The best tiny houses and cosy cabins to rent near Sydney

What's the vibe? At Tiny Wombat, hidden in a secluded corner of Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, you can feed a kangaroo and cuddle a wombat, then bathe in a wood-fired hot tub under the stars.

Distance from Sydney? 45 minutes

What's nearby? Hills Wildlife Sanctuary is on the property, so it’s worth booking a tour and meeting the adorable Aussie creatures that the team of volunteers care for. There’s a small village about six minutes drive from the cabin where you can stock up on supplies, and some stunning hikes in the area through beautiful national parklands.

How much? From $399 per night.

What's the vibe? This architecturally stunning, light flooded cabin is hidden in the bowl of a valley overlooking a tree-shrouded billabong, where native birds and kangaroos stop to drink and fluffy wombats roam around between the trees. Designed by renowned Sydney architect Madeleine Blanchfield Architects, Billy’s Hideaway is a high-end cabin stay – complete with high-spec cooking facilities, designer furniture from Hay and a stainless steel woodfired hot tub overlooking the bush. Founded by design-enthusiasts on a mission to create beautiful spaces immersed in nature, Billy's Hideaway is one of two beautiful cabins under the brand 'Huch', with two more architectural masterpieces in the works and due to open in late 2025.

Distance from Sydney? An hour and forty five minutes.

What's nearby? The charming village of Wollombi is an easy 20 minute stroll away, and the land around the cabin is yours to explore during your stay.

How much? From $448 per night.

What's the vibe? Unyoked was born in 2016 as a single cabin on the outskirts of Sydney – a space that twin brothers and co-founders Chris and Cam Grant hoped would help overstimulated Sydneysiders slow down and reconnect with what matters. Less than 10 years on, they’ve got more than 120 cabins across Australia, with heaps of options within a two-hour drive from Sydney. Designed to celebrate their natural surroundings, each cabin is tastefully simple – with a minimalist Scandi aesthetic and a huge picture window framing the world outside. To help guests maximise their time in nature, Unyoked has partnered with The School of Life to offer guides to switching off in every cabin. There are cabins dotted across the state (all within a two hour drive of a major city), but 'Banjo' is a notable mention. Situated on a rolling green property in a subtropical rainforest, it's home to a wood-fired bathtub and mesmerising views of a cascading waterfall.

Distance from Sydney? About two hours

What’s nearby? The coastal town of Kiama – home to gorgeous beaches and the world’s biggest blowhole – is nearby.

How much? From $293 a night

What's the vibe? This dreamy floating home is one of the most truly unique places you can stay in NSW. Suspended on the tranquil waters of Pittwater, Lilypad sits peacefully on the surface of the water like its namesake. On the sun-soaked deck, you’ll find a perfectly presented tiny home, an outdoor sauna and a ladder dropping into the estuary.

Distance from Sydney? 1 hour

What's nearby? Palm Beach is one of Sydney’s most stunningly beautiful (stunningly expensive) suburbs. You could hit up The Joey for a plate of oysters and a Spritz by the water, or you could stock up on gourmet goods from Palm Beach Wine Co and make the most of your very own island home.

What’s the vibe? Located on a secluded sloping hillside overlooking the Blue Mountains’ beloved Zig Zag Railway, this adorable cabin is a favourite among trainspotters and history buffs, for obvious reasons. On the days when the train is running, you can watch it chug slowly along the sandstone viaduct that curves along the escarpment below the cabin, with a dusty forest path taking you to a ledge within metres of the tracks. Even if the railway’s historic appeal isn’t for you, Tiny Billy is still a magical place to stay – a remote hillside haven with a spacious deck (complete with barbecue), a hammock between the trees and a wood-fired hot tub with far-reaching views across the valley. 

Distance from Sydney? Two hours

What’s nearby? The boarding point for Zig Zag Railway is a few minutes’ drive from the cabin, and you can get to Lithgow within 20 minutes. 

How much? From $399 per night.

Time Out tip:  With two double beds and a set of bunks, the cabin sleeps a total of six – so if you’re okay with being a little cramped, it could work out as a wildly affordable weekender.

What's the vibe? Horse girls, this one’s for you. Tiny Thomas shares its property with a group of horses, and with two queen sized beds and two bunk beds, it sleeps up to six.

Distance from Sydney? An hour and a half.

What's nearby? The Hawkesbury region is home to some stunning hikes and adorable villages. Keen to stay on site? You can order a locally-supplied charcuterie or brunch box to be waiting for you on arrival.

How much? From $399.

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.

What's nearby? The Blue Mountains National Park is home to some incredible hikes (including this stunning 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? The team behind Barranca knows a thing or two about eco-luxe accom. Their Kangaroo Valley farmstay is one of the most magical luxury getaways in NSW, and the ethos at the Jervis Bay property is the same: nature immersion with an indulgent touch. This architecturally striking cabin is nestled in the bush, 100 metres from the main house on the property. The minimalist, timber-lined space is home to a king sized bed and fully equipped kitchen, as well as a huge deck so you can spend your evenings under the stars.

Distance from Sydney? Two and a half hours.

What's nearby? Designed as a romantic retreat moments from the coast, the Hideaway is just a 10 minute walk from the crystal clear waters of Myola Beach, and a five minute drive from the magnificent long stretch of sand that is Callala Bay. You’ll find our guide to Shoalhaven here.

How much? From around $500 per 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 $409 per night.

What's the vibe? Hidden within the hills of a 200 acre property, Ligo is a sustainably built architectural masterpiece that invites guests to switch off and disconnect from modern life. Bordered by the beautiful Blue Mountains, Ligo brings nature to you – with huge windows opening up onto reclaimed timber decking and a bathtub waiting beneath the stars. It’s far away from the reality of city life, but fully equipped with everything you need for a few days of me-time.

Distance from Sydney? Two and a half hours.

What's nearby? Once you’ve checked in to Ligo, it might be difficult to pull yourself away – the cabin is stocked with books and boardgames, so you can while away your days as the sun moves across the escarpment. If you’re looking for activities, there are plenty of beautiful hiking trails in the area, including one that will take you through a magical glow worm tunnel.

How much? From around $450 per night (two night minimum stay).

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: which means wineries and gourmet food options galore. 

How much? From $224 a night.

What's the vibe? Named after a tiny but mighty Parisian schoolgirl, Tiny Madeline is a little pocket of paradise just 1.5 hours from Sydney. The pretty, light-flooded cabin sleeps up to four guests (with a queen bed in the window and a double bed in the loft) and your furry friends are welcome. It’s also home to an outdoor bathtub overlooking unspoiled rolling hills, plus a wood-fired pizza oven for alfresco dinner, Italian style.  

Distance from Sydney? An hour and a half.

What's nearby? Located on a rural farm in the Hunter region, guests choose Tiny Madeline for its seclusion. If you’re looking for activities, Markwell is the closest town, and there are plenty of vineyards to explore in the Hunter Valley.

How much? From $349 per night.