Sometimes the best stays are the ones you almost miss, hidden at the end of a dusty track with nothing but nature for company. Twenty minutes from Benalla, near the quiet township of Tatong, I found myself rolling slowly along a bumpy dirt track, gravel crunching beneath the tyres as towering eucalyptus trees lined the way. The air already smelled like summer, warm earth, dry grass and that sharp, unmistakable scent of the Aussie Outback drifting through the open windows.

Hidden within nature sat my tiny off grid stay, completely secluded and wonderfully simple. Small in size yet thoughtfully laid out, it opened out to sweeping hilly views of the surrounding countryside. Inside, a large bed faced the landscape, making it easy to slow down and settle in. Birds sang from the trees, creating a natural soundtrack to this peaceful pocket of Victoria. The kitchenette was basic and functional, with a fridge and sink for simple meals, and the spacious shower paired with an eco toilet suited the off grid setup seamlessly.

Outside, the experience continued. A BBQ stood ready for outdoor cooking, but I must say the true hero of this abode was the outdoor bathtub. Goddamn, do I love a tub!! As the sun dipped low, the sky transformed into soft pinks and warm oranges, glowing over the hills. I slipped into the tub, the water soothing against sun warmed skin. On a hot summer night like this, I barely needed the hot water. I lay back, breathing in the scent of native Australia, listening to birds settling in for the evening, and gazing up at a sky full of stars. Shooting stars streaked across the darkness and I made quiet wishes, one after another… do you make wishes upon shooting stars too?

Earlier in the day, I stopped at the Tatong Tavern, a classic country pub full of character. And by heck, the meals were largely delicious in true country fashion. I certainly did not need another meal for the rest of the day! After lunch, I took a scenic countryside drive to the nearest lake for a refreshing dip, the cool water a welcome contrast to the summer heat, before returning to my petite stay to spend the afternoon soaking up the stillness.

The evening remained too warm for a fire, so I settled for another stargazing bath. Why stop at one when you can have two? Later, with the windows open and a soft night breeze flowing through, I climbed into bed and set up the projector. I watched documentaries on YouTube late into the night, feeling completely at ease. The tech setup was simple and worked well, making the tiny space comfortable for a quiet night in as a slight breeze danced through the open window.

Morning arrived gently. Coffee on the deck tasted better somehow, paired with the simple joy of watching Maggie the magpie hop and skip around nearby. After a warm shower under the rainfall showerhead, I set up a small breakfast on the side table, soaking in the final moments of quiet before packing up the van. This tiny off grid stay near Tatong was more than just a place to sleep. It was a grounded, sensory escape, deeply connected to nature and the kind of experience that lingers long after you leave.

Please note my friends, this tiny stay features a circulating fan only for cooling and you need to bring along your own drinking water.