It may be small, but it’s just the beginning of something big.
Tucked away on NSW’s mid-north coast, there’s a new hideaway waiting for those who crave a slower kind of escape. Fall into the gentle rhythm of rural life at Tiny Mile – the recently opened riverside cottage where country charm is elevated by life’s little (and not so little) luxuries.
The location
Open a detailed map of NSW and you’ll easily spot the picturesque mid-north coast. It’s a region known for its quiet pace, laid-back lifestyle and untouched natural beauty, with both the beach and the bush at its fingertips. But zoom in a little closer and you’ll find Old Bar, a sleepy coastal town 40 minutes north of Forster.
The opening of Tiny Mile marks the first chapter of What’s Beyond the Mile.
It’s often overlooked by travellers, who unknowingly zoom past its exit on the Pacific Highway with their sights set on places like Newcastle (two hours south) or Port Macquarie (an hour north). It’s a happy accident for Old Bar though, which remains cocooned in the same unhurried and easy-going rhythm it’s always known.
It’s this quiet magic that lends itself to Tiny Mile, an all-new stay just a short drive out of town. Nestled on 40 hectares of private farmland, the peaceful property is framed by towering trees and opens onto its own secluded bend of Berady Creek.
The experience
The hideaway is named after the mile-long drive up to the property.
In line with the rise of wellness tourism, Tiny Mile has been designed with the quiet traveller in mind. Ideal for couples or those going solo, the one-bedroom retreat is all about unwinding and reconnecting – whether with nature, your partner or yourself.
Owner Sherinah Peck has carefully curated Tiny Mile to strike the right balance between country living and contemporary style, blending modern amenities with rural simplicity.
This philosophy is evident throughout the space – its rustic exterior, timber floorboards and industrial fixtures softened by an earthen palette, soft linens and paintings by local artist, Monique Fodor.
Industrial fixtures are softened by an earthen palette.
The kitchenette is equipped with a fridge, gas cooktop and coffee machine.
The riverside retreat has one king-size bedroom, perfect for couples and solo travellers.
It’s an ethos that has been effortlessly interwoven into the fabric of life here. Mod-cons like an automatic projector screen, fireplace, luxury Sans Ceuticals products and a fully equipped kitchenette complete with a coffee machine keep modern travellers happy. But it’s the outdoor amenities that steal the show, inviting guests to slow down, switch off and fully immerse in the landscape.
A covered balcony becomes the perfect perch for slow mornings with a brew, while the fire pit, sunken outdoor bath and custom-built western red cedar sauna create a string of cosy rituals – all with uninterrupted river views. Guests also have unlimited access to canoes and fishing poles for lazy afternoons on the creek.
The vision
Tiny Mile sits on a private bend of Berady Creek.
While the opening of Tiny Mile marks a beautiful beginning, it’s only the first chapter of a broader vision. ‘What’s Beyond the Mile’ is an all-new destination experience launched by owner Sherinah Peck. The dream? A luxurious riverfront farmhouse set on the same peaceful patch of farmland.
According to Peck, both the recently opened cottage and developing destination project are named after the mile-long drive up to the property, an experience unto itself. And while quietly working on What’s Beyond the Mile in the background, she decided to give guests a taste of what’s to come with Tiny Mile.
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The sunken outdoor bath was made using a repurposed water trough.
Relax in steamy bliss with Tiny Mile's custom-built western red cedar sauna.
The outdoor fire pit is perfect for roasting marshmellows by the river.
It’s an exciting time for not only Old Bar, but this sleepy stretch of the mid-north coast. While its laid-back lifestyle is enticing, tourism ventures remain modest – especially on a luxury level. So while it may be tiny, the future of this riverside retreat is anything but.
The details
Reservations for Tiny Mile are open now and can be made via its website. The property can be found just a short drive inland from the town of Old Bar, with the exact address provided upon booking.
Though its location promises privacy and seclusion, everyday essentials and regional drawcards are still conveniently close. Prices vary depending on check-in dates and length of visit, with exclusive rates for extended stays.
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.
Aussies might think they know what Port Stephens is all about – but it’s time to take another look.
You might’ve driven through this NSW coast town. Maybe even stopped for fish and chips or a quick dip. But spend a long weekend in the new Port Stephens , and you’ll seriously regret not doing it sooner. We’re talking treks across beaches, reef dives and up-close time with rescued koalas.
All in all? It only takes a day before you see Port Stephens in a whole new light, and not much longer until it’s locked in as your favourite family destination.
1. Stockton Sand Dunes
Port Stephens incredible Stockton Sand Dunes are the largest moving sand mass in the Southern Hemisphere. They shift like an endless magic trick across the Worimi Conservation Lands , a 4200-hectare coastal co-managed by the Traditional Owners.
Tear over them in a 4WD. Rev through valleys soft as melting ice cream on a quad. Carve down 30-metre slopes on a sandboard. However you choose to cross them, you’re guaranteed a seriously wild ride.
Chase thrills across shifting sands. (Image: Destination NSW)
2. Scale Tomaree Head Summit Walk
A short climb through bushland opens up to the coastal drama of Tomaree Head . Spot Zenith, Wreck and Box Beaches. See the Fingal Island lighthouse and offshore rookeries where Australia’s rarest seabird, the Gould’s petrel, nests.
History buffs can’t miss the WWII gun emplacements. And if you’re hiking between May and November, bring binoculars. Travelling whales might just be breaching below.
Climb Tomaree Head for jaw-dropping coastal views. (Image: Destination NSW)
3. Watch out for whales
You’ve seen the spouts of migrating humpbacks and southern right whales from shore. Set sail from Nelson Bay to see them up close. Cruise straight into the action, with tail-slaps, barrel rolls and all.
And they’ve got competition from the local show-offs. Port Stephens bottlenose dolphins leap and play. Some tours even spot pudgy fur seals, spending lazy days soaking up the sun on Cabbage Tree Island.
Watch for ocean tails. (Image: Destination NSW)
4. Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary
Pop into the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary to learn about the rescued koalas who climb, nap, snack and heal in this natural patch of bushland. Wander the immersive Sanctuary Story Walk to discover more about their habits, then head to the SKYwalk – a treetop platform constructed for spotting these eucalyptus-loving locals. Peek into the hospital’s viewing window, where sick or injured koalas may be resting in their recovery enclosures.
Not enough time around these adorable marsupials? Stay overnight in silk-lined glamping tents.
See koalas in their natural habitat. (Image: Destination NSW)
5. Diving Port Stephens
Port Stephens has some of NSW’s best dive spots. At Fly Point, float through sponge gardens and coral castles thick with nudibranchs (AKA sea slugs). Halifax Park has blue gropers and crimson-banded wrasse, while Shoal Bay’s seagrass meadows hide pipefish, cuttlefish and octopus.
Accessible only by boat, Broughton Island is home to a vast array of marine (and bird) life. Snorkel with blue devilfish and stingrays at sites like The Looking Glass and North Rock. More experienced divers can head out with one of the many PADI-certified operators.
At nearby Cabbage Tree Island, expect to see shaggy-faced wobbegongs cruising along.
Suit up and dive into Port Stephens’ vibrant marine life. (Image: Destination NSW)
6. Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters
Not quite ready to dive in? Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters is the perfect way to spot local marine life without getting too deep. But there’s no obnoxious glass tank tapping here. Instead, this interactive aquarium allows guests to wade into natural-style lagoons that mimic the real thing.
Gently pat Port Jackson and bamboo sharks, hand-feed rays, and feel their sandpapery skin with your fingertips. It is all under expert guidance. If you want to go deeper, pop on a wetsuit and swim alongside tawny nurse sharks, white-tipped reef sharks and zebra sharks in the lagoon.
Meet the ocean’s friendliest faces at Irukandji. (Image: Destination NSW)
7. Fish the estuaries
Fishing fanatics will fall for Port Stephens hook, line and sinker. Here, one of the largest estuary systems in the whole state sees tidal rivers and mangrove ecosystems. Waterfronts are thick with oysters, and residential fish that might include anything from bream, whiting and flathead, to blue swimmer crabs, kingfish and longtail tuna.
If you prefer to choose your own adventure and fish offshore, you can hire a boat from one of the marinas and set your own course.
Join a tour or chart your own fishing trip. (Image: Destination NSW)
8. Taste new Port Stephens flavours
With plenty of activity to fill your days, refuelling on delectable cuisine becomes equally important. And Port Stephens answers the call.
Pop into Holbert’s Oyster Farm for fresh-farmed Port Stephens rock oysters and Pacific oysters, Australian king and tiger prawns, as well as a variety of tasty sauces to try them with.
Take a group to Atmos for an authentic Greek experience over large shared dishes and Greek-inspired cocktails. Or feast on sea-to-plate, modern Australian dishes at the pet-friendly Restaurant 2317.
Slurp your way through the region’s best oysters. (Image: Destination NSW)
