From a cave to a steam train: The most unique places to stay this summer

With summer upon us, what better way to celebrate the season than to stay in some of the most unique accommodation the country has to offer?

From caves and steam trains to shipping container houses, these are some of the quirkiest and cosiest places to book for a summer retreat.

The Angas Carriage in Bowral

Fancy spending the night in a fully refurbished C1911 Angas Carriage set on 40 acres? Just 15 minutes drive from Mittagong in Bowral, the completely renovated railway carriage can sleep nine people in seven bedrooms.

A tiny home in Sunshine Beach 

Be a part of the tiny home movement with this quaint, one-bed abode in Sunshine beach. With a fully functioning kitchenette, a bathroom and enough space to stretch your legs in the living area, it’s a no-frills retreat close to Noosa.

Broken Head Bodhi Treehouse

A short drive from Byron Bay’s shops and beaches sits a real-life treehouse ready for you to unwind in. A three-story dwelling sleeping two people, it’s a holiday right up in the trees.

A shipping container in the Gold Coast hinterland

If you’re looking for a cosy summer retreat, a shipping container in the deep hinterland of the Gold Coast might be the answer. Just a few minutes drive to the beach, this one may look small but can sleep four.

High up in the Blue Mountains

Nestled between two national parks and a World Heritage listed rain-forest sits this humble abode. Looking across 600 acres of private wilderness, the treehouse has never received anything less than a 5-star review from guests on Airbnb.

A romantic tipi for two, Brunswick Heads

If you’re after a unique glamping experience, this tiny tipi in Brunswick Heads has wooden floors, a kitchen with gas cooker, running water, a queen-sized bed and a private outdoor bathroom.

The Enchanted Cave

A clifftop cave built into a natural rock platform that sleeps only two people could be the perfect getaway. With views across the Blue Mountains, the cave has a kitchen, a bathroom and bedroom. What more do you need?

Steam train carriage

This totally restored steam train carriage sleeps six people and is littered with vintage touches throughout. Located in Forrest, Victoria, it is enveloped by the nearby mountain ash rainforest.