Hibernate in spectacular style at one of the country’s most secluded winter stays.
Curled up by a roaring fire or getting steamy in a heated jacuzzi, winter’s most famous indulgences are best enjoyed at a slow and steady pace. It’s why we’re currently obsessed with overnight stays fitted out with saunas, and why secluded winter stays top our seasonal bucket lists. Here, we round up some of the greatest cool weather accommodation offerings to help you lean into the chill and, well, chill.
1. Silky Oaks Lodge, Qld
Forget swaying palm trees and white sand beaches. Tropical North Queensland’s best-kept secret is its exclusive winter hideaways. Seizing the chance to immerse visitors in the lush beauty of the Daintree Rainforest, Silky Oaks Lodge, just 20 minutes away from Cairns, is a classic.
Its most luxurious rooms, set amid the treetops overlooking the Mossman River, are dotted with outdoor fireplaces built within private decks.
Slip on your hotel slippers and gaze out into the wilderness from your toasty confines before an onsite day spa and multiple restaurants beckon.
Address: 423 Finlayvale Road, Mossman, QLD
2. Turon Gates Mountain Getaway, NSW
Wake up to mist-laced mountains at Turon Gates Mountain Getaway in NSW’s Capertee, about an hour’s drive north-west of the Blue Mountains.
The jewel in its crown is the Sunvale Lodge with its own outdoor, log-fired, timber-panelled hot tub and an indoor fireplace that’s angled so rolling hills flood your gaze as you huddle around it.
Meanwhile, there’s an outdoor fire pit to keep conversation flowing long into the evening and electric blankets top the beds to ensure maximum comfort when it’s time to crash.
Address: 942 Turon Gates Road, Capertee, NSW
3. Five Acres, Vic
Located on Phillip Island, three standalone cabins form Five Acres , one of Victoria’s most chic winter getaways.
Sure, there are log fireplaces to nestle into, farm animals to fall in love with, magical farmscapes to marvel in and concrete outdoor baths to sink into but it’s the cabins’ immaculate styling, plush bedding and sensational fit-outs that you’ll struggle to part with. Stylish digs with all the winter-friendly bells and whistles? Just say yes.
Address: 46 Mchaffies Lane, Ventnor, VIC
4. Sisters, Tas
An immaculately presented holiday home set atop a cliff, Spring Beach’s Sisters , located on the east coast of Tasmania, is your dream home away from home.
The star of the show is the outdoor woodfired hot tub, which can accommodate you and three or four other guests depending on how close you are.
The views from the restored 1970s home are similarly spectacular and luxuries lie around every corner. A Polaroid camera with fresh film, a hidden cubby house in the kids’ bunk-bed room and an indoor fireplace are just some of the delights.
Address: Spring Beach, Tas
5. Barranca Kangaroo Valley, NSW
Four stunning homesteads, each fitted with wood fireplaces and outdoor fire pits, are ready to be leaned into at Barranca in NSW’s Kangaroo Valley.
Surrounded by nothing but beautiful unspoiled bushland, each of the secluded winter stays is architecturally striking and trimmed with features such as outdoor showers, freshwater supplied by nearby mountains, terraces with gas barbecues and kitchen collections of eggs, bread and milk.
Address: 408 Bunkers Hill Road, Kangaroo Valley, NSW
6. Pavilions at Lenswood, SA
How does a private sauna session sound? At Pavilions at Lenswood in South Australia’s Adelaide Hills, six unique stays offer basically every cold-weather creature comfort imaginable, particularly the two pavilions that feature private sweat boxes.
No matter which room you book, expect views over landscaped gardens and a picture-perfect lake, an open wood or gas fireplace and either a private hot tub, spa bath or pool.
Address: Corner of Swamp and Leslie Roads, Lenswood, SA
7. Nightfall, Qld
Winter is the perfect time to finally give glamping a go, and it doesn’t get more glamorous than Nightfall in the Queensland hinterland, around 90 minutes’ inland from the Gold Coast.
The secluded winter stay is decked out with a string of indulgences including private in-tent fireplaces, extra thick organic bedding, vintage bathtubs, plush robes and health-conscious, fire-cooked meals.
Address: Lamington National Park, QLD
8. Losari Retreat, WA
Can’t resist a jacuzzi? At Western Australia’s Losari Retreat , located within the Margaret River, six two-bedroom spa villas provides you with your very own outdoor spa overlooking a pristine lake and manicured gardens. Meanwhile, inside, there’s a fireplace, heated towel rails in the bathrooms and spacious living areas.
Level up your escape by opting for gourmet food hampers, in-room chef services and in-room massages.
Address: 498 Osmington Road, Margaret River, WA
9. Nimbo Fork Lodge, NSW
Tucked within NSW’s Snowy Mountains, Nimbo Fork Lodge is a winter wonderland with its very own destination dining. Located near Gundagai, the secluded stay is home to a Three Blue Ducks , one of the state’s best eateries, as well as beautifully appointed cottages and suites fitted with fireplaces.
If you’re lucky, you’ll also score a large bathtub set beneath glass windows so you can relax while staring into the greatest of the outdoors.
Address: 330 Nimbo Road, Killimicat, NSW
10. Cradle Mountain Lodge, Tas
One of Tasmania’s prettiest sights, Cradle Mountain and its surrounding lakes and wilderness, turn into a real-life snow globe during the cooler months – and Cradle Mountain Lodge is a prime location to facilitate your exploration.
The secluded winter stay is home to suites and cabins with private fireplaces, plus there’s an onsite day spa and various dining experiences (cheese and wine tastings are a hit) to savour between your adventures.
Address: 4038 Cradle Mountain Road, Cradle Mountain, Tas
