The 7 reasons you need to go off-grid with Unyoked

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Surrounded by a lush green pine forest, I step out of my car and am greeted with silence as I’ve never heard it. Calm, peaceful, sleepy serenity. I’m physically only two hours south of Sydney, but mentally I’m a world away.

Unyoked is an outdoors start-up turned global lifestyle brand committed to influencing positive behavioural change and educating people on the importance of simplifying and slowing down through nature immersion.

The beautiful cabins are purposely built in unique locations surrounded by wilderness and can be found across Australia, New Zealand and the UK .

I left feeling more connected to nature than I have for as long as I can remember. Here are the seven reasons you need to go off-grid with Unyoked .

1. They’re luxurious without being over-the-top

After treading down a steep hill, a few hundred metres into the wild unknown, enveloped by ferns and leafy canopies, the trees open into a clearing, and then we see Jojo , our Unyoked cabin.

Jojo welcomes us with her charm, comfort and all-encompassing luxury. The plush KOALA queen-size bed sits surrounded by two giant windows overlooking the small valley below, the same serene views you’ll soak in from the bathroom’s rainfall shower.

Unyoked Jojo aerial
Sleep beneath the trees at Unyoked Jojo. (Image: Declan Blackall Photography)

2. It’ll help you de-stress

When you spend all day at a desk, on the tools or in a busy venue, you might find yourself ending the week depleted and wanting to spend the weekend catching up on some z’s.

But instead of staying at home all weekend and dreading the reappearance of Monday, time outdoors can actually help us de-stress, increase resilience, think better, be more creative and feel closer to others. A study showed that our main stress hormone, cortisol, decreased by 21.3 per cent per hour spent immersed in nature.

a guy strolling along the forest, Unyoked Jojo
Take a stroll along the forest. (Image: Declan Blackall Photography)

3. You’ll be more productive

Funnily enough, stepping away from screens and doing nothing is good for you! Mindless scrolling takes its toll, and you’ll be amazed at what your brain can conjure up when it isn’t being stimulated 24/7.

The days at Jojo were filled with fire-making, games of UNO and Scrabble, kitchen experiments, walks in the forest and a whole lot of lying in bed watching and hearing wildlife float by the windows.

Daydream, think deeply and when you come home you might just have a new perspective on life, love, or even be able to overcome hurdles that have recently stopped you in your tracks.

an overhead view of Unyoked Jojo
Unyoked Jojo is your go-to forest retreat. (Image: Declan Blackall Photography)

4. It’s good for the environment

Heading off-grid with Unyoked doesn’t leave behind any nasties, so you can sleep well knowing you’re bettering yourself without leaving an impact.

The cabins are powered by solar, and they use rainwater and composting toilets. These aren’t your average composting toilets though, Unyoked has refined them over the years and they don’t mess with the vibe whatsoever.

Unyoked Jojo Kitchen
Live off-grid and refresh. (Image: Declan Blackall Photography)

5. You’ll sleep better

Most of us don’t get nearly enough sleep. I absolutely love sleeping but even I find myself scrolling at night and resisting my body’s urge to hit the hay.

Unyoked notes that 11 independent studies have found that exposure to nature is associated with improved sleep quality and quantity.

The sleep I had at Unyoked was unmatched, and when I came home, I was still sleeping like a baby.

a rustic bedroom with a huge glass window at Unyoked cabin
Tuck yourself in the cosy bed. (Image: Emily Murphy)

6. You’ll set your priorities

We all get caught up in the little things, whether that be the frustration of being stuck in traffic, the trains being cancelled or your pet peeing on the couch. But when you’re out in the wild, you’re faced with the sheer size of nature and how minuscule we are in comparison.

Watch the birds sing and dance through the air, feel the wind embracing you, hear the silence so still and map the stars in the infinite night sky; what really matters most in your life will present itself to you in these moments of clarity.

a stack of books, Unyoked Jojo
You’ll have plenty of time to listen to your favourite tunes. (Image: Declan Blackall Photography)

7. You’ll keep coming back

With cabins close to Adelaide, Brisbane, Byron Bay, Canberra, the Gold Coast, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney, there is an Unyoked stay near you.

Each cabin is graded on a spice level between mild and extra spicy. The spicier it is, the longer the walk you’ll have, with a higher walking grade (basically, getting from your car to the cabin will be more strenuous).

Once you’ve decided on the spice level you’re comfortable with, pick the next available cabin and get ready to reset.

The research has repeatedly shown that time spent in nature is good for your spiritual, physical and mental health, so make heading outdoors a regular practice; you’ll notice the difference in all aspects of your life.

Unyoked Jojo window view
Swap your screens for a window. (Image: Declan Blackall Photography)
Whether you’re looking for a midweek stay to escape the grind, or a weekend stay to recharge, make sure you book well in advance to secure a spot because Unyoked is very popular.
Emily Murphy
Emily Murphy is Australian Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her time at the company she has been instrumental in shaping its social media and email presence, and crafting compelling narratives that inspire others to explore Australia's vast landscapes. Her previous role was a journalist at Prime Creative Media and before that she was freelancing in publishing, content creation and digital marketing. When she's not creating scroll-stopping travel content, Em is a devoted 'bun mum' and enjoys spending her spare time by the sea, reading, binge-watching a good TV show and exploring Sydney's vibrant dining scene. Next on her Aussie travel wish list? Tasmania and The Kimberley.
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Discover the remote Queensland lodgings bringing luxury to the outback

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Adventure and refined Luxury combine at the stunning Rangelands Outback Camp.

Iconic Australian red dirt, ancient rocky landscapes and bursts of greenery and wildflowers all make the small town of Winton, and its surrounds, a sight to behold. Escape the ordinary and unwind in the Queensland outback, where ancient landscapes and off-grid luxury await at Rangelands Outback Camp.

cosy seats in Rangelands Outback Camp
Unwind in the ancient outback.

About Rangelands Outback Camp

Unforgettable 360-degree views of this 95-million-year-old land await at Rangelands; bathed in style and positioned on top of a jump-up (or mesa), your tented camp seamlessly blends into its outback setting.

Set on the 53,935-square-kilometre Rangelands Station – a working cattle property – the abundant wildlife are your only neighbours; kangaroos, echidnas, eagles and other birdlife all call Rangelands home.

Bathed in style, your tented camp seamlessly blends into its outback setting. Indulge with carefully curated menus, personalised service and supersized luxury tents that guarantee a private experience. This exclusive camp only has a maximum of 12 guests at a time.

Here, the aim is pampering. From tasty menus to supersized tents with all the creature comforts, to a range of guided tours around the property and beyond.

Guests are transferred from Winton or Longreach by a dedicated Rangelands driver.

aerial shot of Rangelands Outback Camp tent
Soak in 360-degree views.

Rangelands Outback Camp tours

Join small-group tours and enjoy exclusive access to the ancient Rangelands Rifts with your Rangelands hosts. These incredible rock formations were formed by millions of years of erosion, leaving dramatic channels through the rock. Or explore the surrounds with Rangeland’s touring partner, Red Dirt Tours .

Get sunset birds-eye views over dramatic mesa country in a helicopter, from Queensland’s own Three Sisters to Corey’s Range, stopping at the best lookouts along the way.

Get up close and personal with this rugged land on four wheels, with expert drivers and guides leading guests through famous Bladensburg National Park, visiting Gondwana Stars Observatory and more.

The Winton area is famous for its boulder opals (the second-rarest opal in the world, after black opals), and a stop at the mining community of Opalton sheds a fascinating light on the unique fossicking method used to find them.

A trip to dinosaur country is a must, as this is the place that ramped up Australia’s dino contribution after a fossilised footprint was found in 1962; after more exploration, the discovery of 3300 footprints made it clear this was the world’s only evidence of a dinosaur stampede. Those same footprints are still on display today at Lark Quarry Conservation Park , a 90-minute drive from Winton. Also check out Australia’s largest collection of Australian Dinosaur fossils Australian Age of Dinosaurs, just 30 minutes from Winton. Here, join a tour through a working laboratory, dinosaur canyon and more.

A twice-daily transfer into downtown Winton is offered to guests, where they can explore the Royal Outdoor Theatre, opal shops, Waltzing Matilda Centre and more.

tour being led through Rangeland rifts
Have an exclusive adventure through the Rangeland Rifts. (Image: TEQ)

Sleeping in luxury

After a day of exploring, return to your tranquil tent for a blissful open shower and uninterrupted views from your private deck.

Designed to integrate guests into the surrounding nature, each tent feels like its own private haven. While being off-grid in the outback (in fact, each tent is powered by its own solar panels, with the added support of a backup generator), guests can also luxuriate in comfortable amenities like air conditioning, a supremely comfortable king-size bed and stylish designer touches.

Guests can stroll to the open-air Sunset Deck for breathtaking panoramic views, or to the main lounge and dining tent, where books, on-demand coffee and drinks make it the perfect place to relax after a day in the outback.

inside Rangelands Outback Camp bedroom
Enjoy plenty of space inside, and stunning views outside.

Rangelands Outback Camp dining

As the sun starts to dip below the horizon, gather for drinks and canapés on the expansive Sunset Deck, watching the sun drench the landscape in pinks and oranges as it sinks below the horizon.

Later, head to The Mahal lounge area and dining tent where mealtime magic happens. Savour a gourmet meal made fresh by Rangeland’s onsite chef. The meals use local produce to elevate classic outback dishes, and don’t worry, dietary requirements are happily accommodated.

Enjoy an open bar filled with an expansive hand-selected list of wines and premium beers, with wine pairings offered by Rangelands hosts come dinner time.

Discover more and book your luxurious stay at rangelandscamp.com.