Imagine all the smooches you’ll get when you whisk your other half away on a romantic getaway to Brisbane/Meanjin with all the trimmings. C’mon, you guys adore each other. But there’s only so many boxes of Favourites and sad servo flowers you can give before it gets a bit old.
This time of year calls for a surprise romantic trip without going too far from Brisbane, and we’ve got just the places to check out (or check into).
Keen to break out of your romance rut? Get all swept up in one of Urban List's top picks for the best romantic getaways near Brisbane.
Mount Cotton Hillside Chalet
Experience life among the gumtrees at this luxury hillside chalet putting Mount Cotton on the map. Take a load off on the banging wraparound balcony and you'll be treated to panoramic views out over Stradbroke and Moreton Island.
We love that this pad is just over half an hour from Brisbane, and yet this getaway gives you all the serene feels. Say hello to the ducks at the garden pond, and make friends with alpacas as you set out on a bushwalk. Need a little romantic extra? This place can supply a breakfast hamper and other add-ons on request.
Obi Obi The Cabin At Round Hill
This Airbnb makes our list of top tiny houses in South East Queensland and it's perfect for a romantic getaway too. This pint-sized pad, located in the hills of the Sunshine Coast hinterland, a couple of hours north of Brisbane, has a delightfully round plunge pool where you can cool off while enjoying sweeping views of rolling green paddocks.
It’s worth packing those hiking boots as you’ve got Mapleton National Park on your doorstep here, but if a leisurely meal is more likely to put a smile on your dial, you’re close to the popular Mapleton Pub too. Back at base, you can cuddle up around the indoor fireplace, or head outside where there’s a fire pit just calling out for some post-dinner s’mores.
Highvale Ting Tong Treehouse
Oh hello romantic treehouse! This unique spot 45 minutes’ drive from Brisbane offers a cosy Queensland escape like no other. Hand-crafted from recycled materials, this house has a magical rustic luxe vibe.
Potter to the shower room and you won’t want to leave, thanks to the epic polished tree trunk reaching from floor to ceiling. Outside you’ll find a hammock for lazy days and a luxurious outdoor bath just calling out for bubbles and champagne.
Springbrook Orsini’s Rainforest Retreat
What was once a cherished family home is now a romantic one-bed cabin where you’ll want to snuggle up and breathe in the serenity while enjoying epic Gold Coast views. You’re pretty much guaranteed to see some wildlife on your getaway, like pademelons, bush turkeys and bandicoots, plus wander to the bottom of your yard and you’ll find three chickens in a coop.
Inside your home away from home, just 90 minutes from Brisbane, expect wooden beams, a cosy black wood-burning fireplace and a lovely rustic kitchen with a pod coffee machine, milk frother, kettle, toaster, and basic pantry staples. (If the thought of an indoor woodburner really lights your... err... fire, then checkout our separate list of the top Airbnbs with fireplaces on the Gold Coast).
Palmwoods Into the Woods
Wake up in French linen in your four-poster canopy bed at this romantic hideaway—where birdsong is the first thing you’ll hear. Your home away from home in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, around 90 minutes from Brisbane, was formerly a Buddhist-owned pineapple farm. Today, it’s a seriously lush Airbnb.
Bathe away the stresses of the day in your very own handmade outdoor bath. It’s big enough for two and has hot and cold water for all seasons. You might fancy whipping up a pizza for lunch in the outdoor pizza oven, but if your mind’s on other things, local grazing boxes are available for an extra fee when booked in advance. Want to amp up the romance even more? The peeps that own this place can arrange a one-hour private photoshoot so your memories will live on.
Palmwoods Escape to Nelly
Seeking a romantic getaway near Brisbane with your plus one, but don’t want to leave the dog behind? Escape to Nelly is an uber cute container stay with heaps of space for your pup to explore. From the peeps behind the equally gorgeous Into The Woods hideaway, this adorable Airbnb has an open-plan layout that means you can wander effortlessly between the bathroom, kitchenette, and bedroom and there’s a heap of thoughtful touches that make it super spesh.
As well as your own patio, you’ve got access to a second exclusive outdoor zone here, complete with handmade outdoor bathtub and complimentary bath salts. Whip up a cocktail using the shaker provided and enjoy a sip and a soak at the same time. Afterwards, you can retire to the chairs around the outdoor fireplace (a lighter, firelighters, marshmallows, forks and firewood are all supplied) and get all cosy.
Tamborine Mountain Pether's Rainforest Retreat
Tucked away in five acres of lush rainforest on Mt Tamborine, an hour out of Brisbane, Pether's Rainforest Retreat is composed of just a dozen luxurious (and uber private) treehouses all with one entirely glass wall that looks straight out to the greenery beyond.
When you tire of the view (never), you can sink blissfully into your private spa either before or after an intimate three-course dinner in the restaurant just a boardwalk away. Romance level: Off the charts.
crystal creek Crystal Creek Rainforest Retreat
Slow down the game of life with a getaway to the adults-only rainforest retreat of Crystal Creek. The 13 private architecturally-crafted bungalows, cabins and lodges dish up tonnes of wow-factor and are carefully curated with their open-plan design, floor-to-ceiling glass walls, private decks, plunge pools, double-sided fireplaces and sweeping views across 250 acres of national park.
You may not want to leave your suite but if cabin fever strikes, you can’t go wrong with a leisurely stroll through nearby Springbrook National Park where 400-year old trees and waterfalls are a regular sight. We love that the team will help to craft your dream escape—whether that's through an in-room massage, a picnic setup or even a candle-lit proposal.
Scenic Rim Spicers Hidden Vale
Prepare to receive some serious brownie points from your other half if you book a stay here. Spicers Hidden Vale has everything you’d ever want from a romantic getaway near Brisbane, from cabins with boujee spa baths to mountain biking trails and hiking.
If you’re a bit of a foodie, then you’ll want to make sure you book yourself in for dinner at Homage Restaurant, where everything is grown in the market garden onsite or collected from nearby farms—your tastebuds will tap-dance in happiness. All this plus two pools, a campfire under the stars, koala safaris, cheese and wine tastings and epic views? You'll achieve peak romance points.
Canungra O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat
Surrounded by 20,000 hectares of subtropical rainforest, O’Reilly’s is the perfect escape to reconnect with nature. Bliss out in one of 48 self-contained and architecturally designed villas (made from recycled materials) perched onto the sloping hillside.
There’s also plenty of activities here to get you out amongst nature, including Segway tours through creek crossings to Morans Falls or opt for uber relaxation at the Lost World Day Spa, equipped with a couple’s suite and 25-metre infinity lap pool. We recommend ordering a picnic hamper and setting off to one of 500 world-class waterfalls accessible via 160-kilometres of nature trails.
Springbrook Springbrook Mountain Chalets
Sometimes cosy is best. Especially when you’re getting all up in your partner’s space because you love ‘em so much. Springbrook Mountain's chalets have that retro chic vibe about them with all wooden interiors, leather couches and balconies reaching out to the forest floor.
Choose from unique ‘boat-styled’ chalets for two with chapel ceilings or spread out big time in the deluxe cabin with it’s A-frame roof and loft styled bedroom. The only real question is, who brought the marshmallows to toast in your private fireplace?
Maryvale Spicers Peak Lodge
Jaws will drop as you enter the majestic 12km driveway of Spicers Peak Lodge. Located 1100 metres above sea-level in South East Queensland, and under two hours' drive from Brisbane, Spicers Peak offers the height of luxury via its all-inclusive holiday styling.
Melt into a treatment at Spa Anise, dine at award-winning restaurant, The Peak, explore the surrounds with a gourmet picnic hamper in hand, or alternate between the pool and tennis court for some fun in the sun.
Montville Narrows Escape
Curl up in the hammock and read a book, tramp through the rainforest, or feast on all the goods crammed into the specially-made gourmet hampers—you’ll do it all at Narrows Escape. This romantic hideaway in Montville, 90 minutes north of Brisbane, features six eco-friendly pavilions nestled deep in the forest.
The team is committed to sustainability practices such as using rainwater tanks to supply the pavilions, selecting natives for the gardens, using LED light globes and giving food scraps to the on-site hens. But it doesn’t stop there. These guys also stand by sustainable tourism, supporting local businesses by only supplying guests with locally-sourced food and seasonal produce.
Noosa Tingirana
Sandwiched between Hastings Street and Noosa Main Beach, Tingirana is a clear 11/10 when it comes to weekend getaway locations within driving distance of Brisbane. You’ll be punching above your weight when you engage in a weekend fling with Tingirana’s Hampton-styled suites and beachfront pool.
The only thing to break your hold will be the smorgasbord of cafes, restaurants and bars upon your doorstep. And, obviously there’s always time for a morning hike through Noosa National Park to Hell’s Gate.
Byron Bay Elements Of Byron
If you’re the type of person who loves checking in with a ‘no intention of leaving’ mantra, Elements of Byron is going be your best bet. Elements is a fixture of Byron’s northshore scene that has everything you need for a romantic getaway near Brisbane.
Take a stroll on your private stretch of Belongil Beach, enjoy a game of tennis with the other half, or perhaps a day spa session floats your boat? Add in the onsite restaurant, firepit, lagoon-styled pool and Mexican-themed adults-only pool for those seeking refuge from the miniature beings and you can rest assured there's plenty to make this trip one to remember.
Boonah Ketchup’s Bank Glamping
A luxe little number set amongst the hills of Boonah, just over an hour from Brisbane, Ketchup's Bank Glamping is a romantic retreat featuring just two eco tents complete with ensuite bathrooms, pillow top beds and, on request, delicious food hampers just waiting to be cooked up in your own camp kitchen.
You can choose between a site with a mountain view and a forest view, and the glampsite is just 15 minutes from the Scenic Rim National Park, meaning there’s plenty to see and do without straying too far from home base.
Beechmont Clouds Safari
Enjoy breathtaking views of the Gold Coast hinterland from the comfort of your bathtub at the dreamy Clouds Safari. Unwind and connect with both nature and each other in this stunning studio tent.
Only a five minute drive from the famous 'Heart Shaped Waterfall' and with plenty of bushwalking tracks surrounding your own personal oasis, this accommodation near Brisbane is perfect for adventurous couples or just those that are looking to disconnect from the outside world. Only a 45 minute drive to the famous Gold Coast beaches, restaurants and nightlife, you’ll have the best of both worlds during your stay.
Nerandwood Neranwoods Cottage, Bathhouse & Sauna
This Neranwoods Cottage brings a new meaning to the phrase romantic getaway, with its own private bathhouse and sauna situated on acreage right on Springbook’s doorstep.
Immerse yourself in the tranquillity of the countryside and enjoy a wholesome weekend away with your special someone. Toast some marshmallows by the outdoor fire or enjoy a picnic out on the lush lawn, before retreating cosy bedroom where you can watch wallabies come out at dusk. Take a moment to disconnect with reality and reconnect with each other at this magical Airbnb near Brisbane.
Noosaville Sol
Imagine a Balinese escape, right in your very own backyard. Well, this sparking pool oasis offers just that experience, right in the heart of Noosa. Be transported to a tropical paradise as soon as you walk through the doors of the villa.
With its own private pool surrounded by day beds and hammocks, Sol perfect for lounging the day away with your special someone. Equipped with its own outdoor bath and a hanging fireplace this oasis screams romance. Located in the heart of Noosa, two hours from Brisbane, with beautiful restaurants and cafes just around the corner and only a short drive to some of the best beaches in Queensland.
Contributors: Katherine Davison
Image credit: The Cabin At Round Hill | Airbnb
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