10 secluded winter stays to cosy into

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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

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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

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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

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Kristie Lau-Adams
Kristie Lau-Adams is a Gold Coast-based freelance writer after working as a journalist and editorial director for almost 20 years across Australia's best-known media brands including The Sun-Herald, WHO and Woman's Day. She has spent significant time exploring the world with highlights including trekking Japan’s life-changing Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage and ziplining 140 metres above the vines of Mexico’s Puerto Villarta. She loves exploring her own backyard (quite literally, with her two young children who love bugs), but can also be found stalking remote corners globally for outstanding chilli margaritas and soul-stirring cultural experiences.
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This is Mornington Peninsula’s most indulgent itinerary

    Kellie Floyd Kellie Floyd
    The Mornington Peninsula blends vineyards, galleries, golf and delicious finds for an unforgettable getaway that indulges all penchants. 

    Just over an hour from Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula blends coast and country in a way that feels effortlessly indulgent. It’s a region where vineyard views meet acclaimed dining, art and culture is never far from the sea, and where hot springs bubble alongside rolling fairways. Whether your escape is a long lunch, an immersive art trail or a round of golf, the Mornington Peninsula has an itinerary to match. And there’s always a glass of good local pinot waiting for you at the end of the day.  

    A creative trail through the Peninsula 

    The Mornington Peninsula is a haven for artists and creatives. Its coastal views and rolling landscapes have long been a source of inspiration. Stay at the historical InterContinental Sorrento, a grand hotel established in 1875, recently renovated to blend heritage charm with contemporary elegance. With curated art lining the hotel’s corridors and rooms, you could spend hours simply wandering the halls, studying the walls. 

    Pt Leo Estate outdoor gallery
    Wander around Pt. Leo Estate’s outdoor gallery. (Image: Visit Victoria/Jesse Hisco)

    If looking for an outdoor gallery with sea views, head to Pt. Leo Estate, a landscaped vineyard home to a sculpture park featuring more than 70 large-scale works by both local and international artists, all easily accessible by connecting paths. After strolling through the vineyards, there are three dining options: fine dining at Laura, a relaxed meal at Pt. Leo Restaurant or a vino at the Wine Terrace. For something more hands-on, sign up for the Sip & Sketch experience. And if you book directly into the elegant Lancemore at Lindenderry Red Hill, you’ll enjoy free access to the sculpture park.  

    food at Pt Estate
    Pt Leo Estate boasts three elegant dining venues. (Image: Visit Victoria/Two Palms/Arianna Harry)

    For those who like their art framed by rolling hills, vines and wetlands, Montalto is the place. More than 30 sculptures are dotted throughout the property. The vineyard offers a formal restaurant and casual tables among the seasonal produce in a setting that feels like Mr. McGregor’s Garden from Peter Rabbit. And there’s always the option to picnic on the lawn.  

    Montalto Vineyard
    Montalto Vineyard is an idyllic setting for afternoon wining and dining. (Image: Visit Victoria/Robyn Lea)

    The Sorrento-Portsea Artists Trail offers a self-guided walk along bush paths and sea cliffs to see the same landscapes that once inspired brushstrokes of some of Australia’s most famous artists. Along the way, interpretive signs share insights into the area’s artistic past. And, if the peninsula’s weather turns a little wild, the region is brimming with galleries, particularly around Flinders, Sorrento and Red Hill. Artisan studios are open by appointment.  

    A feast for food and wine lovers 

    With more than 200 vineyards, around 60 wineries and cellar doors, plus an abundance of breweries, distilleries, orchards and family-run farms spanning generations, the Mornington Peninsula is a playground for food and wine enthusiasts.  

    Cassis Red Hill
    Luxurious stay, Cassis Red Hill.

    The perfect base for a culinary inclined trip is Cassis Red Hill, where luxury accommodation is tucked between grape vines and olive trees. A quiet nod to the fishing village of Cassis in the south of France, this retreat is all about contemporary elegance – crisp linen, sunlit interiors and a private mineral plunge pool. 

    Then, for a stand-out lunch, Green Olive at Red Hill offers a delicious way to enjoy the region. Graze on generous tasting plates with house-made relishes, lamb sausages, local cheese and just-picked garden produce. Pair it with a wine flight or order a picnic hamper to enjoy among the olive grove; there’s a picnic option for your dog, too. And for a playful twist, Green Olive is home to what is believed to be Australia’s only pickleball court set within a vineyard or orchard.  

    Amid the many wineries with open cellar doors, Main Ridge Dairy offers a delicious detour – a goat dairy where you can sample handcrafted cheeses and even meet the resident goats. For a more refined experience, Paringa Estate is one of the peninsula’s most awarded wineries, offering fine dining with sweeping vineyard views and a menu crafted from seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.   

    If you’re looking to step outdoors before a lingering lunch, during winter Flinders Truffles offer the chance to join their clever dogs and search for the black gold under oak trees. For an authentic taste of the region, time your visit with one of the Peninsula’s vibrant farmers’ markets.

    From golf days to spa stays 

    Kingswood CountryGolf Club
    Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    With its champion courses, the Peninsula is a dream destination not only for those who love to tee off but for those who enjoy the post-golf wind down. Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club draws keen golfers from around the world, while Peppers Moonah Links Resort is a course that has hosted both a PGA tournament and two Australian Opens. For a true test of skill, The Dunes Golf Links is one of Australia’s top public courses. Each golf course offers accommodation, and staying onsite means maximum convenience, especially at The Dunes, where premium rooms have you sleeping right next to the fairway. Off-course indulgence is close at hand, too.  

    Alba Thermal Springs& Spa
    Soaking at Alba Thermal Springs & Spa. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Peninsula Hot Springs and Alba Thermal Springs are just next door, where thermal waters drawn from geothermal mineral springs deep underground provide the ultimate recovery after a day of perfecting your swing. These award-winning wellness sanctuaries offer everything from bathing pools to private plunges and spa treatments. 

    Jetty Road Brewery
    Jetty Road Brewery.

    After sinking the last ball, and the 19th hole beckons, the Peninsula serves up just as many dining options as it does golf courses. Just minutes away and right on the beach, Jetty Road Brewery is a laid-back spot perfect for a round of beers and typical pub fare. For something a little elevated, book a table at Epicurean. Here, a glass of local red pairs beautifully with handmade pastas and woodfired pizza, all served in a historical coolstore and packing shed dating back more than a century.