Molong may mean “place of many rocks”, but there are none visible in the gardens at Gamboola Cabonne. Set on 12 hectares and built in 1911, this beautiful homestead has been lovingly restored, and both gardens and building are havens of old-world charm and peace – which is exactly what you need after negotiating the hellish weekend traffic out of Sydney.

A lovely alternative to staying in Orange (and close to the historic town of Molong, with its National Trust preserved main street), Platypus Hollow has two accommodation suites, both attached to the main house but each with its own entrance and verandah area.

We stayed in the Possum Suite – the former maid’s quarters – which was small and perfectly formed: lovely white sheets on the queen size bed, an immaculate bathroom and a cosy little kitchen/living area complete with breakfast supplies.

We ate the local jam, drank the fresh orange juice and used the omelet maker, then sat on the verandah watching tiny birds hurtle through the climbing roses. When my monologue about my desire to have a garden with climbing roses became too much to bear, I was dragged down to the property’s creek to look for a platypus. I’m sure this was intended merely as a diversion but, in fact, we actually saw one. In the end, it took a ride in a vintage car and a visit to Molong’s gelato factory to winkle me away. A historic house, a beautiful garden, rare wildlife and an adventure involving ice-cream. Who could ask for more?

Good Weekend magazine's annual 52 Weekends Away 2010