Escape to a tiny house in NSW for a romantic weekend in nature

This Valentine’s Day, stay at one these houses in NSW and spend the weekend sitting in silence by the fire together, lying in bed listening to birdsong and taking long bushwalks in the golden afternoon. It’s the perfect way to leave busy work schedules behind and reconnect with your other half. You’ll return more in love with each other (and NSW) than ever.

Stella, Kangaroo Valley 

It’s the views that make this tiny house so special – nothing but rolling green hills will be the first thing you see when you sit up in bed in the morning. It’s equipped for every kind of weather, with air conditioning and a combustion fire – and on clear nights, a fire pit for hours spent cuddled up gazing at the Milky Way. It also has a stove and oven for a night in cooking dinner with local produce. A five-minute drive from the Kangaroo Valley township, spend a day shopping in sweet boutiques and drop into The Friendly Inn for a pint.

Stella, Kangaroo Valley

Fairview Cottage, Swansea

Spend the weekend exploring the peaceful Lake Macquarie region at Fairview Cottage, located in a sleepy suburb of Swansea and five minutes’ walk to the lake’s edge. The minimalist kitchen means dinner is best cooked by the professionals at one of the local restaurants; the seafood platter at Crusoe’s on the Lake is a must. Spend the days kayaking or paddleboarding, or drive 10 minutes to Catherine Hill Bay, to see the 19th century miners’ cottages and swim at the beach.

Fairview Cottage, Swansea

Wildernest T2 Tiny House, Southern Highlands

Seeking a digital detox off grid? This sustainably made tiny house runs off solar power and gas and has patchy reception – the perfect excuse to put your phone on flight mode and be present in the Southern Highlands. Wander through the 100-year-olds gums in surrounding forest and sit by the waterfall and watch birds dart by. Freshly ground coffee and marshmallows for the fire are provided, and fabulous restaurants are close by if you want to skip cooking. There's a second tiny house nearby if you want to make it a couples weekend with friends.

Wildernest T2 Tiny House, Southern Highlands - Credit: Abbie Melle

Chardonnay Tiny House, Windeyer

If you must bring your kids along, this tiny house on a working farm not far from Mudgee has plenty for them to do. Send them off on mountain bike trails or book a farm tour to meet cute alpacas and watch the farm dogs round up the goats. A queen-sized loft bed and pull-out sofa bed will fit everyone comfortably. Farm fresh breakfast and other meals are available and there’s ample cooking equipment supplied. The farm is located on an old gold mine – fossickers can try their luck!

Chardonnay Tiny House, Windeyer - Credit: Tiny Away

Robyne’s River Retreat, Tumut

There are few things more romantic than an outdoor bathtub overlooking a secluded river. This tiny house in the Tumut Valley Mountains is located on the banks of the gentle Goobarragandra River, on a working sheep and cattle farm. It has two bedrooms if you want to bring friends or the kids along, a full kitchen, large deck and generous fire pit. Pick up seasonal produce at Local at Learmont’s and have lunch at Riverside Cafe in nearby Tumut. Spend time wandering along the Tumut River Walk to the wetlands or try a spot of fishing to catch local trout for dinner.

Robyne’s River Retreat, Tumut

Bellingen Hideaway, Bellingen

This simple but charming tiny house is the ideal spot to feel totally remote but be close to excellent restaurants and one of the best farmers markets in the area. Located on a 21-hectare property, the intimate hideaway has beautiful views over the gully, with regular visits from black cockatoos, echidnas and wallabies. The house follows ecologically sustainable principles with a compost toilet and gas-heated shower. Bellingen is a five-minute drive away, home to excellent Japanese food at Qudo or sink a few beers and pizzas at Bellingen Brewing Company. The Waterfall Way scenic drive in Dorrigo is a lovely day trip, with many opportunities to jump under the cascading falls.

Bellingen Hideaway, Bellingen - Credit: Michaela Taylor

JR’s Hut, Gundagai 

If you’re after a touch of luxe, Kimo’s Estate’s off-grid huts tick all the boxes: an outdoor hot tub, a gourmet produce basket for breakfast and a hot shower with stunning views across the Murrumbidgee River Flats. Architecturally designed, the hut is completely off-grid and located on top of a hill in splendid isolation, with a deck out the front to spend evenings looking up at an unfiltered view of the night sky. Explore nearby Gundagai while you are there, with bushwalking, historic architecture and fascinating Indigenous history to discover.  

JR’s Hut at Kimo Estate, Gundagai - Credit: Matt Beaver