For me, the true thrill of a new vehicle lies in the daydreams it inspires, the map-spanning possibilities of where those wheels can take you. From cruising down the coast to catch up with friends in Mollymook, to piling in snowboards for an alpine weekend, or embracing the slow travel rhythm of a regional NSW road trip. With the keys to the new hybrid Mazda CX-80 in hand, I set my sights on the rugged Warrumbungles and the rolling vineyards of Mudgee to put this premium SUV to the test.
The CX-80 is a masterclass in spacious, elevated design, marking a bold evolution for Mazda. Our model features the optional SP Package, transforming it into a luxurious six-seater. My daughter and I are treated to captain’s chairs behind the driver, complete with a sleek central console and two additional fold-down rear seats that provide cavernous boot space. With a five-star ANCAP safety rating and zero risk of feeling cramped, it is the ultimate foundation for a family getaway.
Luggage, picnic rugs, an esky primed for local produce, hiking boots, and our favourite winery shoes are loaded up. The adventure begins.
Day One: Chasing the Dark Sky
Ever since the Warrumbungle National Park was designated Australia’s first International Dark Sky Park in 2016, a visit has been high on my bucket list. Settling into the elevated, comfortable cabin of the Mazda CX-80, I finally felt ready to tackle the six-hour journey west.
We depart Sydney mid-morning, breaking up the drive with a delightful lunch at The Deck Cafe Lovedale in the Hunter Valley. Back on the road, the hybrid engine glides silently along the motorway. The panoramic visibility offers sweeping views of vineyard-stitched hills and gum-lined country roads, while the adaptive cruise control effortlessly takes the edge off the highway stretches.
Navigating the long dirt road to our destination is a breeze for the Mazda. We arrive at Dark Sky Eco Retreat, an off-grid sanctuary set on a sprawling rural property. Owners Mark and Wendy originally purchased the land for a quiet retirement in 2021, but soon pivoted to building eco-lodges, farming emus, and curating celestial experiences.
That evening, Mark and Wendy guide us through a mesmerising private stargazing session. The sky is ablaze, clearer and deeper than I have ever witnessed with the naked eye. Mark uses a laser pointer to trace constellations, distant planets, and the Emu in the Sky from Aboriginal astronomy. When I peer through their 11-inch telescope, the universe unfolds: the Tarantula Nebula glows in surreal hues, and the Southern Pinwheel Galaxy M83 hangs like a swirling mist. I arrived a curious traveller and left an astronomy lover.
Where We Stayed: Banksia Lodge at Dark Sky Eco Retreat
Designed for profound disconnection and slow living, this three-bedroom, yurt-style retreat is deeply cozy yet luxurious. Nebula artwork adorns the walls, and the modern kitchen is perfectly equipped for self-catering. We spent our time soaking in the six-person outdoor spa beneath the stars, eating breakfast on the deck while curious emus wandered the fence line, and enjoying the warmth of the indoor fireplace.
Day Two: Volcanic Echoes in the Warrumbungles
The morning brings an unexpected visitor: an emu swaying past our kitchen window, tilting its head to inspect us. It’s a beautiful reminder of our wild bush setting, which perfectly balances luxury with authentic nature immersion.
After restocking supplies and grabbing coffee in Coonabarabran, we head into Warrumbungle National Park. Shaped by volcanic activity millions of years ago, the landscape is defined by dramatic, jagged rock formations rising abruptly from the bushland.
- Whitegum Lookout: A brief 500-metre walk rewards us with sweeping views of the Breadknife—a towering, blade-like volcanic dyke that cuts an imposing figure against the skyline.
- The Visitor Centre: An excellent stop featuring interactive displays, local birdlife exhibits, and crucial insights into the park’s Dark Sky status and light pollution.
- The Trail: Armed with a map, we tackle a section of the Grand High Tops Walk, sharing our lunch spot—and the trail—with a nimble mob of local goats.
We return to the eco-retreat for a home-cooked meal on the balcony, dwarfed once again by the magnificent night sky.
Day Three: Vineyards and Wellness in Mudgee
Today, we chart a course for Mudgee. The open sunroof invites the country air in, while eagles circle above us. As we navigate unsealed roads, the Mazda’s distracted driver alert keeps me sharp, and the once-gleaming exterior takes on a coat of red outback dust—the ultimate badge of honor for a great road trip.
Lowe Family Wine Co. Our Mudgee immersion begins here with a tour hosted by David Lowe. Adapting to a changing climate, David’s biodynamic and organic vineyard features a “Latin Quarter” planted with Italian varieties like Nero d’Avola and Vermentino, which thrive in hotter conditions. We wander past kitchen gardens, a hatted restaurant, and friendly farm animals before settling at a sun-drenched table for a tasting and a grazing platter.
Where We Stayed: Zensi Retreat
Arriving at Zensi Retreat just before dusk, we instantly wished we could move in forever. The Zensi House is a masterclass in eco-luxury. Features include soaring ceilings, a stone kitchen, a heated pool, and a sunken fire pit overlooking grazing cattle. The master suite rivals any boutique hotel, complete with a deep soaking bath. For wellness lovers, the dedicated wing featuring a yoga studio, plunge spa, and sauna is pure bliss. Unrolling my yoga mat the next morning while eastern rosellas pecked at the grass outside was a moment of absolute serenity.
Day Four: A Birthday on the Farm
It’s my birthday, and the celebrations kick off with a short drive to Piambong Creek Farm Tours. Owner Beth treats us like old friends as she introduces us to the inner workings of her 1700-acre property.
The highlight? Meeting Gooseberry and Raspberry, two delightfully affectionate poddy calves, and getting hands-on with Blackberry, a gentle giant of a cow. Because it is lambing season, the paddocks are filled with the high-pitched bleats of wobbly newborns.
Beth later drives us to a scenic hilltop in her open-air buggy for a spectacular morning tea: homemade savoury scones, local cheeses, and a surprise birthday carrot cake baked straight from the CWA cookbook.
Afternoon at Logan Wines
We wind down the afternoon at Logan Wines. Perched on a grassy hill overlooking a pond and rolling vines, we lay out our picnic rug. The staff delivers a generous cheese plate directly to our spot, pairing perfectly with a bottle of their traditional method sparkling wine. Bathed in the golden afternoon light, it is a flawless travel moment.
Day Five: The Journey Home
Fuelled by coffee and flaky croissants from Mudgee’s Althea Bakery, we begin the journey back to Sydney.
The Mazda CX-80 effortlessly eats up the Western NSW highways. It proves exceptionally responsive on winding roads while remaining smooth and refined at high speeds. By the time the city skyline appears, our hiking boots are buried under wine bottles, the car proudly wears its coat of red dirt, and my mind is already racing, planning exactly where these wheels will take us next.
Cathy Wagstaff was a guest of Mazda Australia and Dark Sky Eco Retreat. Read the original Aussie story on The Carousel.