The Gold Coast is renowned for its sunkissed beaches and luscious rainforests, but our picturesque hinterland getaways are often overlooked. If you're seeking a secluded retreat on the Gold Coast this winter, indulge in a stay at a cosy cabin complete with a fireplace. Picture immersing yourself curling up with a good book and savouring a glass of wine as you bask in the comforting warmth of a roaring fire. Say no more.
These sweet cabins offer a prime combination of luxury and relaxation, nestled amidst the verdant Gold Coast hinterland. Whether you're planning a romantic getaway or a laidback family vacation, these cabins with fireplaces are sure to fill your cup. Just don't forget to pack the marshmallows.
Enchanted Cottage
Tamborine Mountain | Sleeps 5
A picturesque stone cottage with leadlight windows, timber interiors and white walls, Tamborine’s Enchanted Cottage is the kind of house in the woods that would put Hansel and Gretel on notice. Inside, an impressive suspended fireplace warms the open living space. Outside, the encroaching woodland blocks out the modern world, and the cottage’s garden is a beautifully landscaped mix of hedges and herb gardens. The cottage can sleep up to five guests, so it's perfect for a weekend with your coven. And it's just a short drive to the wineries and rainforest walks of Tamborine. Book here.
Woolcott Cottage
Tamborine Mountain | Sleeps 2
HIgh up on Tamborine, this 100-year-old recently revamped 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 book here.
Heartwood Cabin
Burringbar | Sleeps 2
This Gold Coast Airbnb is a winner when it comes to prime location—Heartwood Cabin is tucked up in the hinterland, in the ridiculously photogenic Tweed Valley. On the one side you’ve got Mount Warning and the Burringbar Ranges, on the other you’ve got tree-lined views out towards the ocean.
This baby is set on 100 acres of private land, with an indoor fireplace, LPG cooktop stove, outdoor barbecue and built-in sound system. Note the Aesop products in the bathroom, too. Classy touch. And you’re not completely cut-off from civilisation either: the cute town of Burringbar is just 10 minutes down the road. This beautiful spot books out early (for very obvious reasons), so be sure to book your stay early.
Blue Fig Cottage
Byron Bay Hinterland | Sleeps 4
A true in the Byron Bay Hinterland is this unique rainforest escape. Blue Fig Cottage is a 70-acre luxury destination set within the World Heritage Listed Nightcap National Park. Decked out in beautiful antique furniture, the house exudes luxury and class. An impressive timber deck is where you can host wine nights (or mornings—you’re on vacay after all) or just curl up and enjoy the serenity.
Not to mention the cottage boasts all holiday essentials; there’s an indoor fireplace, a private campfire area, BBQ and a free-standing bath with views for days. We love that this retreat is completely off-grid and has no connection with the outside world—the power is created by solar and fresh spring water from the National Park provides you with pure mountain spring water. There are also over 75 fruit and nut trees on the property and a kitchen garden to pick seasonal ingredients. Book here.
Gingerbread Cottage
Tamborine Mountain | Sleeps 6
Tucked away in the hills a short distance away from Tamborine Mountain, you’ll find the dreamy Gingerbread Cottage. The charming cottage boasts beautiful interiors that’ll make you feel luxe and cosy at the same time. A veranda wraps around the house where you can barbecue, eat, and sit and read all to the relaxing hum of native birds. Enjoy views of the ocean while enjoying your breakfast and get toasty by the cosy fireplace on the chillier nights. You may just get so comfy you won’t want to leave. Book here.
The Tallai Cottage
Tallai | Sleeps 4
Whether it's a dog treat or a tranquil escape set deep within Gold Coast’s hinterland, we all deserve a treat from time to time. So you’ll be pleased to know that the dog-friendly The Tallai Cottage has you and your pooch’s names written all over it.
Get cosy around the levitating outdoor fireplace, dine alfresco or soak in the freestanding outdoor tub while your doggo runs amok in the sprawling backyard. If it’s a serene industrial chic abode you’re after, this is the best pet-friendly Airbnb the Gold Coast has to offer you and your adorable side-kick. Book here.
Witches Falls Cottages
Tamborine Mountain | Sleeps 2
Nestled in Tamborine Mountain’s lush rainforest, Witches Falls Cottages are sanctioned as 'adults-only' so you can count on the serenity of chirping birds and crickets, rather than screaming kids. You’ll love the daily baked bread and breakfast hamper delivery, wood fireplace, fluffy bathrobes, private courtyard garden with BBQ, and all just a very short drive from Tamborine's local wineries and cheese-making factory. Without a doubt, Witches Falls Cottages is one of the best winter getaways on the Gold Coast. Book here.
Gully Station
Canungra | Sleeps 2
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. Book here.
The Mouses House
Springbrook | Sleeps 2 to 4
Nothing screams cosy romance like a setting taken straight from the page of a fairytale book. Snuggled amid an enchanted forest that could be filled with pixies and unicorns, The Mouses House Rainforest Retreat is just a 30-minute drive from the Gold Coast, yet a world away from your every day stresses and worries. These magical cedarwood chalets are self-contained and fully kitted-out with a roaring fireplace, BBQ, cosy furnishings and some with their own jacuzzi on the deck. Okay, maybe we lied about the pixies and unicorns, but they’ll probably visit you in your dreams at these cosy Gold Coast cabins. Book here.
Hinterland Barn Loft
Tamborine Mountain | Sleeps 3
Dreaming of the perfect countryside escape? Then this cosy hinterland barn stay nestled on 18 acres of woodland at Tamborine Mountain has your name written all over it. Boasting the most striking warm, wooden interiors and rustic décor, this stay is the ultimate farm style retreat. So book yourself in and get ready to snuggle up and roast marshmallows by the fireplace on those frosty winter nights. Book here.
Tommerup’s Dairy Farm Stay
Scenic Rim | Sleeps 4 to 12
If you’re the type who can’t sit still reading books we reckon you’re going to love the full experience on offer at the 200-acre Tommerup’s Dairy Farm Stay. Tommerup’s only cottage oozes rustic charm or you can book the whimsical historical homestead which sleeps 12, in case you need room for extra bodies. What’s best, guests are invited to join in on activities like cow milking, animal feeding, and egg collecting, or to take a picnic by the nearby creek. Later, snuggle under the stars and beside the outdoor chiminea fireplace—just don’t forget the marshmallows and red wine. The 90-minute drive from the Gold Coast to this wintery spot is absolutely worth it. Book here.
Stargazer
Beechmont | Sleeps 6
If you want to fall asleep under the stars but in the comfort and warmth of a bed, Stargazer house has you covered. The house’s glass ceilings make stargazing possible from rooms all over the house and glass walls make watching the sunset possible from the bathtub.
Apart from the stunning glass ceilings and walls, there’s an indoor/outdoor bath, an outdoor fireplace, entertainment deck and a pizza oven. Enjoy the views of rolling hills and ridges and the starry night sky with a woodfired slice of pizza in hand—it’s only right. Hands down, this is one of the best Airbnbs on the Gold Coast. Book here.
Looking for more cosy getaways? Jump in the car and rest your head at these wintery Gold Coast cottage and cabins scattered around the Gold Coast hinterland.
Image Credit: Airbnb, Booking.com & Supplied
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