Riverwood Downs — Karuah River Cabins, Barrington Foothills

Cabins and cottages on the Karuah River at Monkerai, in the Barrington foothills — river swims, big lawns and horse country. 4.3 stars, 548 reviews.

Riverwood Downs fills a whole bend of the Karuah River at Monkerai — lawns, timber lodge, and cabins scattered along the water in the Barrington foothills. It has been a generational family escape for decades, rated 4.3 stars across 548 Google reviews.

★ 4.3 · 548 Google reviews (correct at the time of writing, July 2026)

Riverwood Downs — property photo

Property photo via Google Maps

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The stay

Cabins and cottages range from simple river-front timber to family-sized, with the Karuah’s swimming holes as the main event — clear, tree-lined and safe for kids most of the year. The property’s scale keeps it uncrowded even at capacity, and the resident kangaroos mow the lawns.

Around the Karuah Valley

The rainforest of Barrington Tops National park is under an hour up the valley, Dungog’s pubs about 40 minutes, and the drive in — part of Thunderbolts Way country — winds through some of the Hunter’s prettiest cattle valleys, with Seal Rocks an hour east.

Header image shows the surrounding Byron Bay region — see the property’s website for accommodation photos. Rates, availability and inclusions are set by the property.

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Getting There

311 Upper Monkerai Rd — 3 hours from Sydney via the M1 and Stroud, 40 minutes from Dungog.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Riverwood Downs?

At Monkerai in the Barrington Tops foothills NSW, on the Karuah River — about 3 hours from Sydney via Stroud.

What is nearby Riverwood Downs?

The Karuah River’s swimming holes are on the property; Barrington Tops, Dungog and Stroud are within about 45 minutes.

How do I book Riverwood Downs?

Directly through the retreat’s website, which lists cabins, cottages, current rates and availability.

Location & Map

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