For Ryan McAllery, a tiny house represents a lifestyle of more freedom, financial and otherwise.
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"It's also just fun," he said.
He and Erin Krelle were among the thousands of people who attended Australia's first Tiny House Festival in Bendigo at the weekend, in search of inspiration for a more modest way of living.
Read more: Creating tiny homes from shipping containers
By lunchtime Saturday, 4500 tickets had been sold to the two-day event, exceeding organiser Darren Hughes' expectations.
"I'm very happy with the response," Mr Hughes said.
He believed the interest in downsized living was the result of many people being stressed and ridden with debt.
They wanted to have more time and cash flow freedom, Mr Hughes said, and a tiny house was a tool to achieve that.
On average, tiny houses cost on average anywhere from $10,000 to $80,000 to build, and many are transportable.
Sue Fairley and Mike Rear were also seeking inspiration at the festival.
They are thinking of buying a block for two tiny houses: one for themselves, and another for visitors or to lease out as accommodation.
Mr Rear said with their children now grown up, they had the freedom to consider such a way of living.
And being from the United Kingdom, Mr Rear and Ms Fairley said, they were "baffled" by some of the huge homes Australians built.
The couple also like being close to nature, which was another appealing feature of a tiny house.
Related: Tiny home hits the road
The festival includes displays of various tiny homes, as well as campers and vans for those looking for other, smaller-living options.
There are also talks, demonstrations and workshops.
Habitat for Humanity is building its first tiny house on site, to raise awareness of the need for more affordable housing in Victoria, while film maker Ric Forster is shooting a scripted feature film about a couple who decide to 'live tiny' during the festival.
The festival continues from 10am Sunday at Bendigo Racecourse.
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Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
