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.
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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 check out places like Scotland and North America, her favourite place to explore will always be her homeland.
Discover what makes this country town the perfect place to slow down, switch off and recharge.
At first glance, the country town of Moree may look like just another charming highway town, with heritage buildings, a leafy town centre and classic pubs the locals love. However, this regional New South Wales town is Australia’s Artesian Spa Capital, a wellness hub with a rich Indigenous cultural history and a growing reputation as a destination for slow travel.
Moree is ideally located at the crossroads of the Gwydir and Newell highways (and is also easily reached by train and air), making it a refreshing destination, or stop, on any road trip. And these eight experiences show why.
1. Taste Moree on a Plate
Taste the best of regional produce and culinary talent. (Credit: Destination NSW)
Time your trip for Mother’s Day weekend in May, and you’ll find yourself in the middle of the popular annual food and wine festival, Moree on a Plate, celebrating regional produce and culinary talent from the region’s fertile plains.
Browse the stalls and sample olives, pecans, citrus fruits, honey, boutique wines and handmade condiments. You can also enjoy live cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs, a local barbecue competition, plein-air art, live music and a dedicated children’s activity area.
2. Experience artesian waters
Chill out in Moree’s famous artesian waters.
Moree’s famous artesian waters have attracted visitors for over 130 years. First discovered by accident in 1895, this mineral-rich, naturally heated water is drawn from deep within the Great Artesian Basin. Soak and slow down in the recently renovated pools at the Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre, where you can choose between the active pool with massaging water jets or the passive pool for a more relaxing experience.
For a longer soak, stay at one of the many motels within walking distance of the aquatic centre. Or book a stay with its own artesian pools.
Gwydir Thermal Pools Motel & Caravan Park has five on-site thermal pools and a broad range of accommodation, while the Phoenix Resort offers both indoor spas and outdoor thermal pools as well as recently upgraded self-contained apartments and motel rooms. Meanwhile, the Artesian Spa Motel is set on five acres of landscaped gardens and features swimming and thermal pools, including an indoor artesian spa and an on-site restaurant.
3. Enjoy an arty experience
Step inside the gorgeous Bank Art Museum Moree. (Credit: Destination NSW)
To connect with Moree’s artistic side, head to Bank Art Museum Moree (BAMM), an independent contemporary art gallery housed in a beautifully preserved, Federation-era bank dating back to 1910. Inside, a nationally significant collection celebrates the art and culture of the Gamilaroi/Kamilaroi people and other First Nations artists alongside regional Australian art, while changing exhibitions offer something new.
Follow the Moree Art Mural Trail through the CBD, and you’ll pass large-scale murals and small galleries reflecting stories of the town’s people, history and culture. While you’re exploring this open-air gallery, look out for the eclectic mix of Art Deco and early 20th-century architecture, including the Moree Courthouse and the striking Capitol Theatre facade.
4. Discover cotton country
Learn more about Moree’s cotton industry. (Credit: Destination NSW)
Surrounded by the black-soil plains of the Gwydir Valley, Moree is at the centre of one of Australia’s major cotton-growing areas. Visit between March and May, and you’ll see fields covered in the distinctive fluffy white cotton bolls being harvested by huge machinery.
Trace the cotton from paddock to fabric on the Cotton Farm and Gin tour, running from April to September. You’ll visit a cotton farm and a working cotton gin up close, where you’ll see the cotton fibres separated from the seeds. Tours run weekly and include transfers.
5. Explore the Moree Plains
Head out of town to explore the plains.
Outside of the city centre, Moree is surrounded by charming rural villages dotted around the plains. The quiet village of Boomi, around 90 kilometres north-west of Moree, offers historic early 20th-century architecture, its own artesian thermal waters at the Boomi Artesian Baths and vast outback skies.
Further west, the pioneer border town of Mungindi straddles the Barwon River between New South Wales and Queensland. Follow the 2.5-kilometre sculpture trail to take in the outdoor public art, and you’ll cross the state border twice.
6. Relax by the water
Spot the locals at Gwydir Wetlands.
Just a short drive away, the peaceful Tareelaroi Weir Recreation Area makes the most of the meandering Gwydir River. Set up camp along the riverside and enjoy picnicking, fishing and swimming.
A little further afield, the Gwydir Wetlands are home to 75 recorded waterbird species, including brolgas, magpie geese, egrets, spoonbills, ibis and black-necked storks, also known as jabirus. Watchers can settle into the hide at Waterbird Lagoon, or follow a short walking trail through the wetlands, keeping an eye out for rare species.
7. Immerse in local Indigenous culture
Learn about the history of the Gamilaroi People.
Moree lies on the traditional lands of the Gamilaroi People, whose connection to the land stretches back thousands of years. Today, visitors can learn about this history at Terry Hie Hie Aboriginal Area, which includes the 3.5 kilometre Yana-y Warruwi Walking Track.
Back in town, the Open Space Aboriginal Art Trail allows you to enjoy the Mehi River with a free, self-guided public art trail of work from local Indigenous artists and their personal connection to Country. Finish with a visit to the remarkable Dhiiyaan Aboriginal Centre, where more than 110,000 family genealogies are recorded. Browse artefacts, art and over 15,000 photographs. There are also changing exhibitions of historical photographs and local art.
8. Local cafe culture
Get amongst’s Moree’s vibrant cafe scene. (Credit: Destination NSW)
From relaxed country cafes to stylish modern eateries, Moree’s CBD has a surprisingly vibrant foodie scene. There are plenty of spots to choose from for a freshly brewed coffee, long lunch or tasty dinner, featuring menus showcasing local produce and loads of country charm.
If you’d rather dine in the great outdoors, grab a takeaway coffee or a picnic and head to leafy Jellicoe Park, a riverside oasis just a short walk from the centre of town. Pick a spot under the trees, enjoy the park’s art installations and keep watch for waterbirds along the river.
