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The new tiny home offering views of a Blue Mountains icon

Book a stay at this cosy cabin for front-row seats of the historic Zig Zag Railway, best enjoyed from your private outdoor hot tub.

Australian sustainable accommodation brand Into The Wild Escapes is known for its off-grid stays designed to reconnect guests with nature. From cosy cabins in country Victoria to beachside bungalows along Queensland’s coast, each tiny home reads like a love letter to its surrounds.

It’s this ethos that shines through with the launch of Tiny Billy, a new Blue Mountains stay that celebrates one of the region’s most historic icons – complete with all the luxe amenities to match. And if it’s already booked out? Not to worry – four more just opened across NSW.

The location

Zig Zag Railway in the Blue Mountains, NSW
Tiny Billy has opened right next door to the iconic Zig Zag Railway.

Two hours from Sydney in the heart of NSW’s Blue Mountains, the small town of Clarence appears as a quick blip on the map. But that’s all about to change with the launch of Tiny Billy, the latest sustainable tiny home to open in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed national park.

Initially a railway outpost along the original Blue Mountains train line, Clarence was considered a boom town for track workers in the early 1900s. But the population rapidly declined post-construction and, while it never fully recovered, the area remains a postcard of regional charm thanks to the steam train adventure that took over its tracks.

Zig Zag Railway in the Blue Mountains, NSW
The steam train has become a historic icon among Blue Mountains locals.

Opened as a heritage non-profit in 1975, the Zig Zag Railway is among the most unique of its kind in Australia. Using zig-zag tracks to gain height, it follows a switchback pattern up the mountain, showcasing sweeping views before crossing the region’s historic sandstone viaducts. Today, it’s considered one of the best things to do in the Blue Mountains.

Into The Wild Escapes embraces this enduring appeal, positioning Tiny Billy to offer prime views of the iconic railway. Surrounded by lush Aussie bushland, the off-grid cabin perfectly combines local history with off-grid living and a dash of luxury.

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The accommodation

Tiny Billy in the Blue Mountains, NSW
Enjoy your morning coffee from the peaceful deck out front.

Tiny Billy is the epitome of quiet indulgence. It’s a space designed for slowing down, disconnecting from the world and reconnecting with your surrounds. The eco-friendly cabin, priced from $399 during the week and $599 on weekends, has quickly become a competitor in the Blue Mountains accommodation market.

Inside, the focus is firmly on comfort and ease of living. A fully equipped kitchen for homemade dinners. Board games for off-grid entertainment. A queen bed by the window, draped in soft linens. And with two single bunks and a double bed in the loft, it sleeps up to six while still remaining cosy for couples.

Tiny Billy in the Blue Mountains, NSW
Tiny Billy has been designed with comfort and ease of living in mind.

During winter, guests can gather around the outdoor fire pit or soak in the woodfired hot tub, or keep it cool for a refreshing dip come summer. The sun-drenched patio is an ideal spot for morning coffee, while a hammock hung between nearby gums provides the perfect reading perch.

Tiny Billy in the Blue Mountains, NSW
During winter, the fire pit provides the perfect spot to relax.
Tiny Billy in the Blue Mountains, NSW
Soak up uninterrupted views of the railway from your hammock in the gums.
Tiny Billy in the Blue Mountains, NSW
The outdoor hot tub is arguably the best seat in the house.

While it may be hard to leave your peaceful haven, be sure to take advantage of your proximity to the Zig Zag Railway at some point. The steam train operates fortnightly on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, with prices starting from $46.50 per adult. If you’re keen to explore further afield, head across the valley for some of the Blue Mountains’ best bushwalks.

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The other properties

Tiny Wallaby in Dural, Sydney, NSW
Tiny Wallaby joins Tiny Wombat within a native wildlife sanctuary. (Image: Danielle Nieuwendyk Photography)

While Tiny Billy is a standout, four other Into The Wild Escapes have also recently opened across NSW that are well worth a visit. Closer to Sydney, Tiny Wallaby and Tiny Wombat are now welcoming guests in Dural, around 35 minutes from the CBD. Nestled within The Hills Wildlife Sanctuary and sleeping up to six guests each, its private tour offerings make it perfect for animal lovers.

Tiny Lawson has opened its doors in Lake Macquarie, around 90 minutes north of Sydney, and sleeps up to six. It’s all about nature and wellness here, whether you’re sweating it out in the outdoor sauna or hot tub, meeting horses and cows in the paddocks, or soaking it all in from the verandah, where views of the dam invoke quiet contemplation.

Tiny Lawson in Lake Macquarie, NSW
Tiny Lawson in Lake Macquarie heroes outdoor wellness experiences. (Image: Danielle Nieuwendyk Photography)

In the Southern Highlands town of Buxton, Tiny Phoebe is geared towards smaller groups and couples, with room for just three guests. Encircled by ancient towering gums, you can sink into your luxurious outdoor tub, glass of wine in hand, knowing there’s not another human for miles.

Clearly, it’s a list that makes choosing just one quite the challenge, but deciding where to stay will be as hard as it gets – everything else is taken care of. For all bookings, as well as the full portfolio of properties, head to Into The Wild Escapes’ website.

Taylah Darnell
Taylah Darnell is Australian Traveller's Writer & Producer. She has been passionate about writing since she learnt to read, spending many hours either lost in the pages of books or attempting to write her own. This life-long love of words inspired her to study a Bachelor of Communication majoring in Creative Writing at the University of Technology Sydney, where she completed two editorial internships. She began her full-time career in publishing at Ocean Media before scoring her dream job with Australian Traveller. Now as Writer & Producer, Taylah passionately works across both digital platforms and print titles. When she's not wielding a red pen over magazine proofs, you can find Taylah among the aisles of a second-hand bookshop, following a good nature trail or cheering on her EPL team at 3am. While she's keen to visit places like Norway and New Zealand, her favourite place to explore will forever be her homeland.
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The tastiest new players on Newcastle’s dining scene you need to try

    Carla Grossetti Carla Grossetti
    Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.

    When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.

    aerial of Nobbys beach in newcastle nsw
    Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)

    Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.

    1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle

    pastries next to a pastry box from crumb cafe in newcastle
    Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)

    Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB, the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.

    Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.

    Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe.

    2. Destination dining

    Blanca resuarant in newcastle nsw
    Step inside Mediterranean-inspired eatery, Blanca. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca, which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.

    One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie, the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.

    Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.

    3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks

    people swimming at Newcastle Ocean Baths
    Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)

    What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?

    Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach. Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen, which is open from 6am.

    Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse.

    You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach, where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.

    Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.

    4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle

    couple eating at Flotilla newcastle
    Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)

    In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.

    Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.

    Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.

    5. Newcastle nightlife

    Bartholomew's small bar in newcastle nsw
    Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)

    As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.

    If a small bar in a grand old building is more your style, check out Roxanne, Bar Mellow and Bartholomew’s.

    Start planning your Newcastle culinary coastal getaway this summer at visitnewcastle.com.au.