We acknowledge and pay respect to the Traditional Custodians of this land – the Darkinjung people. It is upon their ancestral lands that Bells at Killcare stands, surrounded by the majestic & sacred Bouddi National Park. We acknowledge past, present and emerging Elders, and all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
A world-class boutique hotel located just outside of Sydney, Bells at Killcare Boutique Hotel, Restaurant & Spa is one of Australia’s most distinctive resorts, perfect for a romantic retreat or quick city escape with family or friends. Designed in a style that brings coastal elegance to a natural Australian setting, Bells at Killcare features 25 boutique cottages & suites, and 4 nature-inspired luxe Lodges. The cottages and lodges sprawl over a beautiful acreage of manicured grounds, established native flora, running streams, a tranquil lake and a few smaller ponds. The Lodges are located within their own eco-sanctuary and offer spectacular ocean views.
Famous for our multi-award winning bar & restaurant, the food and beverage offering at Bells at Killcare has gained a long list of accolades and awards since opening in 2007. The effortless skill of the very talented team of passionate chefs makes for a wonderful gastronomy getaway.
The luxurious Bells Day Spa is a haven for guests to de-stress and truly relax, unwind and enjoy.
Killcare Heights is situated on the spectacular NSW Bouddi Peninsula with many coastal bushwalks to explore. A quick 20-minute ferry trip from Sydney’s famous Palm Beach, or a 90-minute drive north from Sydney, when you arrive at Bells at Killcare, you’ll find it hard to believe that you’re so close to Australia’s largest and most cosmopolitan gateway city.
From food waste to compost overnight! We are the proud owners of a CLOSED LOOP organic food composter which uses natural microbes and heat to transform food waste into nutrient rich compost in just 24 hours. Roughly 260kg of food waste goes through the machine per week, p...
Learn MoreFrom food waste to compost overnight! We are the proud owners of a CLOSED LOOP organic food composter which uses natural microbes and heat to transform food waste into nutrient rich compost in just 24 hours.
Roughly 260kg of food waste goes through the machine per week, producing a highly concentrated compost that is mixed with soil and used in our onsite kitchen gardens. This also heavily reduces our methane emissions.
This is one of the many sustainable practices we have introduced to help reduce the environmental impact in our community.
A few years back, we were very proud when we were honoured with the Good Living Sustainability Award at the Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide Awards.
Then, the award was the culmination of years work, with the team building up the kitchen gardens into more than 500 square metres of land now cultivated for food. Since then, each year we have focused on building our sustainability processes and lowering our carbon footprint for the greater good of our environment.
In addition to the onsite kitchen gardens, we have approximately 40 chickens that keep the kitchen well supplied with fresh eggs. We are dedicated to growing our own produce and sourcing as much local produce as we can, to ensure quality and seasonality are achieved. More than 15% of the restaurant menu comes directly from our garden.
Here are some further examples of how year-on-year we have actively achieved a more sustainable hotel;
Bells at Killcare Boutique Hotel, Restaurant & Spa is surrounded by the idyllic Bouddi National Park and is located on the NSW Bouddi Peninsula which is on the scenic central coast of New South Wales. Bells at Killcare is approximately 90 minutes drive north of Sydney, a...
View On Map DirectionsBells at Killcare Boutique Hotel, Restaurant & Spa is surrounded by the idyllic Bouddi National Park and is located on the NSW Bouddi Peninsula which is on the scenic central coast of New South Wales. Bells at Killcare is approximately 90 minutes drive north of Sydney, and 90 minutes drive south of Newcastle. The NSW Bouddi Peninsula is the southern-most tip of the central coast region and is just across the water from Sydney's famous Palm Beach.
Return airport transfers can be arranged at time of booking, from Sydney or Newcastle airports. Alternatively you may prefer to hire a car from the airport and self-drive (detailed directions below). Further information below for arrival by Seaplane, Helicopter, Ferry or Train.
Our address is 107 The Scenic Road, Killcare Heights for GPS navigation.
If travelling from Sydney or from Newcastle, exit the freeway at GOSFORD. At the 4th set of traffic lights (Kariong Hill) turn right into Woy Woy Rd.
Follow Woy Woy Rd for approx 12km, you will cross over the railway line at the bottom of the hill. At end of this road (which is Rawson Rd then becomes Allfield Rd) turn right into Blackwall Rd (at traffic lights). This turns into Memorial Avenue, and comes to a roundabout at which you turn left. Memorial then becomes Maitland Bay Drive, goes over the Rip Bridge and then becomes Daley Avenue.
Approx 8kms along turn right into Wards Hill Rd (United Petrol Station on right & signposted to Wagstaff & Killcare).
At the very top of Wards Hill Rd (stop sign) turn left into The Scenic Rd (signposted to Kincumber / MacMasters Beach).
We are No. 107 - approx 600 metres along on your left.
The Palm Beach Ferry operates every day of the year. Guests coming to Bells at Killcare should alight at Wagstaffe. At the time of making your table or hotel booking, please advise the team you are planning to arrive by ferry.
Once you are on board the ferry, we ask guests to please call us on 4349-7000 to advise you have left Palm Beach. Parking at Palm Beach can be difficult, so we recommend allowing enough time to park.
Palm Beach Ferries request you are on the wharf 5 minutes prior to departure time.
Our closest train station is located at Woy Woy. The journey from Sydney Central is approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes on the express (recommended) or an 1 hour and a half on the all stops. From Woy Woy station, you would need to catch a taxi to Killcare Heights which would take approximately 20 minutes. Taxis are usually at the station waiting. The scenery north of Hornsby is stunning as you meander over the Oyster Farms at Brooklyn, cross various bridges and cruise through mountain ranges.
Sydney Seaplanes fly into Hardy's Bay, over the breathtaking Northern Beaches of Sydeny. A 2 minute transfer by boat is arranged for you, to ferry across to the wharf. We meet you at the wharf, with a car, to bring you to Bells. (Approx 10 mins of transfer time in total).
Seaplane departures are from Rose Bay, with the spectacular journey lasting approximately 30 minutes, as you head north over the Harbour and above the stunning Northern Beaches of Sydney.
Our local Taxi company is Central Coast Cabs.
Overseeing Bells at Killcare, with their experience & understanding of regional tourism, are owner operators Brian and Karina Barry.
Karina Barry completed her training at The Regent of Sydney, the Savoy in London and the iconic Rockpool Restaurant, prior to moving to the Hunter Valley in 1991 as owner operator of The Hunter Resort with her brother. She was also one of the founders of the Bluetongue Brewery, (along with husband Brian Barry and a group of Hunter businessmen).
Brian Barry spent most of his career in sales and marketing within the wine industry, working with Brown Brothers, McWilliams and Orlando Wyndham. In 1998 he joined Karina’s family business to establish the Hunter Valley Wine School and run the wine side of the business.
Their vision, along with a wonderful team of dedicated leaders, is to continually develop Bells at Killcare as a leading world class destination that is a true retreat, and one that reflects the team's passion for tourism, hospitality & looking after their guests.
Co-Founder & Owner
Co-Founder & Owner
Guest Services
Hotel Manager
Gardens and Grounds Manager
Head Housekeeper
Sales & Marketing Manager
Accounts Receivable & Payable
Food & Beverage Manager
Executive Chef
Head Baker
Sommelier
Events Manager
Culinary Director
Lodge Manager
We love to generously donate to local organisations and give back to our community when we can. We are actively involved with World Vision Australia by sponsoring three children on a monthly basis. We have sponsored 3 children continuously since 2008 and will continue to ...
Learn MoreWe love to generously donate to local organisations and give back to our community when we can.
We are actively involved with World Vision Australia by sponsoring three children on a monthly basis. We have sponsored 3 children continuously since 2008 and will continue to offer our support always, to children in need.
We also proudly support YALARI who are educating and empowering Indigenous children every day.
Other charity groups we support are
2024 - Refurbished Property of the Year, NSW Accommodation Awards for Excellence 2024 - Awarded 3 Glasses Australia's Wine List of the Year Awards, Gourmet Traveller WINE 2023 - Awarded 3 Glasses Australia's Wine List of the Year Awards, Gourmet Traveller W...
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In 2006 the main house and 3 cottages sat amongst the stunning acreage of young gardens & presented a wonderful opportunity for development that would enhance the existing Bed & Breakfast property. Karina and Brian Barry, were then invited by Coast and Country Proper...
Learn MoreIn 2006 the main house and 3 cottages sat amongst the stunning acreage of young gardens & presented a wonderful opportunity for development that would enhance the existing Bed & Breakfast property. Karina and Brian Barry, were then invited by Coast and Country Properties to manage the existing B&B and assess its potential. They moved to Killcare and fell in love with the stunning natural beauty of the National Park and local waterways.
Inspired by the beauty and potential of the existing property, they had a vision to develop the B&B into a luxury world-class retreat. To achieve this goal, they leased the property and worked with Coast and Country to renovate and develop the property, in a way that would be sympathetic to the natural beauty of the area and to compliment the existing cottages. In 2008, Manfredi Enterprises were invited to come on board to assist with a new restaurant vision and redesign of the entire dining experience at the property.
The property gained strong media interest and industry accolades and edged it way into the hearts and minds of the local community and also Sydneysiders looking for a quick getaway that had great food and felt like they were far away from the hustle of the city.
The retreat has become one of the most recognisable and distinctive boutique hotels in Australia, with a fabulous reputation both in the industry and with guests.
2017 marked the 10th anniversary of Bells at Killcare with celebrations enjoyed throughout the year. 4 luxurious lodges were built in 2023 and opened for guests to enjoy in February 2024.