Best of the Gold Coast 2019: the region’s best winter getaways to have you dreaming warm thoughts
The wine-by-the-fire fantasy can spark something in the most summer-loving of souls. From hinterland hideaways to heavenly hot tubs, we’ve found 10 local getaways that are only a couple of hours’ drive or less.
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The wine-by-the-fire fantasy can spark something in the most summer-loving of souls. From hinterland hideaways to heavenly hot tubs, Chantay Logan has found 10 local getaways guaranteed to have you thinking warm thoughts
O’REILLY’S RAINFOREST RETREAT
Lamington National Park Road via Canungra
Enveloped by World Heritage Listed Lamington National Park, 1000m away above sea level, O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat feels a world away from the everyday.
“Although only a short one-and-a-half hour drive away, it’s cold in the mountains so a good excuse for Gold Coast visitors to bring (find!) their winter jacket and experience a real fire burning,” managing director Shane O’Reilly says.
“The sunsets in winter are spectacular — perfectly clear mountain ranges and colours to match. Guests can enjoy the sunset from the Rainforest Bar, complete with a log fire, house-baked pizza and a glass of O’Reilly’s wine, while others will enjoy the mountain views from the privacy of their accommodation and outdoor jacuzzi.”
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Dry, cool and clear days also mean prime walking conditions.
“There is no better time of year to explore the walking trails and ancient Gondwana Rainforest home to the Antarctic beech trees that are over 2000 years old,” Shane says.
“From the lookouts, the clear winter vistas extend all the way to Northern NSW and the lighthouse at Byron Bay.”
Afterwards, soothe those weary soles with a spa session.
“The Lost World Day Spa is always a favourite with guests and treatments like hot stone therapy (where heated volcanic stones are placed on pressure points) are very popular,” Shane says.
BLACKBIRD BYRON
210 Frasers Road, Mullumbimby Creek
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Byron’s beaches may steal the summer spotlight, but head to the hills to hibernate. Tucked among the trees you’ll find new adults-only boutique hotel Blackbird. Seachangers James and Stella Hudson wanted to create a chic base for chasing waterfalls, hiking, kayaking and discovering the rainforest’s riches. “We thought there must be people like us that love nature and holiday experiences but don’t want to compromise on luxury and design. It hasn’t been an easy journey, but in the end we feel we’ve created a cool home from home for adults to stay, that isn’t twee or woo-woo,” Stella says. The star of the show is a 10m mineral magnesium infinity pool, setting the scene for cocktails overlooking Cape Byron, Mount Chincogan and the Pacific Ocean. The accommodation is in detached concrete pavilions and includes Moroccan tiled bathrooms with naked copper fittings and sumptuous kingsize beds with Egyptian cotton linen. “Guests wake up to the ultimate framed view, where the mountains meet the sea,” James says.
THE MOUSES HOUSE RAINFOREST RETREAT
2807 Springbrook Rd, Springbrook
If you’re planning a Springbrook sleepover, the tip is to get in early. “The Mouses House Rainforest Retreat is generally booked out in winter, so plan your getaway now,” recommends owner Wayne Randall. There’s good reason these snug digs are hot property. “Springbrook is in the Gold Coast hinterland at 850m above sea level and enjoys a cool climate perfect for snuggling in front of a fireplace,” Wayne says. “Each of our chalets has its own wood fireplace, snuggly warm beds and a hot tub. The luxury chalets also have an outside hot tub for those who want to sit in steamy water surrounded by rainforest.” While crisp days are ideal for hikes (we love the waterfall-packed Twin Falls loop), staying in is equally appealing. “The chalets are fully self-contained so you can indulge in hearty food and wine, whether you choose to bring your own or take up the offer of one of our food baskets.”
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THE CABIN
byronbeachabodes.com.au
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The latest sweet spot from Byron Beach Abodes stands out in a sea of surf shacks. “Although The Cabin was built a block away from the beach, it really was designed with winter in mind,” says owner Taliah Lowry. “There are many beach houses but we wanted to create something that was extra special for winter. The beautiful fireplace is the focal point, shipped here from France to take centre stage, along with the most gorgeous sheepskins from Wilson and Dorset in New Zealand throughout the property, layers of Bemboka blankets, a velvet lounge to snuggle on fireside, Ralph Lauren linen bed heads and drapery and beautiful Apaiser bath tubs for that winter bubble bath with bubbly in hand.” The time is also right to enjoy Byron without the holiday hordes. “Winter is the time to explore the beaches, shopping and dining as you can actually get a park and the town is not as crazy, although still buzzing,” Taliah says. “We have the most incredible new restaurants and cafes that have opened up in the past year, putting Byron on the map as a destination for foodies.”
PETHERS RAINFOREST RETREAT
28B Geissmann St, North Tamborine
Made up of 10 tree houses secreted at the end of a rambling driveway, Pethers sets a snug scene for a rainforest romance. Accessed by a web of paths suspended above the leafy floor, each of the love nests is cleverly positioned for privacy. Giant windows, spanning from timber floors to lofty 5m ceilings, flow to a tree-wrapped deck, encouraging total immersion in nature. Candles line a spa bath tailor-made for two, the kingsize bed is cocooned in crisp cotton and the fireplace is ready to work its magic. Follow the fairy lights to Pethers Rainforest Restaurant for a decadent dinner and spend the days discovering Mt Tamborine’s many wineries, breweries and distilleries. See sparkly glow worms on the short walk to Curtis Falls.
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MISTERE SPA AND RETREAT
1110 Urliup Road, Urliup
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Just 30 minutes’ drive from the glitter of the Gold Coast or 10 through the canefield portals from Murwillumbah, this five-star sanctuary is made up of three individually themed villas scattered in 130 acres of time-stalled rainforest at Urliup. With a minimum two nights stay, there’s plenty of time to perfect the art of relaxation. Arrange an in-room massage, bury yourself in a book next to the wood-burning fire or look out at a leafy canopy from a blissful bubble bath. There’s a mini waterfall a few metres from the front door and nature lovers can easily get lost amid the towering turpentines, discovering everything from emerald-spotted tree frogs to echidnas and eagles. The property’s alfresco art gallery, an ever-evolving sculpture trail, adds another element to explorations.
SPICERS PEAK LODGE
1 Wilkinson Rd, Maryvale
’Tis the season synonymous with feasting and visitors to the highest non-alpine lodge in Australia are thoroughly indulged. Dine next to a stone fireplace or warm up from the inside with a whiskey masterclass — whatever your pleasure, the focus is on the finest flavours. Winter visitors can also look forward to fog-blanketed mornings, ideal temperatures for hiking and special sunsets. For extra pampering, sample Spa Anise’s signature Mountain Man or Woman packages. It starts with a spiced chai sugar scrub and continues with a massage that will ensure you leave with your head in the clouds.
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CLOUDS SAFARI
cloudsonbeechmont.com.au
Four firm walls may not be part of the promise at Clouds Safari, but here’s the silver lining — 180 degree panoramic views of Lamington National Park. This modern take on an African safari tent takes glamping to the next level with a four-poster bed, beautiful bath and giant movie screen. “We are close to the Gold Coast yet present as a remote village — friendly, peaceful and laid-back. After a favourite movie viewed on the big-screen projector, plan a day bush walking, swimming in the pristine rock pools nearby or take to trail rides with the local equine group. An outdoor bonfire will round off a memorable stay beneath a canopy of stars,” says Clouds on Beechmont’s Jazz Gaythwaite.
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NARROWS ESCAPE RAINFOREST RETREAT
78 Narrows Rd, Montville
Log fire, double spa bath, roomy hammocks, chocolate, champagne, rainforest setting — this Sunshine Coast hinterland property ticks every box on the checklist for couples. Narrows’ six pavilions are dotted alongside a tumbling creek and owners Ali Khan and Xochi Lindholm have thought of everything. Choose from a vast library for movie nights next to the fire, wander the private nature trail or soak up the scenery from the forest-framing spa. After you’ve devoured the freshly baked croissants dropped at your door every morning, Montville’s charming cafe culture delivers with all the Devonshire teas your heart desires.
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BINNA BURRA MOUNTAIN LODGE
1040 Binna Burra Rd, Beechmont
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Welcoming guests since the early 1930s, this misty mountain lodge oozes original character. A popular base for exploring the subtropical rainforest of Lamington National Park, panoramic vistas are among the perks for guests. The Clifftop Dining Room captures Coomera Valley views for diners tucking in to hearty country-style meals. For something more modern, book the one, two or three-bedroom eco-friendly apartments and studios that make up The Sky Lodge. The lofty views are equally spectacular and gas flame fireplaces and spa baths to add to the ambience.
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