10 Rustic Retreats Near BNE To Satisfy Your Winter Wanderlust
We’re going into hibernation!
By Astrid Taemets | 20th May 2021Winter is for sleep ins, lazy days spent binge-watching your favourite Netflix shows, and indulging in a glass of red next to a warm fireplace. So, where better to do it than in a cosy cabin somewhere close, yet so far from the interruptions of everyday life?
We’ve rugged up to search far and wide for Queensland and New South Wales’ most unique and winter-friendly accommodation experiences. Complete with spa baths, fireplaces, and expansive views of rolling mountains, these epic retreats are serving up all the winter vibes. Pack your Uggs, it’s time to give winter the welcome she deserves.
Palmer and Gunn | Gold Coast Hinterland
We can already picture ourselves enjoying a long soak in the wood-fired plunge pool, overlooking the creek and natural surrounds at Palmer and Gunn. Nestled below world heritage-listed Springbrook National Park, Palmer and Gunn is a wee lil’ house built from reclaimed materials, vintage fittings, and antique doors and windows. Truly off the grid, there are no plug-in appliances or power points at Palmer and Gunn, but rest assured you can keep your phone charged for emergencies (aka Insta pics) with the provided USB port.
Spicers Hidden Vale | Grandchester
Featuring 13 locations across Sydney and Brisbane, you don’t have to look much further than Spicers Retreats to plan a winter staycation. In particular, Spicers Hidden Vale offers the perfect combination of style and comfort in a country setting, just an hour’s drive from Brisbane. Wake up to breathtaking views of the sweeping countryside in one of Spicers Hidden Vale’s beautifully restored Queenslander-style cottages. By night, immerse yourself in a paddock-to-plate dining experience at the homestead’s award-winning Homage Restaurant.
Norwood Roses | Toowoomba
Originally a corner store built in 1895, Norwood Roses has been restored into one of Toowoomba’s most dreamy Queenslander cottages. The eclectic mix of vintage furniture and fittings contribute to a home-away-from-home vibe. Rest and rejuvenate with a long soak in the claw foot tub, glass of bubbles in hand. If you can manage to drag yourself out and away from Netflix, there are plenty of nearby cafes, pubs, trendy cocktail bars, and fine-dining restaurants to explore. You can’t end your trip here without snapping an Insta-worthy pic in the cottage’s award-winning rose garden.
O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat | Gold Coast Hinterland
Nestled in the sloping hillside of the Gold Coast Hinterland, O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat is a perfect winter escape for the whole family. Just two hours from Brisbane, and 90 minutes from the Gold Coast, guided bird walks, animal shows, and the famed tree-top walk are just some of the ways to keep the family entertained. After an action-packed day of activities, enjoy stunning sunset views and homemade pizzas in the casual Rainforest Bar. When you return to your room, unwind with a heated spa bath overlooking the expansive rainforest view or snuggle up next to the indoor fireplace.
Le Viti | Newrybar
Why not splurge on a long weekend stay at Le Viti – a luxe barn in the village of Newrybar? Just over two hours’ drive from Brisbane, and 15 minutes from the hustle and bustle of Byron, this barn is inspired by a blend of Italian and Australian farmhouse design, featuring warm rustic elements and high-end luxury. Start your morning with a walk-through lush farmland to grab a coffee and pastry from Harvest Bakery, and bring in the evening with dinner at the award-winning Harvest Restaurant.
Hillview Dairy | Currumbin Valley
Hillview Dairy provides the perfect opportunity to go truly off the grid. Overlooking Mount Tallebudgera, Currumbin Creek, and the Currumbin Valley, this rustic barn provides an authentic country experience, with limited internet and 4G connection. Bring along a book to get lost in, while you treat yourself to a bubble bath overlooking the mountains. If you can get the outdoor fire going early enough, pour yourself a glass of red and comfortably watch the spectacular hinterland sunset transition to a crystal-clear starry night sky outside.
Old Council Chambers | Tenterfield
Just over three hours’ drive from Brisbane lies the newly restored country retreat in the Old Council Chambers of Tenterfield. If you find yourself longing for a romantic weekend of log fires, red wine, and local produce, the Old Council Chambers is exactly what you’re looking for. Featuring two self-contained luxury suites, both complete with indoor fireplaces, outdoor courtyards, luxury romantic bathtubs, and gourmet kitchens. If you’re willing to brave the cold outside, you’ll find an array of shops and cafes in the historic buildings of Tenterfield.
Secrets on the Lake | Montville
Montville is home to one of the Sunshine Coast’s best kept secrets – Secrets on the Lake. The luxury treehouses at this secluded and tranquil property offer panoramic views of Lake Baroon and its surrounding rainforest and mountains. With 11 unique accommodation options to choose from, each cabin at Secrets on the Lake features suspended fireplaces and sumptuous spas. Award-winning cafe, Dining on the Deck is also located on-site, so everything you need is right at your doorstep.
The Granary and Grove | Scenic Rim
This former storeroom for threshed grain, farm feed, and olives from the winter harvest has been neatly restored into a quaint heritage accommodation. The French doors open to overlook the homestead’s private grove, featuring 1,100 olive trees. You can pre-order homemade soups and local olive sourdough to be heated and enjoyed at your own time over the stone pit campfire outside. A market store featuring the region’s finest olive leaf teas, natural botanical skincare, and high-end homewares are also available on-site.
Bridge Street Cottage | Stanthorpe
Located in the heart of Stanthorpe is the newly renovated, Bridge Street Cottage. Start your mornings with a cup of coffee on the large front veranda, overlooking the township and Stanthorpe’s Quart Pot Creek. The large modern country-style kitchen is a dream for those who love to cook, but if you’ve vowed to hang up the apron for the weekend, run yourself a hot claw foot bathtub instead. As the temperature plummets come evening, pour yourself a local drop from one of Stanthorpe’s local wineries, and curl up next to the open fireplace.
Love discovering new weekend getaways spots? Check out our list of stylish motels to book, ASAP!
