Find your sanctuary: 48 hours of glamping and wine near Brisbane
Itinerary
By Danielle Reckless
Ever wanted to sleep in a treehouse? How about sleeping in a treehouse after a day of wining and dining at one of Queensland’s most award-winning wineries?
Escaping to the country – and sipping local wines as you do it – is as easy as jumping in the car. You’ll find this local gem just 30 minutes’ drive from Brisbane city, tucked into the bushland of Mount Cotton. From tasting sessions at the cellar door to dining at a destination restaurant, to exploring the nearby Redlands Coast, this 48 hour guide to glamping and wine near Brisbane is the perfect add on to your Queensland holiday, or locals’ weekend getaway to recharge.
And waking up to the sound of birds chirping from the comfort of your luxury safari tent? That’s exactly the kind of recharge you need.
Day 1: Get into glamp-mode
5pm
Photo by @sanctuary_by_sirromet
Check into your accommodation and check out of the real world. Nestled amongst the paperbark trees and giant scribbly gums, you'll feel a million miles away and surrounded by nature at Sanctuary by Sirromet.
You’ll have plenty of time this weekend to explore the sprawling grounds (which makes Sirromet a favourite wedding destination too). So for now, cheers to the weekend on your deck, where the only sound interrupting the bird calls will be the light thump of wallabies bounding through the bush. They share the ambience too.
7pm
A short stroll away (or call ahead and get a cart escort to dinner) lies a touch of Italy at Sirromet’s Tuscan Terrace. Dine under the fig trees as the sun sets over views across Moreton Bay and the rolling hills of the estate. Perhaps the only giveaway that you’re not in Europe are the wallabies bouncing through the property as you feast.
The menu of home-style Tuscan dishes shines on local produce, and pairing Sirromet’s wines with each dish is easy: the staff can find your perfect match with their range of Italian-style wines.
Day 2: Explore the Redlands Coast
9am
Photo by @jax22988
You’ve earnt a lazy morning, and you won’t even have to get out of your robe thanks to delivery of a gourmet breakfast hamper right to your pavilion. Your private deck is the perfect place to soak up the morning sun, have a few coffees (you’ve got a Nespresso machine at your whim) and watch the native wildlife wake up for the day.
Ready to explore? How about a visit to an island that even a lot of locals don’t know about?
Pint sized and perfect for a half-day or day trip, Coochiemudlo Island is just a ten minute ferry ride from nearby Victoria Point. And at just five square kilometres in size, you can circumnavigate the island pretty easily by strolling its sandy beaches. It might be tiny, but you’ll never have to jostle for a secluded spot on the sand. The calm waters beckon for a swim, while you can hire aqua bikes, kayaks, canoes, SUPs and even barbeque pontoons from Coochie Boat Hire when you arrive.
If you’d rather just get straight out to the bay, head out for a short and sweet paddle or half-day adventure with Redlands Kayak Tours. Tours start from various easy-to-get-to spots including Wellington Point, Victoria Point, Cleveland Point and Coochiemudlo Island.
2pm
Photo by @egg_and_spoon_creations
The Redlands is home to dozens of spectacular coastal walks. But what if we told you that you could walk to your very own island adventure? Well, you can at King Island. When the tide’s low, it reveals a 1km sand bar that creates a natural bridge from Wellington Point; no boat required. Make sure you pack a picnic and plenty of sunscreen for this adventure, and watch the tides closely so you don’t get stuck on island time longer than planned.
Wrong tide? No problem. Explore the bayside trails around Wellington Point, or make your way to historic Cleveland Point Lighthouse. It’s just 12metres tall, and takes a peculiar hexagonal shape that’s worth checking out up close, before meandering along the walking trails. This is a great spot to take in sunset, so consider sticking around for a bite at Lighthouse Restaurant or grab takeaway from the attached fish and chips shop.
But if you’re ready for cultural immersion, jump back in the car and make your way to one of Queensland’s most moving indigenous experiences.
6pm
Journey from Aboriginal Dreamtime to the 1800’s through a powerful, open-air Indigenous live theatre show. Based on true events, Spirits of the Red Sand brings to life the powerful story of three Aboriginal brothers dealing with the confronting clash of cultures as British and Aboriginal worlds collide.
A roving-style theatre experience, you’ll feel a part of the action as you move from scene to scene; followed by a delicious bush-tucker inspired dinner with the cast and other guests. Intrigued? Here’s why this show is a thought-provoking experience you need to have.
Just a 20 minute drive back to your Sanctuary at Sirromet, sink into a nightcap and the sounds of the nocturnal Aussie bushland coming alive.
Day 3: Savour the flavours
10am
You’ve dined, you’ve indulged, but today you can explore more of Sirromet with a swing and a swig. After a fun round of Supagolf, it’s time to go back to where the Sirromet journey began: the wine.
Begin with a tour of the state-of-the-art facilities, where you’ll see the wine making process up close, learn the unique ways the team wild ferments and barrel ages wines, and how they ensure environmentally sustainable winemaking; from responsible water use to waste recycling, eco-friendly farming, energy conservation and re-vegetation. It’s a fascinating insight into a family dedicated to producing the best quality, but not at a cost to the planet.
End your tour at the cellar door, and taste your way through Sirromet’s huge range of award-winning wines, which make the best souvenir to take home with you.
Then it’s time for lunch: the Cellar Door is open for lunch service Friday through Sunday, so work your way through a platter as you savour a glass of your favourite wine.
3pm
Photo by @redlandscoast
It might be time to leave the gorgeous grounds of Sirromet, but before you head back to the city, stop somewhere else that’s a feast for the eyes. Redland Art Gallery is well worth discovering; with a focus on local art that embodies the Redlands culture and heritage, as well as Queensland and nationally-known artists and occasional international exhibitions.
If you're up for a longer walk, head to Bayview Conservation Area. Otherwise switch pace from galleries to gardens for your final stop of the weekend: Fellmonger Park in Ormiston. Wander the footpaths that wind their way through the park, and spot the ducks in Hilliards Creek. It’s got a storybook beauty to it, and a great spot for an afternoon picnic before you set the GPS for home.
Looking for more ways to recharge near Brisbane? Check out:
