Queensland might be known for being tropical and warm most of the year, but there are still plenty of opportunities for cosying up in front of a fire at a chilly location this winter. Read on and plan your winter getaway!
Lamington National Park
Luke’s Bluff, Lamington National Park (IMAGE CREDIT: Destination Gold Coast)
The World Heritage-listed sub-tropical rainforest of Lamington National Park is always crisp and cool thanks to its position 800 metres above sea level in the Gold Coast hinterland. There’s a breathtaking view at every turn when exploring this majestic location.
Things to do
IMAGE CREDIT: O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat
Bushwalks are an obvious must on your visit, but you can also enjoy the Tree Top Walk at O’Reilly’s, horse riding, bird feeding, bush tucker tours and several organised kids’ activities, as well as gourmet dining with magnificent views, tea houses and more.
Where to stay
Binna Burra Lodge
Accommodation: Apartments, safari tents and campsites
Cosy factor: Gas flame fireplaces in the apartments, communal fire pits for the safari tents and campsites
https://www.binnaburralodge.com.au/
O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat
IMAGE CREDIT: O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat
Accommodation: Hotel-style rooms, suites and villas
Cosy factor: Suites and villas have fireplaces
O’Reilly’s Campground (previously known as Green Mountain Campground)
IMAGE CREDIT: O’Reilly’s Campground
Accommodation: Safari tents, campsites and campervan sites
Cosy factor: Communal fire pit
https://oreillys.com.au/oreillys-campground/
Check out our reviews of Lamington National Park and O’Reilly’s and Binna Burra and Lamington National Park to find out more about these stunning locations and things to do in the area.
Tamborine Mountain
Curtis Falls, Tamborine National Park
Tamborine Mountain, whose lush, green peak is positioned snugly between Brisbane and the Gold Coast, is an absolute gem. With so many wonderful little spots, parks, tracks and waterfalls to be discovered here, you could spend days exploring.
Things to do
Extend yourself on the TreeTop Challenge at Thunderbird Park, walk the rainforest canopy on the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk, check out a local vineyard, marvel at the Tamborine Mountain Glow Worm Caves, potter around the local stores along Gallery Walk or picnic in the clouds at Hang Gliders Lookout.
Where to stay
Cedar Creek Lodges
Accommodation: Rooms and self-contained lodges
Cosy factor: Self-contained lodges have fireplaces and some rooms have access to outdoor fire pits
https://www.cedarcreeklodges.com.au/
Thunderbird Park
Accommodation: Glamping tents, campsites and caravan sites
Cosy factor: Fire pits at every glamping, van and campsite
https://www.thunderbirdpark.com/
The Cottages Mount Tamborine
IMAGE CREDIT: The Cottages Mount Tamborine
Accommodation: Self-contained cottages
Cosy factor: Cottages all have fireplaces
Check out our guide on how to spend a family weekend in Mount Tamborine for more things to do in this beautiful location that’s only one hour’s drive from Brisbane.
Stanthorpe
Located approximately three hours west of Brisbane, Stanthorpe and the surrounding Granite Belt region is the perfect location for a weekend or week away from the bright lights of the city, with a plethora of attractions for families to enjoy in the area.
Things to do
Get lost in the Granite Belt Maze, feel festive at the year-round Granite Belt Christmas Farm, sample the local wines at a winery, hike in Girraween National Park or warm up with a slice of apple pie at Sutton’s Shed Cafe.
Where to stay
Country Style Caravan Park
Accommodation: Cabins, caravan sites and campsites
Cosy factor: Ensuite cabins with wood fires, most campsites have a private fire pit
https://countrystylecaravanpark.com.au/
Granite Belt Retreat & Brewery
IMAGE CREDIT: Granite Belt Retreat
Accommodation: Timber cabins and a house for larger groups
Cosy factor: Wood fires in all accommodation
https://granitebeltretreat.com.au/
31 The Rocks
IMAGE CREDIT: 31 The Rocks
Accommodation: Self-contained villas
Cosy factor: Wood fires in all villas
Before you go, take a look at our family-friendly itinerary for Stanthorpe and the Granite Belt region.
Toowoomba and surrounds
Affectionately known as the ‘Garden City’, Toowoomba is about a 90-minute drive west of Brisbane. While the area is known for its parks and gardens, there is also a deep history to explore and lots of things for families to do.
Things to do
Visit Queens Park and Botanic Gardens, take in the views at Picnic Point, get a history lesson at the Cobb+Co Museum or Highfields Pioneer Village, or picnic at the heritage-listed Spring Bluff Railway Station.
Where to stay
Vacy Hall
IMAGE CREDIT: Vacy Hall
Accommodation: Rooms in a boutique hotel
Cosy factor: Central heating, some rooms with wood fireplaces
Ravensbourne Escape
IMAGE CREDIT: Ravensbourne Escape
Accommodation: Luxury studios and holiday homes
Cosy factor: Wood fires in most accommodation
https://ravensbourneescape.com.au/
Murphy’s Creek Escape
IMAGE CREDIT: Murphy’s Creek Escape
Accommodation: Campsites, camper trailers and glamping
Cosy factor: Individual fire drums for each campsite
https://www.murphyscreekescape.com.au/
Head to our guide to things to do in Toowoomba with kids for more great ideas about things to see and do in this region.
Blackall Ranges
Kondalilla National Park
In the heart of the Sunshine Coast hinterland, towns like Maleny and Montville have long provided a green escape for families. Only about 1½ hour’s drive from Brisbane, the Blackall Ranges are dotted with dairy farms, farmland, B&Bs and more.
Things to do
Hike through Kondalilla National Park to the falls, stop at a roadside fruit stand to stock up on fresh produce, visit Maleny Bird World, check out one of the many art galleries or antique stores, or try some local goodies at Maleny Cheese or Maleny Dairies.
Where to stay
The Falls Montville
IMAGE CREDIT: The Falls Montville
Accommodation: Rainforest cottages and a manor house
Cosy factor: Log fires in all accommodation
https://thefallsmontville.com.au/
Clouds Retreats
IMAGE CREDIT: Clouds Retreats
Accommodation: Apartments, cottages and lodges in multiple locations
Cosy factor: Fireplaces (wood or electric) in cottages and lodges
https://cloudsretreats.com.au/the-barrel/
Wittacork Dairy Cottages
IMAGE CREDIT: Wittacork Dairy Cottages on Facebook
Accommodation: Self-contained cottages
Cosy factor: Wood stove heaters in all cottages
Read our suggestions for day trip destinations on the Sunshine Coast for ideas on more things to do while you stay here.
South Burnett Region
Leave the big lights of Brisbane behind to cruise the open country roads of this beautiful region. The South Burnett is full of farmland, wineries and warm country hospitality, all set to the stunning backdrop of the Bunya Mountains.
Things to do
Go cycling along the South Burnett or Brisbane Valley Rail Trails, visit the Queensland Dairy & Heritage Museum, gaze up at the stars at Kingaroy Observatory, or try some lavender honey at the Lavender Farm at Pottique.
Where to stay
Bethany Cottages
IMAGE CREDIT: Bethany Cottages Kingaroy on Facebook
Accommodation: Self-contained cottages and a farmhouse
Cosy factor: Cottages have wood fires
Bunyip Springs Farmstay
IMAGE CREDIT: Bunyip Springs Farmstay on Facebook
Accommodation: Unit, cottage and lodge
Cosy factor: Wood fires in all accommodation
Lee Farmstay
IMAGE CREDIT: Lee Farmstay
Accommodation: Cabins and a Queenslander home
Cosy factor: Wood burners and wood fires in all accommodation
https://www.leefarmstay.com.au/index.html
Find more things to do in the South Burnett region in our review.
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