What with the raging bushfire season and the swift follow-up of COVID-19, Australians were somewhat grounded in 2020 and had little opportunity to explore more remote regions and smaller towns within short distance of major cities.
Now, though, as restrictions for domestic trips ease in some states, we’re finally able to get excited about local travel once more. Summer is on its way, sure, but winter escapes present the chance to cosy up beside a crackling fire, prepare warming winter meals to be shared among friends, and in some cases, take a few runs down the local ski slopes.
To get you inspired, we’ve rounded up the 10 best cosy winter cabins around Australia. Spot your favourite and secure a stay, fast, before these are booked out until next year.
The Eastern
The Eastern is a pair of luxurious and one-of-a-kind lodgings located high on Mount Kosciuszko within the Thredbo Village. Comprised of two cabins, the Ceder Cabin and the Oak Apartment, both dwellings are known for their intuitive and stylish design, inspired by the Australian landscape and influenced by Nordic and Japanese architecture with a minimalist layout, pale timbers, and cosy details.
Choosing a favourite is as difficult as leaving the cabins after a weekend away, but we’d lean towards the Oak Apartment for its stunning views over the pristine white slopes.
Check out the full listing for the Oak Apartment here.
Tinkersfield
This mountain escape in Crackenback, just a short drive from Perisher, is what lockdown dreams are made of. After months inside, the cabin presents an opportunity for couples to really stretch their legs, get back to nature, and find peace in quiet solitude. Bright and airy from the exterior, the cabin is moody inside with dark charcoal hues and warm timber with a fireplace and a bathtub for relaxing times. Should you drag yourself away from the cabin, there are quaint walks nearby alongside ponds and through fields.
Check out the full listing for the Tinkersfield Mountain Escape here.
The Wensley
Just 1.5-hours’ drive from Melbourne sits The Wensley cabin, perched upon 80 acres and surrounded by quiet countryside. With a capacity for 10 guests, the cabin makes for the ultimate couples’ retreat with an open-plan lounge and dining suite plus a huge modern kitchen for weekend cook-ups to be enjoyed as the sun sets over the rolling hills. There’s no TV here, which means guests are able to focus on each other, playing board games and knocking back rich reds by the fire.
Check out the full listing for The Wensley here.
Cherson Cottage
What’s not to love about this four-bedroom country cottage tucked away in the upper Hunter Valley? Just 30-minutes from the town of Scone, and within short distance from wineries, pubs and recommended restaurants, it’s the ultimate weekender, though we’d love to book the entire cottage out for the week and bring along our nearest and dearest. Cherson Cottage is all about getting back to nature but in total comfort and luxury. Curl up with a good book or stroll the lush gardens, keeping an eye out for the cumquats that are soon to flourish.
Check out the full listing for Cherson Cottage here.
Kookawood
On the edge of the Blue Mountains, the Kookawood farmhouse boasts views of the stunning valley and makes the absolute most of its position above the trees with an outdoor fire pit and comfy chairs to watch the sunrise with a cup of steaming coffee. It’s ideal as a romantic getaway for two couples or a group of four, and is dog-friendly for pet parents who don’t wish to part from their furry friends over the weekend. Even better, there’s an outdoor bath and a huge indoor fireplace to keep the whole house warm against a chill.
Check out the full listing for Kookawood here.
Alpine Sanctuary
Tinkersfield’s Field Hut in Crackenback is the alpine sanctuary positioned within a stunning field and surrounded by misty mountains, that are sometimes covered in a blanket of snow. The property sleeps three and provides the ultimate backdrop to a weekend of relaxation, cooking, reading, exploring and bathing (just look at that tub with a view!). At night, you’ll fall asleep to the sound of a crackling fire, and watch kangaroos and wombats make their way across the lawn.
Check out the full listing for Alpine Sanctuary here.
Two Log Cabins
This listing brings two cosy cabins, The Logbox and The Dairy, into one stellar getaway ideally hosting two couples for a weekend retreat. Perched upon the rolling landscape of Red Hill in Victoria, the cabins have been described as an ideal retreat following an afternoon of wine tasting at the nearby Pt Leo Estate, Polperro, and Montalto wineries. Minimal, bright interiors frame the green pastures beyond the expansive windows.
Check out the full listing for Two Log Cabins here.
White Birch
Just a short way from Sydney in picturesque Orange, the White Birch cottage is an adults-only retreat hosting up to eight guests. It’s proven popular among newlyweds and bridal parties, though it’s just as accommodating to a handful of people seeking a spoilt weekend of encompassing luxury. Enjoy fluffy white towels, luxury candles along, fragrant blooms and imported toiletries.
Check out the full listing for White Birch here.
Riverstone
Some 3.5 hours from Melbourne lies the Riverstone cottage, an architecturally designed dwelling perfectly suited to those after relaxation, plus adventure seekers who wish to use the property as a base for activities. It’s close to Falls Creek and Mount Hotham, making it a great spot for snow bunnies. In addition, there are hiking trails at the doorstep, cycling paths, and an 18-hole golf course nearby.
Check out the full listing for Riverstone here.
The Bastion
The Bastion is described as a warm, charm-filled family home, and if the pictures are anything to go by, the description rings true. The luxury mountain abode is located in Crackenback and offers a blissful stay for up to 10 guests. It’s a home away from home with all amenities any large family or group could ever hope for, including high-end home entertainment, a full kitchen, huge dining table, and high vaulted ceilings.
Check out the full listing for The Bastion here.
