Cosy Country Getaways: Australia’s Ten Best Hidden Gems

Australia is about so much more than its major city centres – from beaches to deserts, we lay claim to some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes on the planet. With over 12,000 diverse Aussie accommodation options on our site, we here at HotelsCombined offer a vast quantity of truly incredible country retreats and that’s why, with the Australia Day long weekend once more upon us, we decided to list our 10 favourites.

Based on features such as location, amenities and guest reviews, these stand-out properties promise a truly unforgettable – and distinctly Australian – experience:

Crystal Creek Rainforest Retreat, Tweed Valley, New South Wales

Get back to nature with a dip in the pool at Crystal Creek Rainforest Retreat

Location: A former banana plantation situated on the cusp of the New South Wales and Queensland border.

Highlights: The property’s bungalows are enveloped by lush vegetation and strategically placed far enough apart to ensure complete privacy. In-room perks include a double spa bath and a fully-equipped kitchen, with some lodges even boasting heated plunge pools.

We recommend: The nearby walking trails, which weave through pristine creeks, rockpools and a glow worm colony.

Driftwood Cottages, Huon Valley, Tasmania

A spa with a view overlooking Port Esperance Bay at the Driftwood Cottages

Location: A small, peaceful marine community in Tasmania’s far south.

Highlights: All accommodation options here provide sublime waterfront views over Port Esperance Bay.

We recommend: Splurging on the Beach House for its private outdoor Jacuzzi and indoor wood fire stove.

Stonewell Cottages and Vineyards, Barossa Valley, South Australia

The rustic and beautiful Stonewell Cottages and Vineyards

Location: A sprawling vineyard estate with its own lakefront.

Highlights: From Nespresso machines to candles, all the extra in-room touches here really make this place shine (there’s even a little container of breakfast to feed the property’s resident ducks!). Other perks include complimentary fishing rods and private outdoor courtyards with gas barbeques.

We recommend:  Exploring the estate via row boat (naturally, the use of the property boats is complimentary).

Rose Gums Wilderness Retreat, Atherton Tablelands, Queensland

The perfect deck for an Australia Day BBQ

Location: A tropical sanctuary nestled within the coastal mountain ranges of the Cairns Highlands.

Highlights: We love the hand-crafted treehouses here, all of which come equipped with luxury amenities such as a large spa bath, private balcony, internal laundry and a complimentary breakfast hamper.

We recommend: For a family holiday. The property welcomes guests of all ages – highchairs, children’s backpacks and cots are all available upon request.

Faraway Bay Cabins, the Kimberley, Western Australia

No need to move for the day. This is the perfect place to spend a relaxing public holiday

Location: A remote setting of untouched beaches, freshwater pools and vast coastline.

Highlights: One-of-a-kind features include secluded outdoor showers, nightly campfires under the stars and a clifftop golf course.

We recommend:  Indulging in a scenic helicopter tour.

Cape Otway Cottages, Great Ocean Road, Victoria

Hear that? That’s the serenity of Cape Otway cottages.

Location: Sheltered within 60 acres of native bushland between the forest and the coast.

Highlights: Pet-owners will appreciate that the accommodation here is all pooch-friendly – special canine amenities include beds, towels and natural dog treats.

We recommend: A stay in the Dunes Homestead, a luxury three-bedroom holiday house with amazing views and a gourmet kitchen.

Berenbell Vineyard Retreat, Hunter Valley, New South Wales

The Berenbell Vineyard Retreat is in the heart of wine country in the Hunter Valley

Location: Centrally located in wine country, a mere two minute drive from 17 different cellar doors.

Highlights: A picture-perfect haven with quaint accommodation touches like claw-foot tubs and cedar bay windows.

We recommend:  A visit to the Blue Tongue Brewery, which is just a four minute walk away.

Spring Creek Mountain Café and Cottages, Killarney, Queensland

Stay in bed all day and take in the views from Spring Creek Mountain Café and Cottages

Location: Perched 1,005 metres above sea level, overlooking several famed Scenic Rim sites including the Condamine Gorge and Wilson’s Peak.

Highlights: Spectacular panoramas can be had nearly everywhere on the property and fresh, locally-sourced fare is only a short walk away at the onsite café.

We recommend: A guided bushwalking tour or horseback riding expedition.

Dragonfly Lodge, Rocky Hills, Tasmania

The Dragonfly Lodge overlooks the Tasman Sea

Location: On a clifftop, boasting dramatic panoramas of the Tasman Sea.

Highlights: Offering up three spacious bedrooms each with its own en suite bathroom, the self-catered residence houses an open stone fireplace, reading library, fully-stocked pantry and even an electronic piano (should the need for an impromptu music session arise).

We recommend: For a get-together or special even.

Woodlands Rainforest Retreat, Yarra Valley, Victoria

You’ll love spending a weekend at the Woodlands Rainforest Retreat

Location: Overlooking a quiet lake amidst a thick tangle of fern gullies.

Highlights: The spacious outdoor veranda is a lovely spot to unwind with a glass of wine or to view the resident wildlife (sightings could include kookaburras, wombats, wallabies, echidnas and platypus).

We recommend: Spoiling yourself with an in-room massage or ordering a gourmet picnic basket for an outdoor adventure.

Which one would you pick? Have we missed any that you think should be included on this list?

To book your iconic Australian getaway, visit HotelsCombined for more than 800,000 property options.