The Story of Budgalong – Behind the Scenes: Building Budgalong Lodge

In this edition of The Story of Budgalong, we’re excited to take you behind the scenes of how Budgalong Lodge came to life. Our vision for the lodge began with a simple idea: to create a place that reflects our love for the land, where guests can disconnect from the busyness of life and reconnect with nature in luxury and comfort.

Design Inspired by Nature

From the start, we knew that Budgalong Lodge needed to be more than just a place to stay—it had to be an extension of the landscape itself. Drawing inspiration from the rugged beauty of Spicers Creek, we envisioned a lodge that blends seamlessly into the environment. Our design embraces natural materials like timber and stone, with large windows that frame the sweeping views of the surrounding hills, creating an atmosphere where the indoors and outdoors flow together effortlessly.

We always knew Budgalong Lodge had to be more than just a few tents in a paddock. It had to feel like it belonged—like it had always been there, tucked into the hills of Spicers Creek, shaped by the landscape and the people who call it home.

The idea started simply: a place where people could come to slow down, breathe a little deeper, and reconnect with nature. But turning that idea into something real? That took three years, a lot of late nights, and more hands on deck than we can count.

Year One: Vision and Groundwork

The first year was all about big ideas and rough sketches. We worked with architects to design something that made sense—practical, low-impact, and in tune with the land. We walked the site dozens of times, marking out where the sun hits in the morning, where the views are best, and how the wind moves through the valley. Then came the roads, water, and power—laying the foundations, quietly and carefully.

Year Two: Paperwork and Patience

The second year tested our patience. We worked with the local council to get development approval, which meant lots of back and forth, environmental reports, and making sure we were ticking every box. And to be honest, we wouldn’t have done it any other way. We wanted to build something we could be proud of—something that respected the land and would last.

Year Three: Boots on the Ground

By year three, it was go time. The build kicked off—and quickly turned into a full-blown project. The team? A mix of farmhands, local trades, family, and mates who were willing to roll up their sleeves. Paddy Krause was a huge help with a wealth of building knowledge, patience and support. Mary and Rob, the heart and soul of the property, supported the dream from day one. Madison Moore the brains behind the design and bringing the interiors to life facilitating a space to relax and unwind, and the whole farm crew chipped in, doing everything from fencing to furniture. Special mention to Tomi, our hardworking Argentinian backpacker—the most reliable and dedicated member of the team—who went above and beyond to help bring this project to life.