The 7 reasons you need to go off-grid with Unyoked

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Surrounded by a lush green pine forest, I step out of my car and am greeted with silence as I’ve never heard it. Calm, peaceful, sleepy serenity. I’m physically only two hours south of Sydney, but mentally I’m a world away.

Unyoked is an outdoors start-up turned global lifestyle brand committed to influencing positive behavioural change and educating people on the importance of simplifying and slowing down through nature immersion.

The beautiful cabins are purposely built in unique locations surrounded by wilderness and can be found across Australia, New Zealand and the UK.

I left feeling more connected to nature than I have for as long as I can remember. Here are the seven reasons you need to go off-grid with Unyoked.

1. They’re luxurious without being over-the-top

After treading down a steep hill, a few hundred metres into the wild unknown, enveloped by ferns and leafy canopies, the trees open into a clearing, and then we see Jojo, our Unyoked cabin.

Jojo welcomes us with her charm, comfort and all-encompassing luxury. The plush KOALA queen-size bed sits surrounded by two giant windows overlooking the small valley below, the same serene views you’ll soak in from the bathroom’s rainfall shower.

Unyoked Jojo aerial
Sleep beneath the trees at Unyoked Jojo. (Image: Declan Blackall Photography)

2. It’ll help you de-stress

When you spend all day at a desk, on the tools or in a busy venue, you might find yourself ending the week depleted and wanting to spend the weekend catching up on some z’s.

But instead of staying at home all weekend and dreading the reappearance of Monday, time outdoors can actually help us de-stress, increase resilience, think better, be more creative and feel closer to others. A study showed that our main stress hormone, cortisol, decreased by 21.3 per cent per hour spent immersed in nature.

a guy strolling along the forest, Unyoked Jojo
Take a stroll along the forest. (Image: Declan Blackall Photography)

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3. You’ll be more productive

Funnily enough, stepping away from screens and doing nothing is good for you! Mindless scrolling takes its toll, and you’ll be amazed at what your brain can conjure up when it isn’t being stimulated 24/7.

The days at Jojo were filled with fire-making, games of UNO and Scrabble, kitchen experiments, walks in the forest and a whole lot of lying in bed watching and hearing wildlife float by the windows.

Daydream, think deeply and when you come home you might just have a new perspective on life, love, or even be able to overcome hurdles that have recently stopped you in your tracks.

an overhead view of Unyoked Jojo
Unyoked Jojo is your go-to forest retreat. (Image: Declan Blackall Photography)

4. It’s good for the environment

Heading off-grid with Unyoked doesn’t leave behind any nasties, so you can sleep well knowing you’re bettering yourself without leaving an impact.

The cabins are powered by solar, and they use rainwater and composting toilets. These aren’t your average composting toilets though, Unyoked has refined them over the years and they don’t mess with the vibe whatsoever.

Unyoked Jojo Kitchen
Live off-grid and refresh. (Image: Declan Blackall Photography)

5. You’ll sleep better

Most of us don’t get nearly enough sleep. I absolutely love sleeping but even I find myself scrolling at night and resisting my body’s urge to hit the hay.

Unyoked notes that 11 independent studies have found that exposure to nature is associated with improved sleep quality and quantity.

The sleep I had at Unyoked was unmatched, and when I came home, I was still sleeping like a baby.

a rustic bedroom with a huge glass window at Unyoked cabin
Tuck yourself in the cosy bed. (Image: Emily Murphy)

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6. You’ll set your priorities

We all get caught up in the little things, whether that be the frustration of being stuck in traffic, the trains being cancelled or your pet peeing on the couch. But when you’re out in the wild, you’re faced with the sheer size of nature and how minuscule we are in comparison.

Watch the birds sing and dance through the air, feel the wind embracing you, hear the silence so still and map the stars in the infinite night sky; what really matters most in your life will present itself to you in these moments of clarity.

a stack of books, Unyoked Jojo
You’ll have plenty of time to listen to your favourite tunes. (Image: Declan Blackall Photography)

7. You’ll keep coming back

With cabins close to Adelaide, Brisbane, Byron Bay, Canberra, the Gold Coast, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney, there is an Unyoked stay near you.

Each cabin is graded on a spice level between mild and extra spicy. The spicier it is, the longer the walk you’ll have, with a higher walking grade (basically, getting from your car to the cabin will be more strenuous).

Once you’ve decided on the spice level you’re comfortable with, pick the next available cabin and get ready to reset.

The research has repeatedly shown that time spent in nature is good for your spiritual, physical and mental health, so make heading outdoors a regular practice; you’ll notice the difference in all aspects of your life.

Unyoked Jojo window view
Swap your screens for a window. (Image: Declan Blackall Photography)
Whether you’re looking for a midweek stay to escape the grind, or a weekend stay to recharge, make sure you book well in advance to secure a spot because Unyoked is very popular.

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Emily Murphy
Emily Murphy is Australian Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her 4+ years at the company she has been instrumental in shaping its social media and email presence, and crafting compelling narratives that inspire others to explore Australia's vast landscapes. Her previous role was a journalist at Prime Creative Media and before that she was freelancing in publishing, content creation and digital marketing. When she's not creating scroll-stopping travel content, Em is a devoted 'bun mum' and enjoys spending her spare time by the sea, reading, binge-watching a good TV show and exploring Sydney's vibrant dining scene. Next on her Aussie travel wish list? South Australia and The Kimberley.
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6 nature-based experiences to prove the Bendigo region comes alive in autumn

    Dilvin Yasa Dilvin Yasa
    A change is as good as a holiday, but never more so than in the Bendigo region when it’s the seasons putting in the transformative work.

    With its gold rush history, opulent architecture and booming food and wine industry, there’s no denying that the Bendigo region is beautiful to visit at any time of year. Visit between March and May, however, and you’ll find the Bendigo in autumn really comes alive. Foliage erupts in a canvas of golden colours and the cooling air makes immersing yourself in nature all the more enticing.

    Need a few ideas to get you started? We’re so glad you asked.

    1. Tackle the bike trails

    Pink Cliffs Reserve
    Pink Cliffs Reserve in Heathcote can be seen on the O’Keefe Rail Trail. (Image: Visit Victoria/Emily Godfrey)

    Welcome to a region that punches well above its weight when it comes to cycling. This is where hammies are tested on multi-day rides, and first-timers fall in love with the sport on short (and ridiculously pretty) trails.

    The 49-kilometre O’Keefe Rail Trail is the headline act, following the old railway line between Bendigo and Heathcote. Cross the Campaspe River at Axedale Recreation Reserve and pause at the Platypus Compass Sculpture and the First Nations mural marking the connection between Djaara and Taungurung Country, with Axedale acting as the perfect halfway stop to refuel at a pub or cafe.

    Pedal a little further Heathcote’s Pink Cliffs Geological Reserve to be rewarded with views of sculpted pink clay cliffs and narrow gorges that are perfect for a photo stop. Searching for a different type of reward? The Heatchote Wine Region is full of inviting cellar doors.

    There are plenty of other options in the Bendigo region, from the 210-kilometre Goldfields Track, to the Bendigo Creek Trail and Back Creek Trail – both ideal for riders of all abilities. The 3.7 kilometre Little Lake Boort loop is a great family-friendly option.

    Prefer something more adventurous? Spring Gully Mountain Bike Park has been keeping BMX Bandits’ dreams alive for years.

    2. Enjoy the crunch of autumn leaves

    two people having a picnic at Valley of Liquidambers heathcote
    Pack a picnic and head to the Valley of Liquidambers.

    Blinding clusters of crimson, burnt orange and brilliant yellow; here, autumn leaves are crisp confetti of fire and gold. See the magic up close with a slew of parks seemingly dedicated to showcasing Mother Nature’s colour wheel, especially from mid April to early June.

    Pack a picnic for an afternoon at Valley of Liquidambers in Heathcote, where Liquidamber trees transform into a wonderworld of magical foliage. Don’t miss taking a leisurely stroll across the swinging bridge back towards the main street.

    Rosalind Park might be celebrated for its annual tulip display come springtime, but it’s hard to compete with the theatre of autumn. Here, many trees date back to the 1800s, and there’s no better place for a romantic stroll than along the elms, oak and Queensland Kauri that dominate this park.

    Head straight to Lake Weeroona, where an ornamental lake begs for a leisurely lap around its edges, either on foot, or with pedal power.

    3. Immerse yourself in First Nations culture

    woman exploring Kooyoora State Park with guides
    Explore Kooyoora State Park on a cultural tour.

    Its ‘Mountain of Light’ (Guyura in the Dja Dja Wurrung language) title is impressive, but so too is Kooyoora State Park’s rugged landscape of granite outcrops, rocky ridgelines and wide-open skies.

    While there’s nothing to suggest you couldn’t explore Kooyoora’s walking tracks on your own, the best way to understand the 40,000 years of history behind its natural wonders is to book a 2.5-hour Kooyoora Cultural Tour with Dumawul Tours.

    Led by Djaara cultural guides, expect a traditional Welcome to Country smoking ceremony, before engaging storytelling rewinds the clock to reveal the deep cultural significance of the land, its flora, fauna and its continuing connection to Country.

    Keen to stay a little longer? Consider staying overnight at the campground and committing to the park’s wealth of walking trails, such as the 5.3-kilometre hike from the camping ground to the lookout on the Long Rock Walking Track.

    4. Splash in the region’s waterways

    Serpentine Creek Canoe Trail
    Paddle through Serpentine Creek Canoe Trail. (Image: Visit Vic)

    Water babies rejoice: the Bendigo region offers a wealth of waterways to explore.

    Flowing 392-kilometres from the Great Dividing Range to the Murray River, the best way to enjoy Loddon River is with a stop at Bridgewater. Here you can swim in the natural infinity pool or tackle the all-abilities, five-kilometre Serpentine Creek Canoe Trail before browsing the cute stores in town. Hungry? Grab a bite at Bridgewater Hotel.

    Lake Eppalock is popular for water activities, but don’t miss a visit to Little Lake Boort and Big Lake Boort. Birders, in particular, will love the former, thanks to the large variety of bird species that nest in the boardwalk area surrounding the lake.

    Meanwhile, Big Lake Boort is celebrated for its significant Indigenous history and over 400 scarred trees, and offers an opportunity to spot birds and go canoing.

    Meanwhile, watersports and recreational activities at Crusoe Reservoir, located on the outskirts of Bendigo, are the order of the day. Take a walk to the picnic spots of No. 7 Park nearby, and maybe even camp there for the night.

    5. View epic lookouts

    customers at Peregrine Ridge
    Spend time at Peregrine Ridge.

    Sometimes a holiday requires a phenomenal spot on which to perch as you survey your temporary kingdom below. The Bendigo region, happily, doesn’t do anything by halves.

    Located in Heathcote-Graytown National Park, Viewing Rock Lookout – a rocky outcrop offering spectacular views over Heathcote and surrounds – remains a popular choice. Take the hour-long Viewing Rock Circuit Walk and try your hand at gold prospecting nearby.

    Prefer the romance of sunrise or sunset? Pyramid Hill, a stunning granite hill rising 187-metres above sea level, is the place to be (preferably with a coffee and a bagel)

    Over in Terrick Terrick National Park, a walk to the summit delivers a full 360-degree panorama of woodlands, farms and open-sky plains. Pack lunch and perhaps a tent as picnic tables and camping are available.

    Carve out time for Peregrine Ridge, a vineyard situated at the eastern side of Mt Camel Range with an elevation ranging from 250-290 metres. Be rewarded with delicious wine and a cellar door which offers floor-to-ceiling views.

    6. Enjoy the Bendigo region’s parks and gardens

    Rosalind Park in bendigo
    Stroll through Bendigo’s best gardens. (Image: Visit Vic)

    Rosalind Park, located right in the centre of town, is considered Bendigo’s backyard and rightly so. Home to the Bendigo Easter Festival, it’s just as popular year-round for its sixty acres of rolling lawns, towering elms, fernery and winding paths not to mention the playground which has plenty of little fans of its own. A short drive away, Bendigo Botanic Gardens established in 1857 offers a more tranquil space for deep-level nature immersion.

    Those who favour something a little more formal, cottage-style Canterbury Park Gardens famous for its dahlias in autumn delivers.  Stroll through its meticulously maintained ornamental gardens before checking out Lake Tom Thumb and Lake Neangar nearby.

    Time to start planning your adventure to the Bendigo Region, visit bendigoregion.com.au.