The Four Best Winter Cabins Near Brisbane

When the mercury drops and getting out of bed borders on a crime against humanity, you know it's time to holiday inland. Fortunately, you don't have to travel too far out of Brisbane to discover some of Australia's cosiest and most characterful getaway cabins. All that's missing from them is your friends, some beers, a hunk of meat to slow cook and you.

So wave goodbye to that tan and bookmark this YouTube tutorial on fireplace building, because winter's about to hit hard, and we've got five snug solutions to make the most of the chill.

ALCHERINGA, LAMINGTON NATIONAL PARK

If you're looking for a forest-surrounded nature getaway that's close enough to Dreamworld in case you get sick of trees, this is your spot. Alcheringa is a a beautiful, architect-designed house that sports four bedrooms, three bathrooms, an open fireplace and million-dollar views in Coomera. It has a heated outdoor spa and the nearby forests home koalas. The house is super close to Lamington National Park, east Queensland's go-to walking spot, and there's cafes, wineries and art galleries dotted around the area.

GIRRAWEEN ENVIRONMENTAL LODGE, DARLING POINT

So you'll have to drive a little inland for this one, but it's the kind of getaway worth travelling the world twice over for. Girraween is one of the most beautiful, awe-inspiring slices of nature Australia has to offer, and in winter it's a holiday maker's dream. The Girraween Environmental Lodges are is an easy pick for accommodation. Each lodge is fitted with a fireplace, spa and kitchen and is an easy walk away from warm natural springs and national parks. If you're a fan of morning frosts, crystal clear days and crackling warm fires, grab your hiking shoes and head west.

COUNTRY CREEK RETREAT, COOROY

So this fits very loosely under the definition of cabin, but with its open plan lounge room, wall-length windows and brookside view, it would be a sin to ignore it. This beautiful and relaxing house sits in a quiet valley, down a dirt road in Cooroy, one of the most isolated and tranquil spots in south-east Queensland. If you ever had plans of getting into poetry or watercolours, this is the place to do it. It's surrounded by a landscape of ramblings hillsides, magpie geese fly by every evening, and there's even a platypus in the brook (have you seen how much Australia Zoo costs these days? This house is a bargain).

FORGET ME NOT COTTAGE, STANTHORPE

Sometimes to feel the snuggest you have to venture to the coldest part of the state and rug up there. That would be Stanthorpe. Diamondvale B&B Cottages show off country living at its finest, and their Forget Me Not Cottage is a stunner. You can head there and not speak to another soul for your entire visit, or get into the social spirit and meet other holidayers — there's a communal area and bonfire. Make sure you stop into Vincenzo's at The Big Apple on the way. It's like the Bunnings of cold meats, cheeses and local produce.