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)

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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)

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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.

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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? South Australia and The Kimberley.
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The best trails and natural moments around Yarra Valley & Dandenong Ranges

    Gemma Kaczerepa Gemma Kaczerepa
    The Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges boast some of Victoria’s most stunning natural scenery, making them a prime destination for outdoor experiences.

    There’s something very special about the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges. A mix of rugged bush, mist-laden rainforest, gardens bursting with vivid blooms and a network of rivers and waterfalls, the landscapes here are layered and diverse. Late summer is a particularly good time to visit, when the days are long and the region’s outdoor offerings are ripe for sun-soaked adventures.

    The best part? Despite being only an easy one-hour drive from Melbourne, the area feels a world away from the hustle. You’ll be greeted by a slower pace with fewer travellers and more room to move – allowing you to truly switch off and take it all in.

    From rail trails to rainforest walks, this is where you’ll find nature at its most rewarding.

    1. Warburton

    Biking around Warburton is one best natural experiences in the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges.
    Hit the trails at Warburton Mountain Bike Destination. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Perched at the top of the Yarra River, surrounded by pristine national park, the town of Warburton is a haven for nature lovers. It’s known for its towering redwoods, found in the Californian Redwood Forest just 15 minutes out of town. You’ll be in utter awe of these giant trees, some of which reach heights of up to 55 metres.

    The Warburton Rail Trail is another way to experience the town’s natural beauty. This flat, 40-kilometre route goes all the way to Lilydale and is ideal for a stroll or cycle past native bushland, wineries, farmland and parts of the Yarra.

    If you want to up the pace a little, head to the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination, which encompasses 160 kilometres of purpose-built tracks amid wild bush terrain. For something a little more laid-back, the Rainforest Gallery is a standout spot for a wander. The gallery features statuesque Mountain Ash and Myrtle Beech trees, moss-covered logs and tree ferns, and a 40-metre elevated walkway that brings you right into the centre of the forest canopy.

    2. Yarra Glen

    Yarra Glen is a beloved food and drink destination, but it offers far more than excellent produce and top-notch wines.

    A highlight is Alowyn Gardens, which stretches over seven acres. Inside, you’ll find nine different gardens with vivid floral and seasonal displays, plus a nursery featuring exotic plant species. The Wisteria Arbour is a crowd favourite, a curved walkway connecting the different gardens with a display of cascading lilac blooms.

    Intersecting with the Warburton Rail Trail, the first stage of the Yarra Valley Trail runs from the gateway town of Lilydale to Yering Station. A more manageable track of just 7.5 kilometres, it takes you through rolling farmland and pockets of native bush, with ample opportunities for wildlife-spotting.

    If you’re travelling with kids, McKenzie Reserve is a non-negotiable stop. The reserve encompasses a skate park, plenty of open grass to stretch little legs, and a nature-inspired adventure playground to suit every age and every energy level.

    3. Healesville

    One of the best natural experiences in the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges is seeing a Koala upclose.
    Get up close and connect with koalas. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Healesville is the region’s best place to meet local wildlife. It’s home to Healesville Sanctuary, where you can get up close to kangaroos, koalas, emus, dingoes, reptiles and more. Beyond giving you front-row access to these gorgeous creatures, you’ll appreciate the scenic charm of the tracks and trails that meander through the wildlife park.

    To see even more birdlife, head over to Badger Weir for a picnic. Situated among soaring Mountain Ash trees and tranquil waterways, the area supports several bird species, including crimson rosellas, Australian king parrots and the elusive lyrebird. Barbecue facilities are available, and several tracks leading to Badger Weir are pram-friendly.

    Fernshaw Picnic Area, located in the Yarra Ranges National Park, is another idyllic setting for picnicking and short walks, also encircled by Mountain Ash trees. Compared to Badger Weir, though, Fernshaw provides a slightly more secluded experience, making it ideal for quieter outings.

    4. Olinda

    Cloudehill Gardens is a beautifully curated, year-round garden destination featuring nine terraced gardens filled with seasonal blooms and lush plant varieties.
    Wander through terraces of ever-changing blooms. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Sitting more than 600 metres above sea level, the Dandenong Ranges have an enchanted feel and are shrouded in lush rainforest filled with tree ferns, mossy trunks and lingering mist.

    The town of Olinda is one of the finest places to experience this unique environment in all its verdant glory. At the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens, rhododendrons reign and drape the gardens in a riot of colour every spring.

    The nearby Cloudehill Gardens are well worth visiting any time of year. In each of the garden’s nine terraces, you’ll find an array of plant varieties that bloom and transform across the seasons, including weeping Japanese maples that have been growing here for nearly a century.

    Besides being a haven for arbory enthusiasts, the nearby RJ Hamer Arboretum is a spectacular spot to enjoy panoramic views. Here, more than 150 tree species grow and overlook the neighbouring Yarra Valley and Great Dividing Range.

    5. Emerald

    A lady eating with the view of Emerald Lake Park.
    Enjoy a lakeside picnic at Emerald Lake Park. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Set just behind the Dandenong Ranges, the foothills town of Emerald has a slightly more open feel, featuring rolling hills and open bushland. The town sits on the edge of the Dandenong Ranges National Park, with a patchwork of forested reserves and accessible bush trails on the Emerald side.

    You can also take to the water at nearby Aura Vale Lake, which is popular for sailing, canoeing, fishing for eel and perch, and picnicking on the grassy banks.

    The stand-out, though, is Emerald Lake Park, a sprawling green with multiple recreation zones. Across 52 hectares, there are walking tracks, playgrounds, paddleboats, a model railway, fishing sites and a family-friendly wading pool that comes to life every summer. The park also lies adjacent to the iconic Puffing Billy, making it a perfect stop if you’re travelling on the historic steam train.

    Start planning your next adventure at visityarravalley.com.au