Ever thought about spending the night inside an old boot or wagon, a jailhouse, an underground cave, or a tree house? Maybe it’s time to finally fulfill those curiosities.
Read on for our picks of wackiest and weirdest accommodation in the southern hemisphere.
WagonStays, Selwyn, New Zealand
Exactly why an engineer decided to recreate a Western style wagon with a luxury twist remains unclear, but quirky travellers everywhere can be thankful.
Tucked away on a 90 acre farm in Selwyn near Christchurch, WagonStays offers guests a true heartland hospitality experience and the chance to rub shoulders with the animals. Jetboating, mountain biking and wineries are not far away.
Mira Mira, Crossover, Australia
Whether you crave a zen Japanese experience, a cave retreat or an enchanted forest, here’s the chance to live out that fantasy.
Mira Mira comprises three self-contained two-bedroom retreats. Whimsical and arty would be the best way to describe this B&B.
It’s in the Gippsland region, less than two hours from Melbourne.
Kagga Kamma, Cederberg Mountains, South Africa
At Kagga Kamma it’s all about getting back to the earth among the Cederberg Mountains, four hours from Cape Town.
Take the open air option and sleep outside, or book one of the cave and hut suites, making the most of the natural rock formations and blending seamlessly into the surroundings.
Go mountain and quad biking, stargazing and swimming – there’s a myriad of ways to get out into nature on this eco reserve.
The Boot, Tasman, New Zealand
As the story goes, there was an Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe. And if that’s what floats your boat, then The Boot in the Tasman region of the South Island is for you.
This boot shaped cottage is a unique luxury retreat that opens out onto a charming courtyard, with a bedroom up the spiral staircase, kitchenette and bathroom.
It’s 30 minutes away from Abel Tasman National Park and Kahurangi National Park, and the town of Nelson. Beaches, golfing, galleries and wineries are all within easy reach.
The Old Mount Gambier Gaol, Mt Gambier, Australia
The former Mount Gambier Gaol dates back to the 1800s and today offers both backpacker and boutique style accommodation in both cell and non-cell rooms. Plus, there’s a family unit, warden’s cottage and capacity for campervans.
The prison chapel, library and lounge have been converted to common areas. On the cards: a beer garden and meditation garden.
Flycatcher Castle, Mpumalanga, South Africa
In Mpumalanga in eastern South Africa, Flycatcher Castle is handy to Kruger National Park, God’s Window and the Three Rondawels. Here, accommodation consists of five suites named after classical composers.
The castle houses a range of antique art and furniture, too. Definitely one for the discerning.
SiloStay, Canterbury, New Zealand
Auckland went there with Silo Park, but SiloStay in Banks Peninsula, Canterbury takes things to the next level.
Here, grain silos have been turned into individual motel units – a kitchenette, balcony, toilet and seating area on the ground floor. Bedroom, bathroom and balcony are found on the second floor, with views out the top to the night sky. And this is four-star accommodation – eco-friendly to boot! – with wool insulation, wood pellet heating and passive cooling. The waste system is powered by worms!
SiloStay is on State Highway 75 in the heart of Little River, less than an hour from Christchurch and Akaroa.
White Cliffs Underground Motel, NSW, Australia
In far western NSW, White Cliffs Underground Motel is tucked into a hillside and has attracted visitors from all over the globe for more than 20 years.
The searing heat here drives people to seek refuge where they can, and underground it’s a comfortable 22-23 degrees year round.
This massive underground complex holds 30 underground rooms and two above ground rooms. As you might expect, there is no radio or mobile phone coverage in these ‘dugouts’ – so it’s a perfect place to disconnect. Luckily, there’s a gallery and shop including Aboriginal works, and a licensed restaurant, cafe and bar. White Cliffs also enjoys spectacular sunrises and sunsets.
Grand Daddy Boutique Hotel, Cape Town, South Africa
At Cape Town’s Grand Daddy Boutique Hotel, take your pick of luxury suites – or strike out and take a punt on the rooftop trailer park.
Seven beautifully restored Airstreams are available, each with themed interiors – floral, beachy and safari to name just a few – and all the typical modern conveniences. Plus, take advantage of the Skybar and rooftop cinema.
Jailhouse, Christchurch, New Zealand
Christchurch’s Jailhouse hostel consistently ranks in the top picks by the likes of HostelWorld, Lonely Planet and Rough Guides.
Its heritage dates back to the 1800s as Addington Prison; it was in 2006 that it became backpacker accommodation. Being a jail of course, it’s super secure. There’s awesome Gothic style architecture as well as works of art around you, including originals done by an inmate in the jail.
It’s handy to the rail station, the raceway and picturesque Hagley Park.
Carriageway, Dungog, Australia
In the historic town of Dungog, 3.5 hours north of Sydney, you’ll find Carriageway.
Along with the country cottages and spa suites, you have the option of staying in one of four restored train cabins. Each caters for up to six people with a queen bed and bunks, bathroom, kitchenette and lounge/dining area. You’ll have the run of the carriage.
While you’re here, check out the petting zoo, donkey sanctuary, or do some fishing and bird watching.
Teniqua Treetops, Western Cape, South Africa
Perched high in the Outeniqua mountain range in the Western Cape, Teniqua Treetops offers a chance to sleep, eat and shower in the canopy of the indigenous forest along South Africa‘s famous Garden Route.
These eco treehouses made from giant safari tents are self catering with fully equipped kitchens, and are fully serviced. Each is unique and can cater for varying numbers of guests.
Explore the nearby nature reserves; leave the kids to play on the jungle gym, trampoline, swings and swimming pools.
Featured image by silostay.kiwi.nz
