For years, I’d been toying with the idea of a solo getaway – nothing big, just a few nights to breathe, write, and enjoy the silence. I’d feel that little pull, then guilt would creep in (so selfish?), and I’d put it off. Even with Shane cheering me on (“book that getaway!”), I never quite made it happen.
Then I stumbled across a Tiny Home in Byron Bay and instantly knew – this was it. I booked a mid-week stay for a little sunshine, a little salty air, and some long-overdue solo time. I’d always been curious about Tiny Homes too. How do they fit everything in? Would I feel claustrophobic? Or would it be cosy in the best way?
Of course, true to form, I got in my own way. As the trip got closer, I started thinking… The kids would love this place. Maybe I could just take them to see it? Maybe they could stay one night?
Cue the whole family piling into two cars – Lulu and I in one, Shane and Lacey in the other (with Lacey clocking up her driving hours). And the moment we arrived? Love. The cutest little home sat in front of us, just steps from the ocean. I still wondered if it might feel a bit too small… but mostly, I thought: wouldn’t it be nice to spend a couple of nights here with Lulu?
And just like that, my solo trip turned into a tiny home adventure for two.
🛏️ About the tiny home
Tucked right inside Reflections Holiday Park at Clarkes Beach, this tiny home couldn’t be in a better spot. You’re quite literally steps from the sand – you can see the ocean from the bed! – and just a 10-minute stroll into Byron’s town centre for dinner, shopping, or a sneaky gelato run.
The home itself is small (of course) but perfectly done. There’s a comfy queen bed, a little bathroom with a shower, toilet, and sink, and a kitchen with a stovetop (no oven or microwave, so keep it simple). Outside, there’s a deck with a BBQ and dining area – and yep, your own parking space for ease.
Because it’s in a caravan park, you also get access to the shared facilities – a big camp kitchen, laundry, playground, and even BBQs and picnic tables that overlook the ocean (dreamy!).
I loved that the tiny home was tucked at the end of the park – it felt private and peaceful. Falling asleep to the sound of waves and waking up to the sun rising over the hill? Magic.
🌿 What we did during our stay
Originally, my plan was to spend the days quietly writing from the Tiny Home – soaking up the view, taking the occasional dip in the ocean, and leaning into a slower pace.
But Byron always has a way of pulling me in. It’s that mix of calm and curiosity – and paired with my unexpected housemate (hello Lulu!), I felt drawn to explore, chase sunrises, and eat my way around town with her.
In the end, we got the best of both worlds: slow mornings and restful afternoons in our tiny space, balanced with little side quests that reminded me why Byron always feels a bit like magic.
✨ Sunrise at Byron Lighthouse
This was honestly magic. You can walk up to the lighthouse from the Tiny Home – and lots of people do – but we went for the slightly less ambitious option and drove up instead (no regrets).
Even from the carpark, the short walk up is totally doable, and the views? Unreal. It’s uninterrupted ocean as far as the eye can see. The lighthouse marks the most easterly point in Australia, so watching the sunrise from there feels extra special – like you’re the first in the country to greet the day.
Every sunrise I’ve seen there has been breathtaking. If you’re in Byron, it’s one of those must-do moments that actually lives up to the hype.
TIP: The carpark fills really quickly so arrive a little earlier to nab a spot, otherwise park in the overflow carpark down the hill.
✨ Breakfast at Combi
Combi is my go-to breakfast spot in Byron – it’s open from 7am, and has the kind of relaxed, beachy vibe that makes you want to sit and stay a while.
The menu is full of tempting options, but I never seem to make it past the eggs benedict. It’s so good. You’ll also find juices, smoothies, coffee, teas, and plenty of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options – so there’s truly something for everyone (even the fussy eaters – look how they did Lulu’s avo on toast!).
✨ A little shopping and stroll
If there’s one thing my kids love most about Byron, it’s the shopping. It’s such an easy town to explore – walkable, relaxed, and full of shops that are fun to browse, even if you’re not planning to buy.
I’ve always had a soft spot for Spell (a Byron icon) – their boho dresses and floaty pieces are just so beautiful. But really, half the fun is just wandering and popping into whatever catches your eye.
Just outside the main strip, near Woolies, there’s a great op shop packed with hidden gems. Lulu scored a brand new Ghanda hat for $4 (bargain of the trip!). There’s also a Lifeline and Salvos nearby, if you’re in the mood for a good old-fashioned op shop treasure hunt.
✨ A handy little café next door
Just outside the caravan park – literally a two-minute stroll from the Tiny Home – is Beach Café. In the mornings, it runs as a casual kiosk, perfect for a quick bite. Think bacon and egg rolls, buttery croissants, muffins, and easy breakfast options to grab and go.
At lunch and dinner, the full restaurant opens and things get a little fancier. If you feel like staying close to home but still want a proper meal, this spot is super convenient and the beach views don’t hurt either.
✨ A drive to Doma Cafe, Federal
I’ve got a soft spot for the Byron Bay hinterland – especially a tiny town called Federal. It’s where I celebrated my 40th birthday, and also my blog’s 10th anniversary, so it holds a special little place in my heart.
There’s a café there called Doma – a Japanese spot that’s made quite a name for itself, even winning awards as one of the best Japanese eateries in New South Wales. So of course, during our stay, we jumped in the car and made the drive for lunch.
The road winds through the hinterland and takes about 30 minutes, but it’s a beautiful drive. Federal is tiny (think five buildings total), and right in the middle of it all is Doma – humble, unassuming, and so worth the trip.
It’s open daily for breakfast and lunch, and the vibe is super casual. Order at the counter, grab a table outside (definitely bring a jacket in winter), and settle in. The food? Incredible. The flavours are next level – fresh, bold, and clearly made with love. Definitely worth leaving the beach for.
✨ And a million (well, almost) ocean swims
One of the best things about staying right on the beach? You can swim whenever the mood strikes – quick dips, long soaks, or just standing waist-deep watching the waves roll in.
We ended every day with a swim, and honestly, most days included a few more in between. It became our little rhythm – ocean, rest, repeat.
Clarkes Beach, just outside the park, isn’t patrolled by lifeguards, but it’s a calm, easy-to-read bay. We felt safe slipping in and out as we pleased, and it was such a treat to be back inside the Tiny Home (wrapped in a towel and full of saltwater happiness) within minutes.
🙃 Tiny home truths: what surprised me
It never felt too small. Not once.
I’m not overly fussy about space (I’ve cruised in tiny cabins before), and I’d say the Tiny Home felt similar – just with the bonus of a little kitchen and actual fresh air. Thanks to the big windows and the beach view, it felt light, bright, and never cramped, even with two of us sharing the space.
Like most Tiny Homes, this one made the most of every nook – there was plenty of space to stash our bags under the bed, which made a big difference. Once everything was packed away, it felt tidy, spacious, and easy to move around without tripping over stuff.
There’s no lounge, so the bed becomes your lounge and your bed. And you know what? I didn’t mind. I could have happily spent the whole day there reading or writing. But what I loved most was that the Tiny Home nudged us to get outside – to swim, chase sunrises, and explore Byron properly.
The kitchen was small but super handy. We only cooked once (sausages and salad, nothing fancy), but I appreciated that the space made everything feel easy. Simple food, simple living – it worked.
Could I live in a Tiny Home full-time? Probably not. I’m a collector of things, and I’m not quite ready for the minimalist lifestyle. But as a holiday? I loved it. I’d absolutely do another Tiny Home getaway – maybe even solo next time… if I can resist inviting the whole family again.
🌊 A new favourite beach (and I didn’t see it coming)
As a long-time beach girl, I thought I’d already found my favourite local spot. I’ve swum all along the Northern New South Wales coastline and figured I’d seen the best of it.
And then… Clarkes Beach happened.
I’d swum there before – years ago – but something about this trip made me fall in love with it completely. It’s officially taken the top spot as my new favourite beach.
Why? It’s the bay. The gentle, lulling waves. The way the water stays calm and consistent. There’s space to swim without feeling crowded, and you can float while watching surfers catch waves off to the side. It’s the best of both worlds.
And the water? Clear, beautiful, and the perfect temperature every time. Total vibe.
💛 Would I do it again?
Absolutely.
What started as a solo getaway turned into something a little different – a tiny home escape shared with my girl, full of swims, sunrises, strolls, and slow mornings. And honestly? It was perfect.
There’s something so special about this space. The location, the simplicity, the beach right there. It gave me exactly what I needed – a breather, a reset, and a reminder of how good the little things can be.
I stayed as a guest of Reflections Holiday Parks, and I’m so grateful for the experience. The Tiny Home at Clarkes Beach starts at $289 per night, and if you’re after a unique, beachside getaway (solo, with a partner, or even a surprise roomie like me), it’s absolutely worth it.
And while I didn’t get the solo time I originally planned… I did get something even better.
