See Australia With These 6 Mountain-Stay Locations

As we prepare for Australia’s high mountain temperatures to welcome a mere chill, a lingering thought may be to book a winter getaway Down Under and surrender to high altitudes. Now, I know what you’re thinking; should ‘winter’ and ‘Australia’ be strung together in the same sentence? I hear you. The truth is, it won’t be cold enough to experience extreme discomfort (thank god), instead just enough nip to cozy up by the fireplace or perhaps beneath the uninterrupted night sky away from any surrounding cities. While there are many options for your desired Aussie winter getaway, we’ve done the work for you and compiled a list of ten. Your job: take your pick.

1) Alkira Eco-Glamping Retreat - Emerald, VIC

‘Alkira’ - the name given to a lovely and enchanting Air Bnb retreat nestled among the Dandenong Ranges, an hour’s drive from Melbourne’s CBD. If camping isn’t your thing, this location encompasses exactly what glamping is all about; comfort and idyllic, with the utmost chicness. Precisely three separate cottages are situated upon a 16-hectare farm (so, naturally enough room for everyone) each decked out with its own heated bell tent, swing seat, and outdoor kitchen kept in a rustic, country aesthetic. Finally, make your own fun with the board games provided, or enjoy a glass of bespoke red with plush marshmallows roasted by the fire. 

At this adults-only retreat, wake up only to the sound of bird song-and if you’re a morning adventurer, take a stroll around the farm to greet friendly cows and alpacas as they ‘moo’ you good morning. Truly a retreat from daily life, this dreamy destination is one to consider. 

Address: Kallista-Emerald Rd, Emerald VIC 3782  | Website: https://www.alkiraglamping.com/ | Email: https://www.alkiraglamping.com/contact | Instagram: @alkiraglamping | Facebook: Alkira Eco-Glamping Retreat 

2) Logan Brae Retreat - The Blue Mountains, NSW

Home amongst the hills is Logan Brae’s four completely isolated retreats within the whimsical Blue Mountains of New South Wales. If you’re caving some comfort, these small but mighty woodland cabins are equipped with top-of-the-range amenities; stone bathtubs, private plunge pools and toasty wood fires- you’re in for a treat. Not to mention, the external features comprising panoramic views and a peaceful soundtrack to remind you to disconnect, are the pinnacle of a splendid stay. 

Address: 139 Shipley Rd Blackheath & 43 Megalong Place, Kanimbla, NSW 2785  | Website: https://loganbraeretreats.com.au/ | Phone: 0421 959 758 Email: loganbraeretreats@gmail.com | Instagram: @logan.brae.retreats | Facebook: Logan Brae Retreats

3) Mill Cabin - Snowy Mountains, NSW

With snow-capped mountain tops as your outlook from an off-the-grid abode, the Mill Cabin located in the Snowy Mountains, is a winning choice to experience the very best of winter Australia has to offer. It’s even more suited to those nature lovers; since 28 tonnes of granite rock was hand-selected to first construct the cabin, it continues to pay its respect to Mother Nature by committing consciously to lead with a minimal footprint in the way of water, heating and light. That’s not to say Mill’s quality is comprised (a far cry away to be exact). With every corner finished to perfection, you can retreat to bliss after biking along the Thredbo Valley Trail, fishing atop the river streams or grounding yourself with some solitary yoga.

Address: 514 Wollondibby Rd, Crackenback NSW 2627  | Website: https://www.millcabin.com.au/ | Email: https://www.millcabin.com.au/contact | Instagram: @millcabin 

4) Spicers Peak Lodge - Maryvale, QLD

Free from distraction and quite literally at the peak of Queensland’s Great Dividing Range, Spicers Peak Lodge offers an utterly otherworldly treatment. The cedarwood structure positioned at the top of a viridescent pasture is poised 1,100 metres above sea level, thus unbeatable views are the bare minimum to your return. Stay in one of ten suites or two secluded lodges; either way, you’ll have private access to the library, serene lounge areas, plus the azure infinity pool and spas with a backdrop you won’t get anywhere else. Roaring outdoor firepits on a winter’s night is where you want to be. 

Address: 1 Wilkinson Rd, Maryvale, Queensland, Australia  | Website: https://spicersretreats.com/retreats/spicers-peak-lodge/ | Phone: 1300 253 103 Email: info@spicersretreats.com | Instagram: @spicerspeaklodge | Facebook: Spicers Peak Lodge | Maryvale QLD

5) Freycinet Lodge - Coles Bay, TAS

Set harmoniously between bushland and bay, Freycinet Lodge in tranquil Tasmania’s East Coast houses 60 unique cabins plus the newly unveiled Coastal Pavillions if you really want to ring in the luxury. Where the mountains meet water, hiking along the peninsular is a popular day-out, otherwise taking a dip a short walk away to Richardson’s Beach will be equally as refreshing. These cabins allow for a warm or winter getaway; private deck baths beneath the stars will suit whichever climate you choose to travel in. 

Address: 1 Wilkinson Rd, Maryvale, Queensland, Australia  | Website: https://www.freycinetlodge.com.au/ | Phone: 1300 061 835 | Email: reservations@freycinetlodge.com.au | Instagram: @freycinetlodge | Facebook: Freycinet Lodge | Coles Bay TAS 

6) Sequoia Lodge - Adelaide, SA

Nestled atop South Australia’s Adelaide Hills, you’re permitted to indulge in estate living. Catered to adults only, this picturesque venue is designed perfectly for a romantic getaway, where sampling sublime wines with your beloved is encouraged. Marvel at marvellous views from neighbouring Koala Mountain, the three-hatted degustation experience at Hardy’s Verandah, or as you plunge into one of three thermal hot pools (it’s obvious now why such a sanctuary is the winner of numerous luxury accommodation awards). It’s also astonishing how Sequoia Lodge is only 20 minutes from Adelaide’s CBD-you’ve certainly got the best of both worlds. 

Address: 1 Mawson Drive, Crafers SA 5152, Australia  | Website: https://www.sequoialodge.com.au/ | Phone: +61 (0) 8 8130 9230 | Email: stay@sequoialodge.com.au  | Instagram: @sequoiaaustralia | Facebook: Sequoia Adelaide Hills | Crafers SA