A Review Of Unyoked Cabin: One Of The Most Off-Grid Huts In Australia

We nabbed a night in one of the most in-demand off-grid huts in Australia & here’s what did (and didn’t) go down

Imagine the consumerist rebellion of the Tiny House Movement meeting the comfort level of a quality Airbnb and you’ll get close to what it feels like to stay in an Unyoked cabin, the new cool kid on the off-grid-escape block.

But there’s a bigger mission behind this brand new cluster of cabins beyond just getting outdoors. It’s about connecting through the power of disconnecting. And if that sounds contradictory, I promise it’s all by design.

If you’ve ever felt a sense of dread when your phone rings or a bit of blah after scrolling through everyone’s highlight reel on Instagram then you’ll understand why this kind of rustic tech-adverse holiday is so à la mode in 2019. A break from modernity has become a bit of a novelty but the barrier for entry (*cough* completely roughing it) tends to put most people off.

So welcome to luxury in 2019. It’s all French linen sheets and composting toilets because according to Unyoked founders Chris and Cam Grant, a good life is all about balance.

And it’s a surefire recipe for success because trying to score a night in one of their sustainable hideaways is like trying to find a carpark at a Westfield during Christmas (all about timing and patience). And when a spot comes available you snatch it up whether it’s convenient for you or not.

That’s how I found myself (family in tow) deep in rural New South Wales on a Monday afternoon with only latitude and longitude tapped into my GPS and some obscure instructions to ‘turn left at the shed but after the vineyard’.

You see, getting to your Unyoked cabin is half the journey and is a necessary step to acclimating to your new off-grid surrounds. It’s about tapping into a childlike sense of adventure that’s lacking from so many weekend escapes. And nothing makes you feel a bit adventurous like leaving your car and dragging a trolley of provisions a few hundred metres into the wild unknown.

Arrival

We arrived to a modern box seemingly straight out of one of those coffee table books about Scandinavian architecture.

There was enough room inside for a small kitchenette, a fairly generous bathroom and shower and a very Instagram-friendly plush queen-size bed by a giant picture window overlooking the forest beyond. I know a digital detox is the name of the game with Unyoked but when life hands you a scene straight out of a Gestalten book it’s only right to take as many happy-snaps as possible for post-holiday uploading.

For the record, there actually is a Gestalten book on the bookshelf for handy perusal (among a collection of Penguin classics).

If the sense of luxe hadn’t quite hit by then it was more than cemented upon opening the mini bar fridge. Inside we found a treasure trove of pre-mixed Archie Rose Negroni cocktails just waiting for fireside consumption.

This is something Unyoked excels in above any other cabin stays. You’re well and truly out of the city but still in proximity to some of the coolest creatives in the business. For example, wilderness cook and Instagram superstar Sarah Glover has designed the s’mores kits (the peanut butter, chocolate and marshmallow fireside treat favoured by North Americans), Sydney distillery Archie Rose has contributed the cocktails and local multi-awarded organic vineyards are selected for the bottles of wine on offer.

Thanks to all this you can’t help but walk with a little more swagger as you collect twigs for the fire (a Negroni or two will do that).

Sleeping

As the sun descends the cosiness factor ramps up and before long it was time to tuck our toddler into the large bed and read him stories by a small lamp. Halfway through Green Eggs and Ham we realised how long it’s been since we all read a book as a family (as opposed to playing rock-paper-scissors on which parent would be on the bedtime routine). We did all the voices, we took turns reading pages, our boy fell asleep easier than he had in ages. Clearly this cabin thing was already working its magic on us.

Around this point you’re probably thinking ‘well, that’s what happens when you don’t have any other distractions’. Which is exactly the point.

Anyone who has ever tried to give themselves a digital detox will know how difficult it can be to switch off while still surrounded by all the frantic flotsam of reality. The temptation to zone out and scroll is ever-present and the feeling is almost akin to an alcoholic fresh out of rehab. But when you have fires to prep, s’mores to build, music to listen to and stories to read? This is the kind of relaxed busywork that restores the soul.

There’s no urge to scroll and mentally escape because your mind is engaged. It’s already having fun, fuelled by raw authentic good times. Sure, it’s not as hyper-stimulating as an oversaturated Instagram landscape shot but that’s why it’s so brilliant, you could think of it as a rest for your brain.

Take a stroll through the magestic surrounds

Waking

Because there aren’t any blinds (well, who needs them? There’s nobody else around) we woke up as the sun rose. Our boy still zonked out between us and the sound of birdsong in the background.

Force of habit has me normally immediately reaching out for my phone. The standard routine being: eyes open, find phone, scroll, wake up to a combination of bad news, good news, no news.

This morning I didn’t know where my phone was. It didn’t matter. I pulled the covers up, sniffed by boy’s head and went back to sleep.

Luckily Unyoked generously offer an 11am check-out time, for exactly these kind of moments.

Underpinned by grassroots hospitality and award-winning organic produce, the Central Coast’s gastronomy scene is thriving, with the region quickly becoming one of the best destinations in NSW for epicures.

Revered for its rugged natural splendour and laid-back seaside charm, NSW’s Central Coast has soared in popularity in recent years, becoming a top choice for an affordable slice of weekend escapism for Sydneysiders. Just a short 45-minute drive north of Sydney, it’s the kind of place that, no matter how many times you visit, leaves you with the sense that there’s always more to uncover. But while the ocean pools, bushwalks and beaches have (rightly) taken the spotlight, it’s the Central Coast food offerings which have been quietly simmering in the background.

From fresh-as-it-gets seafood and juicy organic citrus you can pluck yourself, through to regenerative farming and reputable farm-to-fork dining, this coastal gem has become an idyllic foodie mecca. Here are some of the best ways to immerse yourself in grassroots hospitality and gastronomic glory on the NSW Central Coast.

vegetables in a basket at Bells Garden at Bells At Killcare — From picking your own, to farm-to-table, discover the best Central Coast food experiences. (Image: Remy Brand)

Central Coast oyster experiences

From humble grub to opulent delicacy, oysters have ascended into a league of their own. Epicureans are fascinated by them – willing to pay upwards of $35 per dozen (double at some of Sydney’s reputable fine dining restaurants) – and ‘shuck bars’ seem to be popping up at every milestone celebration.

But it’s rare to find places that really draw back the curtain on how they’re farmed and why everyone is mad for these molluscs. The Central Coast , however, is home to several of these venues. With its pristine waters, mild climate and nutrient-rich estuaries, it’s the perfect breeding ground for oysters.

Learn about oyster farming and, importantly, how to shuck them at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours . Nestled on the Hawkesbury River at Mooney Mooney, Sheridan Beaumont and her team offer a hands-on foodie experience where you can feast on dozens of oysters (white tablecloth and all) while wading through the calm waters. You can even bring your own bottle of bubbles to wash them down.

guests in the water for an experience at Sydney Oyster Farm - Central Coast food — Learn tricks of the trade at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours. (Image: Remy Brand)

Elevate your oyster knowledge even further by heading north over the Hawkesbury River Bridge to the Hawkesbury River Oyster Shed . Tour their scenic oyster leases and saltwater paddocks by boat to uncover the distinct characteristics of the Sydney rock oyster and creamy Pacific oyster. They’ve also partnered with Broken Bay Pearl Farm to offer a one-of-a-kind oyster and pearl farming guided tour, showcasing the Central Coast’s very own pearl oyster, the Broken Bay ‘Akoya’. But if you’re simply in the mood to devour a dozen delectable oysters while soaking in the tranquil river views, pull up a chair at the shed. It’s friendly in every sense of the word: pets, families and BYO welcome.

shucking oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm — Taste freshly shucked oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm. (Image: James Horan)

Central Coast farms to pick your own fruit

While the Central Coast is known for its breathtaking 40 beaches and 80-kilometre coastline, its lush hinterland is equally impressive – abundant with orchards and agriculturally rich farmland. And when it comes to the simple joy of picking your own fruit, the Central Coast is a ripe playground.

Family-owned Meliora Farm at Peats Ridge is an orchard that blends conventional, biodynamic and organic philosophies. Third-generation farmer Tim Kemp and his wife Elise are dedicated to honouring the family legacy by growing a rich variety of oranges, lemons, limes, mandarins and avocados. In late May, roam the sustainable and nutrient-dense property during ‘Pick Your Own’ weekends.

Eastcoast Beverages is another bountiful citrus orchard boasting over 60 hectares of fruit. From June you can learn about the cultivation of high-quality ingredients – like lemons, limes, grapefruit and oranges – by touring both the farm and factory before setting out and picking your own straight from the source. You can also sample an array of citrus-inspired sweet and savoury treats at their on-site cafe, Bambino’s .

If it’s just juicy oranges you’re after, Cedar Farm in Dooralong is a must-visit. Located about 30 minutes north of Peats Ridge, it features 15 flourishing orchards and over 3000 orange trees – with take-home bags during the season (from July) at low prices. Not bad for a fruity weekend haul.

woman picking oranges at Oranges at Dooralong — Pick your own citrus fruits on the Central Coast. (Image: James Vodicka)

Organic dining

What makes the Central Coast hinterland so special is the unwavering respect the communities have for their cherished backyard. Locally owned and operated farms are all striving for more sustainable practices and methods to both enhance biodiversity and reduce environmental impact, each with a heartwarming food philosophy.

The Food Farm in Wyong Creek believes good food is worth both the work and the wait. Devoted to regenerative farming, first-generation ‘farmily’ Tim Eyes and Hannah Greenshields are recognised for their grass-fed, grass-finished beef and pasture-raised, gold medal-winning chickens. With an open gate policy, The Food Farm encourages visitors to swing by and try some of their slow-grown produce at their small ‘honesty’ farm shop. With no staff, you can pick up a few quality cuts of meat and pasteurised eggs, leaving the owing amount in cash or via eftpos.

Keeping the spirit of generational organic farming alive is Fanelli Organics . Nestled in the Central Coast’s scenic and sleepy Mangrove Mountain, founders Eden and Louise Fanelli own over 45 hectares of plentiful farmland and orchards that produce a huge range of organic fruit and vegetables, like purple Dutch carrots, blood oranges, broccoli and Tuscan kale. A true home-grown operation, Fanelli Organics shares its fresh produce with local restaurants and community markets, including the beloved markets at Like Minds Cafe at Avoca Beach every Wednesday afternoon.

farmers holding fresh produce picked at Fanelli Organics — See where your food comes from at Fanelli Organics.

Paddock-to-plate dining

High-quality ingredients go hand in hand with premium dining, and the Central Coast is home to several paddock-to-plate restaurants that showcase its diverse and rich agriculture. Paired with warm, grassroots hospitality, there are culinary triumphs, new menus and revered chefs constantly popping up, putting the local dining scene firmly on the map.

Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce. Nestled in thick bushland with wraparound verandahs, floral gardens and an idyllic dam, the gourmet homestead and bakehouse is unlike any restaurant on the Central Coast. Here, head chef Reece Collins and his team serve up an impressive breakfast and lunch menu that oozes rustic charm. Pull up a comfy armchair on the expansive deck, listen to birdsong, and tuck into flavoursome dishes like the farmhouse Benedict with honey-cured ham, lemon myrtle hollandaise and Warrigal gremolata, or the hearty beef brisket pie with confit garlic potato purée and rainbow chard.

woman writing in notebook next to a table of food at Saddles, Central Coast food — Taste country-style cooking at Saddles. (Image: Destination NSW)

Delivering a slice of sophistication and luxury to the shores and bushland of Bouddi Peninsula is Bells at Killcare . One of the few boutique resorts on the Central Coast, it’s known for its premium service and five-star suites, as well as its bountiful kitchen gardens that boast an orchard, olive trees, avocado trees, free-range hens and a honey bee hive.

Cameron Cansdell has returned to Bells at Killcare as head chef, bringing his expertise to the casual yet refined menus that feature a raw bar with Oscietra caviar, freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters and Moreton Bay bugs, all served alongside optional matched wines. Sample some of Australia’s best regional wines and standout dishes, like roasted Wollemi duck with grilled leeks, rocket, grilled grapes and 10-year-aged balsamic, or the shareworthy salt-crusted snapper with herb salad and salsa, before roaming the picturesque gardens, wine in hand.

cocktail at Bells At Killcare — Sample incredible wine, cocktails and dishes at Bells At Killcare. (Image: Nikki To)

Plan your next visit to the delicious Central Coast.

A night in one of the most off-grid huts in Australia

We nabbed a night in one of the most in-demand off-grid huts in Australia & here’s what did (and didn’t) go down

Arrival

Sleeping

Waking

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Why the Central Coast is a foodie mecca

Underpinned by grassroots hospitality and award-winning organic produce, the Central Coast’s gastronomy scene is thriving, with the region quickly becoming one of the best destinations in NSW for epicures.

Central Coast oyster experiences

Central Coast farms to pick your own fruit

Organic dining

Paddock-to-plate dining