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.

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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

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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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The secret Sydney suite life: a luxury under-the-radar stay right on the harbour

    Kate Bettes Kate Bettes
    This winter, these secret Sydney harbour suites are the staycation we’ve been looking for.

    Whether it’s the crisscrossing ferries or the white sails of the Opera House rising out of blue depths, Australia’s biggest city lives for its harbour. But while locals might glance at that watery expanse on their daily commute across the Bridge, it can still be hard to truly connect with Sydney’s maritime soul. The secret: seeing the harbour eye-to-eye, right at water level. And what better place to submerge yourself in that energy than sleeping there? That’s where Pier One Sydney Harbour comes in (and with new all-inclusive bed and breakfast benefits, there’s even more to love).

    All-inclusive VIP benefits

    Who Is Elijah Amenities at Pier One Sydney Harbour
    Book in for the all-inclusive VIP treatment.

    The hard truth is that it will be very difficult to tear yourself away from your ultra-luxurious harbour home-away-from-home to explore the city. If you want to make leaving even harder, opt for Pier One’s all-inclusive VIP treatment.

    The Bed and Breakfast with Suite Benefits package turns up the volume on what is already the ultimate staycation, with complimentary valet parking, daily breakfast for two and turndown service. The biggest perk? Enjoy a bottle of French champagne every day during your whole stay

    Pier One Sydney Harbour

    Pier One Sydney Harbour
    Step into a piece of history with all the modern comforts. (Credit: Dave Wheeler)

    The five-star Pier One Sydney Harbour is quite literally old Sydney through and through. Built on what was once a working cargo wharf and the passenger terminal for those heading to the North Shore before the bridge was constructed, the heritage building sits right between the tangle of cobblestones, pubs and alleyways of The Rocks and the historic docking zone of Walsh Bay – at the centre of the city’s old sea trade.

    If knowing the hotel’s history isn’t enough to get your sea-longing going, the interior design certainly will. As soon as you step up to the concierge desk in the lobby of the restored building – which underwent a $15 million redevelopment in 2019 – you’re immersed in Sydney’s seafaring tale. Weathered wood panelling and white marble floors surround you, while loop lighting installations hover above the bar island just beyond, ringed with stools ready for intimate, martini-tinted conversations. Steel rivets and timber beams speak to its past, and glass-walled views anchor you firmly in the present-day life on the harbour.

    Pier One Suites

    Pier One Sydney Harbour admiral suite
    Enjoy incredible views from your suite.

    Across the 189 rooms and suites built on and over the water, the maritime theme continues. Sculptural aged brass fittings, exposed girders, colour schemes that evoke shifting currents, and mirrors that reflect ripples that – depending on your booking – sit just metres from your pillow.

    United on theme yet unique in set-up, each room or suite is different. On the ground floor, dog-friendly rooms with direct access to the pier are all prepped for pampered pups, while others have views and even balconies overlooking Walsh Bay, the Bridge and the Harbour.

    But the 19 suites step things up even more. Gaze out through floor-to-ceiling windows, or get even closer. Your private balcony is made for sipping a Nespresso coffee on as the sun comes up – or soaking in the bathtub of the Admiral Suite on the deck, a drink from the locally stocked mini bar in hand. This mini bar was recently completely transformed, so you have more Aussie favourites to choose from, including alcohol and snacks.

    Dining at Pier One

    Pier Bar Pier One Sydney Harbour
    Settle in for an afternoon of good drinks and views.

    Once you’re checked in, start your afternoon with a spritz at PIER BAR – or arrive by boat via the private pontoon if the occasion calls for it – and settle into one of the cabanas. Weekdays bring Happy Hour (or ‘sunset hour’ at Pier One); weekends bring the DJs. After an even sweeter experience? The Everyday Creamery and Matcha Kiosk is slinging mango and vanilla soft serve – classic and those spiked with Midori and gin alike.

    PIER Dining is an ode to contemporary Australian flavours across the terrace, pier and dining room. On its seafood-leaning menu are Sydney rock oysters from Merimbula, potato scallops with salmon roe and crème fraîche, chicken with melting sundried tomato butter, vodka rigatoni with Shark Bay prawns. And the ‘Pierlova’ – that’s pavlova with chocolate, dulce de leche and banana is worth saving room for. Make sure to ask for the wine list – it’s 100 per cent Australian drops.

    Around town

    luna park, sydney opera house and sydney harbour bridge
    Explore the neighbourhood during your stay. (Credit: Destination NSW)

    If you’re strong enough to polish off just one last pastry from the breakfast buffet and walk out the door, we applaud you. Luna Park across the harbour beckons with its wide grin, while a glance upward might spur you to climb the Bridge’s famous iron arches. The Opera House – just across Circular Quay from the Museum of Contemporary Art – sings out for a concert.

    You’ll want to book ahead for those hot-ticket performances at Sydney Theatre Company and Sydney Dance Company, just a few minutes’ walk south of the hotel. Ten minutes further brings you to the waterfront bars, restaurants and clubs of Barangaroo, or the karaoke, gardens and dim sum of Chinatown further afield.

    Keep the mellow of your weekend getaway going with a stop at Barangaroo Reserve, watching the yachts go by – all before returning for that Sydney sundowner at Pier One.

    Ready to make that Pier One stay a reality? Book the ultimate Sydney staycation at pieronesydneyharbour.com.au

    The 10 Best Cabin Escapes Around NSW