Overseas holidays are off the cards this winter, so you’ll just have to settle for a local adventure instead. Besides, with so many options in our own backyard, there’s an abundance of natural beauty just begging to be explored. While it can be tricky trying to pick the perfect spot, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to round up the best cabins for rent for the perfect winter escape.
Larnook, Victoria
A completely off-grid converted shipping container structure in a 160-acre flower farm in the Yarra Ranges, just an hour’s drive from Melbourne. You’ll love the high-end minimalist aesthetic, the sustainable design features and the complimentary bottle of local wine on arrival.
Heartwood Cabin, Queensland
The passion project of siblings Scott Corfield and Jodie Bradnam, this architecturally designed cabin in Springbrook National Park was built to help families reconnect with the simple things. Take a long walk in the forest, then sit back in front of the fire and the floor to ceiling windows which open up to far-reaching views of the Gold Coast Hinterland.
The Boho Hut, Queensland
Set on three acres of bush land in the quiet Queensland village of Anstead, The Boho Hut is one of those cabins for rent to enable you to reconnect with nature. The tiny timber structure is fully insulated for cosy winter days, and is furnished with unique vintage pieces.
Wild & Seek, NSW
This sustainably built cabin was created with the intention of helping hard-working city dwellers to slow down and disconnect without compromising on the luxuries they love (think gourmet hampers and organic, Koala Eco toiletries). The inclusion of the Wild and Seek handbook,”Your Guide to the Wilderness” one week prior to your stay is a beautiful touch – to help prepare you for the perfect winter weekend. Wild and Seek’s off grid cabin is located in an undisclosed rural location, just 2.5 hours from Sydney and 3 hours from Canberra (the secretive location being part of the Wild and Seek charm).
Bruny Island Hideaway, Tasmania
This luxury, off-grid cabin hidden in a 99 acre conservation forest on south Tasmania’s Bruny Island takes on the implied mission of modern “cabin culture” – utilising chic minimalist design to exacerbate the stark beauty of nature. The structure itself takes inspiration from Japanese architecture, with angular shapes, pared back timber interiors and a sunken open air bathtub. With its close proximity to Antarctica (at Australia’s most southerly tip), guests can watch the Aurora from the decking, but those looking for the archetypal cabin experience should note that wood fires are prohibited.
Camp Kulning, Victoria
Located on a one acre property in the Macedon Ranges (just a one hour drive from Melbourne), this colourful space comprises a converted tram and a small cosy cottage, with each uniquely designed space accommodating two guests. With an extensive supply of board games and fires both indoors and outside, Camp Kulning comes into its own on bright winter days. Complete with fairy lights and vintage velvet furnishings, the converted tram at Camp Kulning arguably takes the prize for grooviest winter stay, although the decor of the yellow-walled cottage is equally playful.
Coldwater Cabin, Tasmania
Every room in this waterfront cabin looks onto the lake, allowing guests to feel constantly connected to the secluded Highlands setting. The one bedroom cabin comes equipped with two wood stoves and ample firewood for the perfect waterside winter weekend, and the claw-foot bath is a very helpful feature (meaning no need to actually dip in the icy cold but aesthetically pleasing lake).
Rustic Spirit, NSW
For anyone looking for cabins for rent where you can escape the city and reconnect with nature, then these Rustic Spirit offers everything you’ll need for a weekend getaway.
Located in Kurrajong in the Blue Mountains, the property is equipped with all the essentials, plus a few added luxuries to make your stay extra cosy. You’ll be mesmerised by the warmth and gentle flicker of your own fireplace (firewood included), or immerse in a relaxing, lavender-salt bath by candlelight. The place is pet-friendly, so your furry friend can join you for a weekend in the bush.
For a bit of adventure, you’ll want to explore the local Bilpin village where you can dine at quaint restaurants serving farm-fresh produce from local suppliers, pick your own apples right from the orchard, or go hiking on one of the many wilderness trails offering glimpses across the famous Blue Mountains National Park.
Kalmte at Nashdale Lane, NSW
Nashdale Lane is home to two luxury glamping style cabins for rent, nestled within the wines on the 60 acres of their award-winning vineyard, but the Scandinavian-inspired cabin “Kalmte” gets our vote for ultimate cosy winter retreat.
This one bedroom cabin comes complete with a four poster queen size bed, a monsoon shower, designer merino wool blankets and (crucially) an indoor wood fire.
If you’re looking to have the work done for you (breakfast is included and the foodie haven of Orange is less than a ten minute drive away) this is the cabin for you.
Acorn Nook, South Australia
With a name like Acorn Nook, this rustic tiny house couldn’t be excluded from a winter retreat round-up. The eco friendly structure sits on the edge of the Kuitpo Forest in Dingabledinga, and comes complete with indoor and outdoor fires, a full kitchenette, a queen size bed and an open air roll top bath tub.
The Secret Treehouse, NSW
The Secret Treehouse is a like a cubby house for adults, nestled among the forest canopy of the spectacular Woolemi national park. This breathtakingly designed private treehouse is overlooking the Blue Mountains, and comes complete with floor-to-ceiling windows, a mountain-view spa and on-site masseuse. It’s an elevated cabin, but a cabin nonetheless.
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