Australia’s off-grid accommodation revolution
Book in, drop out and return home rejuvenated.
Not so long ago, travelling to an “off-grid” location meant trekking to a campsite in the middle of nowhere. Not any more. With many Australians seeking to escape the frantic pace of daily life, off-grid accommodation has boomed in popularity and become surprisingly sophisticated.
Thanks to tiny home innovators such as Unyoked and CABN, you can unplug without sacrificing your speciality coffee or a good night’s sleep on a quality mattress.
There’s no shortage of cute, comfortable and stylish places to stay where you can truly be immersed in nature and savour the feeling of disconnecting from modern life. In many cases, you don’t need to travel more than a few hours from a capital city to find a special hideaway.
Here, we round up some of Australia’s most beautiful off-grid accommodation to help you drop out and decompress in style.
JR’s Hut, Gundagai, NSW
Shaped like a giant teepee, the architecturally designed JR’s Hut at Kimo Estate is an example of just how innovative off-grid accommodation has become. A short stroll from the main hut, the wood-fired hot tub is a huge drawcard, poised to take in views of the Murrumbidgee river flats below. The open-plan living area is bathed in sunlight during the day. Throw in a complimentary breakfast basket brimming with regional produce and you’ve got an experience worth venturing to Gundagai for.
Sleeps two. From $600 a night; kimoestate.com/jrs-hut
Arc Pavilion, North-West Tasmania
It’s difficult to believe this tiny house is only a 10-minute drive from Devonport. Couched among rolling green pastures on a certified organic farm, Tasmania’s Arc Pavilion makes civilisation feel a long way away. Built around the principles of passive design, which reacts to local conditions to maintain a comfortable temperature in the home, the Pavilion harvests its own power and collects rainwater, making it fully self-sufficient. It’s also beautifully appointed, with a rustic wood heater and bedroom with expansive views. Designed by sisters and owners Kylie and Tamika, the Pavilion is easy to stay in but hard to leave.
Sleeps two. From $299 a night; compasshut.com.au
Tallarook Tiny home, Shoalhaven NSW
Surrounded by Australian bushland on the banks of the Clyde River, Tallarook Tiny Home is the perfect base for exploring the Shoalhaven region by day and kicking back in comfort with a glass of wine by night. Polished hardwood floors, a breakfast bar with a coffee station and thoughtful design touches lend the space its warm, welcoming ambience. A spacious wooden deck makes for the perfect al fresco yoga studio. A massage service is optional but comes highly recommended.
Sleeps three. From $250 a night, minimum two nights stay. tallarooktinyhome.com
CABN X, McLaren Vale, South Australia
The concept of minimalist living inspired the launch of CABN, a collection of eco-friendly tiny houses with outposts in South Australia, Victoria and Queensland. Late last year, founder Michael Lamprell introduced a new concept to the portfolio: CABN X, two state-of-the-art huts with a focus on regenerative tourism. A portion of each stay is donated to the CABN conservation fund, and a tree is planted on the behalf of each guest. Just an eight-minute drive from the McLaren Vale wine region, and with an outdoor bath that’s perfect for enjoying cellar door purchases in, CABN X is proof that reducing your carbon footprint when travelling can be done in style.
Sleeps two. From $595 a night; cabn.life/cabn-x
Alkira Eco-Glamping Retreat, Emerald, Victoria
Don’t let the word “glamping” put you off. Alkira isn’t a tent, but a straw-bale yurt. It resembles a Mediterranean-style rotunda that’s been transformed into the most charming of tiny homes. Located on a farm near the township of Emerald, less than an hour’s drive from Melbourne towards the Dandenong Ranges, it’s perfect for weekend stays although you may be tempted to stay longer. Alkira’s retro-inspired decor also deserves a mention; design buffs will feel right at home in the relaxed interior.
Sleeps two. From about $214 a night; alkiraglamping.com
The Loggers Cabin, Byron Bay hinterland, NSW
Nightcap Ridge, a popular wedding venue in the picturesque Northern Rivers region, is home to many treasures but the property’s solar-powered Loggers Cabin is arguably its best-kept secret. Conveniently located next to the kitchen garden, from which guests are welcome to source their salad ingredients, the weatherboard cabin has a coffee machine, stunning four-poster bed and a wood-burning stove to keep things toasty in winter. Satellite internet is available as an optional extra but we recommend going here to unplug.
Sleeps three. From $250 a night; nightcapridge.com.au/loggerscabin
Unyoked, various locations
With cabins that are categorised by “vibes” – choose from “chill”, “explore”, “focus” or “wellness” – Unyoked is probably the biggest and best-known purveyor of off-grid travel accommodation. All of its cabins are located a few hours’ drive (or less) from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, the Byron Bay hinterland and Canberra, meaning you can nip out on Friday night and return feeling Zen in time for work on Monday morning. Our pick of the bunch? Zerya, a forest-flanked tiny house near Noosa, about 2.5 hours’ drive north of Brisbane. With an adventure level classified as “spicy”, it’s even dog-friendly should you wish to bring your four-legged friend.
Zerya sleeps two. From $223 a night; unyoked.co/zerya
The Little Black Shack, Mackerel Beach, NSW
Though it’s not officially off-grid – yet – the Little Black Shack deserves to be on this list thanks to the efforts of its owners to create a fully self-sufficient patch of waterfront paradise. It is accessible only by boat from Palm Beach, and the goal for guests is to relax and unwind in the presence of nature. Built in the 1930s as a fisherman’s cottage, the sandstone and timber dwelling retains much of its original charm thanks to a careful restoration job. The shack’s interior has been decorated with a delightful mix of vintage, found and recycled objects, making it the perfect photographic subject from every angle. In the spirit of this place, however, put down your smartphone, bask in the present and enjoy the experience distraction-free.
Sleeps four. From $800 a night; thelittleblackshack.com.au