Overview
Winter is coming, and so is the comfiest, cosiest season. Even if you hate frosty weather — or, in southeast Queensland, weather that's only really slightly frostier than usual — everyone loves rugging up and hanging out indoors, especially in a rustic cabin, cottage and chalet.
And, just a short drive from the big smoke, Brisbanites will find plenty fitting spots to hole up in. You'll find quite a few less than a 250-kilometre trip from the city, in fact, which suits Queensland's next stage of eased COVID-19 restrictions nicely. The state's residents aren't expected to be able to venture that far away from home, or stay overnight anywhere, until June 12; however we've jumped the gun and put together a list of eight spots that fit the bill. If you want to start booking now — and dreaming of a relaxing getaway filled with wood fires, warm beverages and scenic surroundings — we completely understand.
Witches Falls Cottages
WITCHES FALLS COTTAGES, TAMBOURINE MOUNTAIN
Tambourine Mountain's Witches Falls Cottages have long been a favourite destination for Brisbanites, or anyone else looking for a place to stay in the Gold Coast hinterland. The name, the location, the national park directly opposite — that's a winning combination. Also getting folks excited is the fireplace, spa and private courtyard garden that's part of each cottage, all must-haves at any great mountain getaway. And, you can wander to the Irish pub nearby or stay in and give the DVD player a whirl, should you feel like doing something other than relaxing in nature.
Granite Belt Retreat and Brewery
GRANITE BELT RETREAT AND BREWERY, STANTHORPE
Located on 30 acres of bushland, Stanthorpe's Granite Belt Retreat boasts 20 cedar cabins, making it a must-stay site if you're heading west rather than north or south from Brisbane. It also features another huge drawcard: a brewery. Yes, that means you can sit by your own log fire and sip brews and ciders made onsite, including seasonal tipples such as Granite Belt's summer ginger, merlot sour and chocolate plum porter. In another huge bonus, you can opt for a pet-friendly cabin, too, because your doggo also needs to get out of the house for a holiday. Who wants to leave their cute pooch at home?
CAVE ROCK COTTAGES, LAMINGTON
First, the bad news: Cave Rock Cottages only features three self-contained cabins. Now, the excellent news: it's located right next to the Lamington and Border Ranges national parks — with a kilometre of the 100-acre property running along Christmas Creek — and it's as serene and gorgeous as it sounds. If you're looking to switch off, the fact that there's no mobile reception and no TVs in the cottages is another plus. If you still need to stay somewhat connected, there is free wifi on offer, though. But who needs that when you can swim, picnic, birdwatch, bushwalk and stargaze?
The Mouses House
THE MOUSES HOUSE, SPRINGBROOK
Social distancing and staying at The Mouses House go hand-in-hand, with each onsite chalet located at least 20 metres away from the next. Instead of people, you'll have trees, bushland and other greenery aplenty for neighbours, all within Springbrook's rainforest. Named after fairytale characters, no one chalet is the same as the next, so you're guaranteed a different type of experience from everyone else. Hardwood furniture and fixtures feature heavily, but some have spas, others are near mountain streams and some include sky lofts. Pick whichever suits you best, then soak in the secluded splendour.
Airbnb
THE BOWER, SUNSHINE COAST HINTERLAND
It might not get all that cold in Queensland, but this little wood-panelled cabin in the Sunshine Coast hinterland — and the just as cosy pavilions that have popped up around it — will have you hoping for chilly days and nights. That's because The Bower, which is located near Maleny, has lots of wintry amenities that you'll most definitely want to make the most of. Like the antique claw food bath, the fireplace, and the fairy light-lit deck that's prime for stargazing with a glass of wine and a blanket. It's secluded and surrounded by trees — in other words, it's the perfect Queensland winter escape.
Glass on Glasshouse
GLASS ON GLASSHOUSE, GLASS HOUSE MOUNTAINS
It's easy to take the Glass House Mountains for granted. So close to Brisbane, they're the kind of place that you always think you'll visit one day. We recommend making the trip sooner than later, because this 13-hill cluster is quite a sight to behold, whether you want to bushwalk below them, try to climb them or simply stand at the bottom of one — Mount Beerwah, Mount Ngungun or Mount Tibrogargan, for example — and look straight up. You can also book in a cottage stay at Glass on Glasshouse, and enjoy one helluva view from there. Also on offer: wildlife galore, your own deck and a barbecue.
Barney Creek Vineyard Cottages
BARNEY CREEK VINEYARD COTTAGES, SCENIC RIM
What's better than holing up in a Scenic Rim cottage? Doing just that while staying on a vineyard. You won't need to go far to find something to do at Barney Creek Vineyard Cottages, with picnicking among the grapes, spotting platypus in the creek and fishing all on your doorstep — and watching the sun set over Mount Barney, too. As for the accommodation, the Lakeside Bungalow is designed for two (sunken spa and all), while the similarly romantic Florries Cottage boasts a hefty verandah. And, you can get home-cooked meals brought to your cottage, which already comes stocked with wine.
Kondalilla Eco Resort
KONDALILLA ECO RESORT, MONTVILLE
Formerly known as Treehouses of Montville, Kondalilla Eco Resort sprawls across 20 acres, with 21 different places to sleep spread across its leafy Sunshine Coast hinterland expanse. Fancy sitting in your own hot tub and stoking the fire in a treehouse (which is surrounded by trees, rather than perched high in them)? Prefer a two-storey chalet, an open-plan villa or a quaint little log cabin? They're all available here. There's also a restaurant and a spa onsite, but the biggest attraction is the site's natural surroundings. Sit on the deck and you'll completely forget there's anyone else around.
Top image: Kondalilla Eco Resort.