Campfire under the stars: why simple staycays are hot property

Secluded cabins, remote tiny homes and off-the-grid getaways are surging in popularity as Gold Coast travellers disconnect in their droves.

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GOING off-grid may be the 2020 antidote we all need.

In an era of heightened connectivity, In2thewild Tiny Holidays CEO Nic Chin said they’d experienced “huge interest” from travellers wanting to unplug.

In2thewild Tiny Holidays specialise in helping travellers get back to basics.

“Going off-grid is a very grounding experience,” he said.

“It’s eco-friendly of course, but it also lets you reconnect with your roots, simplify things and focus on what’s important.

“Glorifying being busy and idolising being connected 24/7 is fast becoming a thing of the past.

“This year has been more intense and more gruelling than anyone could have imagined.

“People are starting to realise just how powerful switching off can be for your overall health.

“We all need to take time out of the rat race to unwind and reconnect with ourselves and our loved ones.”

In2thewild Tiny Holidays has just unveiled its second Queensland tiny house, Charlie, an off-the-grid getaway hidden on a 16-acre property about 40 minutes north of Toowoomba.

Named after Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, it has a few magical tricks up its sleeve, packing in a queen bed with vast valley views and a single bed in the loft, full bathroom, aircon and a thoughtfully equipped kitchen.

Contemplate valley views while tucked up in tiny house Charlie.

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Outside, there’s a campfire, barbecue, picnic table and the all-important hammock.

What it doesn’t have is phone reception, and Mr Chin said that was key to its appeal.

“People have been inundated with news, updates and connectivity – whether that’s a family zoom call or a work zoom, there comes a time when you need to step away and spend some time in nature, just to feel like yourself again,” he said.

“Our tiny houses are by nature secluded, so they’re a great option in a post-COVID world.”

In line with the back-to-basics trend, one of Airbnb’s most popular summer staycay options within a short drive of the Gold Coast is an off-the-grid hideaway tucked among the trees in Northern NSW.

Heartwood Cabin, an Airbnb listed holiday rental in Northern NSW.

Burringbar’s Heartwood Cabin was newly constructed to feel like the “modern version of a treehouse”, stripped back to focus on a simpler, eco-friendly existence.

On a 100 acre property with views of Mt Warning, it boasts an indoor fireplace and an elevated outdoor with a built-in alfresco bath.

While Heartwood does have mobile phone reception, WIFI isn’t provided to encourage guests to look up from their phones and appreciate the natural bushland surrounds.

Staying at Heartwood Cabin is a chance to get back to nature.

Mr Chin said the trick to embracing an off-the-grid getaway like their tiny homes was to “lean into switching off”.

“Put the phone away and reconnect over a game of Scrabble outside at the picnic table,” he said.

“When it comes to food, simple is best.

“Stop in at a regional town on route and grab your supplies here – every dollar helps these communities rebuild.

BYO marshmallows to roast over the campfire when you stay at tiny house Charlie.

“Grab some marshmallows to roast over the campfire, a cheese plate to fully enjoy the sunset, and simple meals that can be cooked over the campfire or on the barbie like some sausages and vegies.

“The more time you can spend outside in the fresh air, the better you’ll feel.”