The 10 best cabin escapes around NSW

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In need of an escape from the daily 9-5? Want to get out of the city and get back to nature? Well, haven’t we got a treat for you.

There’s nothing quite as restorative as a weekend in nature, breathing fresh air and switching off your phone.

Check out our list for the top cosy cabin escapes in NSW and spend your days bushwalking, bird-watching, star-gazing and sleeping in.

1. Bush Cabin, Capertee Valley

This secluded and peaceful self-contained two-bedroom cabin is located 2.5 hours from Sydney, just across from the Blue Mountains.

Sit on the deck and enjoy the spectacular views while cooking up a feast on the barbeque. Try your hand at fishing, yabbying or if you’re feeling extra brave, go for a dip in the dam.

The area is also known for its bush trails, so lock in a morning stroll and set up a spot, spending the day reading and watching the world go by.

By night, sit by the indoor fire, or head down to the local pub (known for their great pizzas).

Rates from $150 per night.

2. 1950’s Sydney Train Carriage and Tiny Shepherd’s Hut, Lower Hunter Valley

A truly unique experience, the 1950’s Sydney Train Carriage and Tiny Shepherd’s Hut are 100% tranquil and completely surrounded by Hunter Valley bushland.

Satisfy those outdoor cravings and check out this eco off-the-grid farm accommodation. The two separate cabins can sleep up to four adults.

The train deck is the perfect spot to spend the afternoon watching the farm’s alpacas, guinea fowl and chickens roam about.

Rates from $225 per night.

The 1950’s Sydney Train Carriage and Tiny Shepherd’s Hut is a truly unique experience

3. The Artist Studio, Pokolbin

Originally built as an artist’s studio in the early 90’s, this sweet cottage is situated on a working cattle farm in Hunter Valley. The perfect location for those wanting to fit in some wine-tasting on their escape.

What looks like an old shed from the outside has been transformed into a modern country home with all of the mod-cons you might need.

Rates from $250 per night.

4. Loughmore Cottage, Kangaroo Valley

This early 20th-century cosy, Irish settler’s timber hut, is situated in the heart of Kangaroo Valley on the NSW South Coast.

The cottage has a beautiful rustic interior, stone fireplace, elegant 4-poster bed and eclectic furnishings; making it the perfect romantic getaway destination.

Canoeing and horse-riding are just a stone’s throw away, as well as a range of cafes and pubs to choose from.

Spend an afternoon browsing through Loughmore Cottage’s collection of art and design books, or watch one of the classic movies.

Rates from $257 per night.

5. Tom’s Cabin, North Coast

If you’re really wanting to immerse yourself in nature, then this is for you.

You’ll find this charming cabin nestled within New England National Park on NSW’s North Coast. The perfect location for adventurous types keen to explore.

With no electricity or power outlets, guests will need to be prepared with a supply of food and torches. Spend the night by the indoor fire, playing cards by candlelight.

Tom’s Cabin is great for a family getaway or that all-important girls’ weekend away.

Rates from $85 per night.

The secluded Tom’s Cabin

6. Tallarook Tiny Home, Mogood

Escape the city and stay in this architecturally designed tiny home , surrounded by the Australian bush on the Clyde River in the Shoalhaven on the NSW South Coast.

Tallarook is set amongst some of the most breath-taking nature in Australia, allowing guests to disconnect from their devices and reconnect with nature.

Polished hardwood floors, heating, and contemporary furnishings make for a comfortable stay. The owners will also drop by with fresh farm eggs, bread, jam and even bacon each morning.

Rates from $250 per night.

Tallarook Tiny Home has all the comforts of home

7. Nulla Nulla Blacksmith’s Retreat, Macleay River Valley

A former horseman’s cottage, Nulla Nulla Blacksmith’s Retreat is a red-cedar luxurious log cabin that overlooks the pristine Nulla Nulla Creek and casuarina forests.

Guests can choose to add a hamper of fresh-picked organic vegetables or choose from the menu designed by the farm’s chef for a fully-catered experience.

Spend the day exploring your surroundings or indulge with a private yoga lesson or massage.

Rates from $261 per night.

Sleep overlooking Nulla Nulla Creek and casuarina forests

8. Love Studio, Bilpin

This cute timber and corrugated iron studio dwelling is the perfect couple escape. The enchanting outdoor spa bath overlooks the Wollemi National Park. Could it be any more romantic?

Made from recycled materials and furniture, the bohemian décor is full of character.

It also boasts an indoor fireplace and self-contained kitchen, so you can enjoy your remote bush escape in complete comfort.

Rates from $343 per night.

9. Worrowing Wilderness Hut, Jervis Bay

Nature comes first at this secluded Wilderness Hut.

Nestled between Jervis Bay and St Georges Basin, Worrowing Wilderness Hut is just minutes from the famous white-sand beaches.

The hut is beautifully appointed with a bathtub, heating, a full kitchen, handmade furniture and art.

Rates from $280 per night.

Worrowing hut, Jervis Bay

10. The Rabbit’s Hut, Coolac

Find this quaint cottage on a working cattle station, bordered by the Murrumbidgee River in the Riverina region.

The Rabbit’s Hut has the perfect mix of country charm and modern comfort, with an open fireplace and stunning views of the property.

Nearby Jugiong has plenty of great places to eat. Our pick is the Sir George – a classic country pub with an artisan bakery and excellent food.

Rates from $220 per night.

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Dive into summer with hikes, great bites and wellness in The Tweed

Warmer days call for slowing down and relaxing in nature. Discover why The Tweed is the ultimate destination to do just that.

As the end of the year draws near, the need for rest and restoration grows ever more prominent. For many, that means heading into nature – and there’s plenty of science to back up the benefits of doing so. It quite literally makes us happier as it reduces stress hormones, lowers our blood pressure and more. And what better place to lean into this feel-good effect than during summer in The Tweed (in the Northern Rivers region of NSW)? Blending sparkling beaches, riverside towns and hinterland villages, this area has nature covered, while also offering top activities and dining options.

Slip, slop, slap.

And of course, pack your SPF. We Are Feel Good Inc’s Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 is a lightweight and fast-absorbing formula that keeps your skin hydrated and shielded, thanks to nourishing Coconut Oil and Vitamin E. But it’s also helping preserve the natural beauty around you on your Tweed vacation, thanks to 30 per cent ocean waste packaging.

Discover eight experiences that make The Tweed the perfect place for summer.

1. Underwater worlds

two people swimming after turtle on the tweed
Get a chance to swim with the locals.

There’s something about the ocean that calls to us as humans, and what’s below the surface is even more magical.

Green, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles (not to mention an abundance of other marine life) all use the protected waters around Cook Island, near Fingal Head, as their foraging ground, making it the perfect place to dive and snorkel to spot these adorable creatures.

Join Cooly Eco Adventures on a guided snorkelling tour that combines unforgettable turtle encounters with an inspiring look into marine conservation.

2. Farm-to-table dining

table spread at Potager restaurant
Treat your taste buds at Potager. (Image: Cara Sophie)

Respecting the land and nature also means appreciating its abundance of food. From farm-to-table cafes and boutique breweries to river cruises and restaurants championing local produce, dining around The Tweed often means engaging with the best local producers.

The award-winning Potager Restaurant , part of The Hinterland Collection , is the perfect example; beginning life as a kitchen garden, the passion to champion local producers is woven into every dish. Vegetables, fruit and herbs are picked from the garden or sourced from other local producers, the seafood comes from the Northern Rivers, and meat is sourced from ethical local producers. Even the cocktail list features local distillers.

Extend your stay with a night (or several) at boutique on-site accommodation, Potager House . This French-inspired country four-bedroom retreat boasts stunning views of the surrounding hills and nearby ocean, as well as a large pool, outdoor entertaining area and infrared sauna.

3. Water wellness

Waterguru Mindfulness in the Mangroves summer on the tweed
Find mindfulness in mangroves. (Image: Matt Johnson)

You’ll find mindfulness while floating around the mangroves of Kingscliff’s Cudgen Creek at any time, but Watersports Guru offers an immersive experience to help guests do so with more intent. Join a 90-minute guided session on a stand-up paddleboard to reconnect with nature and relax through breathwork, gentle movement and sensory awareness.

If you’re feeling more adventurous, Watersports Guru also offer Kayak fishing adventures or join a Sea Turtle Odyssey experience.

4. Restorative seaside stays

woman relaxing in spa at Halcyon Wellness, halcyon house
Unwind at Halcyon Wellness.

The Tweed encourages locals and visitors alike to slow down. To really indulge, a seaside stay is a must. Halcyon House has understood the assignment, blending a wellness philosophy centred on balance and self-discovery with luxurious surrounds. Stay in one of 22 rooms and suites (each individually designed by eclectic interior designer Anna Spiro) right on the beachfront. Book restorative treatments at the onsite spa, Halcyon Wellness, relax by the pool, dine at the hatted Paper Daisy restaurant and just let The Tweed work its magic.

While Blue Water Motel offers a relaxed coastal escape, just steps from Kingscliff Beach. Settle in stylish rooms, recently restyled by Jason Grant, nodding to the cool of Kingscliff with a fun retro vibe. Hire a bike from reception to explore the surrounding area.

5. Tasty drops

Husk Farm Distillery
Join a Farm to Bottle tour. (Image: Salsingh Photography)

The owners at Husk Farm Distillery aren’t just about creating high-quality rum: they’re also farmers themselves. In fact, they create one of the world’s only single estate, farm-to-bottle spirits. Join a Farm to Bottle tour to discover the sustainable ‘full circle’ distilling practices used here, and even get hands-on with your own cane knife to help harvest and juice your own stalk of cane. And, of course, a welcome drink plus complimentary tastings along the way.

6. Rail trail adventures

Cycle the Northern Rivers Rail Trail.
Cycle the Northern Rivers Rail Trail.

Exploring the rolling green slopes and historic towns of the 24-kilometre Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is one of the best ways to connect with the region’s lush hinterland and interesting heritage. In this section of the trail, discover the area’s railway history at heritage-listed Murwillumbah Railway Station, and traverse by 18 railway bridges and through two railway tunnels.

Linking vibrant towns and villages with the larger hub of Murwillumbah, this section of the trail is covered in asphalt or compacted gravel, making it accessible for all ages and abilities, from prams to adaptive bikes. 

7. Linger longer

surfer at fingal heads the tweed
Enjoy beachside locations, like Fingal Heads.

Linger longer at one of the seven idyllic beach, river and creekside locations of Tweed Holiday Parks – including at Tweed Heads, Kingscliff Beach, Hastings Point and Pottsville South. All just steps from the water’s edge, they make the ideal base to unwind, or head out for exploration of The Tweed. Choose from luxury waterfront cabins, accessible cabins, surfari tents (yes, they are basically glamping tents) or spacious sites for caravans, motorhomes and campervans or tents.

Tweed Holiday Parks
Stay for longer and indulge in plat at Tweed Holiday Parks.

Find your feel-good summer in The Tweed at visitthetweed.com.au .