Crystal Creek Rainforest Retreat, Tweed Valley
We’re all for making friends with your neighbours, but winter escapes are all about seclusion. If the thought of a private architect-designed bungalow nestled at the edge of a rainforest valley gets you going, Crystal Creek Rainforest Retreat is the place for you. There are four styles of accommodation on offer designed for couples or solo getaways, each featuring touches like spa baths, indoor fireplaces and floor-to-ceiling windows – because you’re going to want to soak in the views of world heritage-listed forest, after all. If you don’t feel like cooking, you can get all manner of delicious meals made on site sent directly to your bungalow – now that’s living.

Glass on Glasshouse, Glass House Mountains
The Sunshine Coast hinterland is a particularly magical place, and Glass on Glasshouse really makes the most of its natural beauty. This site boasts three spectacular self-contained cottages decked out with all of the spoils for a perfect weekend away – a two-sided eco-smart fire, dramatic freestanding double bath and spacious deck with a barbecue will make your time all the more pleasant. The area is dotted with natural wildlife, so keep an eye out for kangaroos, black cockatoos and kookaburras hanging out on the lawn. If you can tear yourself away from your cosy cottage, it’s worth exploring the nearby towns of Montville and Maleny – cheese and fudge, anyone?

Binna Burra Lodge, Beechmont
Winter getaways need not be restricted to couples, so if you and your crew want to make some memories then Binna Burra Lodge is the way to go. The heritage-listed lodge has been welcoming patrons since the early 1930s and is still steeped in charm and character, retaining a load of its original features and encouraging guests to get back to basics. While the lodge offers a more unplugged experience, the site’s Sky Lodges are equipped with more modern luxuries and electronics. No matter what style of accommodation you choose, your surrounds will be captivating – you’ll be chilling 800 metres above sea level amidst the sub-tropical rainforest of Lamington National Park.
 Spicers Tamarind Retreat, Maleny
When it comes to the luxe life, nobody does it better than Spicers. The brand famed for its opulent food and accommodation experiences has knocked it out of the park with the Tamarind Retreat, a sprawling escape studded with beautiful private villas. Whether you want to entertain your friends in the Orchard Villa or are keen for some one-on-one time with your partner in the Spa Studio (hello, cedar hot tub), there is something to suit every type of holiday. You can hone your skills at the acclaimed Tamarind Cooking School or take some time to truly unwind at Spa Anise – we would recommend both.

nightfall, Lamington National Park
The thought of camping in winter leaves little to be desired, but glamping is something we can definitely get behind. If you want to get back to nature without giving up your creature comforts, nightfall fits the bill to a tee. This ain’t no pop-up tent – we’re talking architect-inspired, hand-built, permanent safari tents kitted out with old timber floors, hard-carved stone basins, a rain-head shower and even a dang fireplace (in the actual tent). The rolling waters of Lamington National Park’s Christmas Creek provide the perfect soundtrack to devouring sumptuous fire-cooked cuisine prepared expertly by nightfall’s hosts – how dreamy!

This article was produced with our good friends at Personalised Plates Queensland to showcase things that we love. If you love something and you’re not afraid to show it, you can now get your hands on PPQ I Love Plates all year round – so spread that feeling!

Vehicles courtesy of our official site partner Mercedes-Benz Brisbane.