Heyscape

Heyscape could be seen as part of the tiny trend, but this young and eco-friendly West Australian company is also tapping into a movement towards disconnecting (even just momentarily) from daily life in order to connect more deeply with the natural world.

Their 26 tiny-house-style cabins, dotted around the state, feel like real retreats. Take their cabins on family-owned Whicher Ridge Wines, for instance, just 20 minutes by car from Busselton. The ‘Alisa’ cabin is a meeting of Aussie country design and modern sensibility, with Colorbond steel exteriors and ply on the interior (a favoured material of many modern architects). The off-grid cabins are solar powered, and while you must keep an eye on usage, they’re all equipped with reverse-cycle air conditioning and the ‘Premium’ category cabins are even kitted out with fully stocked wine fridges. Appliances are integrated, including a small two-ring burner, and outside you might even find an Everdure by Heston Blumenthal barbecue. Fancy!

Need to Knows

  • 26 cabins (Classic, Family, Premium).
  • Check-in: 4pm; Check-out: 10
  • Cabins are in rural locations across seven different parts of the state, with the address and pre-arrival instructions and directions provided up to 48 hours before check-ins. There are restrictions on lighting fires, water use, and tips on solar-power usage.
  • Not all cabins are equipped with WiFi, and mobile reception can be patchy. So, if work is a necessity, be sure to select wisely. Otherwise, you should plan to make any entertainment arrangements before getting to the property – including music and digital media downloads, as you may struggle to do so. And remember to stock up on essentials like sunscreen, insect repellent, food and drink.

What’s There 

There may be designated walking trails if you’re feeling adventurous, but the beauty of the Heyscape cabins is that they’re designed to be enjoyed. At the cabins on the Whicher Ridge Wines grounds, grabbing a few bottles from the cellar door is pretty much mandatory, as is making good use of the board games and yoga mats provided in the cabin.

What’s Around 

Locations vary, but at the Whicher Ridge Wines cabins, you’re on the edge of the Whicher National Park, which means Busselton is just a 20-minute drive away, while Margaret River is roughly 40 minutes southwest.

What’s Super Special 

At dawn and dusk, you’ll see mobs of kangaroos bound across the paddock in front of the cabin. And come nightfall, there’s nothing quite like drawing an outdoor bath with native bath salts and taking in the starry sky.

Children

Heyscape welcomes families at some of their locations, and it’s worth checking the website for the most kid-friendly options.

Breakfast

Bring your own supplies, but know that Heyscape also offers breakfast boxes and hampers at some of their locations, so be sure to check out their added extras when booking.

Eating and Drinking

With good quality kitchenware, knives and that Everdure barbecue, getting your Heston on seems only appropriate. If you’d prefer to eat out at Whicher Ridge, then recently revitalised Busselton has you more than covered, from Busselton Pavilion to oceanside Shelter Brewing, Mano Wraps and Burger Bones. Looking for under-the-radar Indian curries where you’d least expect to find them? Head to Curry Port.

Things to Book

In season, whale watching is an unforgettable addition to any travel itinerary.

Notes

There aren’t many stays out there that might make you reassess your life and personal consumption, but a night or two in one of these cabins may well have you consider downsizing – even just a little – and will convince you that small is most certainly beautiful.