10 Secluded Winter Stays To Cosy Into

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.

Bath at Silky Oaks Lodge — Silky Oaks is Tropical North Queensland’s best-kept secret.

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.

a hammock on the balcony of Silky Oaks Lodge — While away the afternoon on your balcony.

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.

a woman admiring the mountain views from her window while sipping coffee at Turon Gates Mountain Getaway — Sip coffee while gazing out over the rolling hills.

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.

the living room of Turon Gates Mountain Getaway with a balcony and a fireplace — Huddle beside the fireplace with a glass or two.

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.

Five Acres Phillip Island in Victoria — Five Acres is the ultimate boutique retreat. (Image: Marnie Hawson)

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.

Bed and living areas of Five Acres Phillip Island in Victoria — You’ll struggle to part with the cabins’ immaculate styling, plush bedding and sensational fit-outs. (Image: Marnie Hawson)

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.

friends soaking in the outdoor woodfired hot tub at Sisters, Tas — The star of the show is the outdoor woodfired hot tub.

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.

a living room with a fireplace at Sisters, Tas — Read a book, play chess or drink wine by the fireplace.

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.

looking from outside into the Barranca homestead. — The secluded winter stays are architecturally striking. (Image: Piers Haskard Photography)

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.

a couple sitting by the fire outside the Barranca homestead. — Curl up by the bonfire outside the beautiful Barranca homestead. (Image: Piers Haskard Photography)

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.

one of the accommodations at Pavilions at Lenswood — Pavilions at Lenswood offer cold-weather creature comforts. (Image: Richard Lyons)

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.

a private tub at Pavilions at Lenswood — End the day with a relaxing dip in your private tub. (Image: Richard Lyons)

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 exterior of the glamping tent at Nightfall, Qld — Go off-grid at Nightfall. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

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.

a look inside the glamping tent at Nightfall, Qld — The glamping tent at Nightfall is laid out with modern comforts. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

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.

a woman relaxing in a jacuzzi at Losari Retreat — Relax in the jacuzzi at Losari Retreat.

Level up your escape by opting for gourmet food hampers, in-room chef services and in-room massages.

holding a wine glass near the fire at Losari Retreat — Drink your wine by the fire.

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.

the Nimbo Fork Lodge against the fiery and dimming sky — Nimbo Fork Lodge is a winter wonderland.

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.

a look inside the Nimbo Fork Lodge — The secluded stay is home to a Three Blue Ducks.

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 Cradle Mountain Lodge near a lake — Cradle Mountain Lodge is nestled by a lake. (Image: Laura Helle)

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.

a woman dipping in a wooden outdoor tub at Cradle Mountain Lodge — Soak in a soothing bath right outside your lodge. (Image: Laura Helle)

Address: 4038 Cradle Mountain Road, Cradle Mountain, Tas

City buzz, gourmet trails, surf breaks and art scenes are all at your fingertips.

When it comes to planning a trip, picking a holiday destination is the easy part. The real dilemma is where to set yourself up for the night. Do you go coastal, city, or countryside? Somewhere remote and rugged, or right in the action? Luckily, the Sunshine Coast, and huge number of amazing Sunshine Coast day trips, have kindly made the choice for you.

Ditch the hotel-hopping and suitcase-lugging. Instead, base yourself at Novotel Sunshine Coast or Mantra Mooloolaba , where big-city culture, vine-covered valleys, and theme parks are all within a two-hour drive.

1. Sunshine Coast to Brisbane

Drive time: 1 hour 20 minutes (105km)

Shake off the sand from your sandals and swap the beach for the throb of the Queensland capital. Ease in gently with a bougainvillea-filled stroll through South Bank, iced latte in hand, before cooling off at Streets Beach lagoon – Brisbane’s answer to the coast (but without the waves).

Once firmly in big-city mode, hit up the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) , home to Australia’s largest collection of modern and contemporary artworks. Dive into the past at the Queensland Museum, where prehistoric fossils of Australian dinosaurs and megafauna collide with First Nations cultural collections and interactive science exhibits.

All this learning got you hungry? Howard Smith Wharves calls. Here, riverside dining delivers breweries with meat-forward menus, Japanese fine dining and overwater bars. If you’ve got room for more, Fortitude Valley’s shopping boutiques await you and your wallet.

woman walking around Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) — Wander the Gallery of Modern Art. (Image: TEQ)

2. Sunshine Coast to the Scenic Rim

Drive time: 2 hours 15 minutes (170km)

Make your way inland to the Scenic Rim for the state’s best vineyards and age-old volcanic slopes. Start your day early (like, sparrow’s breakfast early) at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat in Lamington National Park . Here, take a treetop walk through the canopy and hand-feed the wild birds who flock here.

Next, it’s your turn to eat. Here, the food scene operates where locally sourced produce is an expectation, not an exception. Order a picnic basket crammed with regional wine and cheese to devour next to the creek at Canungra Valley Vineyards . Or perhaps a grazing platter of vegan and non-vegan cheeses at Witches Falls Winery .

Feeling bold? Tackle the Twin Falls circuit in Springbrook National Park. Or keep the gourmet life going with a Scenic Rim Brewery tasting paddle, best enjoyed while taking in the rise of the Great Dividing Range.

woman with cheese and wine at Witches Falls Winery — Enjoy a cheese platter at Witches Falls Winery. (Image: TEQ)

3. Sunshine Coast to the Gold Coast

Drive time: 2 hours (180km)

Surf, sand and sparkling skylines might be the Gold Coast’s MO, but there’s more to Surfers Paradise and beyond. Kick things off with a beachfront coffee at Burleigh Heads, then hike through Burleigh Head National Park to look over the ocean and whale sightings (dependent on the season, of course).

Cool off in the calm waters of Tallebudgera Creek before chowing down on the famously buttery Moreton Bay bug rolls at Rick Shores . Travelling with the kids? Then you can’t miss Australia’s theme park capital, with Dreamworld ’s big rides and Warner Bros. Movie World ’s Hollywood treatment at hand to keep the family entertained.

aerial view of Tallebudgera Creek — Dive into Tallebudgera Creek. (Image: TEQ)

4. Sunshine Coast to Tweed Heads

Drive time: 2 hours 15 minutes (200km)

Dare to cross enemy lines? Then welcome to New South Wales. Tweed Heads blends the laid-back attitude of the Northern Rivers with high-quality dining, experimental art, and farm-fresh indulgence – a combo worth the drive.

Start strong with a long, lazy brunch at Tweed River House , then swing by Tropical Fruit World for exotic finds like red dragon fruit, handfuls of lychees and black sapote. Next, hit M|Arts Precinct – an art deco hub of micro galleries, artist workshops and one-off boutiques.

Round off the day with sunset drinks at Husk Distillers among the glowing cane fields, and order one with their famous Ink Gin. You’ll thank us later.

exterior of Husk Distillers — Taste the famous Ink Gin at Husk Distillers. (Image: Destination NSW)

5. Sunshine Coast Hinterland

Drive time: 1 hour (70km)

Strap on those hiking boots and make tracks inland, where volcanic peaks, misty rainforest and hinterland townships beckon. Ease in with the Glass House Mountains Lookout Walk, or, if you have energy to burn, tackle the Mount Ngungun Summit Walk for a 360-degree sight of the surrounding summits.

Next: Montville. This township delivers European-style architecture and old-world appeal. Nearby, settle in at Flame Hill Vineyard, where a large pour of estate-grown wine comes with encompassing views of the countryside.

Not ready to leave the hinterland villages just yet? Of course not. Meander past art galleries and indie shops at Maleny. Nab some fudge from Sweets on Maple for a sweet fix. Or go salty at Maleny Dairies with a farm tour and a chunky wedge of their deliciously creamy cheese.

End the day among the eucalypts and rainforests of Kondalilla National Park. Here, the Kondalilla Falls Circuit winds down through trees humming with life to a rock pool beneath a waterfall – as if designed for soaking tired feet before heading back to the coast.

view of Mount Ngungun on the scenic rim queensland — Take on the Mount Ngungun Summit Walk (Image: TEQ)

Start planning your Sunshine home base at all.com.

10 secluded winter stays to cosy into