The Artist's Retreat, Dangar Island

Welcome to the artist’s private home, a secluded fern-filled haven tucked away on Dangar Island with glorious views of the Hawkesbury River. She has opened the main house, separate from her Cabin and Studio, for guests to escape the city and relax in the rustic comfort of a well-loved home and a slower pace of living. Less than an hour from Sydney and water access only, Dangar is car-free and easily accessed via ferry or water taxi. A perfect short break and escape to nature (and yourself!) The main house looks out over the river and surrounding trees. With a view from pretty much every room and a glorious verandah and window seat you are fully surrounded by nature. The house itself has a wonderful vibe and it always makes me feel at home. You can stop and breathe. There are loads of books for all ages; a games, puzzles and drawing cupboard; and the house is filled with artworks and installations, cushions and cuddly bits. An old family home it holds many happy memories of children and joy. I hope you feel at home as much as I do here. I am available for questions via phone, text or email at any time and happy to share knowledge of the island, my arts process and surrounding areas. That said, I also like to stay in the background and let you soak up the atmosphere and relax into the space without feeling bothered. The choice is yours. Please note it may be necessary to provide proof of place of residence and full COVID Vaccination. We will continue to follow all NSW Govt/ Health advice in this regard. Less than an hour from Sydney and water access only, Dangar is car-free and easily accessed via ferry or water taxi. A perfect short break and escape to nature (and yourself!) The island has a cafe open 7 days a week, a bowling club open for meals on a Friday to Sunday and a bowling green for visitors to use. The beach is very close to my house and is wonderful for high tide swimming and low tide mud. If you're lucky you might even catch a glimpse of soldier crabs at low tide, dolphins in spring, summer nighttime bio-luminescence or even the occasional whale! It really is a very beautiful and special place to live and visit. Arrive to the island via Brooklyn and catch a public ferry or water taxi to the island. Once on the island you can explore the beach, the reserve at the top of the island or socialise in the park, cafe or club. With regular music events and community initiatives, there is often something happening to enjoy. There are no cars on the island and you can walk around the whole island in less than an hour. There can be low lighting on the island, so bring a torch and you can also book the community buggy to get your luggage to the house - just tell them you are going to Mel's place!