The rise of luxury getaways, minimalist travel and eco-friendly accommodation has seen the tiny house become the ideal weekend retreat for those looking to escape the rat race.
Compact and intimate but with all the amenities of a boutique hotel, tiny houses are all the rage with modern travellers. Appealing to those who want to combine sustainability, efficiency and luxury, many of these tiny houses are situated in off-the-grid locations where you can truly disconnect from the world and enjoy the company of your partner or friends in a picturesque setting without distraction.
When it comes to booking accommodation for a weekend getaway, South Australia is top of the list when it comes to tiny houses. You’ll find an array of opulent and impressive creations where you can spend a few days away from the chaos of everyday life, recharge and reset.
Read on and discover our picks for the best tiny houses in South Australia.
ESCA Inman Valley
Fleurieu Peninsula
Experience everything the Fleurier Peninsula has to offer with a stay at this ‘nest & nurture’ eco-tourism property from ESCA. Built on a hilltop offering breathtaking views down the Inman Valley and beyond Encounter Bay and the Southern Ocean, this tiny house features a modern fit-out with bespoke furniture and lighting from acclaimed not-for-profit SA creatives JamFactory.
The contemporary design of this tiny house features open-plan dining, kitchen, lounge and bedroom, a stylish bathroom with underfloor heating and indoor stone bath and an outdoor alfresco area with a built-in BBQ, fire pit and sunken tub.
Set on 200 acres of stunning bushland, spend your days lazing around the cosy abode enjoying the complimentary alcoholic beverages, breakfast and aperitivo provisions provided or get out in nature and explore the surrounding area.
Camel Beach House
Eyre Peninsula
Coastal getaways don’t get much more relaxing than a couple of nights spent zoning out at Camel Beach House. Surrounded by 250 acres of conversation wildlife, this rustic fisherman shack-inspired structure has polished concrete floors, a large open kitchen/living area and outdoor wood decking ideal for chilling and watching the waves roll in.
Take a short stroll down to the beach for a morning dip, wander the property and discover the local fauna and flora before lunch and then grab a book from the extensive collection on hand and flake out on the couch.
Spend the evening watching the sun go down then enjoy a cheeky wine or three while gazing at the stars above while enjoying the serenity.
Book a stay at Camel Beach House here.
Wander Kangaroo Island
Kangaroo Island
Make your visit to Kangaroo Island that tad more special by choosing from one of four tiny homes from Wander that sit atop the cliffs of the northern bluff overlooking Snelling Beach. Each eco-cabin is named after a constellation (Carina, Pyxis, Columba and Vela) and includes air conditioning, an indoor fireplace and an outdoor bath. While they all follow the same floor plan, each tiny house provides a different view of the area.
If you don’t have time to grab supplies, go for the inclusive package that includes two breakfasts and two dinners of seasonal produce from Gastromono’s Taste’s of the Island Pantry Box, a cheese snack board and complimentary local gin from Kangaroo Island Spirits.
Book a stay at Wander Kangaroo Island here.
CABN Kuitpo Forest
Adelaide Hills
CABN provide luxury accommodations across six different regions of South Australia, including the Barossa Valley, Kangaroo Island and the Fleurier Peninsula. While hard to pick one locale that stands out, if you’re after a tranquil weekend in nature then it’s hard to go past CABN’s tiny houses in the Adelaide Hills.
Surrounded by pine trees in the heart of Kuitpo Forest Reserve, these cabins feature a queen-sized bed, an adult-sized bunk bed, a compact kitchenette, a modern bathroom and both an indoor fireplace and an outdoor fire pit.
Only 50 minutes from Adelaide, CABN’s Kuitpo Forest tiny houses are close to walking trails and bike tracks for the outdoor types and top-shelf wineries for the booze hounds. If relaxing is on the cards, spend the weekend doing jack squat and take in the peaceful surroundings with a good book and an even better bottle of wine.
Book a stay at CABN Kuitpo Forest here.
EyreWay Yambara
Eyre Peninsula
Yambara is a Barngarla word meaning “away and out of sight,” which is exactly what you get when you book a stay at this tiny house. This private oasis is a short walk from Sandy Point Beach and features phenomenal views of Sleaford Bay and Port Lincoln National Park.
A modern design with a rustic, country interior, EyreWay Yambara is environmentally friendly, running off solar power and relying on rainwater for the two-person shower and kitchen area.
This private cabin sleeps up to four people (one king and one double), so you can enjoy a relaxing weekend with friends or a romantic getaway with your lover.
Book a stay at EyreWay Yambara here.
Flinders Bush Retreats Eco Tent
Flinders Rangers
Six generations of the McInnis family have worked and lived on Willow Plains 13,000 acres over the past 146 years. With farming going through tough times in recent years, the family has branched out into tourism, providing eco-friendly stays in a variety of luxury lodgings, from homestead-style quarters to Eco Tents and glamping options.
The Eco Tent is our pick of the accommodations found on this expansive property. A cross between a studio apartment and a tent, this sustainable off-the-grid site houses a bespoke queen-sized bed, a small kitchenette and a composting ‘native loo’.
There are plenty of walking trails and 4WD tracks to explore nearby, or kick back in front of the fire pit and enjoy the views.
Book a stay at Flinders Bush Retreats Eco Tent here.
The Pink Lake Tiny House
Lochiel
The Pink Lake Tiny House provides two custom-built, eco-friendly options adjacent to South Australia’s famous ‘pink lake’. Both tiny houses are Japanese-inspired and feature outdoor patios and all the standard amenities you expect from a top-quality hotel stay.
There’s plenty to see and do around the Clare Valley region, including bike riding the Riesling Trail, visiting historic sites like Bungaree Station and observing the pink lake. If you’d rather leave the details up to someone else, book an experience along with your accommodation.
The Overnight Experience includes a Korean BBQ dinner, an outdoor campfire with hosted star talk and a continental breakfast. The Spectacular Highlights Tour includes wine tasting, a visit to Wallaroo Heritage and Nautical Museum and a coastal walk.
Book a stay at The Pink Lady Tiny House here.
Earthship Ironbank
Adelaide Hills
This tiny house in the Adelaide Hills is described as an “off-grid, self-sufficient, self-contained Earthship studio apartment.” Just a stone’s throw from the city, Earthship Ironbank is a sustainable bed and breakfast powered by solar that uses fresh rainwater and is built using natural and recycled materials.
There’s a wood oven that’s great for making pizzas (not recommended during the warmer months) and scrumptious ingredients are provided by the owners for a vegetarian breakfast, including free-range eggs and honey.
The layout includes an open-plan bedroom and living room, greenhouse, bathroom and outdoor patio. The owners also host open days for those who want to learn more about the property along with workshops about how to develop your own sustainable property.
Book a stay at Earthship Ironbank here.
The Cube Murray River
Murray River Lakes and Coorong
If you don’t have the time to take a houseboat down the River Murray, book a stay at The Cube. This floating pod is right on the water at Wellington Private Marina and includes all the amenities needed for a romantic getaway.
There’s a wood deck with two hanging egg chairs if you want to spend the day fishing or admiring the view, while a kayak is also provided for the more adventurous. If firing up the BBQ requires too much effort, the Tailem Bend Hotel is just a five-minute drive away, serving hearty counter meals.
Book a stay at The Cub Murray River here.
