10 things to do in the Central Queensland Highlands
From fossicking for Sapphires to exploring Queensland’s green canyon or frying up an iconic outback redclaw there is plenty to explore in Central Queensland Highlands.
Want to spoil your loved one with a romantic getaway?
While Australia has no shortage of secluded lakesides or hinterland locations to discover with your partner, forget the hassle of flying and airport transfers – Southern Queensland Country has you covered, all within a few hours’ drive of Brisbane.
Choose from cabins, safari tents, or bed and breakfast coupled with romantic bushwalks as you take some one-on-one time with your other half.
Find out where to have a romantic getaway, with this guide.
Alure Stanthorpe, Southern Downs & Granite Belt
Does the idea of camping sound romantic to you, but the idea of sleeping on the hard ground doesn’t? Meet glamping.
While you might have heard of glamping tents before, Alure Stanthorpe takes it to the next level – complete with a lounge room, renovated bathroom, and full-sized kitchen.
More villa than tent, this self-contained 56 square metre safari tent is surrounded by a large timber deck, providing the perfect place for romantic sunset drinks.
Book an in-villa massage, meals, or gourmet breakfast platter for extra romance points.
If you can drag yourself away from your tent, stop by the cellar doors in the region.
A: 280 Mt Tully Road, Stanthorpe Q 4380
P: 07 4681 4476
Granite Belt Brewery Retreat, Stanthorpe, Southern Downs & Granite Belt
Romantic weekends away aren’t limited to champagne, flowers, and chocolate dipped strawberries, and Granite Belt Brewery Retreat proves the point.
Check-in to one of their 16 rustic cedar cabins complete with a wood fire for your next romantic escape with your beer-loving-better-half.
Head to the brewery to sample hand-crafted ales and lagers and order the Brewers Platter to enjoy four dishes paired to complement the beers.
There’s even a pet-friendly cabin if you want to bring your fur-child with you for your next romantic escape.
A: 146 Glenlyon Drive, Stanthorpe Q 4380
P: 07 4681 1370
Spicers Peak Lodge, Maryvale, Southern Downs & Granite Belt
What do you get when you combine a chef-hatted restaurant, mountain-top day spa, and luxury suites surrounded by world heritage-listed national park? Romance central.
Offering suites, spa suites, and one and two-bedroom lodges, there’s rooms to suit any level of romance at Spicers Peak Lodge.
With an on-site spa with double treatment rooms, you and your partner can enjoy a pampering session together.
Enjoy a romantic meal at the on-site restaurant – The Peak – to sample some of the region's best, seasonal produce.
If you can peel yourself away from your luxury surroundings, make the most of the natural surroundings with a scenic walk around the property.
A: Wilkinsons Road, Maryvale Q 4370
P: 1300 253 103
Cloudlake Mountain Retreat, Ravensbourne, Toowoomba Region
Make like Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves in the movie Lake House for your next romantic weekend and book your own private pole house overhanging a lake, less than two hours’ drive from Brisbane.
Whether your romantic getaway is in summer or winter, Cloudlake is sure to impress your partner.
Open the bifold doors and let the cool breezes flow through the house in summer or snuggle in front of the fireplace in winter.
With your own private deck by the lake – it’s the perfect place for stargazing with your loved one.
A: 37 Tessman Rd, Ravensbourne Q 4352
P: 07 4697 8266
The Bunyas, Bunya Mountains, Western Downs
Surround yourself in nature for your next romantic escape and check into The Bunyas.
With the entrance to Bunya Mountains National Park – Queensland’s second oldest national park – less than 200 metres away, expect to share your romantic getaway with the red-necked wallabies and Australian king parrots.
Centrally located with the General Store and The Bunyas Coffee Shop and Tavern within walking distance, there’s no need to worry about a designated driver after a romantic dinner and drink.
Choose from a studio room, or one and two-bedroom units and enjoy the quiet nature surrounds from your doorstep.
A: Bunya Avenue, Bunya Mountains Q 4405
P: 07 4666 3131
The Laurels of Chinchilla, Western Downs
Image: @mediamortar
Looking for private access to kayaking or fishing during your next romantic weekender? Book The Laurels of Chinchilla.
Choose from the waterfront bungalow, waterfront cabin, or garden studio to make the most of both river views and quiet garden surrounds the property has to offer.
Walking distance from Chinchilla town centre, spend your mornings exploring and afternoons relaxing in the town’s only waterfront accommodation.
A: 15 Warrego Highway, Chinchilla Q 4413
P: 07 4669 1021
Relax and reconnect in luxury, perched amongst the clouds and crisp mountain air at Ravensbourne Escape.
Just 90 minutes from Brisbane this tranquil retreat offers self-contained studios, chalets and holiday homes, with breathtaking views of Ravensbourne National Park and the valleys below. The 11 unique chalets feature wood fires, indoor and outdoor spas, and barbeques on decks.
Spend your getaway enjoying bush walks, nature trails, or simply the pleasure of enjoying a glass of wine with your favourite person in the clean mountain air.
A: 3143 Esk-Hampton Rd, Ravensbourne Q 4352
P: 0427 989 570
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Southern Queensland Country Tourism acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands and waterways that run through these regions. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past, present and emerging.
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