The Best Cubby Houses and Playhouses in Australia

Why is buying a cubby house harder than it looks?

Because the word covers different products. Search cubby house in Australia and you meet large elevated play centres with slides, playhouses for a deck or courtyard, and pop up fabric tents. They share one keyword but suit different kids, different yards and very different budgets, so decide which kind you want before you compare models.

This guide covers both halves: proper outdoor cubby houses in timber, and the indoor and outdoor playhouses and tents that do a similar job in less floor space. If what you actually want is a fabric tent for inside rather than a structure for the yard, our best kids play tents guide covers that end properly. Every pick is an Amazon Australia listing, and we checked its availability, star rating and review count.

Settle one thing first. A cubby house is an outdoor structure, and outdoor structures in Australia deal with wind. Every wooden cubby and hard playhouse here needs proper assembly and anchoring to the ground, and all of them play better over a soft fall surface than over pavers. Both are part of the real cost. Once the cubby is up, a play kitchen outdoors makes a natural next step, and we compared mud kitchens for Australian backyards by sink, tank and age.

What is the short answer if you just want a recommendation?

The Backyard Discovery Sweetwater All Cedar Wood Playhouse is the best overall pick. It holds 4.6 stars from 3,404 ratings, the listing describes 100% cedar timber with natural resistance to decay, and it comes with a play kitchen, cordless phone and working doorbell. It is sold by Backyard Discovery Australia.

If you want something for a deck or indoors, the Little Tikes Cape Cottage Playhouse is the runner up, rated 4.4 from 6,191 ratings, and its listing says it is water resistant for outdoor use. If you are buying for a rental, a courtyard or a kid who mostly plays inside, the Easy Playhouse Birthday is a US import cardboard fort that the listing says needs no assembly. If you prefer a white finish, the Backyard Discovery Sweetwater All Cedar White is rated 4.2 from 464 ratings.

The rest fills the gaps: a white cedar cubby with the same kitchen and doorbell features, a jungle tent with a sound button, a garden house for a courtyard, and a police and fire station in the same cardboard as the budget pick.

How do the seven picks compare at a glance?

The seven picks span two cedar cubbies, a Little Tikes playhouse, a garden house, a jungle tent and two cardboard forts. The table shows each listing's rating and review count, and the seller shown on the listing, where one was shown. Ratings and counts are the figures on each listing.

Four picks share the top rating of 4.6 stars: the natural cedar Sweetwater, the W and O jungle tent and both Easy Playhouse cardboard forts. The W and O has the most ratings of the seven at 13,777, the white Sweetwater is rated 4.2 from 464, and the Dohany is the lowest rated at 4.1.

How we chose these cubby houses

NestPath does not run a backyard lab and will not pretend otherwise. We compare what each Amazon Australia listing says, using two sources: the listing itself and the maker's own information shown on it. Specs come from the maker's bullet points and the product information on each listing. The product information tables give the dimensions, weights and manufacturer recommended ages we quote.

Every pick had to show an Amazon Australia listing with a star rating and a review count, and every specification we quote has to appear on the listing itself. Where a listing does not state a fact, we say so rather than guess. We name the seller shown on each listing, and say plainly when an offer is a US import. Where the title and the product information disagree, as they do on age for the white Sweetwater, we use the product information and say so.

No brand takes more than two places here: the seven picks come from five brands, Backyard Discovery, Little Tikes, Easy Playhouse, W and O and Dohany. Backyard Discovery and Easy Playhouse take two places each, and every other maker appears once.

Last checked: 20 October 2026

Best overall: Backyard Discovery Sweetwater All Cedar Wood Playhouse

The Backyard Discovery Sweetwater All Cedar Wood Playhouse is the best overall pick: 4.6 stars from 3,404 ratings, sold by Backyard Discovery Australia. The listing describes 100% cedar timber with natural resistance to decay, a play kitchen with toy sink and stove, and a working doorbell, which is why it leads for a permanent backyard cubby. The listing also describes broad windows that let in natural light and fresh air, a roomy side snack bar window, and plant pot holders under the front windows.

Assembled it measures 116.8 cm wide by 106.7 cm deep by 139.7 cm high and weighs 34.74 kg, and the product information lists assembly as required. The pieces are described as pre cut, pre drilled and pre stained.

The play features are the draw: a pretend kitchen with sink and stove, pots, pans and utensils, a cordless phone and a working doorbell. The listing describes a hinged half door and broad windows that give parents visibility. Backyard Discovery lists it from 24 months, says its cubby houses are engineered to meet or exceed EN-71 standards, and lists a five year guarantee.

It has the larger review base of the two cedar cubbies here, 3,404 ratings against 464 for the white version. The listing shows usual dispatch within 3 to 4 days, so allow for that before a birthday or holiday. It is sold by Backyard Discovery Australia, and the listing says it is eligible for change of mind returns within 30 days of receipt.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

It is a flat pack that needs real assembly: the product information lists assembly as required and a weight of 34.74 kg. The listing also says flower and plant pots are not included. Cedar is a natural timber, so check edges and fixings each season and sand back any rough spots.

Little Tikes Cape Cottage Playhouse for a cubby with no timber to maintain

The Little Tikes Cape Cottage Playhouse is the runner up, rated 4.4 from 6,191 ratings. The listing says it is water resistant, so it can be used outdoors as well as indoors, which suits renters and anyone whose backyard is really a courtyard. Check the maker's care instructions before cleaning or leaving it out. The listing also says it helps kids develop fine motor skills and cognitive abilities, and describes a sweet victorian feel with a blue and white colour scheme.

The product information lists 104.1 cm wide by 78.7 cm high by 33 cm deep and a weight of 13.6 kg, so check those figures against your space. It gives a manufacturer recommended age of 24 months to 2 years. The listing describes it as a stylish addition to your play room and backyard.

The listing describes 2 working doors, 2 windows with working shutters, a mail slot and flag holder, and a blue and white colour scheme. It calls assembly straightforward. With 6,191 ratings it has the second largest review base of the seven picks, behind a 4.4 average.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The listing does not name the material, so we cannot say how rigid it is. At 13.6 kg it is far lighter than the 34.74 kg Sweetwater, so weight or anchor it on a windy day. The listing mentions no doorbell, unlike the Sweetwater. It says the playhouse is made of robust and durable materials and cut with precision, but it does not say what those materials are.

Easy Playhouse Birthday Cardboard Playhouse as a low commitment first cubby

The Easy Playhouse Birthday is the budget pick: a cardboard fort rated 4.6 from 90 ratings and listed for ages 3 and up. Before you commit to a backyard structure, it is a low cost way to find out whether your child will use a cubby, or play in it twice. The listing pitches it as a birthday party craft project, with balloon arches, streamers and signs to colour in.

It is a cardboard fort you colour in. The listing gives assembled dimensions of about 81 by 67 by 103 cm, stated as 32 by 26.5 by 40.5 inches, and the listing calls it over 3 ft tall, and it weighs about 2.2 kg. Required assembly is listed as no, and the listing invites you to write, draw and paint on it and add stickers.

The print is a birthday party: balloon arches, streamers, signs, a pinata and a monkey, plus pizza, ice cream and cakes to colour. That makes it two activities rather than one, which is the argument for buying cardboard before you buy timber. At about 2.2 kg against 34.74 kg for the cedar Sweetwater, it is at the other end of the scale from a permanent backyard structure.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The listing describes it as sturdy and durable for indoor and outdoor play, but it is still cardboard, so keep it out of the rain and treat it as a consumable rather than furniture. Its 90 ratings are the thinnest review base of the seven picks. On 20 October 2026 the listing showed Amazon US as shipper and seller, with a notice that US imports may differ from local products. The listing also suggests it as a gift for birthdays, classrooms and parties.

Backyard Discovery Sweetwater All Cedar White for the look from the kitchen window

The Backyard Discovery Sweetwater All Cedar White carries the same listed dimensions and weight as the natural cedar Sweetwater, in a white finish. It is rated 4.2 stars from 464 ratings and sold by Backyard Discovery Australia. The title says ages 2 to 6, while the product information gives a manufacturer recommended age of 36 months to 6 years, so confirm the age with the maker.

The product information lists 106.7 cm deep by 116.8 cm wide by 139.7 cm high and 34.74 kg, the same as the natural cedar version. The listing describes a country style half front door, custom style flower pots on each side of the front door, a kitchen with pots, pans, sink, phone and a working doorbell, and cedar it calls rot resistant. The listing says cedar thrives in damp climates, that the windows are made without any glass, and that the playhouse is sturdy and small enough to fit in any size outdoor or indoor area. It adds that Backyard Discovery has offered ready to assemble outdoor play and patio structures for over 35 years.

The natural cedar version is listed from 24 months and up, where this one gives 36 months to 6 years in the product information, and the white finish is the other difference we can see on the listings. Choose it for how it looks from the kitchen window, not for any heat or weather advantage, because the listing makes no such claim.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

At 4.2 stars it is rated below the natural cedar version's 4.6, and it has fewer ratings, 464 against 3,404. The listing shows usual dispatch within 3 to 4 days, and the product information lists assembly as required. Check the maker's care instructions for cleaning the white finish.

W and O Jungle Adventure Kids Tent with a Jungle Call button

The W and O Jungle Adventure Kids Tent has the most ratings of the seven picks, 13,777 behind a 4.6 average. The listing describes a patented Jungle Call Button that plays 6 animal sounds and a simple pop up design, and the product information gives a manufacturer recommended age of 3 years and up. The listing also mentions a downloadable Jungle Activity Pack with jungle masks, educational games and creative activities.

The listing's brand text says "We are based in Sydney and love representing Australia to the world!", yet this offer is a US import. On 20 October 2026 the listing showed Amazon US as shipper and seller, with a notice that US imports may differ from local products. The tent measures 101.6 cm square by 129.5 cm high, the listing lists capacity as up to 3 children, and it records assembly as not required.

The listing describes premium polyester over fiberglass rods with reinforced roof and floor pockets, plus detailed artwork. Listed for ages 3 and up, it suits a birthday present for a kid who already has enough plastic toys. The listing calls it durable enough to withstand any epic jungle adventure, which is the brand's wording rather than a test result.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

It is a light pop up tent, so weight it or bring it inside in wind and rain. The listing says the brand provides a hassle free replacement at your request, and the buy box notes that manufacturer warranty may not apply. The listing says the pop up design lets the adventure begin within minutes, which is the brand's description rather than a test result.

Dohany 456 Play House for a courtyard rather than a backyard

The Dohany 456 Play House is the pick when the yard is small. The listing gives product dimensions of 106 by 98 by 90 cm, a footprint just over a square metre, and puts the minimum age at 24 months rather than three years.

It is a garden house for indoor and outdoor use, and the listing says Made in Hungary. Assembly is listed as required. The listing shows a rating of 4.1 stars from 237 ratings. On 20 October 2026 the listing showed EFI Global Store AU as the seller. The listing text is short: it names the age, dimensions and origin and describes the product as a children's playhouse from Dohany Toys.

The trade is height. At 90 cm it is lower than the 139.7 cm Sweetwater, so older children may find it a squeeze. Buy it for the age it fits now rather than the age you hope it reaches. The listing states it is for indoor and outdoor use, for children aged 2 and above.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

It is the lowest rated of the seven picks at 4.1 stars. The listing also states no included components, so treat anything you see in the photographs as unconfirmed until the box arrives. The listing shows usual dispatch within 3 to 4 days.

Easy Playhouse Police and Fire Station for a kid who wants to be a firefighter

The Easy Playhouse Police and Fire Station is a cardboard fort in the same listed size as the budget pick, in a different print, and the print is the whole product. Wanted posters, a jail, handcuffs, a ladder, a hose, an extinguisher and a partner dog all arrive printed on it, ready to be coloured in and named.

The listing gives assembled dimensions as over 3 ft tall, the same as the Birthday version, and records required assembly as no. Its item weight is 2.18 kg. At 4.6 from 679 ratings it shares the top rating of the seven picks with the natural cedar Sweetwater, the W and O tent and its Birthday sibling, and it has more ratings than that sibling's 90.

It also answers a question the cedar picks cannot. If you want the cubby to be an activity rather than a fixture, the listing pitches it as a hands on learning art and craft to stimulate creativity, fine motor skills and hand eye coordination. The listing also describes a police cruiser and fire truck, a uniform, tools and a partner dog, and wanted posters you can customise.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

It is cardboard, so keep it out of the rain and treat it as a consumable, even though the listing describes it as sturdy and durable for indoor and outdoor play. On 20 October 2026 the listing showed Amazon US as shipper and seller, with a notice that US imports may differ from local products. The listing suggests it as a gift for birthdays and holidays.

What should you look for in a cubby house?

Start with where it is going, not what it looks like. Measure the footprint plus a metre of clear space on every side, and check what is above it: a cubby under a gum tree is a cubby with branches on the roof. Then work through these.

• Material. The Sweetwater listings describe cedar with natural resistance to decay. The W and O listing describes a polyester tent on fiberglass rods, and the Easy Playhouse listings are for cardboard forts. Read each listing's material and care notes before you decide where it can live.
• Assembly reality. A 34.74 kg flat pack cedar cubby needs real assembly, and the product information lists it as required. The white Sweetwater listing mentions a step by step interactive BILT app, so check what instructions you get and lay every panel out first.
• Anchoring. Anything with walls and a roof catches wind. Anchor wooden cubbies and playhouses to the ground with stakes or fix them to a base, and weight lightweight units even for a day on the lawn.
• Surface underneath. Kids fall out of doorways. A soft fall surface such as lawn, bark, rubber softfall or sand under and around the cubby is a better choice than concrete or pavers.
• Age range as listed. Go by the manufacturer recommended age on each listing: 24 months and up for the natural Sweetwater and the Dohany, 36 months to 6 years for the white Sweetwater, and 3 years and up for the W and O tent and the Easy Playhouse forts.
• Visibility. Wide windows and half doors let you check on a toddler from the back step without walking over.
• Elevation. Elevated cubbies with slides raise the fall height. For under fives, ground level is the safer default.

How do you look after a cubby house in Australian conditions?

Check the maker's care instructions first, then inspect the cubby each season. For timber that means looking over edges, bolts and hinges and sanding or tightening where needed; for a playhouse or tent it means wiping it clean and keeping it dry. Do a wind and anchoring check before windy weather, whatever the material.

For timber cubbies, walk around it once a season. Run a hand along the edges kids grab and sand back splintering with fine paper. Check every bolt and hinge, because timber moves with humidity and fixings work loose. Recoat with an exterior timber product when the finish wears, following the maker's instructions and paying attention to the roof and the base where water sits. Keep the base clear of soil and mulch, because timber sitting in damp ground stays wet.

For a playhouse that the listing describes as water resistant, such as the Cape Cottage, wipe it down with mild soap and water and check the maker's instructions before using any stronger cleaner. Check that panels and doors are still seated after a windy week.

For the W and O tent and similar fabric playhouses, the listing describes polyester on fiberglass rods, so follow the maker's cleaning notes, store it dry and bring it inside when the weather turns. For any material, confirm anchoring is tight and move light structures away from fences and windows before windy weather.

What else will you want with a cubby house?

Beyond the cubby itself you will want protection from the weather, anchoring and soft fall material, and optionally a few play extras. The list below links to Amazon AU listings for covers, a doorbell and tent accessories. Read each listing's size and details before you buy.

• Playhouse cover, to keep weather off the cubby when it is not in use.
• Second playhouse cover listing, so check its listed size against the cubby you buy.
• Outdoor playhouse cover, so check its listed size against a Cape Cottage or similar.
• Smoby electronic doorbell to add a doorbell to a cubby that did not come with one.
• Pop-up crawl tunnel as an add on for a fabric tent or a cubby doorway.
• Play tent throw for turning a travel bed or a bedroom corner into a cave.

Beyond that, budget for ground stakes or anchor kits if your cubby did not include them, and for soft fall material. Both come before any accessory above.

What else did we research, and why did it not make the list?

This guide covers only the cubby houses and playhouses we could check on Amazon Australia, so other Australian cubby makers are not part of the comparison. Google's AI Overview for this search lists ranges such as the HipKids Piper Cubby House and the Lifespan Kids range, which we have not assessed.

Elevated cedar cubbies with slides are a different purchase from the ground level playhouses here. The AI Overview describes the range as running from compact timber cottages to large elevated play centres with slides, and none of the seven picks is an elevated play centre. The overview also says the best cubby houses in Australia span a variety of styles, budgets and materials.

If you are weighing an elevated play centre against a ground level cubby, remember that elevation raises the fall height, so a soft fall surface matters more, and read the maker's age and installation instructions.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best cubby houses in Australia for a family backyard?

The Backyard Discovery Sweetwater All Cedar Wood Playhouse is the best overall pick for a family backyard, rated 4.6 stars from 3,404 ratings and sold by Backyard Discovery Australia. Its listing describes 100% cedar timber with natural resistance to decay, a play kitchen and a working doorbell. The Little Tikes Cape Cottage Playhouse is the runner up.

What is a cubby?

A cubby is a small play house for children, either an outdoor structure in the backyard or a smaller indoor playhouse. The seven picks here range from cedar cubbies with a play kitchen and doorbell to a pop up jungle tent and cardboard forts that children can colour in. Read each listing's age range before you choose.

Are Australian made cubby houses better than imported ones?

Origin is only one factor. Among our picks, the Dohany listing says Made in Hungary, the Easy Playhouse listings say Made in USA, and the Backyard Discovery listings show Backyard Discovery Australia as the seller. None of those listings claims one origin is better, so compare ratings, size, age range and features.

What are the top rated indoor playhouse options for small spaces in Australia?

For small spaces, the Dohany 456 Play House is listed for indoor and outdoor use at 106 by 98 by 90 cm, rated 4.1 stars from 237 ratings. The Easy Playhouse cardboard forts list indoor and outdoor play and are over 3 ft tall, rated 4.6 stars, and the W and O tent lists up to 3 children.

What else should you sort out in the backyard?

A cubby house is usually one line on a longer backyard list. Our other guides cover the nearby jobs, including swing sets, climbing frames, sandpits, shade sails and sensor lights, plus play gear such as slip and slides, cricket sets and kids bikes. Each link below says why it pairs with a cubby.

• Best kids swing sets in Australia, another backyard play purchase that needs its own soft fall area.
• Best kids climbing frames in Australia if your child is past pretend play.
• Best kids sandpits in Australia, which pairs with a ground-level cubby and shares the same shade and drainage questions.
• Best Christmas decorations in Australia, for families who plan the cubby as a gift.
• Best sensor lights in Australia for lighting the path to the back of the yard after dinner.
• Best shade sails in Australia, a way to add shade over a cubby in summer.
• Best slip and slides, best cricket sets and best kids bikes in Australia for the rest of the backyard-play set.

About the author

Anish Puri founded NestPath in 2026 after going through the Australian first-home-buyer process himself. NestPath focuses on Australian first-home buyers because the existing review sites are American, generic, or both. Anish handles editorial selection across the homeowner hub. Reach out: hello@nestpath.com.au