The best tiny houses and cosy cabins to rent near Sydney

What's the vibe? This relaxed farm stay on a remote property is the ultimate in off-the-grid accomodation, complete with state forest views, fresh linen and hot running water. Prepare to be visited by a herd of some 25 goats (including babies!) who are eager for pats. Bring a good book and good wine and prepare to while away the hours in the hammock, around the fire, and on the window-hemmed queen bed with a cuppa. Read our in-depth review here. 

Distance from Sydney? About three hours 

What's nearby? Oberon, Mayfield Garden, Helmshore Alpacas, national park for hiking, 4WD-ing and swimming

How much? From $269 per night

Whats the vibe? A perfect colder weather escape, this tiny cottage with a slanted roof, fire pit and prime-star gazing is all set in Orange's wine country, with warm beds available for four people. A lush and crisp country escape, the Tiny Isabella is a short stroll away from local wineries, meaning you can wed warm winter luxury with off-grid, sustainable living.

Distance from Sydney? About three hours.

What's nearby? Orange, wineries, gourmet food options galore. 

How much? From $224 a night.

What’s the vibe? Unyoked has plentiful tiny house retreats dotted throughout NSW, with all of them distinctive for their minimal-Scandavian energy and gorgeous large window action. 'Banjo' is a notable mention, situated on a rolling green property that comes with a dramatic waterfall, an elevated bed, steamy showers. In the middle of a subtropical rainforest, this Aussie icon is near a private beach and a creek crossing. 

Distance from Sydney? About two hours

What’s nearby? The Shoalhaven region – with all its coastal and culinary delights – isn't far away.

How much? From $283 a night

What's the vibe? If you're looking for a tiny house in the mountains for a few more guests, Tiny Aggie is the one for you. This dreamy timber and glass cabin sleeps five – so you can bring the family, or open it up to the group chat and see who’s game. The design suits the Blue Mountains location; perfect laid-back Australiana. 

Distance from Sydney? About two hours from Sydney.

What's nearby? The Blue Mountains National Park is home to some incredible hikes (including this new 19km cliff top walk), plus a strong foodie scene and some excellent wineries. We’d recommend hitting up Dryridge Estate for an afternoon wine tasting in the sun.

How much? From $359 per night

What’s the vibe? This is one of the more luxurious tiny house escapes we’ve found, and you won’t need to travel far to find it. This minimalist dam-side cabin comes furnished with all the creature comforts, with an elevated queen-sized bed overlooking views of the dam and surrounding bushland, and a large deck suspended over the water where you can cook a barbecue or roast marshmallows over the fire pit. You’ll wake up to the whinny of 80 resident horses at this 140-acre working farm, and if you’re in an equestrian mood you can take part in horse riding, lessons and feedings.

Distance from Sydney? Around an hour and a half

What’s nearby? Moss Vale

How much? From $399 a night

What's the vibe?  The tea-tree dam and outdoor bathtub are arguably the main drawcards here, but there’s more to Tiny Aura than its alfresco offering. The mountainside cabin is home to a queen sized and double bed, meaning it can fit up to four guests comfortably. The views are unparalleled.  

Distance from Sydney?  About three and a half hours.

What's nearby? Tiny Aura is located in the mountains by the rustic village of Rylestone, which is home to a small but perfectly formed selection of eateries, a museum, an Aboriginal-owned gallery and a French-style vineyard – everything you need for a weekend escape.

How much? From $349 per night.

What’s the vibe? You’ll need to travel a little further afield than most of the tiny house escapes on this list to reach this destination – however after Time Out paid a visit in 2019, we can confirm that this adults-only retreat is well worth clambering onto a tiny domestic flight. Tilba Lake Camp has two tiny homes – named Bonnie and Clyde – nestled lakeside amongst 11 acres of unspoilt coastal countryside. Off to one side you can look past the lake to cows grazing on soft green fields, and pick up a carrot from the feeding box to hand-feed a resident horse. Stroll a few minutes the other way and the landscape changes dramatically as you stare out across the ocean. These luxury “pods” are complete with all the eco-friendly trimmings you’d expect from a picture-perfect tiny house (just try not to let the bugs follow you in at night) with an optional “in-pod dining experience”. You’re close to the quaint regional towns of Tilba Tilba and Central Tilba – with a combined population of less than 300 – as well as the stunning blue waters of the Eurobodalla Shire. 

Distance from Sydney? About a five hour drive; or take a one hour flight from Sydney to Moruya Airport and drive about an hour to Tilba

What’s nearby? Narooma, Montague Island, Bodalla 

How much? From $325 a night

What's the vibe?  Tiny Georgie might only be an hour’s drive from Sydney, but you’ll feel like you’ve unlocked another world. Suspended in a dense valley, the grounds feel like their very own natural amphitheatre – with rolling hills stretching out in every direction. The cabin itself is home to two beds (enough space to sleep four) plus a well-equipped kitchen and a spacious deck complete with bathtub.

Distance from Sydney?  One hour. Leave the office at 5pm, and by 6.15pm you could be soaking in the outdoor bathtub, soundtracked by bushland.

What's nearby? If you feel like it, you could pop back to Sydney for brunch at your favourite inner-city café. But since you’re out here, you might as well enjoy what Picton has to offer – the historic town is home to a beautiful botanical garden, and in the town centre you’ll find colonial buildings housing enough quaint eateries and stores to keep you fuelled for the weekend.

How much? From $399 per night.

What’s the vibe? Nestled amongst five acres of pastoral surrounds, at this tiny home you can look out to views of the Blue Mountains and designer horse studs from your plush loft bed courtesy of the large stacking glass cedar doors. Catering for 2-4 guests, this place is kitted out with a fire pit fit for marshmallow toasting and barbecues and wide-open spaces to wander. Plus, there's a hammock to make the most of a lazy afternoon with a good book and a glass of something chilled. 

Distance from Sydney? Less than three hours’ drive

What’s nearby? Windsor, Kurrajong Village, Glenbrook

How much? From $220 a night

What’s the vibe? This tiny house is nestled within the Vintry, a property in Pokolbin, smack bang the middle of the Hunter Valley wine region. It is surrounded by vineyards on three sides, with the Pokolbin State Forest bordering it to the west. You’ll feel completely secluded as you watch wild kangaroos graze on the lawn at sun set – yet this studio space fit for two is only a short hop from some of the top wineries, restaurants and cafés in the Hunter. 

Distance from Sydney? About two hours

What’s nearby? The Hunter Valley, Newcastle, Port Stephens

How much? From $220 a night