Featured image: A cosy night in. Photo: Nightfall Camp
Canoodling by the fire, in Queensland? Absolutely. Because while the Sunshine State may not be known for its epic winters, we do a good line in crisp blue-sky days, chilly star-spangled nights, and cosy holiday havens that are all about the seasonal chill.
For a romantic winter escape, it doesn’t get much better than your own flickering log fire — prepped and ready for marshmallow roasts and red wine toasts. Bonus points if there’s also a ginormous spa bath of bubbles in the vicinity.
These 8 Queensland retreats with a fireplace will have you falling in love with winter. Bring a beanie.
The Mouses House Rainforest Retreat, Gold Coast Hinterland
Follow the scenic twists and turns of Springbrook Rd to the magical chalets of The Mouses House Rainforest Retreat. Named for the fairytale location (think Sleeping Beauty, Prince Charming, Snow White, and Cinderella) the 14 intimate hideaways are tucked away in an enchanting landscape of World Heritage national park and cascading streams. Handcrafted Queensland timber furnishings, double spa baths, and cosy wood fireplaces create a warm welcome while individual chalet highlights include private hot tubs set high in the forest canopy. Fancy a walk and a waterfall with your winter mini-break? You’re in the right place.
Planning a Gold Coast honeymoon? We have the ultimate Gold Coast Honeymoon Itinerary for you here!
Spicers Peak Lodge, Maryvale
If an all-inclusive luxury lodge is more your vibe, head two hours southwest of Brisbane to the 8,000 glorious acres of Spicers Peak Lodge. The Lodge Suites are lovely, but the One-Bedroom Private Lodge is our pick for couples — offering sweet retreat with dramatic views across the valley. Swill around in your outdoor heated infinity spa before settling in beside the double-sided fireplace with a glass of red. Want more warmth? You’ll find gorgeous stone fireplaces dotted everywhere here (the day spa, the restaurant, the main lodge) but we also love the option of gathering around an open-air fire pit for sunset drinks and ‘Campfire Canapés’.
Secrets on the Lake, Sunshine Coast Hinterland
Slipping away to the Sunshine Coast? Between the rainforest and Lake Baroon you’ll find a lot to love in the luxury cabins of Secrets on the Lake. Accessible via elevated timber walkways, each has its own artisan-forged personality as well as sunken double spas with lake vistas, private decks, and suspended log fireplaces. For a couple’s escape or minimoon, we can’t go past Secrets Cabin where the double shower comes with a view of your private waterfall! And don’t miss the European stylings of nearby Montville and Maleny: these hinterland villages turn up the charm when the temperature drops.
Need more ideas on where to stay for your romantic Queensland holiday?
Alure Stanthorpe, Granite Belt
If you’re looking for serious morning frosts, head to ‘Queensland’s coldest town’, Stanthorpe, around three hours southwest of Brisbane. Famous for its crisp apples (and equally fresh mornings), Stanthorpe is also home to some of Australia’s highest-altitude wineries in the surrounding Granite Belt wine country. Bunker down at Alure Stanthorpe which offers elegant villa accommodation with slow-combustion log fires or luxe glamping tents with four-poster beds, L’Occitane toiletries, and blazing EcoSmart fireplaces.
Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat, Montville
Want to try the world’s most romantic hotel? It’s right here in the pretty Sunshine Coast hinterland village of Montville! Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat is cocooned by lush rainforest, with six luxury timber villas. Each villa includes a private deck and hammock, double spa bath, and crackling log fire plus plenty of thoughtful touches for a memorable couple’s escape. You’ll also have the picturesque Kondalilla National Park to explore. Enough said, right?
Nightfall Camp, Gold Coast Hinterland
Ensconced in the ancient forests of Lamington National Park, Nightfall Camp offers a wild luxury experience in private safari tents. The camp only hosts four couples at a time, meaning a peaceful retreat and plenty of time for a soak in your vintage bathtub. Just don’t forget to set your fireplace (it rotates to your chosen angle!). The solar-powered tents touch the ground lightly beside the rushing waters of Christmas Creek and feature brushed hardwood floors and plush organic bedding. You’ll also enjoy organic meals cooked in a custom wood-fired oven, with produce sourced from Nightfall’s own gardens and the local markets of the bountiful Scenic Rim region.
Crystal Creek Rainforest Retreat
While technically just over the border, Crystal Creek Rainforest Retreat makes our shortlist for its just-for-two focus, exceptional cabins, bungalows, and lodges, and blazing wood fireplaces. After a rambling rainforest walk, soak up the evergreen vistas from your freestanding tub in a Luxury Mountain View Lodge. Set high in the retreat, they come complete with a double-sided fireplace to keep both your lounge and bed lovely and toasty.
Want more unique romantic getaways? Find a gorgeous romantic glamping getaway here!
