Have you ever had time to soak under a big open sky, with greenery surrounding you and nothing but birdsong to keep you company? If that thought lights up something inside you, a cabin outing in South Australia should be part of your immediate bucket list.
Across South Australia, more travellers are trading in hotel spas for the raw, grounding luxury of outdoor baths. And once you’ve tried it, it’s hard to go back indoors.
CABN has made this dreamy experience part of everyday life for its guests, setting up cabins with outdoor baths in some of the most breathtaking, off-grid spots you can imagine.
Why Outdoor Baths Just Hit Different
Think about it…
After a big day on the road through the Clare Valley or a hike in Kuitpo Forest, what could be better than kicking back in a freestanding bath, staring at the ocean, coast line, or vineyard and listening to the cockies call?
It’s not just a bit of fun either. Being outside, soaking up fresh air, and connecting with nature can genuinely lift your mood.
Studies reckon spending time outdoors helps with stress, sleep, and even improves your immune system. No wonder more South Aussies are finding ways to bring a bit of the outdoors into their everyday lives. And a simple outdoor bathtub is one of the best ways to do it.
Outdoor baths are about switching off, slowing down, and soaking without a care in the world.
Outdoor Bathtub or Hot Tub: What’s the Difference?
Now, you might be thinking, why not just chuck in a hot tub? Fair enough. But there’s a bit of a difference.
Feature | Outdoor Bathtub | Hot Tub |
| Vibe | Relaxed, natural, old-school soaking | Social, bubbly, spa-like experience |
| Setup | Simple — fill with water, no power needed | Needs power for heating and jets |
| Maintenance | Low — rinse and wipe with soft cloth and mild detergent | High — regular chemical balancing, filter cleaning |
| Materials | Stone, acrylic, timber — blends with nature | Fibreglass, plastic — modern look |
| Use | Solo or couples’ soak under open skies | Group soaking with jets and bubbles |
| Best For | Quiet, nature-immersed relaxation | Party vibes, hydrotherapy |
| Aesthetic | Rustic, blends into outdoor space with greenery surrounding | More modern, sometimes bulky |
| Cleaning | Quick wipe after each use | Weekly deep clean needed |
Hot tubs are great if you want jets and bubbles, but they can be challenging to look after: chemicals, cleaning, filters, and all the rest. On the other hand, a simple outdoor bathtub keeps things low-key. Fill it up, hop in, empty it when you’re done. Easy as pie.
Not to mention, a freestanding bath just looks better when you’ve got a bit of greenery surrounding or it’s tucked away on a timber deck. It’s the kind of thing that mixes right into the bush or a backyard without looking out of place.
Plus, you don’t need a big crew to enjoy it. Perfect for solo soaks or a quiet one with your better half.
Best Spots to Find Cabins with Outdoor Baths in South Australia
You don’t have to look far if you want to try one without committing to a long travel time or big check-in fee. Some of the best cabins with outdoor baths are right here in SA, tucked into some cracking locations.
- Kangaroo Island: Around, you’ll find rugged cliffs, rolling hills, and cabins while you soak under the stars, wrapped up in nature. CABN has up to five accomodation cabins with outdoor baths in the Kangaroo Island location, each with different views of the Island.
- Hahndorf: Hahndorf is another good shout. CABN X Handhorf has not just an outdoor bath but also an indoor one. Only half an hour out of Adelaide but it feels a world away. Imagine hopping into a freestanding bath on a cool night, glass of local red in hand and the hills rolling out in front of you.
- McLaren Vale: You’ve got an outdoor bath each at CABN X Giles and William in McLaren Vale. Take your pick. Most of these cabins don’t just stick a bath anywhere. They build them properly — on decks with plenty of greenery, so you’re not on show and can just relax.
How to Look After an Outdoor Bathtub
Got your own outdoor bathtub at home or seeking for ways to use and maintain your cabin bathtub? Beauty. But a heads-up — being outdoors, you’ve got to give it a bit of TLC.
- After a soak, give it a quick wipe with a soft cloth. Stops dirt and leaves building up.
- Every so often, give it a scrub with a mild detergent. Nothing too harsh; keep it gentle so you don’t wreck the finish.
- If it’s out in the open, try to give it a bit of shade. Too much sun can age even the best materials.
- In winter, if you’re not using it much, tip it out and chuck a cover over it. Keeps the water from sitting and saves you a clean-up when it’s spring.
A bit of care every time it’s used, and it’ll stay fresh for years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the big deal with outdoor baths anyway?
They’re dead simple. Outdoor baths get you outside, slow you down, and make a simple soak feel like a proper escape. Plus, nothing beats a warm bath with a view of the night sky, gum trees, vineyards or ocean view.
How private are the outdoor baths at CABN?
Yes, every outdoor bathtub at CABN cabins is placed for maximum privacy. They’re tucked into greenery surrounding the cabin or shielded by clever natural barriers, so it’s just you, the sky, and the bush. No awkward peeping neighbours but proper peace.
What materials are used for CABN’s outdoor baths?
At CABN, we use durable, weather-resistant materials like stainless steel and reinforced stone for our freestanding baths. They’re designed for outdoor use and built to handle South Australia’s wild seasons, from hot summers to chilly winter nights.
Can I use a outdoor bathtub in winter?
Absolutely. A winter soak is one of the best times to use it. The water stays warm, the air’s cool, and if you time it right, you can have a hot bath under a clear, starry sky. Just be ready to dash quick across the deck when you’re done!
Do all CABN cabins come with an outdoor bath?
Not every cabin — but quite a few do. If you need a CABN with a bathtub, check out CABN X options. And watch out, while locations like William and Gile sure have outdoor baths, the bathtub at CABN X Septefield is installed indoors, not out. In any way, check out the cabin listings. They are clear, so you won’t miss out.
Final Soak
Life moves fast enough as it is. Outdoor baths are a chance to hit pause. Whether you’re setting one up at home or booking a weekend away at a cabin, a warm soak under the open sky is one of the simplest, oldest ways to relax, and probably one of the best.
Next time you reckon you need a break, skip the flash hotels. Find a spot where you can stretch out in a freestanding bath, listen to the magpies warble, and watch the clouds drift by. You’ll come out feeling brand new.
