Winter’s almost here – it’s time to rug up, relax, and recharge, right? Don’t worry, we’re not talking about any old R&R; we know your adventurous spirit never sleeps.

 

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the Countries included in this article, who have occupied and cared for these lands, waters, and their inhabitants for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

 

Forget boring hotel rooms, think riverside glamping, tiny homes with 360° views, and hammocks tailor-made for stargazing. Swap personality-free rentals for secluded log cabins in the rainforest, snow-covered mountain huts, and fairytale treehouses.

There are parts of NSW where you can spend your evenings in front of the fire pit, and your mornings waking to the sound of birdsong as the first golden rays of sunlight hit dew-covered grass.

Honestly, winter never looked as good as it does in NSW. These 15 cabins and cosy glamping tents are the best way to make the most of the crisp, cool weather.

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1. Galong Cabins

Location: Blue Mountains National Park, Country of the Gundungurra, Dharawal and Wiradjuri peoples
Time from Sydney: 2.5 hours
Best for: Hiking

Horse pack saddlers once used these cabins in the 1970s. However, after total refurbishment by NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), they’re no longer reserved for our equine friends. 

 

Photo by S. Cottrell

 

Nestled in a hidden corner of the Blue Mountains, far from the tourist crowds, snuggle up in front of the fire, wander through the Kanangra wilderness, or channel your inner 1970s pack saddler and try your hand at horse riding. You can indulge even further with wine tasting or a cream tea in the nearby Megalong Valley. 

There are two cabins available to book, with a max of four guests.

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2. Mooraback Cabin

Location: Armidale, Country of the Anēwan people 
Time from Sydney: 6 hours
Best for: Serenity 

Nothing beats a frosty morning at Mooraback Cabin, nestled at the head of the Hastings River, a short drive from Oxley Wild Rivers National Park and just an hour’s drive from Walcha.

 

This remote and snug wheelchair-friendly cabin offers the perfect retreat for your adventure crew (max six people), with plenty to get up to in the surrounding area.

Dramatic gorges? Check. Pristine swimming holes? Check. Kid-friendly walking tracks? Check. Absolute peace and quiet? Oh you know it’s a check.

With unique native birdlife, World Heritage-listed Gondwanan rainforest, and cute lil wallabies grazing on the grass, it’s also an absolute hub of biodiversity.

 

Photo by D. Waugh

 

Moorabank Cabin isn’t far from the multi-day Green Gully Hiking track either, so if you’re looking for a place to lay your post-hike head, you can’t get better than this. 

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3. Myall River Camp

Location: Myall Lakes, Country of the Worimi people
Time from Sydney: 2.5 hours, 1 hour from Newcastle
Best for: Watersports

Myall Lakes is a Seriously Special Place (caps intended). Just a few hours north of Sydney and close to Forster, this huge network of serene freshwater lakes is a true water wonderland. 

If you prefer your winter days with sunshine rather than snow, spend a weekend here kayaking, SUPing, jet skiing, fishing, boating, or simply enjoying the view. Then relax at night in the off-grid Myall River Camp oasis.  

 

Photo by Sue Stubbs

 

Camping and glamping are available, but we’re 100% here for the cosy cabin vibes. There are two tiny homes to choose from, and although they’re only two metres wide, these eco-houses have everything you could want for a winter escape and more. 

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4. Mill Cabin

Location: Snowy Mountains, Country of the Ngarigo and Walgal people
Time from Sydney: 5 hours
Best for: Snowsports

Escape the city and immerse yourself in the snowy peaks and natural beauty of Mill Cabin in the Thredbo Valley. This off-grid cabin nods to the simplicity and serenity of the Aussie High Country’s old stockman huts and is committed to treading lightly on the environment, with solar power and eco-design. 

 

Photo by Lean Timms

 

With 360º of natural wildlife and privacy, you’ll find peace and tranquillity in spades. But fear not adventure-seekers – you’re only a short drive from Jindabyne’s restaurants and shops, plus tonnes of cycling and hiking. And let’s not forget about shredding the slopes, Perisher and Thredbo ski resorts are just down the road.

Carve out your slice of paradise at Mill Cabin.

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5. The Chalet

Location: Ebor, Country of the Dunghutti, Anaiwan and Gumbaynggirr peoples
Time from Sydney: 7 hours
Best for: Wilderness

Surrounded by peaceful bushland, The Chalet is the go-to cosy cabin for those who want a serious nature fix. A few nights here and I reckon you’ll be exuding David Attenborough levels of oneness with nature.

The Chalet is located in the New England National Park, home to the World Heritage Gondwana rainforest, with endless walking tracks and birds to watch.

Some of our favourites are the Weeping Rock and the Lyrebird walking track, where you’ll experience stunning cliff faces, lush rainforest, and grand views from Point Lookout.

After a day of exploration, relax on the deck and listen to the evening serenade of local lyrebirds. The Chalet makes for an immersive and unforgettable winter escape. 

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Cultural note: Point Lookout, Berarngutta in the local language, is considered a men’s area and Aboriginal women avoid the area. You may wish to respect this tradition yourself, although it isn’t currently requested by the local people.

6. Cicada Luxury Camping

Location: Jerrara, Country of the Wodi Wodi people 
Time from Sydney: 1.5 hours
Best for: Luxury

You’ve never camped like this before – trust me. Smack bang next to a subtropical rainforest, with endless views over Jamberoo Valley, you’ll find the Cicada Luxury Camping tents.

They may only be 90 minutes from Sydney and just down the road from Kiama’s beachy goodness, but you’ll feel like you’ve gone full safari.

 

Cicada Luxury Camping on Wodi Wodi Country

There are twinkling fairy lights, a fire pit, a private deck, and an outdoor bath overlooking the expansive views. Inside the safari-style tent is the comfiest king bed and every modern luxury you can think of.

The only thing missing is the giraffes, but I’ll take the gentle sounds of the rainforest any day.

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7. Wilga Station

Location: Bathurst, Country of the Wiradjuri people
Time from Sydney: 3 hours
Best for: Countryside 

Wilga Station is just over ten minutes from the historic town of Bathurst and 45 minutes from the vineyards of Orange. Wilga Station is a working sheep farm, and the Keith Family have built two stunning accommodations on site using as many recycled materials from the farm as they can.

 

 

The Farmers Hut sleeps two people, and the Shearers Hall sleeps up to ten. Whichever one you choose, fill your days taking in the seriously breathtaking countryside views and meander along the on-site bushwalking track, The Sheep Trail, which explores Wilga Creek. 

 

 

At night, there’s no better place to be than admiring the starry skies from the warmth of the firepit. All in all, not baaaaad, huh?

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8. Basalt

Location: Orange, Country of the Wiradjuri people
Time from Sydney: 3.5 hours
Best for: Wineries

Do you prefer your winter escapes with a vineyard or ten close at hand? Not a problem. Basalt is only a short drive from Orange (where it’s always wine o’clock).

 

Photo by Simon Rollin

 

Basalt has three rammed-earth studios (a natural building method) set at 1,100m elevation and overlooking lush cherry orchards, each as luxurious as the next.

There are views for days, wood fires, and architecturally-stunning designs. Spend the days trying out the local wines, watching the sunset over the orchard, and indulging in some of Basalt’s very own ripe cherries, aptly named ‘Cherries from Heaven’. 

Sign me up! 

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9. Kestrel Nest EcoHut

Location: Near Gundagai, Country of the Wiradjuri people
Time from Sydney: 4.5 hours
Best for: Getting offline

Are you longing for a break from the screens and ready to soak up some nature? Kestrel Nest EcoHut has your name all over it.

This off-grid and offline eco-retreat will make you remember why you fell in love with nature in the first place. And it wasn’t for the ‘gram.

There might not be any Wi-Fi, but you won’t have to give up any luxuries. As it’s located on a small-scale farm that practises regenerative farming, there’s homemade sourdough bread and locally-sourced goodies available to cook up a storm. 

Outdoor bath, anyone? No problem. Fireplace? Got that too. Stargazing from a hammock on the verandah? Oh, go on then. 

 

 

Kestrel Nest is Ecotourism Australia certified and a destination in its own right or the perfect place to stop when road-tripping to Canberra, Melbourne, Adelaide, or Sydney.

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10. Callubri Station

Location: Nyngan and Tottenham, Country of the Wongaibon people 
Time from Sydney: 7 hours
Best for: Outback farm stay

Between the rural outback towns of Nyngan and Tottenham lies a sprawling 28,000 acre Merino Station that’s been passed down through four generations of family. A stay here exudes the essence of Australia’s pioneering past and gives you a glimpse into a working Aussie farm.

 

 

Apart from that though, this is a farm stay like you’ve never seen before. The 12-person capacity Sky Suites offer some unexpected luxury in a place that’s the epitome of seclusion. And you’ll be personally hosted by the owners. 

 

 

Spanning three levels, this unique accommodation is big enough for the whole adventure crew and comes complete with a 12-metre mineral shipping container pool (who says you can’t swim in winter?). 

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11. Greyleigh Kiama

Location: Kiama, Country of the Wodi Wodi people 
Time from Sydney: 1.5 hours
Best for: City escape 

The Kiama area is a popular city break from Sydney – and I say, if it ain’t broken, don’t fix it. There’s a reason why it’s so popular – endless beaches, natural wonders like the Kiama blowhole, the Minnamurra Rainforest, fresh seafood (the list truly goes on) – but now, it’s just become even better. 

 

 

Greyleigh’s luxury farmhouse-style accommodation is about as far from your dirtbag summer weekenders as you can get. But I reckon you deserve a treat. 

 

 

With insane coastline views, each accommodation is 50% whimsical and 50% ‘Whaaaatttt!’. Honestly, a city break here will make you want to trade it all in and become Lord or Lady of the Manor full-time. 

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12. Contained In Nimbin 

Location: Nimbin, Country of the Bundjalung people
Time from Sydney: 4.25 hours, distance from Byron 1 hour 
Best for: Hinterland

Located on a ten acre permaculture farm, just a short drive from the village of Nimbin near Byron Bay, are two shipping containers that’ve been given a transformation even the grumpiest of judges on The Block would be proud of.

And they both have a five-star building sustainability index rating, as well as solar hot water and power. 

 

Relax on Bundjalung Country at Contained in Nimbin

Spend your days exploring the Byron Hinterland, admiring the local waterfalls, immersing yourself in the alternative Nimbin culture, or hiking in the spectacular World Heritage-listed rainforest of Nightcap National Park. 

Stock up on locally-sourced goodies at the nearby markets to cook up a storm back home on the BBQ or in the homely kitchen. In the morning, wake to the sounds of the bird song and the friendly cows, and do it all again. 

Rinse and repeat never looked this good. 

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13. River Room, Bellingen Treehouse

Location: Bellingen, Country of the Gumbaynggirr people
Time from Sydney: 5.5 hours
Best for: Waterfalls

This place is straight out of a fairy tale. Seriously. This treehouse style accommodation is located near the ‘is-it-real?’ Waterfall Way and next to a river called the Never Never River. I could’t make this stuff up.

This one-bedroom, two-storey modern treehouse sits in the canopy of the Gleniffer Rainforest and makes you feel as though you’re in the middle of the wilderness. In reality, you’re a short ten-minute drive from the quaint village of Bellingen.

Catch some winter rays on the deck, swim at Dangar Falls in Dorrigo National Park, or chill with a craft beer in the village. And you can do it all with a dose of ‘feel good’, as proceeds from all stays at Bellingen Treehouse go to helping regenerate and protect the local rainforest ecosystem. 

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14. Bubbletent Australia

Location: Capertee Valley, Country of the Wiradjuri people
Time from Sydney: 2.5 hours
Best for: Quirkiness 

What better way to feel immersed in nature than from a bubble tent? Not sure what that is? It’s exactly what it sounds like – a giant inflatable bubble you get to call home for a night or two.

 

15 of the Cosiest Winter Cabins Across NSW, Bubbletent Australia, Capertee Valley, NSW,

Bubbletent Australia offers luxury glamping under starry skies in the Capertee Valley | Photo: Destination NSW

 

Sunrises, sunsets, and stargazing from here are unlike anything else in the world, especially thanks to the panoramic views of Capertee Valley, the world’s second-largest canyon.

Each bubble tent has an outdoor wood-fired bathtub, outdoor shower, telescope, and fire pit. But the bubble tent itself is the show-stopper because you’ve never slept under the stars like this before.

 

Wood-fired bath tub, 15 of the Cosiest Winter Cabins Across NSW, Bubbletent Australia, Capertee Valley, NSW,

Wood-fired bathtub anyone? | Photo: Destination NSW

 

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15. Stella @ Kangaroo Valley 

Location: Kangaroo Valley, Country of the Dharawal people
Distance from Sydney: 2.5 hours
Best for: Quirkiness 

Stella might be small (she is a tiny house, after all), but she sure as hell packs a punch when it comes to a winter escape.

You’ll find this tiny house in Kangaroo Valley, home to more famous waterfalls than you’ll know what to do with AND The World’s Best Pies. 

Stella also has everything you could want for a comfy winter break, including a combustion fire to keep the winter chills at bay and views over the valley that’ll make you want to stay in bed all day. But then, you’ll remember those pies. 

Tough choice, but someone has to make it.

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Time to Get Cosy

From the beach to the rainforest and the hinterland to the mountains, these snug winter escapes prove there’s a cabin stay for everyone.

And what better way to prepare for (or recover from) your next adventure than to take a break and put your feet up whilst relaxing in comfort, surrounded by nature? Head to the Visit NSW website for more inspiration on where to stay this winter.