Listed: 11 of the best off-grid cabins and retreats in South Australia
The pioneer behind South Australia’s booming off-grid accommodation market who has built 50 remote stays six years explains why people are going bush in style.
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Off-grid travel is booming in South Australia, as people seek to escape the daily grind and become more environmentally conscious.
The South Australian Tourism Commission says growing demand has spurred investment in the space post-Covid and is contributing to a record spend in the regions.
South Australian entrepreneur Michael Lamprell pioneered the off-grid cabin market with his business, CABN, launching the first CABN called Jude in Kuitpo in 2017. By the end of 2023 there will be 50 CABNs across South Australia, plus developments interstate.
“We were quite early in the piece, so to see it growing makes me very proud,” Mr Lamprell said.
“I think (demand) has been supercharged post-Covid. A lot of people who were already looking to reset some of their values and spend more time in nature only became more encouraged through Covid … and I can’t see it changing.”
Today, a number of off-grid options exist, from minimalist pods to “tiny homes” and luxuriously appointed cabins. To maintain a sense of secrecy and seclusion, exact addresses are provided upon booking or nearer the date of stay.
SCROLL DOWN TO SEE SA’S BEST OFF-GRID STAYS
CABN’s new CABN X at Cape St Albans, which opens the 500-acre Kangaroo Island property to the public for the first time since European settlement, has “raised the bar in off-grid, nature-based tourism”, Mr Lamprell said.
SATC chief executive Emma Terry said the pandemic encouraged travellers to opt for “more rural and remote holidays where they could … enjoy wide open spaces”.
“This type of experiential accommodation … leads to increased visitation and increased spend while showcasing our state’s natural assets,” Ms Terry said.
Ana Maria Munoz, 38, of Stirling, said she loved the “sense of remoteness” while still enjoying creature comforts of many off-grid cabins.
“We enjoy getting immersed in nature without having to go camping,” she said. “It’s convenient and easily accessible.”
Sound like your idea of a holiday? Here are 11 of the best off-grid cabins and stays in South Australia:
Cape St Albans
by CABN, Kangaroo Island
2ppl
In May, 400 acres of land at Cape St Albans in Willoughby became open to the public for the first time in 150 years with the opening of this CABN X. Completely off-grid and with sweeping views of Antechamber Bay, it’s the ultimate back-to-nature destination. CABN X is CABN’s luxury range of cabins, featuring an indoor fireplace, private sauna and both an indoor and outdoor bath. There’s a kitchen with glass cooktop, bar fridge, full size bathroom with rain shower, king size bed and reverse cycle heating and cooling.
Amelia, Kara, Myrtle, Billie and Louisa
CANVS by CABN, Seppeltsfield
2ppl
Opened in April, the new-style CANVS pavilions bring the outdoors, in, with canvas sides that roll up (mosquito nets keep the bugs out) and glass sliding doors that open up to a deck with outdoor bath and Weber Q. All the beloved CABN amenities are included – the kitchenette with bar fridge, microwave, coffee plunger and cutlery, as well as a bathroom with shower. There’s a king bed, and reverse cycle heating and cooling. The five pavilions – Amelia, Kara, Myrtle, Billie and Louisa – are in close vicinity, ideal for those travelling with friends. Four CABN X will open on the site in August.
Lakeside Retreat
by Lost Retreats, Mount Jaggad
2ppl
Homegrown Hollywood star Teresa Palmer launched one of her side projects – luxurious off-grid retreats – back in 2021 with a property in Willunga. The company’s most recent opening is at Mount Osmond, however, we love Mount Jaggad for its remoteness in the heart of the Fleurieu Peninsula. Nestled between sprawling vineyards and a peaceful lake, the property is crafted from reused and recycled timbers and features a contemporary equipped kitchen and bathroom, shower, fireplace and deck with a beautiful claw foot bath.
Mulla Mulla
by Pod(e), Mount Westall, Streaky Bay
2-4ppl
The recently opened Mulla Mulla Pod(e) is a vision come to life for cladders Scott Taylor and Steve Baldwin. One for the beach lovers, Pod(e) is set on 300 acres of secluded coastal land, with opportunities to catch a wave or snorkel at every turn. Pod(e) is run entirely off-grid using solar energy, rainwater and a worm farm for waste. There’s a fully equipped kitchen, coffee machine, bathroom with rain shower, fireplace and two queen size beds. A new Pod(e), Banksia, is set to open later this year.
Espira
Ashton, Adelaide Hills
2ppl
Espira, meaning “exhale”, is a luxury eco retreat amid the vineyards of Casa Freschi, with views toward Marble Hill, Piccadilly Valley and the Barossa Ranges. There’s a bedroom with a kingsize bed, a fireplace in the living room, dining space and fully-equipped kitchen. An outdoor deck offers a bath and fire pit for nights under a starry sky.
Nala, Bambra and Jarrah
by CABN, Kuitpo Forest
2-4 ppl
CABN’s newest “cabins in the woods” allows guests to choose their own adventure. Whether it’s walking trails, exploring nearby wineries or simply de-stressing among the towering trees, the location offers it all. The three cabins offer a kitchenette with bar fridge and cooktop, bathroom with shower, reverse cycle heating and cooling, an indoor wood fireplace, Weber Q and outdoor fire pit.
Coorong.Life
Princes Hwy, Coorong
2ppl
For those who like things cosy, Coorong.Life offers purpose built KipPods nestled within the natural landscape. It’s minimalist accommodation, designed for sleeping and light cooking only. However contemporary essentials such as bed linen and towels, a gas cooker and bar fridge are provided. Shared toilets are nearby.
Columba, Carina, Pyxis and Vela
Wander, Kangaroo Island
2-4ppl (depending on property)
The WanderPods on Kangaroo Island epitomise luxurious seclusion. Overlooking the Great Australian Bight, and named after star constellations, each offers a point of difference. The Vela, for instance, offers the best views to Snelling Beach, while the very private Vela is the only two-bedroom pod. Beds are kingsize, and there’s a fully equipped kitchen (including full size fridge), rain shower, solar airconditioning, coffee pods and a barbecue. WanderPods are
opening in Flinders Ranges soon.
ESCA at Nest & Nature
Inman Valley
2ppl
Luxe, private and romantic, this off-grid accommodation atop a hill at Inman Valley, Fleurieu Peninsula is sophisticated and sustainable. Highlights include the in-ground outdoor bath and fire pit, while inside, luxury fittings bring the design element to the next level. There’s an open-plan kitchen, lounge and dining room, double-glazed floor-to-ceiling windows, automated blinds, fully-equipped kitchen and bathroom, and aking-size bed withselection of pillows.
Slow Cabin
Penwortham, Clare Valley
2ppl
Set on 170 acres of vineyard in the Skilly Hills, Slow Cabin is all about getting back to nature. Bi-fold windows and doors, and a bathroom skylight help connect guests with the great outdoors while creating a greater sense of space. Guests can enjoy a fully equipped kitchen and bathroom (Aesop body soap is a luxurious bonus), a bluetooth sound system and outdoor fire pit.
Tally-Ho Tiny Home
Hawson, South Australia
2-4ppl
This tiny home in Lower Eyre Peninsula near Port Lincoln is one of Airbib’s most wishlisted properties. The off-grid home, built in 2019, is eco-friendly and surrounded by native bushland and wildlife, yet just a 10-minute drive to Port Lincoln. There’s a fully equipped kitchen, washing machine, bathroom with amenities and television. Sleep-wise there’s one queen bed, as well as a sofa bed in the living room. Pets are welcome here.
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