Local Escapes

15 Cosy Sunshine Coast Cabins And Cottages For A Winter Getaway

By Urban List Writers
19th Apr 2023

a wooden cabin with fireplace

Whisking yourself away to the mountains and neighbouring valleys is about the closest thing you’ll find to winter on the Sunshine Coast. Those bright, crisp mornings; the crackle of a fireplace; babbling streams; and getting snuggly under the covers. Sounds blissful, right?

You don’t need to travel far to feel you’ve truly escaped, and, fortunately for us, there are plenty of incredible getaways right on our doorstep. Dust off your winter jumper and slippers, pack up the car and check into these 15 cosy Sunshine Coast cabins and cottages, which are perfect for your next winter escape.

The Bower

Maleny 

It doesn't get much more cosy than the ultra-romantic The Bower rainforest retreat, with a wood-burning fireplace, claw-foot bathtub, and a gorgeous balcony to greet the local birdlife each day. With space for just you and your beau (or bestie), your booking includes breakfast provisions and firewood, so all you need to bring is a good book and a few snacks for the ultimate switch-off getaway. Book here.

Treehaus Cottage

Valdoratree house on the sunshine coast

Hidden away off the beaten track in Valdora, this all-white, photo-ready bush cottage ticks all the boxes for a cosy winter getaway on the Sunshine Coast. Wedged between the coast and the hinterland, it’s central location makes it the perfect place for exploring the region—that’s if you can resist the urge to stay in and bask in the tranquillity.

With one bedroom, no TV and sketchy phone reception, you’ll be spending your time at the Treehaus Cottage soaking up your cabin buddy’s presence and toasting marshmallows around the fire pit. Kitted out with Aesop soaps, linen bedding and organic cotton towels, you’ll be relaxing in luxury. Book here.

Spicers Retreats

Maleny and Montville

If you’re looking for a Sunshine Coast cabin with all the trimmings that also happens to be set in a stunning rainforest surroundings in Maleny, with an incredible onsite restaurant and day spa, then you really don't need to look beyond Spicers Tamarind.

A fan of French Provincial instead? Well then, you're in luck. Sister property Spicers Clovelly in Montville has a darling little French cottage on the property and it's luxe to say the least. It's three bedrooms and the perfect home-away-from-home in the hinterland. Definitely on the pricier and more luxurious definition of cabin, these Sunshine Coast hinterland spots are for when you want to pull out all the stops.

Scandinavian Cabin

Maleny

Overlooking the Conondale Ranges and Mary River Catchment, this Scandinavian Cabin is an idyllic winter escape in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. The modern design will be sure to impress the architect in you and the beautiful stretch of landscape scenery will have you captivated from the get-go.

Curl up by the fireplace, cosy up with a movie, and truly find your inner peace with some yoga on the deck—the world’s your oyster at this haven. Stop the search, 'cause you've just found one of the Sunshine Coast's cosiest winter cabins. Book here.

Eh Frame

Sunshine Beachan A frame Sunshine Coast airbnb

You might not be able to escape to the wooded forests of Canada right now, but we've got the next best thing. Walk through a winding forest path bordering on national park, and you'll reach the stunning Eh Frame. Inspired by the Canadian mid-century A-frame design, this unique Airbnb boasts exposed timber beams, a beautiful sleeping loft bedroom, top-of-the-range appliances and vintage decor.

Nestled in Noosa National Park, you'll be surrounded by the resident koalas and feel like you're immersed by nature, while still being close to the sleepy Sunshine Beach village. Eh Frame hosts two queen beds, so it's perfect for a two-couple getaway or even just an adventure with your pals. Book here.

Treetops Seaview 

Montville

a wood burning fireplace

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, 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 book here.

Narrows Escape

Montvillenarrows escape

If a friend has come back from Montville raving about a cottage getaway they experienced, chances are they’re talking about Narrows Escape. Why? Because everyone who stays there, only says great things. At this luxurious cottage getaway, you can 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.

Named as 'The Most Romantic Hotel in the World' in 2021 by Travellers Choice,  there are only eight cabins hidden among the trees, with six original six villas coming decking out with a fireplace, double spa bath, kitchenette and hammock on the balcony overlooking the rainforest. The two new cabins come levelled up with a heated plunge pool on the balcony overlooking the rainforest. Relaxation will hit an all-time high at Narrows Escape, so don’t come with a to-do list. Book here.

The Lake Shack

Weyba Downs

white sunshine coast cabin

Don’t worry, you’re not the only one who’s never heard of Weyba Downs. But after a stay at The Lake Shack, you’ll know exactly where it is on a map. The Lake Shack is a renovated fisherman's cottage, first built in 1947, which has been artfully renovated in a bright, soy cottage.  

The interior is carefully curated with a love of nostalgia and all things Australiana. Sling open the handcrafted doors onto the poolside deck, run a soothing bath, light up the fireplace and soak away your days under the gumtrees. The Lake Shack is absolutely one of the cosiest winter stays on the Sunshine Coast. Book here.

Secrets On The Lake

Montville

secrets on the lake

Nestled in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, Secrets on the Lake is a 40 acre property dotted with unique bungalow and treehouses.  Surrounded by rainforest, Secrets On The Lake's cabins all boast a fireplace and a balcony offering views over Lake Baroon. You'll also find carved-wood artworks and furnishings and stained glass windows for that cosy cabin feeling. 

Quaint, eclectic, and super cosy, at the heritage-listed Whistle Stop Cabin you’ll find a log fire, a huge outdoor spa bath, a couple’s love swing, and freshly-baked scones on arrival. Could this be the ultimate cosy winter getaway? We think so. Book here.

Carreg Cottage

Woombye 

a stone fireplace

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. Book here.

Kin Kin Hideaway
Kin Kinsunshine coast cabin

Tucked in the Noosa Hinterland you’ll find this eco cabin, a 90 square-metre architecturally appreciated cabin made from a shipping container, which comes complete with a king-sized loft bed and luxe finishings—things we rate both high on the 'importance' list.

Sprawl on the open deck for a jaw-dropping view of the sunrise over the valley below, or hang by the outdoor fire at night and look up to more stars than you could ever be bothered to try and count. You can also book in for an onsite yoga massage, for all the zen vibes. Book here.

The Love Shack

Diddillibah 

sunshine coast blue cabin

A winter stays list doesn’t really exist without featuring a place for the loved-up couples, aptly named The Love Shack, does it? Lucky for us, this list of best winter cabins on the Sunshine Coast is now totally legit thanks to a little cabin in Diddillibah. Handmade with love, naturally, this sub-tropical one-bedroom retreat is somewhere we’d totally like to recharge and unwind. Book here.

Seek Pavilion

Maleny

So technically it’s more of a treehouse than a cabin or a cottage, but we’re not ones for labels. And if you’re wanting to make an impression on a special someone, then this could be the place. Towering over stunning bush land, Seek Pavilion is super private, spacious, and modern. Expect your days to drift by slowly to a soundtrack of chirping birds and crackles from the fire. Hands down, one of the best winter escapes on the Sunshine Coast. Book here.

Glass on Glasshouse

Glasshouse Mountains

Love the idea of a cottage, but the reality of staying in a small, timber-filled space is torture to the 'designer' in you? Glass on Glasshouse is your cottage soul mate. These super luxe pavilions with floor-to-ceiling glass windows are contemporary masterpieces set to a backdrop of the rocky Glasshouse Mountains. Freestanding double spa bath—check. Fireplace—check. Wildlife in abundance (outside, of course)—check. Delicous cafe—check. You’ll be left wanting absolutely zilch. Book here.

Want more staycation inspiration? Check out our list of the best Airbnbs on the Sunshine Coast

Image Credit: Treehaus, Narrows Escape, Spicers Estates, Seek Pavilion, Whistle Stop, Kin Kin Hideaway & Airbnb supplied

Editor's note: Urban List editors independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. Urban List has affiliate partnerships, so we get revenue from your purchases.

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