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 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.
Crystal Creek Rainforest Retreat
Crystal Creek | Sleep 2
Image credit: Crystal Creek Rainforest Retreat | Supplied
Craving a cosy rainforest escape with serious wow-factor? Just over the border of Northern NSW, Crystal Creek Rainforest Retreat is the luxury cabin getaway you’ve been dreaming of. Whether you opt for a cabin, bungalow or lodge, you’ll have complete privacy to slow down and unwind.
Their new Creekside Pavilion experience is pure magic: a three-hour indulgence complete with a gourmet antipasto spread, wine and private rock pool. It’s the kind of place where daybeds, bubbling creeks, and candlelight come together like a dream. To celebrate something big, or just to escape reality for a while—this is where love stories thrive.
Water & Woods
Springbrook | Sleeps 2
Image credit: Water & Woods | Airbnb
Steps away from Purling Brook Falls hiking trail sits this hidden Gold Coast gem. Water & Woods is just 50 minutes from the bright lights of Surfer’s Paradise and yet here you’re surrounded by rainforest. It has heaps of nooks and crannies to while away some hours with a good book.
First stop on the trip to cosy central? The undercover outdoor bath which looks out over towering tree trunks and lush greenery (the champions that own this cabin provide organic bath soap for you to use). We bet you’ll want to gather around the indoor fireplace or the outdoor chiminea too, or grab the portable picnic set and set off for the lookout with cheese, crackers and a bottle of the good stuff.
Orsini’s Rainforest Retreat
Springbrook | Sleeps 2
Image credit: Orsini's Rainforest Retreat | Airbnb
What was once a cherished family home is now a charming 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 here, 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, 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. The loft is filled with board games and books to keep you entertained, but we wouldn’t blame you if the breakfast bar simply calls you to perch there, cuppa in hand, and eyes on the scenery.
Bonogin Retreat
Bonogin | Sleeps 4
Image credit: Bonogin Retreat | Airbnb
Perched amid the trees at Bonogin, and yet minutes from the endless dining options of the Gold Coast, sits this two-bed cabin retreat. Pack the hiking boots, because this place sits at the back of Springbrook National Park with a variety of walking and nature activities at your fingertips. The peeps that own this place provide you with a breakfast basket on arrival so you’re all set on your first day. You’re also a stroll to a local eatery, coffee shop and general store here, so you won’t even have to make your own cuppa in the morning.
Why not hike to the top of Bally Mountain and enjoy the stunning views before heading back to base to curl up around the indoor fireplace or take a soak in the claw-foot bath. There’s a piano to play with if you’re feeling in the mood, and a huge covered outdoor entertaining space where you’ll be tempted to fire up the barbecue come sunset.
Hillview Dairy
Currumbin Valley | Sleeps 6
Image credit: Hillview Dairy | Airbnb
It’s fair to say that Hillview Dairy has found itself on a few “Best Of” lists over the years. It’s no surprise. This 1887 cabin is a true delight for the senses. It overlooks the escarpment of Mt Tallebudgera and Currumbin Creek in the Gold Coast hinterland and retains a magical air of history. You’ll find cows, horses, chickens and farm dogs here, and that’s all before you’ve even stepped foot inside the front door.
The property itself is seriously pretty, so you won’t be surprised to hear it’s sought after for location shoots. It’s pet-friendly too, so you won’t even need to leave Fluffy at home for this getaway. Have a soak in the “under the stars” luxury bathroom, or cosy up on one of the cowhide chairs and bathe in the warmth of the indoor fireplace. There’s a private magnesium plunge pool for your use during your stay (told you this place was one of the best), plus two retro cruiser bikes with helmets. Epic.
Homeostasis Retreats Wellness Cabin
Tamborine Mountain | Sleeps 4
Image credit: Homeostasis Retreats Wellness Cabin | Airbnb
Welcome to your own wellness cabin overlooking the rainforest on Tamborine Mountain. A mix of simple, yet homely, this Feng Shui-designed pad offers something a little bit different. Its walls are made from artisan clay, and the floors are concrete, yet it boasts a luxury bathhouse, indoor fireplace, fire pit, as well as organic gardens and chooks too.
Indulge in a “Scenic Rim breakfast basket” for an additional fee, and you’ll be treated to local artisan rosemary and olive sourdough, fresh farmhouse eggs, organic butter, local jam and honey, organic granola and milk—or you might fancy taking a look at the special “wellness menu” that includes a selection of experiences that will enhance your stay.
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Enchanted Cottage
Tamborine Mountain | Sleeps 5
Image credit: Enchanted Cottage | Airbnb
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.
Woolcott Cottage
Tamborine Mountain | Sleeps 2
Image credit: Woolcott Cottage | Airbnb
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.
Heartwood Cabin
Burringbar | Sleeps 2
Image credit: Heartwood Cabin | Airbnb
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 ten minutes down the road. This beautiful spot books out early (for very obvious reasons), so be sure to book your stay early.
Gully Station
Canungra | Sleeps 2
Image credit: Gully Station | Airbnb
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.
The Mouses House
Springbrook | Sleeps 3
Image credit: The Mouses House | Airbnb
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, barbecue, 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.
Hinterland Barn Loft
Tamborine Mountain | Sleeps 4
Image credit: Hinterland Barn Loft | Airbnb
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.
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.
Contributors: Katherine Davison
Image Credit: Airbnb
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