Book a stay at this cosy cabin for front-row seats of the historic Zig Zag Railway, best enjoyed from your private outdoor hot tub.
Australian sustainable accommodation brand Into The Wild Escapes is known for its off-grid stays designed to reconnect guests with nature. From cosy cabins in country Victoria to beachside bungalows along Queensland’s coast, each tiny home reads like a love letter to its surrounds.
It’s this ethos that shines through with the launch of Tiny Billy, a new Blue Mountains stay that celebrates one of the region’s most historic icons – complete with all the luxe amenities to match. And if it’s already booked out? Not to worry – four more just opened across NSW.
The location
Tiny Billy has opened right next door to the iconic Zig Zag Railway.
Two hours from Sydney in the heart of NSW’s Blue Mountains, the small town of Clarence appears as a quick blip on the map. But that’s all about to change with the launch of Tiny Billy, the latest sustainable tiny home to open in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed national park.
Initially a railway outpost along the original Blue Mountains train line, Clarence was considered a boom town for track workers in the early 1900s. But the population rapidly declined post-construction and, while it never fully recovered, the area remains a postcard of regional charm thanks to the steam train adventure that took over its tracks.
The steam train has become a historic icon among Blue Mountains locals.
Opened as a heritage non-profit in 1975, the Zig Zag Railway is among the most unique of its kind in Australia. Using zig-zag tracks to gain height, it follows a switchback pattern up the mountain, showcasing sweeping views before crossing the region’s historic sandstone viaducts. Today, it’s considered one of the best things to do in the Blue Mountains.
Into The Wild Escapes embraces this enduring appeal, positioning Tiny Billy to offer prime views of the iconic railway. Surrounded by lush Aussie bushland, the off-grid cabin perfectly combines local history with off-grid living and a dash of luxury.
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The accommodation
Enjoy your morning coffee from the peaceful deck out front.
Tiny Billy is the epitome of quiet indulgence. It’s a space designed for slowing down, disconnecting from the world and reconnecting with your surrounds. The eco-friendly cabin, priced from $399 during the week and $599 on weekends, has quickly become a competitor in the Blue Mountains accommodation market.
Inside, the focus is firmly on comfort and ease of living. A fully equipped kitchen for homemade dinners. Board games for off-grid entertainment. A queen bed by the window, draped in soft linens. And with two single bunks and a double bed in the loft, it sleeps up to six while still remaining cosy for couples.
Tiny Billy has been designed with comfort and ease of living in mind.
During winter, guests can gather around the outdoor fire pit or soak in the woodfired hot tub, or keep it cool for a refreshing dip come summer. The sun-drenched patio is an ideal spot for morning coffee, while a hammock hung between nearby gums provides the perfect reading perch.
During winter, the fire pit provides the perfect spot to relax.
Soak up uninterrupted views of the railway from your hammock in the gums.
The outdoor hot tub is arguably the best seat in the house.
While it may be hard to leave your peaceful haven, be sure to take advantage of your proximity to the Zig Zag Railway at some point. The steam train operates fortnightly on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, with prices starting from $46.50 per adult. If you’re keen to explore further afield, head across the valley for some of the Blue Mountains’ best bushwalks.
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The other properties
Tiny Wallaby joins Tiny Wombat within a native wildlife sanctuary. (Image: Danielle Nieuwendyk Photography)
While Tiny Billy is a standout, four other Into The Wild Escapes have also recently opened across NSW that are well worth a visit. Closer to Sydney, Tiny Wallaby and Tiny Wombat are now welcoming guests in Dural, around 35 minutes from the CBD. Nestled within The Hills Wildlife Sanctuary and sleeping up to six guests each, its private tour offerings make it perfect for animal lovers.
Tiny Lawson has opened its doors in Lake Macquarie, around 90 minutes north of Sydney, and sleeps up to six. It’s all about nature and wellness here, whether you’re sweating it out in the outdoor sauna or hot tub, meeting horses and cows in the paddocks, or soaking it all in from the verandah, where views of the dam invoke quiet contemplation.
Tiny Lawson in Lake Macquarie heroes outdoor wellness experiences. (Image: Danielle Nieuwendyk Photography)
In the Southern Highlands town of Buxton, Tiny Phoebe is geared towards smaller groups and couples, with room for just three guests. Encircled by ancient towering gums, you can sink into your luxurious outdoor tub, glass of wine in hand, knowing there’s not another human for miles.
Clearly, it’s a list that makes choosing just one quite the challenge, but deciding where to stay will be as hard as it gets – everything else is taken care of. For all bookings, as well as the full portfolio of properties, head to Into The Wild Escapes’ website.
Taylah Darnell is Australian Traveller's Writer & Producer. She has been passionate about writing since she learnt to read, spending many hours either lost in the pages of books or attempting to write her own. This life-long love of words inspired her to study a Bachelor of Communication majoring in Creative Writing at the University of Technology Sydney, where she completed two editorial internships. She began her full-time career in publishing at Ocean Media before scoring her dream job with Australian Traveller. Now as Writer & Producer, Taylah passionately works across both digital platforms and print titles. When she's not wielding a red pen over magazine proofs, you can find Taylah among the aisles of a second-hand bookshop, following a good nature trail or cheering on her EPL team at 3am. While she's keen to visit places like Norway and New Zealand, her favourite place to explore will forever be her homeland.
From serene natural beauty to vibrant nightlife, with plenty of arts and culture in between, the NSW Central Coast has been enjoying a serious glow up.
Just one hour from Sydney, the Central Coast has long been the perfect seaside getaway. And with its ECO Destination certification with a focus on sustainability, it’s a trip travellers can feel good about, too. Recently, new and exciting openings have turned the Central Coast into a place where incredible natural beauty is still on the table, but so is a vibrant and sophisticated arts, dining and nightlife scene.
Find out what’s new to discover on the Central Coast.
1. Gosford’s glow up
Book into voco and experience the best of Gosford.
Long-time Central Coast lovers will hardly recognise Gosford these days. While always boasting gorgeous water views, a range of revamps and new openings have turned it into a busy hub of arts and culture, with an increasingly diverse and vibrant nightlife.
Landmark lifestyle hotel voco Gosford is the perfect home base for a Central Coast getaway. At this IHG hotel overlooking sparkling Brisbane Water, guests can spend sunny days soaking in the rooftop pool (or just sipping a cocktail beside it). When it comes to meals, you can enjoy multiple venues serving up everything from modern Australian fare to fine-dining Japanese.
Venture out to lay eyes on the Central Coast’s first permanent Moving Image Gallery (MIG). Opened this year inside the Gosford Regional Gallery, the immersive space is a showcase of screen-based and digital art. While at the gallery, wander around the Edogawa Commemorative Garden, a traditional Japanese strolling garden complete with teahouse, koi pond and an ornamental bridge.
Meanwhile, the revamped Gosford Regional Library has even more than books to discover. Now, it’s one of the best in the southern hemisphere – find exhibitions, historical archives and community initiatives for all ages at this perfect family-friendly escape.
2. Newcomers to the dining scene
Treat yourself to sundowners and snacks at Amarilla.
The Central Coast has long been the perfect destination for gourmands, with everything from casual eats to fine dining elevating the local offerings. And three new destinations have been added to the map.
Amarilla at The Haven in Terrigal is the perfect seaside venue for sundowners, with blissed-out beats providing the soundtrack. Book in for golden hour and choose bites from a Spanish tapas menu made for sharing. Do as the locals do and wash it all down with sangria – the Sunday Sangria Sessions have become a local institution.
Also in Terrigal, Little Miss has brought a premium Mediterranean menu to the waterfront. Try the wagyu tartare with Greek caviar or butter-poached lobster and tomato bisque, paired with inventive cocktails and a handpicked selection of Lebanese wines.
Over in Ettalong, Bar Toto is perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks. This award-winning cocktail bar is known for its creative concoctions, along with craft beer, wine and antipasti platters to snack on. The interior sets the mood, with dim lighting and wooden furnishings.
3. New Central Coast experiences
Book an experience at Firescreek Botanical Winery.
It’s entirely possible (and recommended) to spend a Central Coast getaway relaxing on one of its many peaceful and pristine beaches. But for those who crave more, there’s a long list of options to keep you busy.
Pop into the iconic Australian Reptile Park to see the new Weigel Venom Centre, a state-of-the-art facility that’s home to over 200 of the country’s most venomous snakes.
Get out on the water with Sail Central Coast, which offers 20 years of expertise in yacht charters. Book the Sunset Sail & Dine yacht charter for a private afternoon cruising the waterways of Bouddi National Park and Brisbane Water, stopping at Anchor on Hardys for a two-course meal with a cocktail.
For something completely different, Firescreek Botanical Winery is now offering an Aboriginal Storytelling and Wine Tasting Experience. Learn about local cultures, stories and traditions from an Aboriginal Elder, then enjoy a botanical-inspired wine tasting led by a local winemaking expert.
4. Central Coast accommodation
Sleep in the hinterland at Noonaweena.
There’s simply too much to experience on the Central Coast to only stay for one day. Turn your trip into a relaxing getaway by the beach.
Allawah, a retreat on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, is accessible only by boat. This secluded two-bedroom cottage is the perfect place to unwind, allowing you to spend lazy days fishing, kayaking, paddling or unwinding with a book on your own private jetty.
In the Kulnura hinterland, Noonaweena features a range of accommodation styles, from a luxe glamping bell tent to cottages and a treetop suite. It’s a leader in green travel, with 10 years of certification from Eco Tourism Australia. Relax in the onsite wellness centre or get active on various courts and in the gym facilities.
To stay by the ocean at Toowoon Bay, book into Kim’s Beachside Resort. This adults-only property offers a luxury escape nestled within a sub-tropical rainforest. Along with 36 private timber bungalows, indulge in massages or reiki treatments at the dedicated spa, or stop by the cocktail bar and à la carte restaurant.
5. Shopping on the Central Coast
Try your hand at Umina’s Centred Ceramics’ pottery courses.
For those after unique trinkets, handmade treasures and beautiful homewares, the Central Coast is a haven.
Markets on the Central Coast have a special flavour. Wander the Umina Beach Markets at twilight, where you’ll find small businesses from the local areas, and the Norah Head Ocean View Markets, where you can soak up good food, live music and artisan finds by the beach after sunset. ‘Tis the season for the Christmas twilight edition of the Avoca Beachside Markets, celebrating the season with pop-up bars, tasty treats and plenty of unique gift options from local artists and producers.
Galleria Ettalong has also added to the Central Coast’s recent makers and creators renaissance, wrapping cinemas, a dining precinct and over 40 boutique shops into one area.
Sign up for a pottery course at Umina’s Centred Ceramics, or peruse the shop for a range of one-of-a-kind pottery made on the premises for a special souvenir.
For more eclectic arts and homewares, pop into Blue Bird Collective Co. This marketplace supports over 35 small, local and handmade businesses, artists and creatives. Take the time to check out fashion, jewellery and homewares that won’t be found anywhere else.
