Ryan’s Rest… goodness, where should I start?! This tiny house, that overlooks a little slice of Pemberton paradise, is one of Australia’s most sought after air bnbs. Ryan’s Rest Pemberton has to be one of my ultimate stays in WA.
I relished my much-needed break at the breathtakingly cute tiny house found in the forest near Pemberton. Ryan’s Rest airbnb allowed me to pause, be present, and take long deep breaths of pristine Southern Forest air. The events of 2020/21 were taking its toll and I desperately needed to get back to basics. As soon as I drove up the driveway, I felt my shoulders drop, as the worries of everyday life faded away.
I had a feeling that I’d love Ryan’s Rest. I’d always wanted to stay in a tiny home in Perth. I had plenty of build-up. I’d had my eye on it a few years ago, when the accommodation was a charming old caravan. Gradually I saw the spot getting more and more popular, especially with the addition of the new tiny house. I booked my break a year ago, fearing I’d never get a booking! Now the house is booked out until mid-2024. If you’re lucky enough to snag a booking – it is 110% worth the wait.
The photos on air bnb are amazing. Once I was there, nothing compared to the reality of sitting in the deck chairs, experiencing that view and the thoughtfully curated space in person. It was an absolute pleasure to meet Jo, our wonderful host, who went above and beyond to ensure our stay was memorable.
The tiny house is immaculate and the attention to detail amazing. All the little touches throughout the property blew me away – from hot water bottles and herbal tea to lavender oil by your bed to help you sleep. From the comfy beds, roaring wood fire, playing garden games, fishing, toasting marshmallows, bushwalking, and delving into that amazing book collection – there’s so much to enjoy. Whether you want to switch off and relax, to experience nature at its best or to use Ryan’s Rest as a base to explore the stunning Southern Forests region – it is perfect for whatever you have planned.
Ryan’s Rest Pemberton – Inside the Tiny House
So what will you find inside the tiny house? There’s two comfy beds. The queen overlooks the valley, perfectly framed through the large windows.
The double is up a ladder (which Little Chef loved).
The kitchen has most things that you’d require to cook up a storm. Two gas burners, fridge, kettle, plus a coffee machine and pods.
Even the mugs and plates are like little works of art.
There’s also a bluetooth speaker, ukulele to play (including how-to guide), mindful colouring books, binoculars for birdwatching – even a little lock box to hide your technology away! The book collection is so well curated. There’s lots of books about mindfulness, nature, cabins, food… even some of the classics.
The compact bathroom has everything you need – sink, a shower complete with view over the fields, and even a compostable loo! This is so easy to use and adds to the eco experience.
Number twos are for the outside loo – the cutest dunny I ever did see haha
Outside, you’ll find a hammock, the wooden deck chairs by the firepit, as well as a BBQ, and seating under the covered patio.
Ryan’s Rest – What To Do
If you love nature, you’ll love Ryan’s Rest. There is SO MUCH to do. Or, simply do nothing but enjoy that view. The choice is all yours.
I get the feeling it really is a place for all seasons. We stayed in mid-spring, after a very wet winter. The lush rolling green hills, abundance of colourful wildflowers and full lake made it feel like heaven.
The swimming spot on the edge of the lake is just magic. Here Little Chef loved fishing for trout and yabbies (equipment provided).
There are canoes, and rubber rings for lazing on the lake in summer.
As well as sunbeds and a hammock too.
We had a little bush walk by the lake. I was blown away by the vibrant wildflowers. You can even walk part of the Munda Biddi trail through the bush behind the cabin.
The swing, complete with whimsical “never grow up” inscription, was lots of fun.
I loved what it symbolised. It was a link back to my childhood, when I had no worries, and a timely reminder not to take life so seriously. That I also needed to embrace and nurture my inner child. To not get bogged down in ‘adulting”, to just swing as hard and high as I can, feeling the breeze in my hair, and the sun on my back. Life really is good.
In the evenings, the tiny showed another side. We sat under the star-lit sky, listening to the many birds heralding the night. Little Chef built an impressive fire for our marshmallows.
We loved the many garden games, particularly the nightly Corn Holes showdown – from which I am the reigning champion. Inside, the roaring ‘mini meg’ fireplace, kept us toasty and warm. Soft linen blankets, hot chocolates and the fun board games made our mum and son time together extra special.
You only need to bring yourself, some food, maybe a bottle of vino – the rest has been taken care of. From a practical point of view, the property is found on a working farm, down about 10kms of gravel roads. My 2WD navigated these no problem. The tiny house is located approx. half way between Manjimup and Pemberton (about 20-25mins from each), so be organised when it comes to food and meal times. Its perfect for a stay with older children, or as a romantic couples getaway.
Ryan’s Rest – The Farm
One thing that Little Chef and I loved experiencing most, was Jo showing us around the working potato and cattle farm. If you follow my blog or Instagram account, you will already know I’m very passionate about supporting local producers and always #BuyWestEatBest. We met her husband, Glenn, who was busy working out in his potato fields. I do love a WA potato!
We also said g’day to some of their cattle. The cattle that we could see from the tiny house were being raised for Dirty Clean Food, a great little West Aussie company.
We marveled at the immense farm machinery, Little Chef enjoyed a tractor ride, and we even got a special sneak peek of another beautiful tiny house hidden amongst their lemon tree orchard – opening in 2022! The Grove at Ryan’s Rest even has an outdoor bathtub – bliss!
Ryan’s Rest is the perfect spot to immerse yourself in an off-grid escape. I don’t think I’ve ever truly switched off like this and simply enjoyed the serenity. We spent four days connecting with nature, living in an eco-friendly way, slowing down the pace and even reconnecting with my inner child. I didn’t want to leave, but when it came time to drive back up that gravel road, I felt lighter, more positive, more at peace.
The last 18 months have been horrendous, for me and most of us. Single parenting is hard, and it’s been easy to get bogged down in all the bumps of life’s road. The absolute best thing that came out of our time at Ryan’s Rest, was precious memories with my son. With my new perspective, I feel inspired to reset and be the best version of myself in future.
We’ll absolutely be back – Thank you Jo and Glenn! It was a pleasure to meet two people so passionate about the Southern Forests region and farming.
If you’d like more information on Ryan’s Rest – check it out on air bnb.
Stay tuned for more on our adventures in the Southern Forest region. As well as relaxing at Ryan’s Rest Pemberton, we did a little exploring and eating too – of course!