Why Everyone Should Do a Yearly Off-Grid Tiny House Stay (And How to Plan Yours)
Tiny house stay in the Scenic Rim, Australia.
There’s something truly magical about stepping off the grid and into a space that’s equal parts charming, minimalistic, and intentional. Over the years, my annual tiny house stay has become a ritual… an essential reset. It’s a rare chance to truly slow down, unplug, and reconnect with myself and the natural world around me.
If you’ve never stayed in a tiny house before, here’s everything you need to know… from what to expect to how to pack, cook, and choose the perfect destination.
Why Go Off-Grid at Least Once a Year?
Imagine this… No Wi-Fi, barely a phone signal, no traffic noise, and no neighbours in sight. Just you, a cosy tiny house, and the great outdoors. Sound terrifying? It might be at first, but that discomfort quickly shifts into something powerful.
An off-grid tiny house stay:
Forces you to slow down
Helps you reconnect with nature
Encourages introspection and presence
Recharges your nervous system in ways a regular holiday can’t
By the end of your stay, you’ll feel more grounded, clear-headed, and deeply rested. It’s the kind of break that actually restores you.
What Exactly Is a Tiny House Stay?
A tiny house is, as the name suggests, a compact home that fits everything you need into just a few square metres. It might be on wheels or on a fixed platform, and often includes:
A small bathroom
A compact kitchen with all the essentials
A bed (sometimes built into a bench or loft)
A small dining table or pull-out bench
A balcony or fire pit area
Nature walks or viewpoints nearby
Think of it as a hybrid between camping and being at home. It’s not glamping, but it’s not roughing it either. Just the right mix of comfort and simplicity.
What You’ll Do (Hint: Not Scroll Your Phone)
Once you get past the initial itch to “check your phone,” you’ll realise how much richer your day becomes without digital distraction. Here’s how I typically spend my off-grid time:
Watch the sunrise with a hot coffee
Go for slow bush walks
Read, journal or just sit with my thoughts
Watch wildlife or gaze at the stars
Light a fire and enjoy a glass of red
Play cards or board games
Listen to cassettes or classic tunes on old-school players (yes, really!)
It’s simple living, and it’s deeply nourishing.
What to Pack for Your Tiny House Getaway
One of the best things about tiny house stays? You pack light. Most of them are stocked with the basics (like kitchen utensils, towels and toiletries), and you often need to transport your gear via a cart or wheelbarrow from your card to your tiny house front door.
Here’s what I always bring:
Essentials:
Weather-appropriate clothing (Eg. jeans, boots, beanie, scarf, shacket)
Swimwear (you never know!)
Footwear for the outdoors (hiking boots)
A bottle of wine (or two)
Groceries: think bar fridge friendly
Firewood, kindling & matches (if fires are permitted)
Bug spray, sunscreen, basic toiletries
Torch
A good book or journal
Pro tip: Most tiny houses include salt, pepper, oil, tea and coffee, but I always bring a few favourite herbs, coffee and my own organic oil just in case… because being caught out with no coffee is never fun (trust me).
Leave the makeup, jewellry, electronics, and fancy shoes at home… you’re not going to need them.
What to Eat in a Tiny House
Even with a full kitchen, I never seem to cook the same way as I do at home. There’s something about being in a tiny house that calls for simple, comforting meals that are a little ‘camping inspired’.
My go-to tiny house meals:
Veggie skewers with rice, grilled corn & potato slithers
Jaffles – either with spaghetti (nostalgic and delicious!) or a Mexican-style mix of beans, corn, capsicum, onion and vegan cheese
Toasted bread with spaghetti if there’s no jaffle maker
Jacket potatoes (cooked in the coals)
Vegan marshmallows
Nuts, fruit and organic snacks for daytime grazing
If I’m not travelling alone, my travel companions will often eat the same meals with a meat base. Don’t forget: bar fridges are small, so shop fresh and keep it simple.
What If the Weather Turns?
One of my most memorable tiny house stays started in pouring rain. I arrived solo, drenched, and uncertain. But once I dried off and had a glass of red in hand, listening to the rain from the covered balcony… something shifted. I wasn’t disappointed… I was present. Even without a fire, even without hiking, the rain added to the magic. Tiny house stays remind you to let go of plans and lean into whatever the day brings.
Where to Find the Best Tiny House Stays
My fave stays in Australia: Here are some of my favourite regions and trusted platforms for booking a tiny house:
Scenic Rim, QLD – hiking, waterfalls and wineries
Granite Belt, QLD – ideal for autumn or winter escapes
Grampians, VIC – dramatic landscapes and stunning hikes
Byron Hinterland, NSW – rolling green hills and cosy vibes with proximity to the beach
Where to find and book (Australia + Global)
Unyoked – nature-first, off-grid cabins across Australia, NZ & UK
Into The Wild Escapes – boutique tiny homes in remote Aussie locations
Tiny Away - Australia, NZ, Europe, Malaysia, Taiwan
Tiny Stays – Victoria-based off-grid homes
Riparide – not just tiny houses, but lots of outdoor escapes across Australia
Getaway House – great for US-based travellers
Glamping Hub – includes tiny houses globally
Airbnb – search “tiny house off-grid” for hidden gems
Final Tips for Your First Off-Grid Experience
Arrive before dark – navigating dark, muddy paths at night is doable, but not ideal
Embrace boredom – the discomfort fades quickly and gives way to creativity
Disconnect fully – turn your phone to airplane mode and put it away
Plan ahead – tiny houses book out fast, especially on long weekends
And most importantly? Let go of expectations. Tiny house getaways are meant to be slow, imperfect, real, and restorative.
From Tourist to Traveller: Make It a Ritual
If you’re craving a deeper kind of rest and reflection in your travels, start planning your first (or next) tiny house off-grid stay. I promise… after your first night under the stars, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner.
Make it a yearly ritual. Your nervous system, your creativity, and your soul will thank you.
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