Unyoked: Dante
Date: 29th-31st August 2023
Our First Unyoked Adventure: Lessons, Laughs & A Lot of Stuff We Didn’t Need
We had no idea what to expect. As I packed the car with what felt like a million things (most of which I didn’t need), I figured we were prepared. With Willow, my adventurous pup, by my side, we set off south to Brisbane, ready for two nights of off-grid bliss.
Lesson One: Bring Your Own Food
My plan was simple—stop at a nearby town to grab groceries for the trip. What I didn’t account for? Small-town grocery store prices. $16 for a small bottle of orange juice? $22 for wraps? Ouch. Note to self (and anyone reading this): bring your own food unless you want to spend a small fortune on the basics.
After our very expensive pit stop, we hit the road again, winding through country lanes, watching stress melt away with every kilometer. There’s something about fresh country air, rolling fields, and adorable cows that just soothes the soul. And honestly, I think that’s exactly what Unyoked is all about.
Arrival: The Wheelbarrow Dilemma
About two hours later, we finally spotted the Unyoked sign. Excitement kicked in as we pulled into the host’s property, parked in the designated spot, and—cue laughter—noticed the tiny wheelbarrow meant to carry our belongings to the cabin.
One tiny wheelbarrow. One car packed to the brim.
Luckily, I had brought my own cart with wheels. Even so, multiple trips up and down the hill were required. Dante Cabin is only 500m from the parking area, and the downhill trek wasn’t bad. But after four exhausting trips back up the hill to retrieve everything? Let’s just say, next time, I’ll pack only what fits in the tiny wheelbarrow.
Settling In: Peace, Quiet, and No One Else Around
Once we (finally) got everything to the cabin, Willow and I set off to explore our new home. Dante is one of four cabins on the property, but we booked a midweek stay (Wednesday-Friday), and we didn’t see a single soul. Not a car, not a person. If you have a reactive dog, I highly recommend booking a weekday trip to ensure a peaceful, stress-free experience.
The Cabin: Surprisingly Well-Equipped
I came prepared for the worst—extra blankets, pillows, plates, cups, you name it. Turns out, Unyoked provides everything:
Comfortable bedding & pillows
Air conditioning
A mini fridge
Pots, pans, cutlery, plates & cups
A lovely shower (with towels and toilet paper!)
One thing I did overprepare for? The fire. I brought my own fire starter, but Unyoked provides one. One less thing to pack next time!
The Experience: Slow Living at Its Best
The first night, Willow and I sat by the fire, sipping (painfully expensive) orange juice, and simply let go. There’s something magical about the quiet, the flickering flames, and having zero obligations.
We woke up early with the sun at 5 AM, and spent the entire day near the cabin. While you can hike the mountain (dogs aren’t allowed on the trails), we were more than happy playing in the huge grassy area in front of Dante, training, reading, and just being present.
What to Bring: Essentials for a Perfect Unyoked Trip
For You:
✅ Camping chairs (they have logs and two chairs, but we preferred our own)
✅ Insect repellent (for both you & your pup)
✅ Pre-downloaded movies (Netflix allows you to save 3 for offline viewing)
✅ A book or Kindle
✅ Marshmallows for the fire
For Your Pup:
✅ A favorite toy (Willow loved her flirt pole and frisbee)
✅ Compostable poop bags (they go into the long-drop toilet)
✅ Freeze-dried raw food (we always bring Frontier Pets)
✅ Water bowl
✅ Long-lasting treats (bully sticks, emu necks, goat horns, etc.)
✅ A 10m long lead (for freedom without worry—there are cows & wildlife!)
✅ A light-up collar (super helpful at night)
✅ Tick remover & first aid kit (just in case!)
Final Thoughts
Unyoked was everything I hoped for—peaceful, simple, and a perfect break from everyday chaos. Next time, I’ll pack smarter, not harder, but even with a car full of unnecessary stuff, it was worth every trip up that hill.
If you’re looking for an off-grid reset, book midweek for extra solitude, bring your food, and embrace the slow, quiet beauty of nature.
Until next time, Dante! 🌿🔥🐾
