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
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.
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.
Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.
AI Prompt
The accommodation
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 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.
During winter, the fire pit provides the perfect spot to relax.
Soak up uninterrupted views of the railway from your hammock in the gums.
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.
Weekly travel news, experiences insider tips, offers, and more.
The other properties
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 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.
Want to see more stories from Australian Traveller in your Google search results?
Tick the box next to "Australian Traveller". That's it.
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 check out places like Scotland and North America, her favourite place to explore will always be her homeland.
Think you know Lismore? Think again. From pop-up feasts to a buzzing nightlife to a thriving arts scene, discover a new side of the Northern Rivers.
Scratch beneath the surface of Lismore and its surrounding villages and you’ll discover a side of the Northern Rivers many travellers don’t expect. Here lies a region bursting with creativity, where vibrant street art, innovative eateries and enriching cultural experiences shape everyday life. Best of all, it’s authentic, and can be enjoyed without the crowds. Here are eight reasons why it deserves a closer look.
1. Nights come to life
Stay out a little longer and experience the vibrant nightlife. (Image: Visit Lismore)
The Lismore region stirs after the sun sets, with wine bars, pub gigs, pop-up dinners and live music events at atmospheric country pubs and halls. The Eltham Hotel is a hinterland institution, its verandah regularly echoing with rootsy live music. Nimbin Bush Theatre’s Sonic Bloom nights bring pop-up dinners, films and DJ sets. The Channon Tavern hosts weekend sessions, while Il Carretto’s pizza nights fill Clunes Cafe on Thursday nights and Bexhill Hall on Fridays. Rider Taco Pop Up also brings a laid-back Mexican feast to Clunes, where guests spread out on the grass or gather in the old hall to share freshly made tacos.
2. A thriving arts and culture scene
Follow the Art & Culture Trail. (Image: Visit Lismore)
The Northern Rivers has long attracted artists, makers and free thinkers, and nowhere is that creative energy more evident than in Lismore and its neighbouring hamlets. The city’s Art & Culture Trail shines a spotlight on the city’s flourishing arts scene, linking galleries, studios and public art across the region. Start at the Lismore Regional Gallery, which has a dynamic mix of contemporary works and community-focused exhibitions. Also keep an eye out for events at The Quad, an open-air space that lights up with live music, projections and family-friendly events. Beyond the city, discover the colourful street murals of Nimbin, browse local art at Blue Knob Gallery or get your hands dirty during a clay workshop at Silt Studio.
For travellers who love discovering independent labels and one-of-a-kind finds, Lismore and its nearby villages offer a treasure trove of boutiques. Here, you’ll find everything from clothes and hand-crafted trinkets to books and homewares, each store reflecting the personality of its makers and curators. Highlights include Hanging Rock Flowers, where seasonal blooms meet beautifully chosen artisan gifts, and Two Ravens Antique and Vintage, where a collection of objects whisper stories of the past. Little Polli and the Blackbird offers whimsical fashion and homewares, while Folk Modern champions eclectic textiles and global finds and Valley of the Craftsmen showcases refined handmade artistry.
4. Diverse food offerings
Settle in for an evening of great drinks and live tunes. (Image: Visit Lismore)
Lismore’s dining scene is celebrated for its paddock-to-plate produce, global cuisines and cafe culture. At Two Mates Brewing small-batch beers are crafted for easy afternoons, often best enjoyed with a food truck bite, while The Levee Lounge and Bar brings a touch of Melbourne-style polish to town, with cocktails and wine served against the hum of live music.
Heritage bones meet a modern buzz at The Bank Cafe & Espresso, while smoked meats and fried chicken take centre stage at The Stockpot Kitchen. Housed in a former butter factory, Channon Tavern is the ideal place to while away the day on the grass by Terania Creek, and the The Eltham Hotel offers an upscale food menu with old school charm.
Find Annies Country Bakery in Modanville on Lismore’s Great Pie Trail, serving award-winning pies, open every day, it’s a great stop on a scenic drive on route to nearby national parks and Rocky Creek Dam. Or pop into Clunes Cafe for regular hosted dinners, each with its own unique flair. Listen to live music while you’re there, and maybe even join in a line dance.
5. Alternative lifestyles reign
Discover a place where freedom, art and community are part of everyday life. (Image: The Legendary Pacific Coast)
This area has long been a free-spirited community, where counterculture values and creative expression shape everyday life. Its roots trace back to the 1973 Aquarius Festival, when thousands gathered in the hills near Nimbin and the one-time dairy town’s once-quiet streets were painted in kaleidoscopic colour. Many never left, establishing communes and laying the foundations of a community built on sustainability and freedom. Events such as the annual Nimbin MardiGrass festival keep its activist, grassroots spirit alive, while continuing to welcome diverse travellers in search of something a little different.
6. Breathtaking nature on the doorstep
Step into a world of ancient forests. (Image: Visit Lismore)
Lismore acts as the gateway to some of Australia’s most spectacular ancient Gondwana rainforests and untouched wilderness. Nearby Nightcap National Park offers UNESCO-listed rainforest walks and waterfalls, while Rocky Creek Dam is a tranquil spot for picnics and birdlife – and you may even spot a platypus if your timing is right. Whian Whian State Conservation Area reveals lush subtropical trails and hidden swimming holes, while the Northern Rivers Rail Trail winds through farmland and forest, passing historic railway bridges along the way.
7. Boutique stays
Experience award-winning eco stays. (Image: Contained in Nimbin)
Accommodation in the Lismore region tends to favour character over gloss, with stays that trade uniform luxury for a stronger sense of place and personality. Lismore Gateway Motel and Invercauld House offer easy comfort close to Lismore CBD, while The Eltham Hotel pairs a lively pub atmosphere with individually designed rooms that reflect the building’s heritage character. Nightcap Ridgesecluded luxury eco retreat and Rummery Park Campground in Whian Whian State Conservation Area, and Contained in Nimbin’s award-winning eco cabins, all bring you closer to nature.
8. Form community connections
Celebrate winter solstice at the Lismore Lantern Parade. (Image: Visit Lismore)
If you are wanting to immerse yourself more in the community, there are some standout events that embrace Lismore’s individuality. Lismore is known for its markets, so they’re a great place to start. The fire twirling at Lismore’s weekly Thursday produce markets makes for a particularly fun spectacle.