In a travel series, CityMag checks out where to check-in for a night, this time visiting a self-contained CABN in McLaren Flat.

This CityMag reporter is directionally challenged, so a couple of days ahead of her stay she was pleased to see detailed instructions land in her inbox, with pictures of the dirt road entrance to the CABN she was staying in. 

She still got lost – or as we prefer to say, ‘took the scenic route’.

Travelling along McLaren Flat Road with its abundance of wineries, it’s a scenic route indeed. 

Finally making it to the correct side of Gemtree Wines where the CABN is located, she is greeted by vines as far as she can see. Even in their bare winter state, it’s picturesque.

Gemtree wines are about a 40-minute drive south of Adelaide, with their 2022 Cinnabar GSM (a blend of Grenache, Shiraz and Mataro) waiting for us in the CABN.

Despite being a mere eight minutes from the main street of McLaren Vale, the immediate surroundings of the self-contained eco-house feel remote. 

CABN Founder and CEO Michael Lamprell built South Australia’s first completely off-grid, sustainable tiny house with switching off in mind. 

“To stay with CABN is to disconnect and find inspiration in nature,” he says. 

The first was named Jude, after his mum. 

Since Jude’s debut, 31 more CABNs popped up and the SA company expanded its offering into Victoria and Queensland.

CABN Jude, the OG. This picture: via CABN

The brand has three different offerings: the CABN, CANVS, which is a glamping style eco-friendly pavilion, and the CABN X, which is more spacious, with a king-sized bed, private sauna and full-sized bath. 

It quickly became a pride of South Australia’s regional tourism, with locations including Seppeltsfield in the Barossa, Cape St Albans on Kangaroo Island and most recently, Hahndorf.

There is deliberately no Wi-Fi and no television, with the ethos of the CABN being about connecting with nature and other people, not the online world.

You’re also asked to respect the solar-powered space and leave your hairdryers, straighteners, electric razors and other high-wattage appliances at home as they will damage the solar batteries and leave you without power for the duration of your stay, according to the arrival instructions. Despite the encouragement to switch off your phone, they do note there’s plenty of solar power to charge phones and use the supplied appliances. 

CABN Melissa has a queen bed and full-size bunk bed. This picture: via CABN

CityMag’s CABN is named Melissa, and while Melissa can sleep four, the three stools sitting under her kitchen benchtop tell a different story. 

Melissa is a compact and cosy introduction to the tiny-house vibe, but better suited for a couples getaway or solo stay especially if, like us, you value your personal space.

If your family and friends insist on joining, we’d suggest they stay in Melissa’s neighbour: Matilda, located about 75 metres away. Matilda’s a bit bigger, and they’re both dog-friendly. 

An indoor wood heater and a steady supply of briquettes warmed up the CABN quickly and eliminated the wintery chill in the air. There’s also an outdoor fire pit (BYO marshmallows), seating and Weber to enjoy on a clearer spring evening. 

CityMag’s highlight was enjoying the golden hour and sunset with a cup of tea and a packet of Taronga chocolate-covered almonds – another pride of the Fleurieu Peninsula. 

We must admit, CityMag broke the ‘digital detox’ rule to film this video, but we didn’t post it until we got back to the city so that still counts right? 

@citymagadl

CityMag recently enjoyed golden hour at McLaren Flat’s CABN. #CABN #SouthAustralia #FleurieuPeninsula

♬ Countryside – Andrew Joy

CABN Melissa is located at McLaren Flat, one of various CABN locations across the Fleurieu Peninsula, Barossa, Kangaroo Island and Hahndorf. Find out more on their website.