The Best Cabins to Rent in Australia

Nature lovers Kym and Simon run the show in this beautiful sub-tropical spot in the heart of the Whitsundays region. Guests here are a ten-minute drive to Airlie Beach, placing you on the doorstep of the 74 pristine islands known as the Whitsundays, home to hawksbill turtles, Proserpine rock wallabies, and humpback whales. There’s also plenty of native wildlife surrounding the cabins themselves, and there’s a good chance you’ll spot neighbours including wallabies, bandicoots, and kookaburras from the comfort of your raised balcony.

These six cottages are dotted along the banks of the Donnelly River, in the south-west region of Western Australia. Stargazers is surrounded by some 1,500 hass-avocado trees – producing much-lower-fat produce than the traditional avocado. That means the Southern Forests’ renowned fresh bounty is available and plentiful at this family-friendly stay. Go hiking and pedalling along cycling trails, hit the beaches, and – as the name hints – marvel at the fabulous nighttime cosmos show. Kids love the robust wooden bunks, the swinging balcony chair, and avocado-themed pillows with dad-joke puns. “Let’s avo-cuddle” anyone?

Solace-seeking swimmers, rejoice. As a guest here you can book the indoor heated pool entirely for yourself. As you drift, you’ve floor-to-ceiling windows to gaze through, out over the stunning D’Entrecasteaux Channel and Tasman Peninsula – idyllic inspiration for your morning dip. If you’d prefer the view without the exercise, opt for the hammock on the cabin deck. Cabins here are made of Tasmanian timber and adorned with local artwork, while all ingredients for a hearty cooked breakfast are provided for you to knock up in the fully stocked kitchen. It’s another country – and so relaxing.

A rocky waterfall replenishes the outdoor saltwater pool at this Cooktown resort in Queensland, adding to the tranquil ambience among rainforest surroundings. You’ll enjoy views of Mount Cook and the Endeavour River from the veranda staying at these split-level cottages – they’re the business (kitchenette, barbecue, picnic area). You’ll want to bone up on the fascinating, if contentious, history of the region – and the James Cook Museum is a five-minute drive away. What’s more, if you’re arriving or leaving by air, you can book an airport shuttle free of charge.

All 16 cabins here are hand-built from Tasmanian timber, yet each come with their own distinct character and charm. The cosy Bushman’s hut takes its inspiration from a traditional mountain lodge, and a savvy use of space finds room for a rustic double bed and single top bunk, a homely sofa, and a gas heater and stove. For something twice the size, the 50 sq m (538 sq ft) Mountain View Spa cabin comes with a log fire, queen-size bed, and a bathroom with heated floor tiles and – a godsend after a day’s hiking – its own spa tub.

The town of Margaret River, south of Perth, is renowned for its wine, and a local cabernet sauvignon makes a fine companion to a barbecue on the covered verandas of these eight rammed-earth cottages. You’re only ten minutes from the centre of town, but you’re in the midst of nature, in a designated wildlife sanctuary. It’s a perfect spot for keen twitchers, with the marvellously named splendid fairywren among the birds joining the full-throated morning choir. This is a place to hole up in good and proper – so stock up the fridge with goodies from the nearby farmer’s market, held every Saturday morning, and relax.

You’ll get champagne and chocolates on arrival at these romantic freestanding cabins under the lush green canopy of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Rainforest. You’re about an hour’s drive north of Brisbane here, and such is the seclusion that you’ll get no phone reception or wifi signal. Frightening prospect? More like a rare opportunity for complete disconnecting – especially with the soothing surroundings of Kondalilla Falls is a short walk away, and a cool rainforest-water pool all yours to idle in.