Cooinooi at Bowral is a newly refurbished self catering cottage in the heart of the Southern Highlands.

Cooinooi is a charming western red cedar cottage, an oasis of peace and tranquillity, set on one and three quarter acres of garden and bushland. There is wildlife in abundance, including parrots, kookaburras, bowerbirds, wild duck, possums and much more.

The front of the house is shaded by vines. At the back, a huge verandah hangs over the garden.

Behind the cottage, your private garden slopes away to natural bushland and to a secluded dam, an ideal spot for picnics and for watching the birdlife.

On the way to the dam you will pass the bush barbeque. Eating under the stars, you'll feel miles from anywhere.

On two sides, Cooinooi borders onto the hilly pastures and bush of the historic Wingecarribbee Farm. The property was established in the 1960s, on land subdivided from the Wingecarribbee Farm. John Oxley, explorer and surveyor, was granted land in the area in the 1820s, and the Wingecarribbee farm was established by his family in the 1850s.

At Cooinooi you can feel you are in the heart of the bush. And yet you are only two kilometres from Bowral village centre.

Your hosts, Jan and Ida, have created Cooinooi with loving care, right down to the smallest details. You will find furniture from the family home, and china and glass which were treasured wedding presents more than sixty years ago. The books and games, and the collection of classic 1930s and 1940s movie star photos, are chosen from among our own favourites.

We set out to create a cottage we would love to stay in when we wanted a break from the rush of everyday life. We want our guests to enjoy it as much, and find it as soul restoring, as we do.

We named Cooinooi at Bowral after a 4,000 acre property about 80 kms south west of Forbes, NSW. It is a remote property and the last 20 kms in to the homestead are along red dirt roads. This Cooinooi – 'Cooinooi via Forbes' - is owned by an old and dear friend of Jan and Ida’s. For more than 20 years it has been where we go to when we need to have a break and restore our souls. You will find photos of 'Cooinooi via Forbes' in the lounge room.

We understand that the name "Cooinooi" is an Aboriginal word meaning "a pleasant view".

Cooinooi is ideal for a secluded weekend for two, or it works equally well for a group of up to five.

However we must advise that Cooinooi is not suitable for children, because the dam is unfenced, and the open verandah is high above garden level. Cooinooi is also not suitable for pets, because we value and protect our wildlife.

Cooinooi is a totally non-smoking establishment.