7 amazing treehouses you can rent in Queensland

Magic hides around every lush corner and along every palm-fringed shoreline in Cairns & Great Barrier Reef. Perched in the rolling hills of the Atherton Tablelands (a 90-minute drive from Cairns), Rose Gums Wilderness Retreat is home to nine elevated timber treehouses.Each named for one of the rare bird species you can spot on this lush rainforest property, the villas are seclusion realised. And you can take your pick from intimate two-person treehouses or six-guest villa-treehouses.

Spend your days exploring the 93 hectare nature refuge, crisscrossed with nine kilometres of winding walks and hidden tracks. Watch as our winged-friends flit between trees and platypuses splash in pristine creeks. 

Rose Gums Wilderness Retreat is also home to a rich cultural history. The retreat sits on Mullunburra people’s land – one of the region’s 18 Indigenous tribal groups acting as custodians for more than 40,000 years. Visit the Ravenshoe Aboriginal Interpretive Centre to see a fascinating display of the Jirrbal people’s artefacts.  

If you’re visiting in winter, the Cairns Highlands has a surprise: the temperature here might drop low enough to warrant the crackle of burning logs in your cosy cabin. 

Daintree Ecolodge

In the middle the Daintree sits a sparkling waterfall, fresh water cascading from amongst the sky-high ferns, surrounded by a green canopy punctuated by rays of sunlight. And while much has changed in the thousands of years since the Kuku Yalanji people first believed the spot to be sacred, the pristine beauty of that waterfall has not.

It’s in this untouched, ancient and magical slice of rainforest that Daintree Eco Lodge and Spa sits. Along with that waterfall and swimming hole – a private treat for guests. Choose from one of 15 treehouses (bayans), celebrating the luxuriant jungle surroundings, and do whatever you like.  

The lodge draws much of its inspiration from the local Indigenous peoples, and pays respect to the traditional owners of the land. From the unique Australian dishes served up at the Julaymba Restaurant to the cultural guided walks and art classes available. Even the day spa’s treatments are based on ancient healing techniques. 

O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat

High in the hills of the Scenic Rim, O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat is the kind of earthy retreat of which dreams are made. These luxurious Queensland treehouses are nestled in the ancient Gondwana rainforest hidden in Lamington National Park. 

Here, in the cool shade of towering prehistoric ferns make your base from which to explore the World Heritage-listed surrounds. 35 walking tracks, a whole host of experiences – including a clifftop sunset and glow worm cave experience – are just some of the ways to spend your time. Chase waterfalls (there’s more than 500 in Lamington National Park alone) and walk around in the treetops. Or, you could dedicate your stay to tracking down the extremely rare Albert’s lyrebird – instant bragging rights if you do! 

Kondalilla Eco Resort

The Sunshine Coast Hinterland sets the scene for this stunning Queensland treehouse. Designed as a heart-centred retreat from an endlessly busy world, Kondalilla Eco Resort will instantly calm your weary soul. In fact, owner Gene Thompson realised a long held dream in 2015 when he created The Heart. A transformational haven, it offers personal growth and life skills development for guests to reconnect with purpose. 

Choose from one of 23 luxury cabins, rooms and treehouses neighbouring Kondalilla Falls National Park. It’s here you’ll find a swag of outdoor activities to fill your days. Or, simply kick back by the fireplace or in the spa bath. There's even an onsite restaurant to fuel your stay, and local produce shines on the menu. 

Silky Oaks Lodge

Nestled on the banks of the Mossman River, the Daintree's iconic luxury resort Silky Oaks Lodge has recently opened after a huge revamp.  Spectacular treehouses, reinvented suites tand the grand lodge are tucked inside the rainforest canopy - and there's a connection with nature that follows you throughout your stay. 

Whether you're indulging in Indigenous flavours at the open-air, destination restaurant or sinking into a deep, outdoor bathtub, you'll be surrounded by World Heritage Wet Tropics Rainforest. What makes it even more magical are the experiences at your fingertips throughout your stay, from yoga classes to snorkelling in the crystal-clear Mossman River, to Indigenous guided walks. 

Is all that ‘activity’ still too much? The Healing Waters Spa draws inspiration from the spirit of the Daintree’s ancient past for an extra dose of rejuvenation.

Secrets on the Lake

It was once the rendezvous for mock fights and bi-annual celebration of the bunya tree harvest between gathering Indigenous tribes. Now, the no-so-secret Secrets on the Lake is like a lakeside oasis of calm in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.  

Nestled on the shores of Lake Baroon in Montville, you’ll find 10 self-contained treehouses, hidden among 45 acres of rainforest. Named for the local flora and fauna – Platypus, Possums, Lizards Lair and Waterlillies – the hand carved treehouses are an attraction on their own. Marvel at rustic touches such as forged iron, leadlight windows and handmade pottery, soaking up the magical romance of the location.

Popular for weddings and couples retreats thanks to its pretty-as-a-picture location, Secrets offers up plenty of outdoor options, too. Neighbouring the Obi Obi Gorge and The Great Walk, spend your days exploring putting your feet up in total seclusion.  

Mt Quincan Crater Retreat

16,000 years ago, when the mist-shrouded Mt Quincan was still intact, living amongst the trees was the way of life. Then, an eruption created the eponymous crater, leaving a rich volcanic landscape to be filled with verdant rainforest and endemic species.

Fast forward to now and you’ll find six luxury treehouses that make up serene Mt Quincan Crater Retreat. Complete with double spas, three with outdoor showers, all with breathtaking views. Add to that, a fully stocked pantry, large king size bed and plenty of chill space plus an ample media library. In other words you’ll find it hard to drag yourself outside. 

But, venturing beyond your treetop cocoon is a must. Not only is the extinct volcano home to the rare Lumholtz’s tree climbing kangaroo, there’s also a riotous kaleidoscope of bird life (and other wildlife) to see.  

Though all types of groups are welcome, including weddings and small families, the retreat is particularly suited to romantic getaways. From picnics by picturesque creeks to sunrise hot air balloon rides, what more could you ask for?

Looking for more treehouses for rent in Queensland?

● Lyola Pavilions in the Forest, Maleny (Sunshine Coast Hinterland)

● The Canopy Treehouses and Wildlife Sanctuary, Tarzali (Cairns Highlands)

● Thala Beach Nature Reserve, Port Douglas

If you need even more quirky places to stay, why not check out the Southern Queensland Country? Or head to Queensland’s stunning Outback for a dose of station life.