ABOUT CEDAR SPRINGS
Cedar Springs acknowledges the Wodi Wodi People on Dharawal country as the traditional custodians of the land, on which we live and work. We recognise the continuing connection to land, sea and community and pay our respect to their elders past, present, and extend that respect to all First Nations people.
ABOUT US.
Located just 90 minutes from the hustle and bustle of Sydney, Cedar Springs is a magical property offering a restorative place to escape.
Surrounded by 100 acres of nature’s finest, bursting with colour and filled with wildlife, this is the ultimate location for a soul-restoring retreat, a unique secluded event, or just a peaceful place to call home for a while with family and friends.
Set on the picturesque New South Wales South Coast, you’ll find us bound into the ancient history of Saddleback Mountain, where green rolling hills pour into Pacific Ocean views as far as the eye can see.
At Cedar Springs, we believe life is about balance, and that’s why you’ll find luxurious accommodation as inviting as the land itself.
Health and wellness come in many forms, and we want to offer you the opportunity to take a pause, reconnect to the elements and rediscover what wellbeing means to you. What better place to get grounded than halfway up a mountain?
HISTORY.
The history of the land here at Cedar Springs plays an important part of our story, and we’re so looking forward to playing a part in yours.
Nestled into the hills of ancient Saddleback Mountain on the Illawarra escarpment, the view didn’t always look this clear…
Kiama was the site of two strong volcanic flows, called the Gerringong Volcanics, which erupted from Saddleback Mountain 240 and 66 million years ago. In fact, the distinct shape of Saddleback was formed from a collapsed volcanic vent!
It was the rich volcanic soil that supported dense rainforests to thrive and it’s abundant natural resources helped the First Nations custodians of the Illawarra, the Wodi Wodi, to flourish here for thousands of years. Traditional stories speak of the Wodi Wodi bringing with them the now iconic cabbage tree palm. The leaves were edible and perfect for weaving, while the bark was used to make fishing lines. Today, the palms scattered across the property remain protected.
It was the native red cedar trees that attracted European settlers. The valuable timber was rapidly logged, in turn, establishing the area’s productive dairy farming industry. By the early 1800s the land went on to become one of the birthplaces of the Australian dairy industry. Many of the historic dry stone walls throughout the property were constructed more than a century ago as paddocks were cleared for cattle.
The cedar trees may be gone, but the springs have remained throughout the centuries, supporting many a farmer over dry seasons.
