30 years ago, internationally acclaimed photographer Robert Bignell bought 40 acres at Brunkerville with a view to creating his own private piece of paradise.

At first appearance it's main appeal for a builder was a cleared flat area with a few big inaccessible trees and a bit of brush along the creek, left from logging 80 years previously. Because it was bordered by the Sugarloaf Range State Forest, privacy was assured.

But the deeper into the property Robert ventured, the more he discovered - birds, animals and an amazing diversity of trees and shrubs.

For the first few years he lived in a tent, later moving into his tool shed and converting it to a studio and home where he remained for 12 years.

These days he has converted his hay shed into a 35 sq. home and studio built, like the two cabins, wholly from recycled materials.

The Old Brush Rainforest Retreat

A 40 acre private flora and fauna reserve, the Old Brush has been nurtured for 30 years by photographer Robert Bignell.

The Old Brush provides the perfect back to nature escape with a choice of two huts and more than 5km of maintained walking trails through the property and into the adjoining National Park. 

With eight waterholes, a creek & wildlife that comes right to your door,  it's little wonder The Old Brush's cabins have attracted visitors from around the world.

Rainforest, Old growth Forest - the Old Brush has it all with large expanses of open space and cabins offering an accommodation experience that is truly unique.

The Old Brush is at Brunkerville, just 10 minutes from the F3's Toronto/Cessnock exit and within 30 minutes from the Hunter Vineyards, Lake Macquarie (Australia's largest saltwater lake) and Newcastle (NSW 2nd biggest city)