When you're someone who thrives in sun, surf, and sand and loves seeking out beachy getaways and warm weather, you'll have plenty to say as soon as temperatures drop under 24 degrees. Luckily, Urban List is here to share a sure-fire way get seriously cosy once the chill sets in—a warm and toasty fire.
If you've already got the marshmallows packed in readiness for a wintery getaway, here is a list of our favourite cool-weather cabins with a cosy fireplace within three hours of Brisbane.
Tamborine Mountain | Sleeps 2 Woolcott Cottage
HIgh up on Tamborine, this 100-year-old cottage is just the spot to laze by the fire with a bottle of something special from the local distillery and a cheese platter from Tamborine Cheese. The powder blue Woolcott Cottage looks like something out of the pages of an Anne of Green Gables novel, complete with a wicker rocking chair, sun-drenched window seat and a farmhouse-style wooden table. Pack your best straw hat and get planning that blissful weekender just an hour from Brisbane.
Mount Glorious | Sleeps 2 The Elm House Studio
This two-story, hand-hewn hardwood cabin is tucked away in the rainforests of Mount Glorious, just over an hour from Brisbane, and features a loft bed, self-contained kitchen, fireplace and a claw-foot bath for long, bubble-filled soaks. A stay here gives you access to world-famous rainforest walks, with a homemade breakfast to enjoy each morning. A stunning, private oasis, it’s perfect for a magical romantic escape even if that fireplace doesn’t get lit.
Montville | Sleeps 7 Beam Creek Cottage
Whether you’re escaping to the country or just trying to escape a Brisbane winter, Beam Creek Cottage can accommodate both, with a hinterland hideaway that offers a little something for everyone. The expansive family style living room boasts a cosy indoor fireplace and multiple couches to keep you relaxed and horizontal for the duration of your stay, or you can snug up on the expansive Queenslander style veranda with breathtaking views and the warmth of their outdoor chiminea (think clay vertical chimney). Do we even need to mention the massive country kitchen, bathtub for long soaks and stack of board games in the cupboard?
Springbrook | Sleeps 2 Water & Woods
A few things spring to mind when thinking of a cosy escape; a warm outdoor bath, a roaring fire in a little wooden cabin, gloriously decadent bedding and cloud-like pillows. Well, you can experience all this and more at the sanctuary that is Water & Woods.
This gorgeous abode sits nestled under a canopy of trees and just steps away from the Purling Brook Falls hiking trails, so those looking for an active holiday needn’t fear. There’s something for everyone and they’ve thought of everything, even providing rain jackets for those gloomy hinterland days. Just BYO food and drinks, and prepare to experience the ultimate rainforest getaway.
Maleny | Sleeps 2-10 Maleny Country Estate
Maleny Country Estate brings you the perfect getaway to experience the best of Queensland in the cooler months. The Estate is home to a mix of one, two and three bedroom cottages and studios which are scattered among towering trees and manicured gardens 50 to 100m apart and all have indoor wood fireplaces and bespoke private outdoor firepits.
Escape the daily grind and treat your romantic partner with days playing tennis or hiking through the bush, taking in views of the Blackall Range. Come nightfall, you'll want to curl up together by the outdoor firepit and gaze at the stars.
Springbrook | Sleeps 2 Orsini’s Rainforest Retreat
This former family home originally built in the 90s has been refurbished into the cabin of your dreams, complete with cosy wood-fired fireplace . Nestled in the Gold Coast hinterland, the cabin has stunning views of the Gold Coast—both ocean view and skyline depending on what way you’re looking. Create warm memories when you cosy up with some boardgames or a book by the fireplace. It’s also unfenced meaning plenty of pademelons (a small marsupial), bush turkeys and bandicoots could greet you in the mornings.
Witta | Sleeps 2-8 Belltree Ridge
If you’re looking for the perfect country comfort, Belltree Ridge is the place for you. Located in the stunning Conondale Ranges, just under two hours from Brisbane, and on a 60-acre cattle farm, there is nothing but peace, quiet and privacy for kilometres.
The handcrafted homestead built from reclaimed and local timber is likely to transport you back to an era of simplicity in design and genteel country relaxation. Drink a hot chocolate beside the striking indoor wood-burner set in front of a charming stone feature wall, or bring out the marshmallows for an outdoor fire pit experience.
Eumundi | Sleeps 4 Eumundi Rangeview Cottage
We're going to warn you straight up: when you see the interiors at the 100-year-old Rangeview Cottage, you will want to move in forever. Luckily, it's available to book for cosy weekends away so you can fully immerse yourself in its seriously charming aesthetic.
This place hosts four guests in a stunning spot near the charming town of Eumundi. Aspiring chefs will love the full kitchen, while the cosy vibes come from the charming lounge and dining areas and wood-burning fireplace. We have a feeling you'll be booking a return visit as soon as you step inside.
Weyba Downs | Sleeps 2 The Lake Shack
Curl up by the fire after a day of lakeside adventures with a stay in this cosy fisherman’s cottage south of Noosa and under two hours' drive from Brisbane.
The Lake Shack is an ode to whimsical Australiana, featuring hardwood floors, an old-school cooktop and sweeping views of the surrounding wildlife. Push open the huge handcrafted doors and wander out onto the poolside deck, pull up a stool and enjoy a cuppa as you watch the setting sun set the bush aglow.
Montville | Sleeps 2 Treetops Seaview
The massive wood burning fireplace is just one of the drawcards of Treetops Seaview—a huge spa set into the floor by floor to ceiling windows and a daily country breakfast hamper are the others.
Perched on the edge of an escarpment at Montville, 90 minutes north of Brisbane, the cabin offers some pretty speccy views of the distant coastline, which are best enjoyed surrounded by bubbles in that spa, glass of wine in hand. Grab a bottle and settle in for the weekend.
Burringbar | Sleeps 2 Heartwood Cabin
Just ten minutes from Pottsville and 90 minutes' drive from Brisbane, Heartwood is an incredible architect-designed space surrounded by native forest. Kick back in the bathtub on the deck before firing up the stove and enjoying a glass of wine on the deck as the sun sets on your view of the Burringbar Ranges. Don't forget to pay the ducks and goats down the hill a visit if you can bear to pull yourself away from this breathtaking cabin.
Canungra | Sleeps 2 Gully Station
Pack your boots for this cute country getaway that's particularly charming in the cooler weather. Fire up the vintage fireplace in the living room or head outdoors to enjoy the fire pit with views over the valley. It's not uncommon for this area of the Scenic Rim to get frosts during the winter, so prepare to get super snuggly and make the most of those comfy leather couches, deep bathtub, and four-poster bed.
Kalbar | Sleeps 2-8 Herrmann House
If you’re more into elegance than earthy vibes, book your weekend away at the Scenic Rim's Herrmann House. This place is more than a cabin, it's an entire house, boasting four spacious bedrooms with private ensuites, elegant lounge rooms all gas fireplaces, your own kitchen and laundry, and a stunning garden area with a fire pit to huddle around under the stars. Prepare yourself for next-level luxe vibes.
Mount Cotton | Sleeps 2 Rainforest Chalet
Fall asleep to the crackle of your fire in these stunning cabins overlooking Moreton Bay, just over 30 minutes' drive from Brisbane. The cosy structures face east, so you can catch the sunrise from your balcony with a cuppa before exploring the gardens, greeting the alpacas, geese, ducks and chickens and heading back to your cabin to chuck another log on the stove. Bonus points for being down the road from Sirromet for all the wine tasting.
Grandchester | Sleeps 2-8 Spicers Hidden Vale
When it comes to luxurious getaways not far from home, Spicers Hidden Vale takes the cake. It's just an hour from Brisbane and yet you'll find yourself tucked away on 12000 acres of gorgeous paddocks, streams, and bushland.
The cottages and cabins are the perfect setting for a relaxing weekend away. Spend your days exploring the stunning surrounds and enjoying a true paddock-to-plate experience at Homage restaurant before settling in by the stone fireplace in your luxury cabin for the night.
Maleny | Sleeps 2 The Bower
It doesn't get much more cosy than this romantic rainforest retreat for couples 90 minutes' drive from Brisbane, with a wood-burning fireplace, claw-foot bathtub and a gorgeous balcony to greet the local birdlife each day. The peeps that own this place thoughtfully include breakfast provisions and firewood, so all you need to bring is a good book and a few snacks for the ultimate switch-off getaway. Bliss.
Montville | Sleeps 2 The Postman's Cottage
One of the cutest hinterland towns near Brisbane, Montville makes for a perfect winter getaway, and The Postman's Cottage is a top option for mega cosy accommodation for two, within an easy walk to town. Set within a 1.5-acre estate, the cottage offers includes a charming wood-burning fireplace, clawfoot bathtub and full kitchen, and access to the grounds for strolls and bird spotting.
Woombye | Sleeps 2 Carreg Cottage
This completely unique handbuilt stone cabin overlooking a small dam oozes rustic vibes, and comes with a stone fireplace for the ultimate cosy getaway. Wake up to the goats and sheep coming to say hello, curl up with a book by the fire, and poke into Montville or Mapleton for provisions. With the wood panelling, lush surrounds, and magical fireplace, you'd be forgiven for thinking you're in the Scottish highlands.
Stanthorpe | Sleeps 2-5 Diamondvale Cottages
A Stanthorpe gem boasting impressive weekends away are Diamondvale Cottages. These cottages are next-level picturesque, all being heritage homes that blend seamlessly into the tranquil surrounds, especially under a light dusting of snow. Enjoy the wood-burning fireplace and cosy indoors or venture out to catch a glimpse of the native Australian wildlife that hangs around.
Springbrook | Sleeps 2-5 The Mouses House
Whether you’re booking a midweek escape for yourself, a romantic weekend away, or a group getaway with your pals, you’ll find the perfect accommodation just 90 minutes south of Brisbane at The Mouses House.
Nestled in the rainforest alongside bubbling streams are a series of gorgeous chalets in all shapes and sizes. The surroundings are truly enchanting, located in a World Heritage Listed National Park, and the indoors are just as magical, with wood-burning fireplaces and private hot tubs.
Peachester | Sleeps 2 The Artist’s Studio
The view of the iconic Glasshouse Mountains is the hero of this little pad set in 100 acres of forest in the Sunshine Coast hinterland. A former artist’s studio, this is a cabin with a difference, as it’s connected to a main house by a deck but is completely private and fully self-contained.
Your fully-equipped kitchen opens to your own private deck where you can drink in the epic views while sipping on your complimentary wine or munching on the gourmet continental breakfast provided. What was once a darkroom, is now a modern bathroom with a large rain shower, bespoke natural wood vanity and a luxe tub that calls out for bubbles. Your lounge is compact and cosy, and of course there's an indoor fireplace for cranking up the heat if the weather gets cool. Sit back, relax and take in the view.
Summerholm | Sleeps 6 Summerholm House
Prepare the Whatsapp group. The whole gang is welcome at this restored old school, 90 minutes’ drive from Brisbane, in the heart of the Lockyer Valley. These days it sleeps six in a cabin-like setting—expect wooden floors, calming colours and a gorgeous country kitchen with counter tops made of solid wood.
Pad into the lounge and you’ll find a cosy couch, an armchair and an inviting black wood-burning fireplace, plus board games, DVDs and toddler toys to keep the kids entertained. Outside you’ll find free-range chooks and goats roaming in the paddocks, adding to the farm stay vibe. Keen to settle in for the whole weekend? The local pub offers delivery to the cottage so you don’t even need to grab the car key.
Bellthorpe | Sleeps 2 Hidden Creek Cabin
This corrugated iron-clad cabin sitting in the Bellthorpe range, an hour and a half from Brisbane, has a bedroom built into an oak tree. Nature is front and centre at this charming timber-lined pad, which has been crafted from repurposed materials on a 50-acre hobby farm.
It’s super romantic, with not one but two tempting outdoor baths and an outdoor firepit for stargazing with your plus one. Inside, you’ll want to cosy up together on the couch by the wood-burning fireplace, glass of wine in hand. Come morning, you won’t even need to leave the house to grab brekkie, as a hamper with sourdough bread, eggs, muesli, condiments, and yogurt, are provided free of charge for your first night’s stay.
Contributors: Katherine Davison
Image credit: Woollcott Cottage | Airbnb
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