Tiny houses bring comfort and joy across Australia
Get cosy in this quartet of cute tiny homes.
Kookaburra Cabin, Sunshine Coast, Queensland
That name alone suggests a rural setting, copious gum trees and bush bird alarm clocks. But this is no rustic or makeshift experience. Located just outside the hinterland settlement of Palmwoods, the little abode is a snug fit for two adults, with a queen-sized bed set in a loft, polished floors, pastel fit-out and eco-credentials that include a compost toilet and water-efficient hand basin and shower. Arguably one of the best tiny houses in Australia, it’s set on a 6.8ha property of fields and forest, with farm animals, chooks (collect eggs for breakfast), and access to a pool and gas barbecue. Fossick for kindling to make a campfire; walk about 20 minutes into town for a cafe or pub meal, venture to Mooloolaba or Noosa for swims and shopping, head to Maleny and Montville for galleries and afternoon teas or explore Kondalilla National Park in the Blackall Range.
SUSAN KUROSAWA
Clancy, Blue Mountains, NSW
The adventure begins even before arrival at this tiny house in the Garland Valley at the foothills of the Blue Mountains. Your hosts arm you with directions that involve maps and arrows and warnings that include: “If you see this sign you’ve gone too far.” It’s the perfect prelude for the low-key, back-to-basics stay that awaits. The neat, dark grey house is cosy, with a plush queen-size loft bed and well-appointed kitchen, but the real star is the views. There’s nothing quite like stepping outside in the crisp morning air to gaze at the sandstone escarpment towering over this little hideaway plot. Clancy is one of In2TheWild’s dog-friendly properties so hounds will run themselves ragged. Civilisation is also comfortingly close; if you desperately need a real coffee there’s a general store 15km away. If you're after one of the best tiny houses in Australia, look no further.
ALEXANDRA CARLTON
Georgia, Tilba Lake Camp, NSW
With her wraparound balcony and king-sized bed, Georgia sounds more like a mansion than a miniature home. But once within the 4.8m x 2.4m interiors, you’ll realise the very efficient use of such a tiny footprint. She’s one of two new pods at Tilba Lake Camp on the NSW South Coast and, like identical twin Archie (pictured), boasts wide, clear views across pastures to Tilba Lake and the Pacific Ocean. As with all pods on the property (four, plus a glamping tent and guestrooms), guests can BYO supplies to cook in the compact kitchenette or on a Weber. Hosts Tim and Rebecca Jones can provide produce packs that could include local sausages, sourdough, Tilba Real Dairy cheese or homemade granola. And it’s a short drive to Narooma for fresh oysters from The Oyster Farmer’s Daughter.
ALEXANDRA CARLTON
CABN Jude, McLaren Vale, SA
When I visited Jude, she was hidden in forest in the Adelaide Hills at the end of a bumpy track. But she’s moved to the McLaren Vale, one of the many advantages of a tiny house on wheels. One of my favourite tiny houses in Australia, small but perfectly formed, rather like a Scandinavian Wendy House, eco-friendly Jude is lined with pale timbers. There are picture windows on three sides and everything needed for an off-grid sojourn, including a little gas stove (augmented by outdoor fire drum and barbie), cosy throws, board games and books; a little bathroom is hidden behind shoji screens. Jude is named for CABN founder Michael Lamprell’s mother and was his first petite retreat; the company is expanding to secret locations in the Clare Valley, Victoria and Queensland, and has launched two luxurious CABN X options with outdoor bathtubs and saunas.
CHRISTINE McCABE
This story was originally published in August 2021 and has since been updated.
