The 10 Most Adorable Cottage Stays In Australia

From creative retreats to farmyard chic: discover the best cottages for holiday rentals around Australia.

As our modern lives get busier, bigger and more connected, there’s a growing urge to run away to the countryside and forget it all. Cottagecore became a trend for a reason, after all. While in reality we may not be willing to leave it all behind, these adorable cottage stays around Australia invite us to disconnect and relax at one with nature, at least for a little while.

1. Poet’s Lodge, Daylesford, Victoria

If the phrase ‘roof to floor bookshelves’ doesn’t have you packing your bags, maybe the rolling ladder across it will. Nothing screams writer’s retreat like the three cottages of Poet’s Lodge . Only a few minutes walk to Daylesford and everything it has to offer, still get an off-grid, rustic feel with a warm fireplace or hot bath. Sit down as a group in large dining rooms, cosy up with a book, gaze and original paintings hung about the cottages or relax in your private courtyard.

lounge room and fireplace at Poet's Lodge, Daylesford VIC — Settle in by a roaring fire.

2. Liptrap Loft, WalkerVille, Victoria

The draping vines, wooden walls and quaint farmland setting make Liptrap Loft a thing of Cottagecore dreams. Designed in a modern, Japanese-influenced architectural style, the shape alone is alluring. But then the recycled materials used give a unique, magical pull. This is a stay all about secluded comfort in a rural and coastal setting. Wake up to the sun peaking through your windows as the birds create a chorus outside them.

exterior shot of liptrap loft holiday rental cottage in WalkerVille VIC — Enjoy unique and modern, Japanese-influenced architecture.

3. Grampians Pioneer Cottages, Halls Gap, Victoria

There’s a lot about the old world we’re happy to leave behind, but adorable and cosy wood log cottages aren’t one of them. Grampians Pioneer Cottages are built from Australian and New Zealand reclaimed timbers, stone, mudbrick, corrugated iron and 100-year-old redbricks, giving their outside a unique look. Inside is just as eye-catching. All self-contained, find wood finishings, thatched rooves, stone fireplaces and more. What’s more, they’re all wheelchair friendly with vistas of the Grampians.

loungeroom of Grampians Pioneer Cottages, Halls Gap, Victoria — Step into an adorable and cosy wood log cottage.

4. Captain’s Cottage, Hobart, Tasmania

There’s a lot to fall in love with around the sloped, residential streets of historic Hobart, and this Airbnb stay is the perfect place to start. Aptly named, the Captain’s Cottage was originally built in the mid-1800s for a ship’s captain, and has since become such an iconic stay that its textured furnishings (think velvet chairs and linen sheets), striking claw-footed tub and whimsical courtyard garden have featured in design and style magazines around the country.

fireplace and desk in Captains Cottage, Hobart TAS — Stay in a vintage Hobart home, originally built for a sea captain.

5. My Sister & The Sea, Marion Bay, South Australia

This rustic 1950s weatherboard cottage may have been brought in from Sweden, but nothing could look more at home in this coastal town. Light and bright interiors keep the cottage seaside-chic, including all three bedrooms. Its relatively large size for a cottage makes it perfect for small group getaways, not to mention the spacious farmhouse table, large kitchen and cosy fireplace with plenty of seating.

hallway inside My Sister & The Sea, Marion Bay SA — Stay in a rustic 1950s weatherboard cottage from Sweden. (Image: Frankie The Creative)

6. Cowboy’s Cabin on Wollombi Brook, Hunter Valley, NSW

Everything about Cowboy’s Cabin feels like an instant classic, from the slab-timber walls to the vintage rocking horse decoration. The name of the furnishing game is timber cosy and country florals, with an open plan kitchen and living space inviting guests to settle in for the evening. Set on a working farm, the only creatures you may wake up to are the grazing cattle as they wander by.

kitchen table inside Cowboy’s Cabin on Wollombi Brook, Hunter Valley NSW — Relax in country comfort on a working farm.

7. Bay & Bush Cottages, Jervis Bay, NSW

This boutique property near Huskisson is set up for all your coastal cabin dreams; whether that be staying cosy in winter or diving into summer. Find just eight self-contained cottages hidden amongst coastal and marine National Parks. Be welcomed to Bay & Bush by kangaroos and kookaburras, star gaze by the outdoor fire pit at night (ideally with marshmallows roasting), whale watching between late April and mid-November, head into town for museums and galleries or stay put with locally sourced food and wine.

8. Riverdale 1898, Kalgan, Western Australia

This cottage has the type of casual, whimsical charm that seems impossible to achieve in your own home. Take a step back in time – while keeping modern comforts firmly in place – to this farm. Wander the working cattle farm, small vineyard and flower-growing business onsite by day, then return home to a fully equipped kitchen at night to start the fireplace glowing. Cosy up with the well-stocked bookshelves boasting local and natural history, floral design and local authors.

loungeroom inside Riverdale 1898, Kalgan WA — Enjoy the casual charm of Riverdale 1898. (Image: Jemma Keech)

9. The Postman’s Cottage, Montville, Queensland

The rustic romance of The Postman’s Cottage is begging for a couple’s getaway. Set on Montville Estate, this cottage is believed to have started life as a railway house in a neighbouring town, then brought to the estate around 1895 for the lady of the house to birth six children in. Today, it’s been built to celebrate slow living. Find a king-sized bed, kitchen, classic clawfoot tub and a range of books and board games with a fireplace to enjoy them by. You’ll even find a Bluetooth speaker, but no TV or wi-fi. So get ready to disconnect.

ensuite inside The Postman’s Cottage, Montville QLD — Book a romantic getaway to The Postman’s Cottage. (Image: Yani Rae)

10. Whispering Valley Cottage Retreat, Maleny, Queensland

The Sunshine Coast might be known for its stunning beaches, but its Hinterlands hold their own, very underrated, pristine beauty. Imagine being nestled in lush green rainforest – uninterrupted for 18.6 hectares – fireplace burning and a tasting plate of local, fresh produce from the gorgeous breakfast hamper and welcome cheese platter and not another soul in sight. That’s the vibe at Whispering Valley Cottage Retreat . Each cabin has a fireplace, spa bath and fully equipped kitchen.

Whispering Valley Cottage Retreat, Maleny QLD — Step into the Sunshine Coast Hinterland for the perfect cottage retreat.

Spend a few days visiting the real-life Central Australian locations that inspired the new film everyone is talking about, and discover why Alice Springs is such an important part of Australian culture.

In the credits of the new Australian film Kangaroo , the first name under ‘cast’ should read ‘The Northern Territory ’. Not only is Alice Springs (and the surrounding landscape) integral to the movie itself, but the spiritual heart of Australia and its local Indigenous owners also inform the look and feel of every frame, explains Producer Trisha Morton-Thomas of Brindle Films, who also plays Charlie’s grandmother Gwennie.

“By setting Kangaroo in Alice Springs (Mparntwe), the film embraces how visible Aboriginal people are here, and the living Aboriginal culture that is woven through this community,” she explains.

still from kangarro film — See *Kangaroo*, then visit the real-life filming locations.

And while shooting in such a sacred part of the Northern Territory required extra planning, it was something the cast and crew were highly invested in.

“There are incredibly significant sacred sites and places of deep cultural stories in the area, that at times are very gender-specific, which we’ve kept out of the production,” she explains. “Even if overhead drone footage captures a sacred site that isn’t meant to be seen by other people outside of that clan, we’ve made sure to omit it from the film.”

If Kangaroo piqued your interest in a Central Australian holiday, we don’t blame you. Read on to discover eight places featured in the movie that you can visit in real life – and get planning. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen and a hat.

1. Alice Springs/ Mparntwe

artist at Many Hands Art Centre — Visit the galleries of Alice Springs, like Many Hands Art Centre. (Image: Tourism NT/ Helen Orr/ Many Hands Art Centre)

The red and dusty streets of the film’s fictional town of Silvergum were filmed on the outskirts of Alice Springs. And, while the art gallery featured in the film is fictional, Alice Springs is a hub of creativity. See the work of local artists at the Araluen Art Centre , Yubu Napa Art Gallery , Iltja Ntjarra (Many Hands) Art Centre and the famous Tjanpi Desert Weavers .

2. The Kangaroo Sanctuary & Kangaroo Rescue Centre

The Kangaroo Sanctuary Alice Springs, the inspiration for the Kangaroo move — Visit the movie’s inspiration at Kangaroo Sanctuary. (Image: Tourism NT/ Kangaroo Sanctuary)

Kangaroo was inspired by the journey of Chris ‘Brolga’ Barns, who founded the now world-renowned Kangaroo Sanctuary based in Alice Springs. For lead actor, Aussie Ryan Corr, the animals were central to the movie, alongside the landscapes.

“The animals in this story were a real calling point for me,” he explains. “What this story tries to tell us about the connection between humans and animals is beautiful.”

To gain a real insight into the fauna and flora of the Red Centre, you can visit the Kangaroo Sanctuary on a sunset tour, where you might even get the chance to hold a baby kangaroo.

3. Ormiston Gorge

woman walking along the edge of Ormiston Gorge near alice springs — Take a dip in Ormiston Gorge. (Image: Tourism NT/ @domandjesso)

The film captures the raw beauty of the West MacDonnell Ranges, known in the Arrernte language as Tjoritja. This national park is rich in Indigenous culture and stark geological wonders.

Only a 15-minute drive from Alice Springs, Tjoritja offers visitors the chance to camp, hike and swim among ancient landscapes (most attractions are less than a three-hour drive away).

Ormiston Gorge , a cooling oasis in among the red desert sands, is one of the most popular destinations, no doubt because of the permanent swimming hole and towering red cliffs. From here, visitors can also embark on the beautiful Ormiston Pound Walk and the shorter – more accessible – Ghost Gum Walk. Bring your bathers – it’s safe for swimming.

4. Standley Chasm

woman walking through Standley Chasm near alice springs — Wander through Standley Chasm. (Image: Tourism NT)

The 1.2-kilometre walk to nearby Standley Chasm will be a highlight for any visitor as the imposing 40 metre-high chasm walls project strength and ancient wisdom.

Visit at midday to experience the path illumined by the midday sun. Not only will you fill your camera roll with vibrant red images of the gorge and its intoxicating shadows, but you can also camp nearby in a powered or unpowered site so you can watch the brilliance of the desert stars fill the night sky after dusk.

5. Simpsons Gap

three people walking on path through simpsons gap near alice springs — Walk the trails of Simpson’s Gap. (Image: Tourism NT/ Helen Orr)

Closer to Alice Springs, the photogenic Simpsons Gap is the perfect place to spot the endangered Black-footed Rock wallaby near the permanent watering hole. While swimming isn’t permitted, soaking up the sun and views certainly is.

Explore the area’s numerous walking trails, appreciate the soaring cliffs on either side of the ‘gap’ and pick out the shooting locations of Kangaroo in the area.

6. Ellery Creek Big Hole

aerial of Ellery Creek Big Hole near alice springs — Dive into Ellery Creek Big Hole. (Image: Tourism NT/ Tourism Australia)

When it comes to classic Northern Territory landscapes, you can’t go past Ellery Creek Big Hole/ Udepata : tall gum trees sidling up to a refreshing watering hole (fed by the West MacDonnell Ranges and surrounded by rugged red cliffs.

Swim in the cooling waters, hike the cliff tops, watch for birds and even stargaze as you camp here overnight. It’s locations like this that attracted the film’s director Kate Woods to the project.

“It humbles you to be in this environment: it’s so beautiful, so old and so vast,” she explains. “I was thrilled to get a chance to … shoot such a beautiful story in the incredible landscape of the Northern Territory.”

7. Larapinta Drive

aerial of Larapinta Drive into alice springs — Drive along Larapinta Drive. (Image: Tourism NT)

There is no better way to get a feel for how the characters arrived at the fictional Central Australian town of Silvergum than to travel along the iconic state road, Larapinta Drive.

Connecting Alice Springs to the mighty King’s Canyon in the west, via the historic community of Hermannsburg, this road takes in the West MacDonnell National Park, Alice Springs Desert Park and artist Albert Namatjira’s house, among other attractions. Take your time, bring a camera and prepare for numerous stops along the way.

8. Todd River

competitors in Henley on Todd Regatta, alice springs — Join in the fun of the quirky Henley on Todd Regatta. (Image: Tourism NT/ TImparja Creative)

Meandering through Alice Springs like a lazy Western Brown snake, the Todd River is a central part of Alice Springs culture. Known as an ‘intermittent river’, the Todd can go from a dry dusty riverbed to a flowing waterscape in less than 15 minutes after heavy rainfall.

When it’s dry, the famous Henley on Todd Regatta fills the sandy riverbed with handmade ‘boats’ carried by sailors. This is the world’s only dry river boating event, and it’s referenced in the ‘Silvergum Boat Race’ in the movie. Inspired by the real-life event, the characters built quirky “Flintstones-style boats” and competed in teams.

See Kangaroo in cinemas now, and start planning your NT getaway at northernterritory.com.

The 10 most adorable cottage stays around Australia