The Design Files

Magazine →

Go to

The Design Files Directory →

PRODUCTS →

Travel

7 Incredible Tiny Eco Getaways

If you are feeling the city itch getting under your skin, and dreaming of days un-tethered from your phone, surrounded by nature – we have the perfect getaway inspiration for you!

We have found seven of Australia’s best enviro cabins for a weekend escape. Swap WiFi for star-gazing for a night or two with these dreamy retreats.

Written

Lucy Feagins

The ‘Leo’ Bubbletent, overlooking Capertee Valley. Photo – Mayumi Iwasaka.

Bubbletent by day and night. Photo – Mayumi Iwasaka (left), Saeed Sourati (right).

Writer

Lucy Feagins

24th of March 2019

BubbleTent Australia

Inspired by a stargazing trip to Lake Tekapo, the creator of Bubbletent returned to Australia with an idea to build accommodation ‘without a darned roof in the way.’ The Bubbletent was born, and the completely transparent home offers views in EVERY direction. The owners explain that the exact location of the Bubbletent is secret to protect the privacy and seclusion of guests, but its ‘roughly halfway between Mudgee and Lithgow, overlooking Capertree Valley’, which is home to 1/3 of all Australian bird species! There are three Bubbletents to choose from, all inflated by an eco-turbine powered by batteries and solar power. An unprecedented opportunity to ‘experience a sunset, then the curtain of the cosmos peeling back to unveil the blanket of stars.’

Bubbletent
Caper Tree Valley
NSW

The Coastal Pavilions at Freycinet Lodge, designed by Liminal Studio. Photo – Dianna Snape.

Cosy inside and curving exteriors. Photo – Dianna Snape.

Tasmanian timber lines the pavilions. Photo – Dianna Snape.

Coastal Pavilions

The natural beauty of Freycinet is pretty outrageous, but somehow architecture firm Liminal Studio have matched the stunning landscape with their design of nine Coastal Pavilions at Freycinet Lodge. The self contained structures are shrouded in curved glass windows, feature Tasmanian timbers, and echo the form of the coastal granite rock formations in the National Park. Sink into an outdoor bath, and watch the light fade over Honeymoon Bay!

Coastal Pavilions at Freycinet
Freycinet National Park
TAS

The Blue Derby Pod Rides in Tasmania. Photo – Ben Cirulis.

Eco pods, hidden in Tasmanian bushland. Photo – Ben Cirulis.

A curved and wrapped pod, with dreamy forest views. Photo – courtesy Blue Derby Pods Ride.

A bed with a view! Photo – Adam Gibson.

Blue Derby Pods Ride

Located in the Derby Forest Reserve, these Philp Lighton Architects designed pods offer a designer experience for mountain bikers in Tasmania’s remote north-east. Nestled within the Blue Derby Mountain Bike trails network, the pods appear to float in the forest as the curved walls swoop in and embrace guests. The tiny buildings are entirely off-grid, powered by solar and local rain-water. Who knew bike riding could be SO lux!

Blue Derby Pods Ride
Blue Derby Mountain Bike Trails
TAS

Meet Jude! An off-grid cabin in Adelaide Hills. Photo – courtesy CABN.

Solar powered, off-grid delight! Photo – courtesy CABN.

CABN

Last week we introduced the Kangaroo Valley CABN – and today it is South Australia’s turn! Charmingly named ‘Jude’ this Adelaide Hills CABN offers an off grid escape, less than 1.5 hours from Adelaide.

All of the CABN’s are build in the company’s South Australian factory, and installed at secluded locations across Australia where they are powered by solar. The idea behind CABN is to offer a total escape, without needing to travel for hours from a major city. Say ‘Hey Jude’ and enjoy a nature reboot, without having to trek in the bush for days to reach your destination.

CABN
Adelaide Hills
South Australia

The Faraway Dome, in drought stricken Warialda, NSW. Photo – courtesy Faraway Domes.

The geodesic domes offer a environmentally aware glamping experience. Photo – Faraway Domes.

Faraway Domes

We have published a short piece on the Faraway Domes in Warialda, NSW once before. These stunning moon-shaped domes are inspired by their rustic bush location, and designed by the Munsie family who run, own and built the accommodation. These geodesic domes were developed in response to the devastating drought in the area – taking an environmental approach to tourism and highlighting the beauty of the region.

The Faraway Domes
Warialda
NSW

Get into the wild…with In 2 The Wild! Photo – courtesy In 2 The Wild.

Minimal luxury in dreamy locations. Photo – courtesy In 2 The Wild.

In 2 The Wild

In 2 The Wild offers a suite of 10 tiny cabins, dotted in secret locations throughout NSW, with details of the exact location only revealed a few days before the scheduled booking! The off-grid huts are moveable, which helps to ensure a minimal environmental footprint. Large windows connect guests to the surrounding environment, and enjoy an opportunity to gaze at bushland rather than computer screens!

In 2 The Wild
Various locations in NSW

Unshackle yourself from the business of modern life with Unyoked. Photo – Sammy Hawker.

Located outside of Melbourne and Sydney, these easy escapes are easily achievable, even for the biggest city slicker! Photo – Sammy Hawker.

UnYoked

Chris from Unyoked describes their approach as providing ‘a bit of a gateway drug to living more mindfully.’ And we have to agree that if any accommodation is going to make you reconsider the way you live, Unyoked might just be it!

These cabins are located within reach of Melbourne and Sydney, and offer an escape from urban life. Inspired by Japanese and Scandi design, these self-contained contemporary cabins are designed as a ‘vessel to explore and appreciate the outdoors, and try to oppose the excess of luxury hotels.’ But fear not, all the essential creature comforts including a plush queen sized bed, composting toilet, hot shower and fridge are covered!

Unyoked
Outside of Melbourne and Sydney
NSW and VIC