Romantic, comforting and relaxing, a tiny house makes a brilliant bolthole for when the cooler weather sets in. Here is our roundup of favourites from around Australia
While the summertime might take the cake as the best season for enjoying a beachside stay, there is nothing quite like autumn for an inland nature adventure. From wine country escapes to bushland digital detoxes, these tiny houses are all located within a stone’s throw of Australia’s major cities, and deliver on comfort, beauty and perfect seclusion.
New South Wales
Aurora Summit, Yarranbella
Mid-North Coast
This unparalleled tiny house retreat is perched on the highs of Broads Mountain and boasts 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 such as surf beaches, rainforests, waterfalls and farmland.
Nearby Scotts Head, Nambucca Heads, Urunga, Crescent Head and Bellingen are all excellent side trips from this stay while a trip to Muttonbird Island offers opportunity to explore the area’s indigenous cultural significance while absorbing views of the nearby Solitary Islands.
Wollombi Wanderer, Wollombi
Hunter Valley
Wollombi Wanderer is nestled on four acres of bushland surrounded by wide-open landscapes, forestry and native wildlife. 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 ideal for guests with pooches since it comes with complimentary pet-friendly amenities and exclusive access to the property’s river.
Azaltie, Kangaroo Valley
Shoalhaven
Two hours from Sydney and Canberra and nestled between the Southern Highlands and the South Coast sits Kangaroo Valley – a great choice for a winter escape. Located on an 11-acre property, guests at Azaltie may have the chance to catch the sounds of the bush and songs of the birds. Guests can explore the pastures, wildlife, wilderness, escarpment, community and village that make Kangaroo Valley a sought after destination. Azaltie guests need not go far to find walking trails through creek bed to the main Kangaroo River as the Kangaroo River Nature Reserve is just next door.
Victoria
Stella the Stargazer
Roving
The one-of-a-kind travelling off-grid tiny home, Stella the Stargazer, returns to Victoria from 3 May to 3 August 2024. This year, Stella the Stargazer will begin at Delatite Winery in Mansfield before moving to a second, yet-to-be-announced destination. Guests can expect to enjoy the tiny home’s roll-out sleeping platform for stargazing, indoor-outdoor shower, wood fired kitchen and sauna and bathing tubs that are built into an outdoor deck. Nearby attractions include Swiftcrest Distillery and the Great Victorian Rail Trail.
Forest Nook, Buffalo
Gippsland
Forest Nook is only two hours from Melbourne in South Gippsland. This region is known for its art and cultural festivals as well as its gourmet food and wine. The farm stay getaway is situated next to a secluded bush trail and features a firepit and open field. Waratah Bay, Venus Bay and Sandy Point beaches are just a few of the nearby attractions. Cyclists can pedal across railway trestle bridges of the Meeniyan to Koonwarra trail, ending in Koonwarra just in time to grab a coffee or lunch.
Big View, Boneo
Mornington Peninsula
With views over Bass Strait, this farm provides guests with a country escape in the heart of Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula. It is close to National Parks, oceans, bays, vineyards and golf clubs. The Boneo Community Market is Mornington Peninsula‘s longest-running volunteer-operated market, run by the community for the community. The wide range of stalls offer up crafts, gifts and plants as well as an array of homemade foods and fresh produce to take back to the tiny abode.
Golden Plains, Ross Creek
Ballarat
Golden Plains tiny house is set amid the backcountry and surrounded by open fields, dense woods and farm animals. This escape is close to panoramic views, walking and riding trails and the city of Ballarat, which is only a 15-minute drive away. A day of walking could lead to an evening in Ballarat at one of the town’s popular eateries, breweries or cafes. The Provincial Hotel‘s 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
Bendigo Region
Bella Views overlooks Lake Eppalock, Mt. Alexandra and Mt. Ida. This tiny house is just over an hour from Melbourne. In Heathcote, guests can find Gaffney’s Bakery, Commercial Hotel Heathcote and Palling Bros Brewery. Making the 40 minute drive to Bendigo brings guests to attractions like the Bendigo Tramways and the Bendigo Art Gallery.
Queensland
Turtle Island Lakeside, Burrum River
Fraser Coast
Enjoy a relaxing bush getaway in the Trinity Islands on the Fraser Coast at Turtle Island Lakeside Tiny House on the banks of the Burrum River. This escape is located on a 44-hectare property surrounded by native trees and an 11-acre private lake teeming with native fish such as yellow belly, perch and barramundi. Nearby Woodgate Beach, Burrum Heads fishing village, Hervey Bay and K’gari (Fraser Island) are just a few of the attractions on offer. Those looking to for a wilder experience can partake in 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 17-acre property. Set in the heart of an arts and crafts hub that typifies the region, the house is also close to the southeastern gateway to the Kondalilla National Park.
Tiny Tamborine, Wongawallan
Gold Coast
A weekend getaway at Tiny Tamborine, Wongawallan brings guests to a perch above a valley of ferns with mountain views across the Gold Coast hinterland. The two sites (Tamborine 1 and Tamborine 2) both have balconies and offer an ideal base from which to explore the nearby Tamborine National Park, home to basalt columns, cliffs, rocky outcrops, numerous waterfalls and lush rainforest. Some of the park’s walking tracks lead to scenic views, waterfalls, forests of large red cedars and groves of tall piccabeen palms. Returning to the tiny abode allows for story sharing around a firepit while admiring nature’s beauty.
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 and features a deck with 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. Conveniently located under an hour from Adelaide CBD, Millbrook Springs provides a quick escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Boston’s Retreat, Inman Valley
Fleurieu Peninsula
Located in a picturesque mountain setting, Boston’s Retreat is a farm-stay offering views in the Inman River Valley. Nearby, guests can visit bustling Victor Harbor, catch a wave at Waitpinga or venture to McLaren Vale to try one of Australia’s fine wines or sample some fresh local produce. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities straight from the property such as hiking and birdwatching.
Western Australia
Wally’s Retreat, Greenbushes
Wheatbelt
Group getaways can enjoy the twin tiny homes at Wally’s Retreat, which 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. A mere 20 drive brings visitors into 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.
Tasmania
Little Laurie, Kempton
Southern Midlands
This farm stay retreat is nestled in 2,700 acres of family-run sheep farmland surrounded by green hills, open fields and dense woodland. Native wildlife and birdlife are often spotted in the area, allowing guests to connect to nature. Some of Tasmania’s top distilleries on the doorstep of Little Laurie. These include Lark Distillery, the oldest whisky maker in Tasmania, and Old Kempton Distillery, which is set in an 1842 coaching inn, with tastings, lunch and afternoon tours.
