The 10 Best Cabin Escapes Around NSW

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.

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.

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.

Discover vibrant culture and creativity, gorgeous nature spots and more in lively Newcastle.

Newcastle/Muloobinba has a lot going for it beyond its big skies and beautiful beaches. The city’s creative types are now heading downtown, taking over and transforming warehouses and terraces to offer a more alternative vibe. From its nightlife to secret swimming spots, art to architecture, here’s our insider’s guide to Newcastle in New South Wales.

1. Learn to sail on Newcastle Harbour

The harbour has always shaped Newcastle, so it seems like the most obvious place to start your weekend. Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club offers a range of programs that provide instruction for both novice and experienced sailors. This is an inspired classroom that sets off past the Honeysuckle Foreshore up the Hunter River, with views towards a seemingly infinite vista of blue stretching to the horizon. It’s the perfect way to savour your time by the sea. Other water activities include surfing, swimming in one of the secret ocean baths or whale-watching with CoastXP .

Aerial view of Newcastle Harbour. — Join Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club’s programs. (Image: City of Newcastle)

2. Underground jazz scene

Follow the lively sound of the saxophone bubbling up to find The Underground . The popular basement-level bar, with its dim lighting and speakeasy aesthetic, schedules live jazz performances every Tuesday and Thursday. Newcastle is known around the country for supporting live music and this late-night New York-style jazz bar is, like the city itself, both approachable and sophisticated. For fans of live music, Queen’s Wharf Hotel , King Street Newcastle , Mad Poet and The Lucky Hotel are all popular pubs for their roster of live music.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Newcastle Live (@newcastlelive)

3. The city as a canvas

The streets of Newcastle present like an outdoor art gallery , adding beauty to the everyday with large-scale works by artists such as Fintan Magee, Inari Meyers, Tom Henderson and Sophia Flegg. Hire a Flash E-bike and pedal around the streets to find treasures such as Bronte Naylor’s Mirror Ocean in Civic Square or Sky & Ocean at South Newcastle Beach Skate Park. You can also join Newy Tour Co.’s Discover Newcastle tour to explore city highlights, architectural gems and street art with an expert guide.

Friends take in Newcastle Street Art. — Admire stunning works of art displayed all around you. (Image: Destination NSW)

4. An artist’s view of Newcastle

There’s a real sense of optimism around Newcastle, stemming from its many grassroots art galleries and organisations. The city is home to an eclectic array of artists who gravitate toward different mediums; see their works on show at independent galleries such as The Lock-Up , which operated as a police station from 1861 until 1982, and Lighthouse Arts Newcastle in the light-filled cottages on Nobbys Head/Whibayganba. Stop by The Creator Incubator to see the Little and Big gallery spaces. Newcastle Art Gallery will soon reopen after a recent expansion, so keep an eye out.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Creator Incubator (@thecreatorincubator)

5. Newcastle after dark

The small bars confetti’d around Newcastle are a sign of the times. Visitors to the compact city will find a concentration of bars within a small radius, all of which are within easy walking distance or accessible via the light rail. The after-dark experience, which includes theatre and live music, is designed for visitors who are in search of the offbeat and want to celebrate the city’s creativity. Whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure, the bars that dot most neighbourhoods will tempt you with everything from happy hour to their alt attitude.

A bartender expertly crafting a drink, with a stunning library of spirits in the background. — Enjoy a night out at a lively bar. (Image: City of Newcastle)

6. Indulge in great gastronomy

Newcastle’s proximity to the Hunter Valley has helped establish it as a sophisticated getaway for gourmands with a passion for provenance. Dining options in the city are diverse, with everything from casual cafes to cantina-style Mexican eateries such as Antojitos , through to fine diners such as Flotilla and Jana Restaurant & Bar at QT Newcastle . Visit during Newcastle Food Month to get a snapshot of the local culinary scene – you can take note of the many world-class restaurants and cafes that warrant a return visit. Humbug , Peregrin and Bistro Penny should also be on your radar.

The dining area at Flotilla in Newcastle NSW. — Savour a world-class dining experience at Flotilla. (Image: Flotilla)

7. Crystalbrook Kingsley

Crystalbrook Kingsley is another great example of Newcastle’s new wow factor. Staying at the hotel – in the heart of the cultural centre – makes exploring a breeze, with vintage bikes for guests who want to check out the city streets on two wheels. The design-savvy Crystalbrook Collection reimagined the Roundhouse building while adhering to its ethos of sustainable luxury. The hotel is also a magnet for foodies, with the rooftop Roundhouse restaurant and cocktail bar, Romberg’s, two of the best spots in the city for wining and dining.

The Roundhouse by Crystalbrook Collection. — Step into the reworked Roundhouse by Crystalbrook. (Image: Crystalbrook Kingsley)

8. Newcastle’s creative side on show

Save the date for New Annual , a festival of art, music and ideas from 26 September – 5 October. The program is jam-packed with 10 days of art, culture and creativity. This year’s festival will celebrate the power art has to connect people. Expect to see a diverse program including music, theatre, workshops, and performances in iconic Newcastle locations. Visitors will find a concentration of events within a small radius, all of which are within easy walking distance or accessible via the light rail.

Dancers performing gracefully, accompanied by a live orchestra. — Celebrate migration, community and belonging at New Annual.

Plan your next trip to offbeat Newcastle.

The 10 best cabin escapes around NSW