Be the first to stay in these new off-grid tiny homes across Victoria

Small stays built for big escapes.

Every now and then, we all need to switch off – not just from our phones, but from the traffic, the deadlines, the noise of city life. One of those off-grid, no-reception kind of escapes that allow us to breathe a little deeper, sleep a little longer and return home feeling fully refreshed. Looking for an excuse? Tiny Away just opened six new tiny homes across Victoria.

All about Tiny Away’s latest tiny homes

Launched in 2017, Tiny Away was born from a simple idea – to give city dwellers a chance to escape the grind and recharge in nature. Nine years and over 500 tiny homes later, and the Victoria-based company are welcoming six new additions to the family.

Golden Hour Hideaway by Tine Away in Glenlyon, Victoria

Each new tiny home promises seclusion in nature. (Image: Supplied)

While each retreat offers something different, they all share a few common characteristics. Primarily, a serene location that promises seclusion, privacy and full immersion in nature. Each one is crafted with sustainable materials, designed to not only respect its surroundings but enhance them. Compact by nature, the tiny homes also consume less energy and use fewer resources, guided by a leave-no-trace philosophy.

“These new additions underscore Tiny Away’s commitment to creating low-impact, high-experience stays," said cofounder Jeff Yeo. “From forest hideaways to coastal sanctuaries, each home is thoughtfully placed to nurture both nature and guest wellbeing."

Hollow Mountain Getaway in the Grampians, Victoria

Off-grid living meets luxury at each Tiny Away retreat. (Image: Supplied)

But going off-grid doesn’t have to mean roughing it. Despite being small in size, the tiny homes are thoughtfully equipped with modern comforts. Guests can enjoy a kitchenette with cooking essentials, split air-conditioning and a bathroom complete with toilet, hand basin and gas-heated shower.

Where are the six new tiny homes?

Tiny Away has retreats in both Australia and around the world, including all states bar the NT and ACT, as well as New Zealand, Japan, Malaysia, Taiwan and Europe. Luckily for Aussies, the six new additions will be on home soil, in Victoria to be exact. Here’s where to find them.

Bush Serenity by the Sea

Stay in bushland just minutes from the sea. (Image: Supplied)

It’s all in the name here – think bird-filled bushland just minutes from the coast. Bush Serenity by the Sea can be found in Bolwarra, just under an hour’s drive from Port Fairy. Grab a coffee in the historic town of Portland before exploring local boutiques or tackling the Great South West Walk. It’s one of the country’s best spots for whale-watching during migration season, so keep your eyes peeled!

Hollow Mountain Getaway

Venture into the heart of Grampians National Park. (Image: Supplied)

The Grampians National Park is already home to one of the most spectacular road trips in Australia. Now, it boasts one of the most spectacular tiny homes, too. Hollow Mountain Getaway sits at the base of the park’s iconic Hollow Mountain – hence its name. The beautifully designed tiny home may tempt some to stay inside, but head outdoors to discover scenic lookouts, towering cliffs, local wildlife and Indigenous rock art.

Heartstone Hill

Take a dip in the pool with national park views. (Image: Supplied)

Perfect for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, Heartstone Hill in Wensleydale is in a prime position for access to the Great Otway National Park. While the tiny home itself is stunning (and boasts a gorgeous pool), waterfalls, hiking trails and the towering giants of Redwood Forest all beckon. Foodies should also check out the boutique wineries and distilleries along the Otway Harvest Trail.

Golden Hour Hideaway

Each tiny home is designed to relax and recharge guests. (Image: Supplied)

Nestled in Glenlyon, a small town in the charming region of Daylesford, Golden Hour Hideaway is cradled by bucolic fields and rolling hills. Guests are encouraged to take full advantage of their bountiful surrounds, from the region’s destination hot springs to cellar door tastings and local markets. Don’t miss nearby Trentham Falls either, located in one of Victoria’s top towns of 2025.

Olive Sanctuary

Stay on a working olive grove in Victoria’s High Country. (Image: Supplied)

Just outside the town of Taggerty in Victoria’s High Country, you’ll find the Olive Sanctuary. This rustic-chic tiny home is situated on a working farm and olive grove, offering firsthand insight into real country living. Whether you choose to while the weekend away onsite and sample the farm’s harvest or explore nearby Cathedral Range State Park, guests are spoilt for choice.

Celestial Haven

Stargazers should book Celestial Haven in Toolangi. (Image: Supplied)

Celestial Haven isn’t deep in the forested region of Toolangi for no reason. With zero light pollution and uninterrupted views of the night sky, it was built with stargazers in mind. Whether you’re looking for the perfect base to watch the upcoming Perseid meteor shower or simply appreciate a star-studded sky, you’re in for a treat. Other drawcards include nearby vineyards, walking trails and the Healesville Sanctuary, home to a range of adorable native animals.

Bookings for all six new tiny homes, as well as other retreats across Australia, can be made via the Tiny Away website. Prices vary depending on location and date.

The Mornington Peninsula’s newest bathhouse just became a complete wellness destination with the addition of The Sanctuary.

It’s a quiet luxury mood board come to life. That’s my first thought when I enter the brand-new villa. It’s one of five perched at the highest point of the 15-hectare property that’s also home to Alba Thermal Springs and Spa. I remember meeting Kadi Morrisson, Alba’s Director of Sales & Marketing, at an industry event in 2024 as she excitedly revealed the renders of what was to become the luxury accommodation I’m now standing in. I can see that her excitement was completely warranted. This retreat is something special.

Location

The Sanctuary is located in the seaside town of Fingal on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula. (Image: Supplied)

Tucked away on an idyllic seaside pocket of land in the Mornington Peninsula, The Sanctuary accommodation is the newest addition to Alba Thermal Springs and Spa, a 15-hectare bathhouse and wellness sanctuary fed by the region’s underground mineral springs. The seaside town of Sorrento, as well as world-class restaurants, wineries and pristine beaches, is all minutes away. It’s also an easy 90-minute drive south from Melbourne Airport, making it within reach of an interstate wellness weekend getaway.

Rooms and villas

The Sanctuary’s five luxurious stand-alone villas and two additional studio rooms opened in June 2025. I’m staying in one of three villas that feature an en suite with an oversized stone bathtub set in front of a floor-to-ceiling glass wall (villas 1-3 only). It means I’m treated to expansive views of the bay and native bushland while soaking in Alba’s signature bath salts – a blend of native Australian botanicals, moisturising oils and mineral-rich salts. Aesop amenities are also supplied in the shower and bathroom.

Glass doors open onto a private deck from the en suite and bedroom; the perfect place to sit with a cheese board and wine at the end of the day to watch the sunset or to stargaze come nightfall. And if you’re feeling in the mood for a stretch come morning, make use of the provided yoga mats and salute the sun at daybreak.

My second-favourite addition (after the bath) is the indoor log fireplace that is set of an evening by the concierge (they can be called to add another log before 10pm as needed). Listening to the crackle of the fire from the comfort of the king bed makes drifting off to sleep a breeze.

Find wine from 10 Minutes by Tractor in the villa’s bar. (Image: Supplied)

The extensive all-inclusive (minus champagne, cocktails and spirits) mini bar champions local businesses with wine from Ten Minutes by Tractor, St Andrews Beach Brewery beer, Peninsula Cold Press Juice Co. and Alba’s Signature tea. Snacks include Chappy’s kettle cooked chips, Choca Mama peanut brittle, pretzels and nude nuts. As well as still and sparkling water and T2 tea. An Illy coffee machine and pods are also included.

Style and character

Local design studio KWD in Mt Martha crafted the interiors from a soothing palette of muted hues – think every shade of cream imaginable. I’m greeted by soft afternoon light leaking through the chiffon curtains; it makes me feel like I’m sinking into a cafe latte-inspired dream. With accents of wood and black metal, as well as exquisite design details like the subtle silver sheath covering the bedside lights, this is understated luxury at its best. I never want to leave.

Facilities

Undoubtedly, one of the major drawcards of a stay at The Sanctuary is inclusive access to Alba Thermal Springs and Spa for each day of your stay, plus you get to enjoy one upgrade to a private pool (The Terrace, The Clouds or The Salts). Concierge transfers via buggy between your villa and the springs are also available – but it’s an easy walk if you don’t mind the hill up to the villas.

Alba Thermal Springs and Spa

The Terrace at Alba Thermal Springs & Spa

The Terrace is one of the private pools at Alba that guests get access to once during their stay. (Image: Supplied)

Opening in 2024, Alba’s pools and landscape architecture were designed by MALA Studio. The team transformed the expansive property into six regions through the thoughtful curation of over 60,000 native and endemic plants.

There are 34 pools, a mix of geothermal, cold plunge and herbal-infused botanical, that range in temperature and design – some to create a feeling of seclusion, while others invite social connection – all fed by natural geothermal mineral waters that flow from 550 metres below ground. I gravitate towards The Hemisphere, with its dry sauna, steam room, cold plunge and dreamy open-air pool called The Hide. I leave my robe at the entrance, slip into the sunken geothermal pool and immediately feel the tension from my travels melting away.

Inside, Alba has 22 spa treatment rooms, including a steam room, Vichy shower, and single or double massage rooms with a spa menu designed to renew, repair and recalibrate guests. The wristband that acts as a key to your villa also gives you access to the change room and bathhouse – just speak to reception on arrival. In addition to lockers and showers, the change rooms also feature a clever swimsuit drying spinner – I find this makes for a more comfortable dining experience (more on that below) in your robe minus wet swimmers.

Thyme Restaurant

Breakfast at Thyme by the springs is included. (Image: Katie Carlin)

Breakfast is included at the in-house restaurant Thyme throughout your stay. I opt for yoghurt panna cotta with toasted house granola topped with local honeycomb, fermented blueberries and berries. But I admit to having FOMO when I see my husband’s choice of poached eggs, Adelaide Hills bacon, layered thyme potato with roasted mushroom and fresh sourdough arrive at the table. Barista-made Little Rebel coffee, smoothies and cold-pressed juices, as well as tea, are also included.

The restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the springs. It’s strongly encouraged to dine in the provided robe, which means you can easily go from soaking in the pool to dining and back again without needing to change.

Both The Sanctuary breakfast menu and The House menu for lunch and dinner were created by award-winning chef Karen Martini, with head chef Mario Di Natale at the helm. Expect fresh, healthy and flavour-driven dishes made with sustainability in mind. For dinner, my husband and I ordered the tuna crudo, scallop and prawn wontons for entrées and roasted cod and sake-braised beef short rib for mains to share with seasonal greens.

Does The Sanctuary have access for guests with disabilities?

The pools at Alba Thermal Springs and Spa are designed to welcome all guests, and a full accessible studio is part of The Sanctuary.

Is The Sanctuary family-friendly?

Guests of all ages are welcome at The Sanctuary, and rollaway beds or cots can be provided upon request. The springs require adult supervision for children aged under 16, and the private pools and spa are reserved for visitors aged 16 and over only. However, I didn’t see any children during my visit.

Details

Best for: A romantic retreat or indulgent girls’ weekend away

Address: 282 Browns Rd, Fingal, Victoria

Room rate: Prices start at $1300 per night for two guests in a Villa with bath, $1150 for Villa without bath.

Tips for visiting Alba Thermal Springs and Spa:

1. Pack waterproof footwear so you don’t have to walk on the cold paths barefoot (plus, footwear is required inside the restaurant).

2. Phones and smartwatches are not permitted – leave them in your locker or room.

3. The minerals in the water can cause jewellery to tarnish; lock them away in the in-room safe.

4. Bring a reusable water bottle and fill up at the drinking fountains – you will dehydrate quickly in the pools and saunas.