You don’t have to travel far in Australia to find nature considering about 70% of the country is pure wilderness. It’s probably for this reason that Aussies have grown to love a road trip, and with a rising number of architectural holiday homes hidden away in secluded areas, the ‘weekender’ has become essential for those seeking an escape from the Sydney rat race.
We visited 3 of the best cabins in scenic seaside locations for a weekend away from the city where guests can switch-off and reconnect with nature.
Fisherman’s Shack, Mackerel Beach
This restored fisherman’s shack is bedded into the rocks of an island in Sydney’s Pittwater. The two-bedroom rustic cabin – available to rent from $600 per night BoutiqueHomes – was originally built in the 1930s using timber and sandstone found in the local area and was rescued from ruin by its current owner.
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The only access to the Aussie holiday home is by boat, followed by a short beach walk leading up into its cliff-side position. The hike to the secluded ‘Little Black Shack’ is well worth it: guests can spy local wildlife from the surrounding bushlands, go kayaking, or soak up the sun on its deck while enjoying views over Mackerel Beach.
Modern shed home, Gerringong
The Range is a sleek black shed that’s bedded into a hillside on 150 acres of dramatic oceanfront land, on the south coast of New South Wales. Costing from $1,550 AUD per night, the contemporary cabin is part of a working dairy farm and was designed by Aussie practice Atelier Andy Carson to maximise its views of Werri Beach.
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The two-bedroom Australian holiday home was inspired by the pitched form of the rural shed, and Carson has wrapped the property in a corrugated steel skin – a riposte to its agricultural setting that doesn’t detract from the building’s panoramic coastal views. Interiors have timber walls and ceilings, polished concrete floors and copper-clad louvers which create shadow-play across the living room and keep the villa cool. An ocean-side deck opens onto a plunge pool overlooking the beach.
Floating A-frame cabin, Palm Beach
Lilypad is a hybrid couple’s retreat that reconnects guests with nature. Found bobbing gently off the shores of Palm Beach, the two-storey solar-powered cabin was designed by Chuck Anderson – a welder with a passion for the water. The floating A-frame holiday home is reachable only by boat or seaplane and is available to rent directly, starting from $1,650 AUD per night.
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Inside is everything guests need for a quiet getaway, with a chef-prepared dinner, breakfast a selection of handpicked wines available. Guests can take a dip in the water, or explore the shore with their own private tender. Water taxis are also available to take them to dry land.
Escape to Tasmania’s dramatic coast
