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Sure, Australia’s big cities like Melbourne and Sydney are well-loved for a reason. But you’ll find a whole other, less-visited side of Australia if you venture away from the large cities and into the country’s incredible, rural hideouts. These off-grid escapes offer a chance to switch off from it all, replacing Netflix and movie nights with BBQs under the stars and daily swims in the nearby rivers. Australia is home to plenty of incredible eco-getaways and, in a country of such size, you’ll also come across some pretty stunning spots on your way there. Not sure where to start? Read on for all of our favorite off-grid escapes in Australia.
Eco Bali Paradise - Coffin Bay, SA
Eco Bali Paradise is a pretty accurate name for this South Australia off-grid getaway, except for the ‘Bali’ part. But a stay here comes with plenty of sunshine and glorious heat reminiscent of its Indonesian neighbor, as well as endless other reasons you’ll want to call it a temporary home for a few days. Situated on 1.44 acres of scrubland, surrounded by native trees and bush, this peaceful and secluded cabin is a place where you’ll fall asleep to the sounds of nature and watch the stars twinkle above if you happen to wake up in the night. Sunrises and sunsets are a thing of beauty here, with no outside distractions whatsoever. The cabin has plenty of natural light and spectacular views from the loft. With space for five guests across two bedrooms with four beds in total, it’s just as suitable for families as it is for groups of friends. Fully self-contained, it’s also home to a bathroom, an open plan kitchen, a dining area, and a lounge with a TV. Rainwater tanks and solar panels provide electricity here.
Wandagar Eco Tent: Baudin - Channybearup, WA
The word “tent” doesn’t really do this Airbnb justice, as it’s less of a tent and more of a glamorous, spacious home hidden in the woods. Wandagar Eco Tent has space for two guests inside one-bedroom, providing a romantic off-the-grid escape that’s suitable for anyone with a taste of adventure. Located in the picturesque Pemberton, nestled on the edge of the hill tucked into the bush, this beautiful spot promises an immersion in nature and nights under the stars whilst having the wonders of the Southern Forest at your fingertips. Set amongst the pure fresh air and tranquility of the forest, this adults-only eco camp offers 180-degrees of sweeping views of the nearby farmland, vineyards, and truffle orchard. Once you’ve stepped inside, you’ll find an open-plan space with a rotating fireplace, lounge area, bespoke kitchenette, and a rain shower that opens up to the Karri forest. There’s nowhere to plug anything in here – but harvested and filtered rainwater along with solar power ensures you’re always connected to the essentials.
Willow Cottage Farm Stay: Pet, Family & Eco Friendly - Jindabyne, NEW
Willow Cottage Farmstay is stunningly beautiful any time of year. Visit this Jindabyne, New South Wales-based escape in summer and experience golden views in every direction, thanks to its remote location. Visit during winter and you might even be blessed with a covering of snow – just adding to its romantic appeal. With room for six guests in total across four bedrooms, this Airbnb is only 10 minutes out of town but feels a world away from any kind of distraction. The cottage and the main homestead are both powered by an off-grid solar energy system. But the appliances and comforts are all energy-efficient, which means you’ll never feel anything less than completely comfortable. Beds come in a mixture of king-size or twin style, making it ideal for guests of all ages. The farm itself is also well equipped to keep all guests entertained, with 145 acres of land and Merino sheep, horses, chooks, and friendly farm dogs keeping you company.
Eco Planet Green Glamping #1 - Coonawarra, SA
This teepee-style tent is one with plenty of promise on the inside, set on an eco-resort with all of the boutique amenities you could require. Based in Coonawarra, South Australia, Eco Planet Green Glamping is located in pristine heritage-listed bushland and comes solar powered from top to bottom. Each tent here comes with a queen bed and two camp stretchers, as well as an ensuite toilet and washbasin, a 12v kettle, deep cell batteries,a fire drum, an LED rechargeable torch, and more. While the tents themselves are seriously sweet, it’s the outdoors that really shines. Staying at this eco-resort gives you free reign of 200 acres of heritage bushland, as well as the nearby vineyard, sugar gum plantation, organic hydroponic vegetable greenhouse, chook pen and a fully equipped indoor camp kitchen. There’s a fully equipped camp kitchen in the main building with fridges, pots and pans and five new private shower units just a short walk away.
Kestrel Nest EcoHut - Mount Adrah, NSW
Kestrel Nest sits in rolling farmland above a rocky stream. Quaint and picturesque, it’s a place you’ll feel right at home for a family getaway and you’ll likely never want to leave. Each hut here comes with space for up to four guests in one bedroom, although it’s possible to book multiple huts if you’re traveling as part of a larger group or just fancy a little more space. Set in a stunning location, this eco-getaway sits on the edge of farmland and a conservation area, which protects critically endangered habitats. Halfway between Sydney and Melbourne, it’s close to the Hume, the Snowy Mountains, and the Sturt Hwys: perfect for anyone who loves admiring a good landscape. While it’s remote, it certainly doesn’t hold back with the essentials. Expect a wide verandah and big windows, which allow you to be close to nature, as well as a fireplace and fire pit to keep you cozy during the nights.
Mountain Tiny House, Warburton Yarra Valley - Warburton, VIC
Mountain Tiny House is a perfect balance between off-the-grid escape and stylish Airbnb and looks a little like it’s fresh off of the pages of an interiors magazine. As the name suggests, this Airbnb is a smaller size, but it’s proof that quality is more important than quantity. With room for two guests in one bedroom, it’s small enough to keep things cozy but spacious enough so that you’ll never be tripping over each other’s feet. This tiny house sits nestled between the Redwood Forest and La La Falls and offers the complete luxury off-grid experience. It’s powered completely by solar, a water tank, gas bottles and a compost toilet and is surrounded by two acres of bush. Despite its smaller size, it’s fully equipped with a kitchen with a coffee machine, a beautiful large bathroom, a queen-sized mezzanine sleeping area, a wood fire, a TV in front of a comfy vintage leather couch as well as three large bi-fold glass doors that open onto a spacious deck.
Springmount Retreat - Inman Valley, SA
Set in the Inman Valley, South Australia, this huge off-grid property is one you’ll spot more than a few miles away. Its futuristic design extends throughout the whole house, which has space for 10 guests in total. Perfect for a group looking to spend some time away from technology, it’s got two bedrooms but nine beds in total. The concept of the space is to share a communal living space, connect with each other and nature, which means plenty of games and a technology-free haven. The property runs on rainwater, a solar system, and self-composting toilets. While there’s no AC here, the entire property was designed with effective ventilation that utilizes the cool sea breeze. So you’ll never find yourself overheating when checking in to this spot. Hidden away in 90 acres of pristine heritage land, this house is home to native plants, birds and animals. Kangaroos often graze and relax a few meters from the eco-lodge and a variety of beautiful birds soar above. It’s a place you’ll never forget.
Black Cockatoo Retreat - Middlesex Manjimup, WA
Just 3.5 scenic hour’s drive from Perth, Black Cockatoo Retreat is one of Australia’s most popular off-grid escapes and comes with everything you need for a few days away from technology and outside distractions. This stunning spot doesn’t hold back when it comes to cool architecture either, with its floor-to-ceiling glass wall along an open plan, huge living space which runs the length of the house. The house features three double bedrooms, two bathrooms, a dining and an open-plan kitchen. Outside, there’s a gas BBQ and incredible views all around. When we say it’s remote, we mean it: this spot comes protected by 30 acres of natural bush, with Black Cockatoos, Blue Wrens, and Western Rosellas parrots all calling the surrounding area their home. The property was designed to be fully sustainable, right down to the local species of wildflowers and ground cover plantings that were reintroduced within the landscaping.
The Shack at Blue Tongue Berries - Seymour, VIC
This stunning off-grid experience sits among 20 acres of land on a regenerative blueberry farm located near Seymour in Central Victoria. A place where you’ll almost never go hungry – especially if you’re a fan of blueberries – it’s a picturesque dream for anyone who wants a change of scenery. Blue Tongue Berries is completely off the grid with solar and wind power stored in batteries. It’s known not only for its delicious blueberries but also for its great location: it overlooks the magnificent Tallarook ranges and is a short distance from the Goulburn River, Lake Nagambie, the Great Victorian Rail Trail and plenty of amazing local wineries and restaurants. A typical stay here is designed for two people in one room, with a queen-size bed and sofa in the main building, and a kitchen and bathroom in an adjacent building. The bathroom contains a bath, shower, and composting toilet while the kitchen contains a fridge, oven, stovetop and anything else you need for cooking.
Raglan Retreat with Peaceful Mountain Views - Raglan, VIC
Raglan Retreat might look pretty quaint from the outside but inside it’s a whole other story. This modern, built-for-purpose getaway comes with all of the essentials and lots of extra features that you’ll make good use of during your stay here. Peaceful mountain views provide a breathtaking backdrop each morning, while only the sounds of birds and nature float by throughout the day. This one-bedroom spot sits at the foothills of Mount Cole in the heart of the Victorian Pyrenees. Expect to feel overawed with the sights that surround you and get carried away in a magical sense of freedom and peace. Relax outside with a glass of wine or hot drink and toast marshmallows around the fire pit whilst watching the stunning star-filled sky. Inside the property, you’ll find an open-plan living room and kitchen, as well as a bathroom. The property is also accessible for wheelchair users.
Ironbark House Dimbulah with Amazing Views - Dimbulah, QLD
Ironbark House & Horse Riding sits on a huge 1345 acre property, which comes complete with its own solar power system and harvests all its own water. It’s located on the outskirts of the Atherton Tablelands in the farming district of Dimbulah, surrounded by peaceful lands and pure tranquility. This farm stay fits up to six guests in total, with two bedrooms and three beds in total. It’s made up of two large bedrooms with spacious en suites, a welcoming kitchen, dining and living area and a generous verandah across the front of the house, where you’ll likely spend most of your time. While the living room does come with a TV, it also comes surrounded by beautiful views. And you’ll probably spend the rest of your time outdoors here: the main veranda comes complete with a BBQ, alfresco dining and a seating area. It’s a great spot for watching the sun go down while being entertained by the local wildlife. The coolest part? You can also sign up for private horse riding lessons while staying here.
The Ranch - Alice, NSW
The Ranch looks like something out of a movie set: the perfect escape for getting away from it all with all of the features you could possibly need throughout your stay. A popular Airbnb in the area, it fits up to 10 guests in total across three bedrooms, making it more than suitable for large family getaways or a group of friends looking to switch off together. Based in Alice, New South Wales, the house is remote and serene, free from distractions and run only on solar power. It’s based close by to the Clarence River and is an eco-friendly masterpiece of steel, concrete, glass and wood, located in beautiful north-facing parkland. Booking this spot doesn’t just include the main house, but also a big beautiful deck overlooking the river, a studio and a bell tent. Make use of the BBQ at night while watching the night sky or spend your days here fishing, kayaking and swimming in the mighty Clarence River.
Private Eco Rainforest Cabin - Mount Tamborine, QLD
This sweet private cabin sits high up all alone in the woods, providing a romantic backdrop that couples will love. With space for two people and one perfectly sized bedroom, it’s a picturesque place that feels like it’s right out of a fairytale. With stunning views northeast down through the valley towards the ocean, the cabin is nestled in the rainforest and feels a little like you’re sleeping in the trees. Its recently renovated contemporary bathroom and kitchenette are environmentally sensitive, while the bedroom comes with a king-size bed and luxury bedding. There’s a BBQ on the deck and beautiful surroundings to admire, so you’ll want to spend at least some of your time here soaking up the atmosphere. When you check-in, you’ll get a complimentary welcome pack of fresh ground coffee, herbal tea, black tea and small UHL milk, so you’ll feel right at home the second you step inside.
