Your guide to choosing the best Gold Coast Hinterland accommodation

List

By Chelsea Tromans

Golden beaches aren’t the only drawcard of a Gold Coast getaway. Waiting right behind the coastal city is a lush green hinterland that offers unrivalled World Heritage nature, farm-fresh food produce, and country charm - in as little as 30 minutes drive from the sand. Affectionately called the green behind the gold, the Gold Coast Hinterland is the place to be for a healthy dose of fresh air, tranquility and adventure.

No matter your budget or weekend plans, this list of Gold Coast Hinterland accommodation options will have you headed to the hills when you need to recharge and reconnect with nature - whether you're looking for romance, bringing the kids, or spending a little time solo. 

Luxury nature escapes

O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat

Once you unpack your bags at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, you’ll never want to leave. And really, there’s no reason to - you have everything you need at this Gold Coast Hinterland accommodation. For families, there’s the free Tree Top Walk, a plunge and infinity pool, wildlife encounters and daily birds of prey shows, and an eco-friendly segway safari that takes you off-road through the Lost World Valley.

Adults will find themselves in pampered bliss at the Lost World Spa. Besides the indulgent menu of spa treatments that use all-natural Australian Sodashi products, the timber bath is the perfect place to soak in those treetop views. The soothing sights, sounds and scents of the surrounding rainforest adds to the sensory experience.

For those looking to immerse further in nature, explore the many hiking trails that depart from O'Reilly's that range from short walks to day-long treks. 

The retreat has a diverse range of accommodation to suit all budgets, from treehouse safari tens to a three bedroom villa with its own outdoor spa bath that looks out over the valley - plus a campground for those preferring to pitch a tent. 

The Mouses House Rainforest Retreat

Photo by @bestjobers

Find yourself lost among the trees and cosying up in your own cedar-wood chalet at The Mouses House Rainforest Retreat.

This enchanting retreat is home to 14 eco-friendly chalets, each with their own unique charm and all with fireplaces, a self-contained kitchen and a spa bath with unbeatable rainforest views. For that something extra special, the Cinderella and Snow White chalets have their own private rock pool and hot tub.

As tempting as it is to sit on your covered patio and drink in the serenity, Springbrook National Park is right on your doorstep. Just a three minute walk away is Twin Falls, one of the area's most popular trails - a 4km stroll past sweeping lookouts, Gondwana rainforest and rushing waterfalls. 

Binna Burra Lodge

Feel on top of the world at Binna Burra Lodge, an eco-destination perched 800-metres above sea level among the sub-tropical rainforest wonderland of Lamington National Park.

Take time out here and be lost in the rugged beauty of pure nature. Whether you’re looking for quality time with your partner or the whole family, there’s accommodation and experiences to suit. The Sky Lodges are the most luxurious option with apartment-style facilities and balconies that overlook the national park; the new Tiny Wild Houses are ideal for a romantic sojourn; safari tents make camping easy for families; and the campground is perfect for a rugged adventure.

On your doorstep? A bushwalker’s paradise, a teahouse serving meals seven days a week, activities for the kids and more. 

Romantic escapes in the Gold Coast Hinterland

nightfall

Sleeping in a tent may not be what you had in mind when you started looking for romantic Gold Coast Hinterland accommodation, but Nightfall is full of surprises. 

Nestled within ancient Gondwana Rainforest beside Lamington National Park, Nightfall doesn’t just deliver deluxe sleeping quarters, it also sends its campers home with an enriched mindset.

Set on the banks of Christmas Creek, the architect-designed glamping tents are luxury redefined and with a maximum of eight guests, you’re assured privacy and peace. Carved stone basins, wire-brushed hardwood floors and tin soaking troughs leave you feeling immersed in nature, both inside and outside your tent.

After a bushwalk, come back to a truly unique open fire cooked meal, expertly prepared and cooked on the coals by your hosts Jaide and Steve.

Witches Falls Cottages

Photo by @doyatravel

From the moment you arrive, you’ll be well looked after at Witches Falls Cottages in Mount Tamborine. A breakfast hamper of fresh homemade bread and local treats is delivered to your door every morning. Fuel up then head into town to discover some local treasures like Chocolates on Gallery Walk and Fortitude Brewing Co., or wander through Queensland’s oldest national park, Tamborine National Park.

Fluttering on the property, you’ll find the vibrant (and sadly, vulnerable) Richmond Birdwing butterflies feeding on the vines that Witches Falls Cottages planted just for these magnificent creatures.

This adults-only retreat has thought of everything, from the private courtyard garden with a barbecue for those who want to stay in, to the fireplace and the double spa bath with a lush outlook and a glass roof for late night stargazing.

Palmer & Gunn

Photo by @adriana_maria_

If your idea of romance is cosying up in a tiny home for a weekend, make it Palmer & Gunn. Built from reclaimed materials to become a design-lovers dream, this little home sits in the countryside of Austinville Valley, below World Heritage-listed Springbrook National Park.

If you can drag yourself away from the veranda views, antique fireplace or outdoor wood-fired hot tub cedar tub, nature adventures await.

Pethers Rainforest Retreat

Photo by @bridgetnam_

A secluded hideaway set among 15 acres of sub-tropical rainforest, Pethers Rainforest Retreat is an adults-only getaway for those seeking the most peaceful Gold Coast Hinterland accommodation. Settle into one of ten luxurious treehouses and all you’ll hear is the sound of the nature that envelops you: native birds, local wallabies, and perhaps a few possums that pop by to say hello.

Pethers is the place to just be and unwind: the pace is yours to set, whether that’s curled up beside the fireplace or returning for a bottle of wine on the balcony after a day exploring Mt Tamborine. There’s an award-winning restaurant and spa services on site too. 

Family-friendly Gold Coast Hinterland accommodation

Cedar Creek Lodges at Thunderbird Park

It won’t take long for the whole family to switch off from the daily grind when gazing out at the green paddocks that flow into towering rainforests at Cedar Creek Lodges. Here, there's accommodation for every budget and family size from two- or three-bedroom lodges to glamping tents - and even a campgound.  

Located amongst Thunderbird Park’s 112 hectares of subtropical rainforest and open woodlands, it's the experiences at your fingertips that makes this a winner for families. Take a horse trail ride up to the highlands for the most impressive view to the Great Dividing Range. Find treasure-filled thundereggs formed when dinosaurs roamed the earth, play laser skirmish in the jungle, tackle the high ropes course at TreeTop Challenge, boost the adrenalin with a thrilling ride on the Canyon Flyer or play a round of golf on the championship mini-golf course. There's even a Fun Fair with pedal bikes and boats, jumping castles and pedal go-karts.

Dining here is just as picture-perfect. The on-site Rainforest Restaurant & Lounge Bar lives up to its name with a beautiful leafy outlook. The menu centres around produce sourced from local farms, dairies and waterways, with all herbs grown at Thunderbird Park. For something a little lighter, The Terrace Kiosk serves pizzas, burgers and baguettes from breakfast to late afternoon.

Tommerups Dairy Farm Stay

There’s nothing quite like family bonding on a farm stay, and one of the best can be found a short hop from the Gold Coast in the Scenic Rim. Tommerup's Dairy Farm is a sixth-generation, 200-acre working dairy farm providing visitors with genuine farm experiences, warm country hospitality, charming farmhouse accommodation and an escape from the hectic pace of city life.

Home to dairy cattle, pigs, sheep and lots of farm animals, the kids can help with activities like milking the cows, daily animal feeding and collecting the eggs. Choose from The Homestead, the original family home built in 1888 now comfortably sleeping up to 13 people or The Cottage, 1888 renovated farm cottage which sleeps up to seven people. 

Magnolia Manor Rustic Chapel

Looking for unique Gold Coast Hinterland accommodation? Magnolia Manor Rustic Chapel is it: a boutique, self-catered estate that would be ideal for couples getaways or families travelling with older kids and teens.

The massive property is beautifully designed, with homely touches that make you instantly feel at peace – like a fireplace fully loaded with hand-chopped wood and a kitchen stocked with farm-fresh eggs and other essentials.

Explore the gardens, listen to the calls of nature from the love swing by the pond, snuggle up by the fire, or roast marshmallows on the outdoor fire pit. The location fringes the hinterland and feels like a true fresh air getaway, but you’ll be close to all the entertainment, should you need it. A short drive away is Gold Coast Wake Park and the many theme parks, it’s just 15 minutes to Mt Tamborine and 30 minutes to the heart of Surfers Paradise.

Find it on Airbnb here.

Wellness retreats

Eden Health Retreat

The natural backdrop of the Gold Coast Hinterland makes it an idyllic setting for a wellness retreat. It won’t take much to help you forget about the stresses of your daily life once you check yourself in at Eden Health Retreat.

Do as little or as much as you like to find your inner Zen. The selection of mindful, active and relaxing activities allow you to choose your own wellness adventure. The 400 acres of tropical rainforests and walking tracks are yours to explore, or spend your day at a slower pace rejuvenating in the world-class spa.

The carefully planned menus are designed to nourish your body with seasonal, organic produce. Need some solo time? Your luxurious lodge offers a quiet setting for escaping the world and simply enjoying nature’s peace and serenity.

Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat 

It’s impossible to leave Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat without a newfound mindfulness. The multi award-winning eco retreat will inspire you to reconnect with nature, nurture your soul, and nourish your body and mind in as little as two days (although we highly recommend staying a full week).

Begin each day practicing the ancient art of Qi Gong as you watch the sunrise over the ocean. Dine on nutritious dairy-free and gluten-free cuisine that’s been harvested daily from Gwinganna’s own organic gardens. Learn from wellness experts, cool off in the chemical-free saltwater pool, and indulge your senses at the Spa Sanctuary.

No matter how you choose to spend your days here, you’re sure to walk away from Gwinganna with your mind, body and soul feeling a whole lot lighter.

Budget Gold Coast Hinterland accommodation

Mt Tamborine Motel

Photo credit: Mt Tamborine Motel

Perched on the edge of dramatic Guanaba Gorge, Mt Tamborine Motel offers the simple things with million-dollar views. The stunning scenery stretching all the way to the curve of the coastline acts as a daily reminder of what you really came here for: to get out and explore.

Being in the heart of Mount Tamborine village, you’re on the starting blocks for many of the Gold Coast Hinterland walking trails. So while the 24 rooms come with free WiFi, it’s best to save your phone battery for capturing your day on camera as you head on out into the wild.

If you can’t start your day without a great coffee, then wander a few doors down to Tamborine Mountain Coffee Plantation. Not just a cafe, they have their own boutique micro-lot coffee plantation, which you can take a tour of.

Want to get a better taste of Mount Tamborine? Local gems like Witches Falls Winery and the 300+ award-winning Tamborine Mountain Distillery can be found nearby.

The Odd Gecko

Pull up, unpack and unwind in one of the four rooms at The Odd Gecko, a cosy bed and breakfast. You’ll find plenty of country charm with polished timber floors and French doors leading out onto a deck where the calls of kookaburras fill the air. 

Wake up to a continental breakfast each morning, served in the dining room with your fellow B&B guests or al fresco on the enclosed verandah right off your room. Ease yourself into the pool and spa to relax the afternoon away and when you’re feeling peckish, the Canungra township and a gold old fashioned RSL is a mere 10 minutes walk - with a winery and natural swimming holes just up the road.

For more budget-friendly Gold Coast Hinterland accommodation options, check out these camping spots - or splash out on a glamping experience.

Let's stay in touch

We'll help uncover your perfect Queensland experience

Bunji
Welcome to Queensland! ☀️ How can I help you?