, particularly at dusk and night.

If you may wish to rely on third party transport to return to Bluebird Escape - you should confirm availabilty/arrangements in advance of your stay.

Only booked guests are permitted to attend the property during your stay unless otherwise approved in advance.

We have from time to time accommodated small gatherings of friends (including with local chefs, hairdressers, make up artists in attendance) with prior agreement.

Not yet! We went off grid recently and will assess our electricity loads to determine the requirements for EV charging in the future.

Smoking or use of electronic cigarette is not permited inside any of the pavilions. Removal of smoke odours or damage will incur additional cleaning/repair fees.

Smoking outside is permitted on hard surfaces (eg concrete deck) subject to any applicable fire bans.

We love it. Our 24kWp solar array is an impressive sight and is supported by 50kWh of batteries. In the event of heavy loads and inclement weather, backup power is provided by a 16kW prime rated generator (located far from accommodations).

Guests can enjoy the property like normal. We ask guests just to be mindful of energy usage on overcast days to reduce the need for diesel back up.

No! Not at all. Information is provided in the guest book located onsite, but it’s simply:

• remove your food, turn on dishwasher, turn off switches/applicances

• check fireplace, cover BBQ and bring in outdoor cushions

• lock up and leave keys in lock box

• hang up damp towels

• secure rubbish in provided bins