As beachside stays make way for cooler climate experiences and getting into nature. Autumn is the best time to see many of the country’s top city break destinations, be it a wine country escape or a bushland digital detox.
Across the country, we’ve rounded up the best tiny house cabin escapes within a stone’s throw of Australia’s major cities for when you crave an autumn getaway with a difference.
New South Wales
Aurora Summit, Yarranbella (Mid-North Coast)
Experience an unparalleled tiny house retreat, perched on the highs of Broads Mountain with sweeping 180-degree views of the Yarranbella Valley stretching out to the ocean. Set on 110 acres in the rural hamlet of Yarranbellaon, the house is secluded but only a short trip to the highlights of the Mid-North Coast, including pristine surf beaches, rainforests, waterfalls, and farmland.
Visit nearby Scotts Head, Nambucca Heads, Urunga, Crescent Head, and Bellingen, or take a trip to Muttonbird Island where you can explore the area’s indigenous cultural significance and see spectacular views of the nearby Solitary Islands.
Wollombi Wanderer, Wollombi (Hunter Valley)
Wollombi Wanderer is nestled on picturesque bushland surrounded by wide-open landscapes, abundant forestry, and native wildlife to keep you company. Yengo National Park, Cedar Creek swimming holes, and Peterson House-Hunter Valley Winery are just a few of the nearby attractions to visit.
This tiny house is also perfect for guests with pooches and comes with complimentary pet-friendly amenities and exclusive access to the property’s river, making it the ideal countryside escape for your pet pals.
Azaltie, Kangaroo Valley (Southern Highlands)
Just two hours from Sydney and Canberra, nestled between the Southern Highlands and the South Coast, Kangaroo Valley is perfect for a winter escape. Secluded and peaceful with the sound of the bush and songs from the birds.
Kangaroo Valley is one of Australia’s most beautiful valleys with rich green pastures, abundant wildlife, enchanting wilderness, a spectacular escarpment, a friendly community and a delightful village. The Kangaroo River Nature Reserve is just next to the property and has beautiful walking trails through creek beds down to the main Kangaroo River.
Victoria
Forest Nook, Buffalo (Gippsland)
Forest Nook is only two hours from Melbourne in South Gippsland, a region known for its art and cultural festivals, and gourmet food and wine. The ideal farm-stay getaway, guests can find the house along a secluded bush trail, relax by the crackling fire, and watch the sunset over the wide open field.
Waratah Bay, Venus Bay, and Sandy Point beaches are just a few of the nearby attractions. For cyclists, the Meeniyan to Koonwarra trail passes through historic and charming railway trestle bridges, ending in charming Koonwarra, a perfect spot for coffee or lunch.
Big View, Boneo (Mornington Peninsula)
With views over Bass Strait, enjoy a peaceful farm surrounding and a country feel. Located in the heart of Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula and close to National Parks, oceans, bays, vineyards, golf clubs, and of course, serenity.
Golden Plains, Ross Creek (Ballarat)
Unwind into the slow backcountry pace at Golden Plains tiny house where you can enjoy the surrounding open fields, dense woods, and farm animals. Close to panoramic views, walking and riding trails, and the city of Ballarat, which is only a 15-minute drive away.
Recharge and refuel after a day’s walking at one of the town’s popular eateries, breweries or cafes. The Provincial Hotel’s beautiful dining room Lola is a standout for seasonal, locally sourced dishes and a great wine list. Sip local drops at Mitchell Harris Wine Bar, sample craft beer at Hop Temple or book a table at the award-winning Underbar.
Bella Views, Heathcote
Experience Bella Views’ laid-back country charm. Views over Lake Eppalock, Mt Alexandra, and Mt Ida can all be seen from this ideal tiny house – a true country Victoria escape and just over an hour from Melbourne.
In Heathcote, you can find Gaffney’s Bakery, Commercial Hotel Heathcote, and Palling Bros Brewery.
Check out five favourite things to do in Bendigo here.
Queensland
Turtle Island Lakeside, Burrum River (Fraser Coast)
Enjoy a relaxing bush getaway in the Trinity Islands on the Fraser Coast, one of the most stunning regions in Queensland. Turtle Island Lakeside Tiny House is on the banks of the Burrum River and is located on a 44-hectare property surrounded by native trees, and a huge private lake teeming with native fish.
Nearby Woodgate Beach, Burrum Heads fishing village, Hervey Bay, and K’gari (Fraser Island) are just a few of the nearby attractions on offer. The wilderness locale is also known for its fishing, kayaking, and canoeing.
Kookaburra Cabin, Palmwoods (Sunshine Coast Hinterland)
Tucked in the Sunshine Coast hinterland near the small rural town of Palmwoods, Kookaburra Cabin opens onto lawns and forest that backdrop the six-hectare property, far from the hustle and bustle of city life. Set in the heart of an arts and crafts hub that typifies the region, the house is also close to the south-eastern gateway to the Kondalilla National Park.
Tiny Tamborine, Wongawallan (Gold Coast)
Spend a weekend getaway at Tiny Tamborine, Wongawallan, overlooking a valley of ferns and vast mountain views across the Gold Coast hinterland. The two sites (Tamborine 1 and Tamborine 2) both have sprawling balconies and offer the perfect gateway to explore the nearby Tamborine National Park, home to basalt columns, cliffs, rocky outcrops, numerous waterfalls and lush rainforest.
South Australia
Millbrook Springs, Inglewood (Adelaide Hills)
Millbrook Springs sits in the small country town of Inglewood in the Adelaide Hills, the tiny house is set over a large dam, with a spacious deck offering stunning views and a space for relaxing outside and stargazing at night.
Gorge Wildlife Park, Big Rocking Horse, Paracombe Premium Perry, and Cudlee Creek restaurant are close by. You’ll leave refreshed and re-energised after some relaxation in this pristine landscape. Conveniently located less than an hour from Adelaide CBD, a quick escape from the city’s hustle and bustle awaits.
Boston’s Retreat, Inman Valley, Fleurieu Peninsula
Located in a picturesque mountain setting, Boston’s Retreat is a farm-stay offering breathtaking views and a tranquil environment in the Inman River Valley, making it an ideal city escape.
Visit bustling Victor Harbor, catch a wave at nearby Waitpinga, or venture to McLaren Vale to try one of Australia’s best wines or sample some fresh local produce. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and birdwatching, or simply enjoy the serenity of the natural surroundings.
Western Australia
Wally’s Retreat, Greenbushes (Wheatbelt)
The twin tiny homes at Wally’s Retreat are perfect for a group getaway. Wally’s Retreat sits in the timber and mining town of Greenbushes, just an hour’s drive from Busselton. Nearby are the Golden Valley Tree Park and Shamrock Hotel Greenbushes, and just 20 minutes is the town of Newlands.
Greenbushes is a perfect base for day trips to Bridgetown, Nannup, Collie, Manjimup, and Balingup. The location offers adventure seekers plenty of bushwalks and riding trails nearby that immerse guests in peaceful natural woodlands and the bush.
Tasmania
Little Laurie, Kempton, (Southern Midlands)
This ideal farm stay retreat is nestled in 1000 hectares of family-run sheep farmland surrounded by rolling green hills, lush open fields, and dense woodland. The area is teeming with native wildlife and birdlife, allowing you to connect to nature.
Toast the getaway with a visit to some of Tassie’s top distilleries on your doorstep, including Lark Distillers, and Old Kempton Distillery, which is set in an 1842 coaching inn, with tastings, lunch and afternoon tours.
Have you had a cabin holiday? We’d love to hear about it in the comments section below.
Also read: Five things for the over-50s to do on Hamilton Island
