In the current real estate market, you’d be forgiven for giving up on your dream of a full-sized home for a … smaller alternative. Tiny houses have been making their mark in recent years – with the movement offering an eco-friendly and mobile alternative to traditional home ownership.
But the dream of tiny home living and the actual reality of selling off all your worldly possessions to live a minimalist, off-the-grid lifestyle are two vastly different things. Luckily, there is a way to try before you buy that also gives you an excuse to take off on a weekend adventure: tiny homes you can stay in.
There are plenty of tiny houses across Australia open for guests to stay in for short-term accommodation. Airbnb has a whole category dedicated to tiny home rentals and there are myriad other Aussie companies, such as Into The Wild Escapes, Tiny Away and Unyoked, specialising in tiny home accommodation, often off-grid and nature-focused.
From cabins built from repurposed materials to ‘Glamtainers’ and architectural builds, there’s something here to suit every bushland adventurer in our round-up of the best tiny homes you can stay in across the country.
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Naivasha Tiny House
Reedy Marsh, Tasmania
Sleeps: 2 people
Nestled in a clearing in Tasmanian bushland, this spectacular tiny home has been built entirely of cedar by local artisans. Inside, the reclaimed theme continues with antique and upcycled furniture and decor and reclaimed materials, enhancing the rustic cabin vibe. The cedar outdoor hot tub is the jewel in the crown at this secluded bush retreat that’s been designed for romantic escapes and relaxation. Bliss! Plus, you can feel safe knowing you’re booking one of the most-loved listings on AirBnb, with an average rating of 4.99 stars out of 5.
Reasons to stay:
- Wood fired hot tub
- Free parking
- Free WiFi
Distance from Launceston: ~ 40 min drive
Gilay Estate
Quirindi, NSW
Sleeps: 2 people
The setting is heavenly: the rolling acres of a working farm outside Quirindi, New South Wales, on the Liverpool Plains. And the building that occupies this hillside is just as remarkable: an angular, architecturally designed gem that’s been named the Gilay Estate hut by its owners, Sandy and Alexandra Rogers – but it’s a far more glamorous affair than that name might suggest. Clad in jarrah timber that’s been carefully blackened using the Japanese shou sugi ban technique, the building is brimming with similarly considered details. Outside, there’s a wood-fired hot tub to soak in, a firepit to star-gaze beside, and a deck perfect for morning yoga and coffee-drinking. Inside, timber finishes and an earthy colour palette are a nod to the ethos of sustainability that underpins the whole project, which runs entirely on solar power: its design captures light and warmth in winter and provides cooling shade in summer. It was also planned in consultation with Gomeroi elders and the local Aboriginal Land Council. So it’s feel-good ethically, but also feel-good quite literally: on arrival you’re greeted with a bottle of bubbles and a cheese plate, courtesy of your thoughtful hosts; your king-sized bed is covered in cloud-soft linens and pillows; there’s a Bluetooth speaker for tunes and a Gozney pizza oven for culinary delights – and don’t forget that hot tub.
Reasons to stay:
- Hot tub
- Air conditioning
- Indoor fireplace
- Self check-in
Distance from Sydney: ~ 4 hours’ drive
The A-Frame
Byron Bay Hinterland, NSW
Located in the beautiful Byron Bay hinterland, it doesn’t get much tinier than this A-frame cabin that has just enough room for a comfy queen-sized bed and two people. A separate cabin, accessible by an adjoining walkway, houses the kitchenette, a warm shower with a view, a composting toilet, and a breakfast bar. The outdoor bath is the ideal place to soak up the breathtaking 360-degree views of surrounding valleys, paddocks and star-filled skies.
For information and bookings, visit Riparide.
The Little Lady Cabin
Rylestone, NSW
The home may be tiny but the wines from the surrounding region are certainly big on flavour. Staying at The Little Lady will grant you access to an abundant selection of Mudgee’s finest wineries and eateries whilst providing an escape from it all, nestled within the 14-acres and stunning vineyards of Naked Lady Wines. But when it comes to Mudgee accommodation options, this small stay packs a mighty punch with its farmstay setting and stunning natural surrounds. Not only is it close to Wollemi National Park and Ferntree Gully, it’s also a dog-friendly escape, which means there’s no reason to leave your four-legged friend behind when setting off.
Reasons to stay:
- Split air conditioning
- Contains 2 bedrooms and 1 bath
- Pets allowed
Distance from Sydney: ~ 3 hours’ drive
UNYOKED, VARIOUS LOCATIONS, NSW AND VIC
Unyoked are unlocking the restorative power of nature, for over-worked Sydneysiders and Melbournians, one off-the-grid cabin at a time. With locations just two hours from both major cities, it’s the ideal weekend getaway for those seeking to enjoy their own slice of wildnerness for a night or two. Co-founder Cam Grant says staying in a secluded cabin “Forces you to take stock of what is important away from tech and urban distractions.”
For information and bookings, visit Unyoked
CABN, VARIOUS LOCATIONS, SA AND NSW
In the Hills region of South Australia is where the vision for CABN – a series of tiny cabins built from local materials promoting an ethos of minimalism, sustainability and off-the-grid living – began. Need a digital detox? Then this is the getaway you have been crying out for! Here you’ll find a space that’s big on nature, a place you can meditate, a place you can reconnect with yourself and get away from life’s distractions. Pictured here is CABN X ‘William’, the luxury version of the CABN experience. This tiny house features a private sauna, a custom glass ceiling, wood-burning fireplace and an outdoor bath. At CABN, the location of your CABN will remain a secret until about a week prior to your stay. How’s that for an adventure?
For information and bookings, visit CABN
THE SANATORIUM, YACKANDANDAH, VIC
Tucked into an elevated bushland platform, The Sanatorium enjoys panoramic views of the stunning Yackandandah Valley. A stay here will see you enjoying fresh mountain air, and abundant wildlife and birdlife.
For information and bookings, visit Tiny Away.
THE SALTY DOG, NEWPORT, NSW
This floating two-storey tiny home is truly something special. Moored at the southern end of picturesque Pittwater in NSW, The Salty Dog is only 45 minutes from Sydney’s CBD and a leisurely three-minute boat ride from shore. Luxurious and romantic, this adults-only tiny home is perfect for those looking to get off the grid without sacrificing comfort and style. A continental breakfast hamper is included in your booking and there is also a bathroom with an electric flush toilet, vanity, basin and shower on board. There’s even a tiny wood-fired heater for chilly nights!
For information and bookings, visit Airbnb
CASTLEMAINE GARDENS LUXURY GLAMTAINER, CASTLEMAINE, VIC
This tiny house has been dubbed a ‘Glamtainer’ and it’s easy to see why. Inside there’s a fully-equipped kitchen, a spa-like bathroom and an intimate dining area – but it’s the outdoor living spaces that really make this tiny house shine. You can enjoy views of the garden from your bed, or venture out onto the deck, which features its own wood-burning fireplace. There are plenty of [things to do in Daylesford](https://htl.staging.digital.aremedia.com.au/daylesford-victoria-things-to-do-13673|target=”_blank”), which is just 33km away, as is the city of Bendigo.
For information and bookings, visit Booking.com
THE RIDGE, KORWEINGUBOORA, VIC
Located in Victoria’s Wombat Forest, The Ridge is surrounded by various kitchen gardens (including an orchard and vegie patch), as well as avenues of deciduous trees. The property is home to a small flock of sheep, chickens, a friendly Border Collie, and abundant birdlife, which you can visit while you’re there.
For information and bookings, visit Tiny Away.
‘LAUREN’ HEYSCAPE TINY CABINS, CHITTERING, WA
Situated on the ground of a winery in the shire of Chittering, just one hour’s drive North East of Perth, this tiny house has picturesque views a prime location. Enjoy an outdoor bath in an upcycled concrete wine barrel and make use of the fully-equipped outdoor kitchen, or duck next door for a vino and woodfired pizza instead.
For bookings and information, visit Tiny Cabins
CHARLIE, TOOWOOMBA REGION, QLD
Set on a property spanning 160-acres, Charlie will convince you that the grass is greener on the other side. Experience ultimate relaxation by kicking back on a hammock with a good book, or try to spot koalas in the trees while you take a restorative morning walk. Explore the city of Toowoomba and the nearby Bunya Mountains while you’re there. Cressbrook dam is a popular spot for fishing if that’s what you’re into.
For information and bookings, visit In2TheWild
Into The Wild Escapes