Growing up as a little tike in Queensland, nothing was cooler than the idea of a treehouse hideaway—a secret space all to your own, just like the ones in The Simpsons, or an Andy Griffiths novel. While childhood may be behind us, our dreams of spending the night in a hidden treehouse don’t have to be. In fact, Queensland is packed with vacay destinations up in the trees, so you can get up close and personal with the koalas and kookaburras without having to do any hard work on your part. Check out our top picks for the ultimate homes among the gumtrees, and make those childhood dreams a reality in these Queensland treehouses.
The Canopy Treehouse
Tarzali, Tablelands Region
Hidden amongst over 100 acres of lush tropical rainforest in the Cairns Highlands, The Canopy Treehouse is an absolute must on your bucket list. The eco-retreat blends award winning luxury with sustainable living, so you can enjoy a green getaway that doesn’t hurt the local wildlife. With room for up to six guests, The Canopy Treehouse is perfect for families looking to holiday local whilst supporting eco-tourism this summer. Book your stay here.
Secluded Magical Rainforest Retreat
Main Arm, Northern Rivers
Ok, this treehouse isn’t specifically in Queensland, but it is only just over the border, and frankly, too magical not to include. Cross over a fairy lit rustic bridge to find this secluded cabin overlooking a creek, which has its own private deck, massive kitchen and living space, fireplace and of course, comfy double bed. There’s a swing outside over the creek where you can spend hours curled up with a good book, and a breakfast bar so you can enjoy your bacon and eggs out on that deck feeling at one with nature. But don’t worry, there’s Netflix and wifi too, because switching off is overrated. Book your stay here.
Currumbin Rainforest Treehouse
Currumbin Valley, Gold Coast
Surrounded by lush rainforest, this private Airbnb is made of natural materials, giving it a real treehouse feel. Complete with a wooden deck overlooking the surrounding hills and a spa bath that also makes the most of the view, you’ll feel like a VIP version of the Swiss family Robinson. Book an in house massage to really take things up a notch, but take note—the house is strictly vegetarian so leave your esky of snags at home. Book it here.
Somewhere, Over The Obi
Maleny, Sunshine Coast
A treehouse that’s also a tiny house? Sign us up, because this hillside getaway ticks all the boxes. We’re talking a huge timber deck amongst the trees (tick), huge glass windows and a skylight above the bed to make you feel like you’re at one with nature (tick), a fully equipped kitchen (tick), wood-fire stove (tick) and of course, a spectacular view (double tick). What more could you ask for? Book your stay here.
Lyola Pavilions
Maleny, Sunshine Coast Hinterland
These two forest pavilions, dubbed ‘Hide’ and ‘Seek,’ are nestled amongst lush greenery, with views out over the stunning hinterland. If you want real treehouse vibes, be sure to request ‘Seek,’ which is high above the ground below and accessed by a lengthy wooden bridge. Inside, you can rest your head in the hand carved queen-sized bed made up with luxe linens, or enjoy a wine by the wood-fired stove. Down on ground level though, ‘Hide’ has the added feature of a double spa bath, with doors that open out to the trees outside, while both give you access to 55 acres of rainforest to wander, and even a swimming hole in the nearby stream. Book your stay here.
Noosa Tree Top Eco Retreat
Sunrise Beach, Noosa
Love the idea of vacay in the clouds, but don’t want to give up your go-to summer beach sesh? Get the best of both worlds with a stay at Noosa Tree Top Eco Retreat. The enclosed, Bali-style thatched hut is raised up above Noose National Park, overlooking countless mountain ranges and greenery through wall-to-ceiling glass windows. But should you get sick of the views (yeah, right), make your way down stairs and take the short walk to the beachfront—the sound of crashing waves will guide your way. Book your stay here.
Coolgarra Bush House Canyon Lookout
Springbrook, Gold Coast Hinterland
Looking for a local mid-week escape? Score yourself a night at Coolgarra Bush House Canyon Lookout, a hand-built, recycled timber chalet made with relaxation in mind. The home features towering ceilings complemented by tall glass windows for a truly immersive rainforest experience, plus plenty of vintage decor that practically oozes rustic charm. But the highlight of the property has to be its stunning stone fireplace, parked right in the middle of the downstairs lounge so you can gather round to warm up during those chilly Springbrook nights. Book yourself a stay here.
Treehouse Retreat
Mudgeeraba, Gold Coast
This tiny (and we mean tiny) cabin is the closest thing you’ll find to your childhood treehouse on our list. With just enough room for a double bed, a fridge and a television, you’ll find the bathrooms down at the back of the property’s main house—because what childhood treehouse had its own shower? That one minor downside aside, the cabin does have a deck where you can enjoy a wine, and you’ll also get full use of the pool, tennis court, BBQ area during your stay. Book it here.
The Blak Shack
Montville, Sunshine Coast
As a kid, our dream treehouse probably didn’t feature a bathtub, but as an adult, it’s a must, and The Blak Shack’s freestanding tub just begs to be filled with bubbles—and paired with a glass of wine. That’s not all that makes this hillside cabin worth a spot on your must-stay list, there’s also a gleaming kitchenette, a breezy front deck for enjoying the treetop views, a wood-fired stove, yoga mats, a queen bed with luxurious linen sheets, fluffy bathrobes, a kitchen garden, art supplies, board games…. We could go on, but we’ll stop there, because we’re pretty sure you’re already booking your stay here.
Treetops Seaview Montville
Montville, Sunshine Coast Hinterland
Perched on the edge of an escarpment, Treetops Seaview offers some pretty spectacular views of the surrounding hinterland and even the distant coast. You can enjoy them from the spacious deck, but we think the spa bath with floor to ceiling windows makes for a much better viewing experience. A massive wood burning stove keeps things toasty warm on those cold hinterland nights, while the sleek decor will make you feel as if you’re in a five-star hotel rather than a mountaintop treehouse. Book it here.
The Bower House
Tarzali, Tablelands Region
Perfect for larger groups or families, The Bower House will quash those quaint childhood dreams of what a treehouse should be and replace them with a sprawling luxury escape like no other. The three-bed, two-bath (plus one spa) abode has earned itself four Master Builders awards for its incredible design and thoughtful touches. Perfectly positioned on the rainforest ridge, enjoy sweeping valley views alongside welcome visits from the local wildlife as you squeeze in some much needed R and R. Book your stay here.
Rainforest Treehouse
Butchers Creek, Tablelands Region
Explore over nine kilometres of walking trails and bushland from the comfort of this stunning wilderness retreat. Spread over two storeys, Rainforest Treehouse offers complete seclusion alongside panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges. Watch the sunrise to the sound of birdsong as you relax on the accom’s spacious balcony, and enjoy a delicious breakfast hamper courtesy of your humble hosts. Sounds just like living in paradise. Book your stay here.
Prefer an island escape? Check out these incredible Queensland islands to escape to this summer.
Image credit: The Canopy Treehouse, Booking.com, Airbnb
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