They have brought together what each of them do best and created a unique, rustic-chic “glamping” experience that offers visitors the chance to experience everything the couple loves about living in Binalong Bay. 

Mr Dickers has owned the bush property for more than 15 years, but construction on their new venture, Bay of Fires Bush Retreat, only began about 12 months ago.

“I had pictured something (a tourism business) for a while, I always thought of something but as for what it was going to be – that’s sort of just happened,” Mr Dickers said. 

The vision became possible with an Australian Government Innovation and Investment Fund Grant, which gave them the money for the development and establishment of the business. 

The bush retreat is a perfect blending of the couple’s talents. Ms Hoffmann has experience in environmental design and event management, and oversees the details of creating a comfortable, effortless experience. 

“It’s good having something small enough we can do those personal touches,” she said. 

Mr Dickers comes from a background as a commercial chef, and his talents creating sumptuous food is another offering of the experience – with catering for larger events and groups. 

Lately Mr Dickers has been experimenting with smoking his own meat, and visitors can be sure there will always be some homemade delectable treat to bring that extra special something to the food. 

The retreat is geared towards group bookings, and is the perfect setting for anniversaries and weddings. Spacious tents are dotted across sloping grass and rounds of wood and reclining chairs beckon you to settle down beside a fire pit. 

The couple, keen travellers and campers themselves, have used their experience to create a comfortable and familiar stay for their guests. 

“Over the years it’s been a very social property,” Mr Dickers said. 

“When we decided to do this, we decided to put together everything we like for everyone else.”

Ms Hoffmann added, “We want to create feel of hanging out with friends … that’s really what we want to share.

“We’re really lucky actually, it’s just all the stuff we love thrown together.”

Both Mr Dickers and Ms Hoffmann have a long connection with the area, and establishing the retreat means they can now live there full time – and hopefully spend more time in the surf. 

“We’ve both since we were kids come down to Binalong, so we’ve both got that connection to the place,” Ms Hoffmann said. 

“It’s really nice to be living back here now.”