20 toasty escapes in the Scenic Rim
- Written by Kath Rose
Want to curl up next to a crackling fire while baby it’s cold outside? The Scenic Rim has just the spot – or 20!
If you're dreaming of a winter escape complete with a roaring fireplace, a bottle of wine and a cheese platter, the Scenic Rim is calling – it’s the perfect destination this winter to experience frosty breath mornings, blue-sky clear days and snappy cold nights. So, whether you are a Queenslander, or visiting from interstate, pack your bags because here’s a list of 20 toasty escapes that are just a playlist away from Brisbane!
The Bunyip Retreat
Perched high atop Mount French in Charlwood, guests to the Bunyip Retreat are treated to spectacular views of the Great Dividing Range and the valley below. Visitors can choose from a number of suites, all of which come with leather sofas, timber floors, an outdoor patio for enjoying the sunset, and that all-important fireplace.
To book your next stay, click here
Eighteen Mile Cottage and Homestead
Eighteen Mile Homestead in Darlington is a perfect tree change experience. The tastefully decorated 1920s timber cottage sleeps up to four people in two bedrooms and features an outdoor firepit with log seating. The larger family friendly homestead caters for 15 people and has two fireplaces. The inside fireplace is a traditional open chimney style, while outside there is a designated fire pit area with seating. Visitors are provided with firewood and a large cooking plate for the fire pit during their stay. To book your next stay, click here
Lumiere Farmhouse
This lovingly restored century-old farmhouse in Woolooman is set on two acres surrounded by rolling hills. The property features all the comforts of home, including a fireplace in the living area, making it the perfect spot to curl up on the couch with a good book while listening to the flames crackle. There’s also a huge fire pit outside, perfect for a glass of wine and a few tunes. Check them out on Facebook.
Wongari Eco Retreat
Go off the grid and reconnect with nature at Wongari Eco Retreat, 40 minutes south of Beaudesert in Lamington. Guests can choose from two self-contained cabins, each with their own unique views and experiences. The 'Serenity' cabin is nestled in the forest, set beside the waters of Christmas Creek, while the 'Bimbul' cabin is open to the forest canopies with expansive 360-degree views of the mountains. Each cabin also has fireplaces inside and out, guaranteed to keep you warm on even the coldest of nights. To book your next stay, visit the website.
Cedar Glen Farmstay
Enjoy genuine country living on a real working farm at the Historic Cedar Glen Farmstay in Beaudesert, surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery. There are four private historic accommodation options to choose from, including the Cedar Glen Homestead, Stinson Cottage, Wallaby Cottage and Dairy Cottage. Three of their cottages have an indoor pot belly fireplace and outdoor fire pits. To book your next stay, click here
Greenlee Cottages
Featuring four contemporary cottages all with their own rustic charm, Greenlee Cottages offers a peaceful weekend away with picturesque views of the Canungra Valley. There are four cottages available for those who like the finer things in life, with breakfast included. Near the creek, visitors will find a communal fire pit, the perfect spot to toast marshmallows while admiring the starry skies above. To book your next stay, click here
Scenic Rim Adventure Park
If camping, hiking, mountain bike riding and four-wheel driving are more your style, the Scenic Rim Adventure Park is located on a 680-acre property at Tamrookum Creek. There are 14 individual camping areas located throughout the property, and they all have their own campfire locations. Guests can purchase cut firewood at the park entry or are welcome to collect their own from around the property. To book your next stay, click here
Hanoob Views
The owners of Hanoob Views understand your pets are part of the family, that's why their two houses welcome them too! Located in Carney's Creek, the two properties are private from each other, and feature all the creature comforts you need. In each living room, there’s wood burning fireplaces where you can rug up and spend an evening tasting flavours of the Scenic Rim or playing a board game, all with your four-legged mate! To book your next stay, click here
Binna Burra Sky Lodges and Rainforest Campsite
Relax in comfort high above the clouds at the famous Binna Burra Sky Lodges and Rainforest Campsite. At 800m above sea level, Binna Burra sits amidst the sub-tropical rainforest of Lamington National Park – you are on top of the world! Each of the Sky Lodge apartments have fireplaces, and out the huge windows are breathtaking views. OR camp (or campervan) at the Rainforest Campsites which have multiple communal firepits. A safari tent with its own private firepit is also available, subject to availability. To book your next stay, click here
Herrmann House
Step back in time to an era long-gone at the historic Herrmann House in gorgeous Kalbar. Inside the stunningly restored house, there’s four double bedrooms and two fireplaces, beautifully fitted out. There is also a fire pit in the conifer garden, giving guests that true country winter experience. To book your next stay, click here
The Old Church Bed and Breakfast
For a heavenly stay in the Scenic Rim, reserve a room at this old historic church located in Boonah. Guests can choose from rooms and private ensuites and verandas in the church, or the adjoining self-contained studio. There is an inside fireplace and outdoor fire pit to keep all travelers warm throughout their stay. To book your next stay, click here
Worendo Cottages
Escape from the fast lane and stay to this stunning wilderness setting overlooking the World Heritage Rainforest Mountains of Lamington National Park. Their three cottages feature indoor fireplaces, and all have an outdoor campfire setting where you can gather under the stars with free firewood and marshmallows. To book your next stay, click here
Wallaby Ridge Retreat
Located in a secluded bushland setting in the foothills of Tamborine Mountain, Wallaby Ridge Retreat offers three self-contained suites. There’s an outdoor fire place and pizza oven available for group bookings in the alfresco area, and a new fire pit near the dam, allowing guests the perfect vantage spot to see natural wildlife including possums, gliders, koalas and more. To book your next stay, click here
Pethers Rainforest Retreat
This private and secluded retreat on Tamborine Mountain has been exclusively designed for adults and is set on five hectares of pristine rainforest. Each of Pethers 10 private treehouses are surrounded by rainforest and include a spa for two and a fireplace, meaning guests can fully unwind and relax in style. The award-winning restaurant also hosts a large, open sided fireplace, so you'll definitely feel extra warm while enjoying their meal.
To book your next stay, click here
The Grove Cottage and Olive Grove
Nestled next to a boutique olive grove, the cottage is only short drive to both Boonah and Kalbar. The Grove Cottage has a beautiful vintage style fireplace with views overlooking the olive grove as well as a fire pit where guests can enjoy a barbecue or cook smores while enjoying the cotton candy coloured skies during a majestic Scenic Rim sunset. To book your next stay, click here.
Moogerah Lake Houses
There are six fantastic lake houses to choose from and all can sleep large groups of families or friends. Three of the lake houses have their own fire pits which is sure to add to the ambience of your country escape.
Share with your friends and then book here.
Three Little Pigs Bar and Bistro
Diners who stop by the Three Little Pigs Bar and Bistro on Tamborine Mountain will find a cosy four-sided central fireplace in the middle of the restaurant. Guests can enjoy a quality meal while feeling the heat radiating from the fireplace at this popular eatery.
To see their menu, book here.
Margaret Goldsmith Gallery
If you love art and culture, swing by the Margaret Goldsmith Gallery on Tamborine Mountain. The gallery has been a popular destination for tourists for the past 16 years and features an array of artworks. Guests will be able to take their coats off and wander the gallery comfortably as it is heated by a pot-belly heater.
You can find out more about the gallery by clicking here.
Hammermeister House
Hammermeister House is a historic Queenslander in Boonah that offers a commercial kitchen for cooking classes, and accommodation for weekend getaways or special occasions. There is an indoor fireplace where guests can mingle in front of, as well as an outdoor fire pit where a few laughs can be shared.
More information can be found here.
Go fireside at the Scenic Rim’s Camping and Glamping sites
The Scenic Rim has some of the best camping and glamping sites in the country, where you can sit around your own fire, or share the flames with others, make new mates and tell tall tales. For sites in the Scenic Rim, visit https://www.visitscenicrim.com.au/accommodation/caravan-camping-and-holiday-parks/
ABOUT THE SCENIC RIM:
The magnificent Scenic Rim is a region of more than 4,200 square kilometres of rich volcanic soil surrounded by ancient mountains and home to thousands of farmers and food creators. Stretching from Canungra to The Lost World, Beaudesert to Boonah, Tamborine Mountain to Kalbar, the region is the richest place on earth in Australia, home to six National Parks and more than 30,000ha of parkland, plus three dams, Lake Moogerah, Lake Maroon and Wyaralong Dam. The alluvial soil sustains a bounty of produce, including vegetables, olives, macadamia nuts, dairy, poultry, pork, beef, sheep, camel, finger limes, limes, coffee, avocadoes and rhubarb.
VISIT THE SCENIC RIM! Find out all you need at visitscenicrim.com.au
