From tucked-away cabins to all-out luxury, the most idyllic Sunshine Coast hinterland accommodation instantly soothes.
The Sunshine Coast’s beach towns glitter with exceptional dining and out-at-sea escapades, but once that mercury drops, I find any excuse to explore its hinterland. Firepit lit, wine in hand and Uggs on feet, inland immersions lie beneath the stars, within fully stocked holiday homes and farm stays, or across sleek hotels. Sunshine Coast hinterland accommodation has become so comfortable and plentiful, in fact, that crowds are flocking in the warmer months, too. Here, I break down my favourite base camps for every holiday style.
In short
If you only stay at one Sunshine Coast hinterland accommodation, make it The Crocodile Lodge for its adorable furry residents, multi-bedroom cabins and spectacular infinity pool.
Hotels
1. The Crocodile Hunter Lodge
So much more than a convenient zoo option, The Crocodile Hunter Lodge stole my heart when I stayed in one of its newly unveiled Crocodile Cabins in July 2025. Located around the corner from Australia Zoo, the Sunshine Coast hinterland accommodation offered a five-star, two-storey cabin with its own heated plunge pool that overlooked 10 freshwater crocs — but the hotel impresses wherever you crash. Home to older, but no-less-comfortable, one-, two- and three-bedroom cabins, too, the Lodge invites guests to soak up its lush surroundings via an infinity pool right next to a family of red kangaroos, koalas and one entertaining emu, plus there’s Warrior Restaurant & Bar, one of the best Sunshine Coast restaurants, who work magic with native ingredients and local produce. Greeted at reception by team members who extend that signature Steve Irwin warmth, I was delighted to experience a taste of the zoo from afar: Diamond Python, bearded dragon and Cunningham skink enclosures sparked pure childlike joy. You can park right outside your cabin and prices start from roughly $949 per night for a one-bedroom stay.
Address: 88 Irwin Rd, Beewah
2. Spicers Retreats
Desperate to disconnect and recharge? Two Spicers Retreat properties on the Sunshine Coast offer the ultimate remedy. While Spicers Tamarind Retreat in Maleny and Spicers Clovelly Estate in Montville are vastly different on paper, the commonalities dazzle. Both offer world-class on-site restaurants, energising treatments via day spas, and deep immersion within pristine wilderness. Additionally, Spicers Tamarind Retreat has its own cooking school which zeros in on global cuisines including Thai, French and Italian, while superstar Sunshine Coast chef Peter Kuruvita even makes the odd appearance (check the website for what’s coming up). You can park right outside your cabin or villa. Prices at Spicers Clovelly Estate start from roughly $429 per night, and prices at Spicers Tamarind Retreat start from roughly $579 per night.
Addresses: Spicers Clovelly Estate, 38-68 Balmoral Rd, Montville; Spicers Tamarind Retreat, 88 Obi Ln S, Maleny
3. The Imperial Hotel Boutique Accommodation
You may know this town for its famed Eumundi Markets, but creativity runs beyond its weekly stalls. The Imperial Hotel Boutique Accommodation is the place to discover it all, located in the heart of the thriving arts community. Each of its 15 rooms are relaxed yet finessed, yet no two are the same. Wherever your key unlocks, marvel at a considered edit of handcrafted ceramics and artworks, fluffy king beds, handmade basins and artisan tiles in the bathrooms and stylish timber furniture. There’s also a heated mineral pool and hot spa, set beside a fire pit to warm you up once you’re done soaking up those wonderful magnesium benefits. Expect undercover parking and rates starting from $230 per night.
Address: 1 Etheridge St, Eumundi
4. Secrets on the Lake
This place is The Magic Faraway Tree on steroids. Each unique treehouse at this Sunshine Coast hinterland accommodation comes with its own sunken double spa, deck with a swing seat and views over Lake Baroon. It’s the kind of space that facilitates lovely exchanges between strangers, inspired by shared experiences of al fresco deck dining, browsing the on-site art gallery and exploring its rainforest surroundings. Parking is included with your stay and prices start from $420 per night.
Address: 207 Narrows Rd, Montville
Farm stays
5. Sixty6 Acres
Sixty6 Acres has been one of the most glamorous Sunshine Coast farm stays for quite some time, but June 2025 changed the game. Adding 93 powered caravan sites (many with concrete slabs), seven mineral plunge pools and a fresh on-site restaurant to its Instagram-perfect collection of villas, the 66-acre property (hence the name) has evolved into something of a hinterland holiday park. With its own lake and rolling hills, the place is breathtaking as activities spanning nature trails, family-friendly ‘Pitch and putt’ golf, and farm animal interaction encourage active exploration of its prettiest corners. If you’re not camping or caravanning, stay in one of the accommodation’s six two-bedroom farm ‘quarters’ or the three-bedroom cottage with its own outdoor bathhouse. Powered sites start from $100 per night, quarters start from $500 per night and that cottage, The Acreage, goes from $650 per night.
Address: Walden Rd, Woombye
6. Seven Peaks Farm Stay
A picturesque stay with animals, less than an hour’s drive from Brisbane Airport? It’s a resounding yes. Seven Peaks Farm Stay, a family-friendly retreat, offers six beautifully appointed cabins and one three-bedroom cottage, each treated to views of the Glass House Mountains. No matter where you land, gas fireplaces, spacious decks with outdoor kitchens, and laundry facilities will greet you. When you peel yourself away from your confines, there are 34 acres of farmland, dotted with a veggie patch and herb garden, orchard and four-legged farm friends, are calling. Prices start from roughly $350 per night.
Address: 191 Old Peachester Rd, Beerwah
7. Thirlestane Farm
Thirlestane Farm is a stunning workers’ cottage and barn set on 28 acres of pristine farmland. It’s right near Cooroy, so hustle and bustle are close by if all that serenity grows tiresome. Groups of up to eight are invited to book out the entire space, which encompasses two properties with a twin room and queen room in each. You’ll find a clawfoot outdoor bathtub, walk-in showers, fluffy bedding, an eight-foot projector to stream movies outside by a firepit and even more dream-like amenities throughout. Prices start from roughly $750 per night.
Address: 85 Evans Rd, Cooroy
8. Round Hill Retreat
Though I love it, there’s no denying Montville is a little kitsch. However, on this 30-acre farm just outside town, an architecturally designed cabin shakes up the status quo. Clad in black with a heated circular plunge pool, it features a gas strut window where sunlight streams in on a floating bench seat. Draw yourself a bath in the vintage tub before tucking into dinner care of the team, who leave pizza bases for guests. A Sonos entertainment system, boardgames and coffee machine, stocked with Little May coffee from up the road, serve as additional creature comforts. With Mapleton Falls National Park right next door, there are walking trails and waterfalls to chase, but we wouldn’t blame you for staying put. Prices start from about $575 per night.
Address: Mapleton Falls National Park, Obi Obi (directions released upon booking)
Camping and caravan parks
9. Kenilworth Homestead
Families looking for a school holiday escape should head to Kenilworth Homestead, one of the Sunshine Coast hinterland’s most idyllic campsites with all the space to cut loose. Think bike tracks amid lush green pastures and fire pits in the middle of nowhere. Choose your own adventure: set up camp on a powered or unpowered site or stay in a spa room if it’s just you and your better half. Prices start from $36 per night for an unpowered campsite.
Address: 2760 Eumundi – Kenilworth Rd, Kenilworth
10. Booloumba Creek 1 Camping Area
Nestled deep within stunning Conondale National Park, the Booloumba Creek 1 Camping Area offers a tranquil sleep under the stars for tents, campervans and trailers. 24 camp sites are located right by a trickling creek so get in early to reserve the larger spots if you’re travelling with the clan. Expect flushing toilets and tank water, but holiday makers must note that four-wheel drive access is mandatory — it’s high-clearance unsealed terrain out here. BYO firewood as fires are allowed but leave the pets at home as the National Park doesn’t allow dogs. Planning on a work-from-anywhere adventure? Unfortunately, there’s no phone reception – this is switching-off territory at its finest. Bookings cost $7.50 per night.
Address: Lot 274 Booloumba Creek Rd, Cambroon
Holiday homes, lodges and Airbnbs
11. The Wimberley Goomeri Airbnb
One of the most unique Sunshine Coast Hinterland accommodation picks you’ll find, hands down. The Wimberley Airbnb is a heritage building in the Gympie Region, built around 1911 as part of the Wimberley & Sons Grocery & Hardware Store. Today, it’s a two-bedroom cottage filled with modern comforts while retaining its historical charm. Exposed brick, weathered timber panelling, antiques (including an itty-bitty fireplace) and wrought iron gates are paired with a mix of marble, fresh white walls, plush bedding and soft modern drapes. The result? A home filled with intrigue, conveniently located near amenities. Prices start from about $395 per night.
Address: Goomeri (directions released upon booking)
12. Tranquil Getaways on Obi Maleny
The beautiful Obi Obi Creek near Maleny can be spied in all its glory at Tranquil Getaways on Obi Maleny, a collection of five villas with private decks overlooking the water. The location is unbeatable, just a short walk to Maple Street which runs through the centre of Maleny and is home to quaint boutiques, cafes and restaurants. Dialling up that tranquillity are the regular yoga classes and occasional yoga retreats, so check the website for upcoming dates. Off-street parking is available, and prices start from roughly $350 per night.
Address: 20 Lawyer St, Maleny
13. Elsie’s Cottage
Elsie’s Cottage was built in 1916 as a homage to the youngest granddaughter of Joseph and Alice Dixon, two of the Sunshine Coast’s original pioneers. The two-bedroom house remained in the family for three generations, lovingly restored several times and most recently in 2023. Its original warmth is accented with state-of-the-art appliances and luxury inclusions like the huge tub draped in curtains. Sit by a private outdoor firepit to spy panoramic views across the Sunshine Coast – the ultimate cherry on top. Prices start from about $780 per night.
Address: 29 Main St, Montville
14. Aahana
I never thought I’d find a tiny home that sleeps up to six people, but that’s exactly what Aahana offers. Even better, it features a luxe bathroom, kitchen, air conditioning and heating, and even a deck with an outdoor tub. There’s also a barbecue and utensils, kids’ books and toys, a fire pit and extra pillows and blankets to help you and your favourite people really settle in. You’ll find this Sunshine Coast hinterland gem about 30 minutes’ drive from Noosa Heads. Prices start from $399 per night.
Address: Pinbarren (directions released upon booking)
15. Maleny Lodge
When ‘Rosedale’ cottage was built (c 1905), Maleny was home to a butcher, a pub, and not much else. Now, there are cafes, providores, and boutiques to explore. That original cottage, however, still stands, now known as Maleny Lodge. A warm palette of earthy rust, timber and green mirrors the property’s lush surroundings while soaring ceilings and original floorboards create warmth. High-end tapware and handcrafted tiles are paired with vintage mirrors, furniture and paintings, and the kicker? A heated magnesium pool dotted with sleek deck chairs and umbrellas. Book a room for two or hire the entire homestead (it sleeps 14) for a milestone moment. There is one car space per room, and rooms start from $250 per night.
Address: 58 Maple St, Maleny
16. Atelier34
What sets this Sunshine Coast hinterland accommodation apart is its strictly female, solo guest list. Designed as a retreat in every sense of the word, the sustainably built studio faces three hectares of bushland in Black Mountain, near Cooroy. It’s a vision realised for owner Lisa Williment who runs workshops – from basket weaving to food styling – out of the space on occasion. Use your time to pull out the paintbrushes, finally finish that novel, and soak in the copper tub. With an eclectic mix of furniture and decor from both local artists and a lifetime spent collecting vintage pieces, the space encourages the slowest of living. Priced from $215 per night, which includes a light breakfast.
Address: Black Mountain (directions released upon booking)
17. Mayan Luxe Villas
Mayan Luxe Villas is a sustainable escape in the Noosa Hinterland that’s made for groups to appreciate bucolic vistas, typically from one of the outdoor four-person spas. Built of rammed earth, everything about these villas – crowning a working farm just outside Kin Kin – was brushed with the owners’ hand. Reclaimed timber (milled on site) and metalwork abound, fashioned into the heavy entrance doors, kitchen island bench, chandeliers and outdoor fire pit. There’s a two-night minimum booking with rates starting from $950 per stay.
Address: Sister Tree Creek Rd, Kin Kin
18. Rangeview Cottage
Design lovers will instantly fall for this flamboyantly styled, early 20th-century Queenslander worker’s cottage. Just seven minutes from Eumundi, Rangeview Cottage was sustainably restored over three years, but what makes it special is the sumptuous colour palette and menagerie of collected vintage furniture, artworks and wallpapers. The kitchen is well equipped to cook up a feast while French doors open from the lounge to the beautiful wrap-around verandah – best enjoyed with a sundowner in hand. Prices start from roughly $385 per night.
Address: Eumundi (directions released upon booking)
19. Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat
Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat is on the edge of Kondalilla National Park, in Montville, where a series of villas sit high above branches. You’ll want to doze until mid-morning while wrapped in a canopy of trees but when you do emerge from bed, shift only slightly to your own private spa for two (or a private plunge pool, depending on the room you choose) before settling by a crackling log fire. When hunger strikes, the team offer barbecue and other food hampers, plus there’s a menu of light meals. Parking is available and prices start form roughly $550 per night.
Address: 78 Narrows Rd, Montville
20. Scandi at Maleny
A self-contained two-bedroom cabin, Scandi at Maleny offers two master bathrooms with tubs in each and a fully equipped kitchen. The light-filled space, which, as the name suggests, pays homage to acclaimed Scandinavian design, is perched 450 metres above sea level so hinterland views go on forever. Drive up a bitumen road to the cabin’s carport to park conveniently. Prices start from about $435 per night.
Address: Cabin 9/27 Skerman Ln, Maleny
21. Bird Song Valley Airbnb
Give me a home among the gum trees and make it this old Queenslander. The airy Airbnb caters to six guests, via three bedrooms and two bathrooms, one of which features an oversized spa bath overlooking the sprawling property located just one kilometre away from Montville. Prices start from about $375 per night.
Address: Montville (directions released upon booking)
22. The Postman’s Cottage
Everything about The Postman’s Cottage instils calm. It’s simple and elegant with bouquets of fresh flowers, and books to read inside an old vintage clawfoot tub by the window. The stay sits within the wider Montville Estate, which was the first Receiving Office for mail from the UK and abroad. The amenities – by Australian-made Salus – are ace and the fact there’s no TV means you can spend your days and nights exploring the wonderful shops, restaurants and cafes in this burgeoning suburb. Prices start from roughly $385 per night.
Address: Montville (directions released upon booking)
