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Packed with gourmet produce, award-winning wineries and secluded stays, it’s safe to say Southern Queensland Country has just the right ingredients for a transportive getaway; and all just 90 minutes from Brisbane.

If you’ve got a special occasion coming up, want to spoil that special someone or even treat yourself, swap your search terms from charming cottages and historical stays to luxury getaways, and truly escape to the country.

Whether you’re motivated by secluded spots, fabulous food-fare or award-winning architecture, discover the best of Southern Queensland Country with these luxury getaways near Brisbane.

1. Spicers Peak Lodge, Southern Downs & Granite Belt

This weekend, run head long from the stress of everyday life and into the ambience of Spicers Peak Lodge.

Sitting 1100 metres above sea level and the worry line of what you’ve left behind, Spicers Peak Lodge is every bit the worthy finalist of the Best Boutique Hotel category in the Spice Hot 100 Hotels and Venue Awards 2020.

The landscape of Australia’s highest non-alpine lodge is as mesmerising as its architecture, set on 8000 acres of rolling hills, which backs onto Main Range National Park.

Their luxury suites and standalone private lodges flank the main building, Peak Lodge, where their award-winning restaurant, The Peak, is a destination in its own right and worthy of two Chef Hats in the Australian Good Food Guide for the past three years.

While the price tag is considerable for this luxury stay, Spicers Peak Lodge packages are all inclusive, with seasonal package deals that can make your getaway more palatable on the purse strings.

Modern glass walled house at night with hedges surrounding and a swimming pool.

Spicers Peak Lodge, Maryvale, Southern Downs & Granite Belt

2. Alure Stanthorpe, Southern Downs & Granite Belt

Escape to south-east Queensland’s own wine country, with a stay at Alure Stanthorpe, within easy reach of the 30 wineries that have caught James Halliday’s attention.

Accommodation comes in a few shapes and sizes with a glamping tent, luxury villas and even pet-friendly accommodation, complete with a bathrobe, toiletries and bag of take home goodies for your pampered pooch. Who said luxury was reserved for humans only?

To sleep out under the Stanthorpe starry skies, opt for their luxury glamping tent, which gives you the feeling of sleeping under the canvas with the comforts of a solid floor, kitchen and ensuite complete with double vanity.

Throw in a breakfast basket and open pantry and Alure Stanthorpe gives you very few reasons to leave – although we won’t blame you if you want to work through these 10 things to do in the Granite Belt.

House surrounded by trees at night with milky way constellation in sky.

Alure Stanthorpe, Southern Downs & Granite Belt

3. Branell Homestead, Lockyer Valley

If you’re lucky enough to holiday here in the spring months, a purple carpet of fallen jacaranda petals will roll out like Branell Homestead’s own red carpet arrival.

This tree-lined driveway leads you to the charming federation Queenslander, which has been lovingly resorted to make the most of the 80 acres of country views.

The luxury homestead can be broken into three individual suites or you can rent the whole thing if you’re travelling as a larger group or thinking of a country wedding.

While there’s no in-house massage service or decadent restaurant on site, no two versions of luxury are the same, so this property will suit those who define luxury as unspoilt scenery, stillness and spectacular sunset shows.

Wooden homestead on hill with trees in background.

Branell Homestead, Laidley, Lockyer Valley

4. Gumnut Cottage, Goondiwindi

It might not be luxury in the sense of CBD hotels that you’re used to, but if you’re thinking of heading south-west to Goondiwindi and are looking for a step up from the country-motel scene, add Gumnut Cottage to your list.

This recently renovated Queenslander is listed on Airbnb, so you can book the whole house, which comfortably accommodates six people.

With multiple living areas and outdoor spaces, Gumnut Cottage is perfect for families who don’t want to be cramped in confined quarters when they’re not getting to know the Gundy Region.

5. 21 on Macintyre, Goondiwindi

Tucked behind a white picket fence, you’ll find the quaint Queenslander – 21 on Macintyre.

This holiday cottage is the only house for rent on the river in Goondiwindi and offers a nice change of pace to the motels and caravan parks you’ll otherwise find in Gunsynd the Goondiwindi Grey’s hometown.

The house has been lovingly restored by your host, Jade, whose passion for interior design rings throughout the property – as though 21 on Macintyre has stepped out of a Country Escape magazine and into Goondiwindi’s CBD.

Being positioned on the River Walk means you can step straight out onto the paved three-kilometre, tree-lined pathway or make use of the house’s complimentary bikes for a leisurely cycle.

6. Ravensbourne Escape, Toowoomba

Holidaying as a group and need more than one luxury house to accommodate you all? Enter Ravensbourne Escape, the group of luxury holiday homes for rent on the edge of the Great Dividing Range. They are all about taking steps towards a more sustainable future and have recently installed three MG ChargeHub Electric Vehicle chargers, assisting in cleaner, greener initiatives for the benefit of guests and the environment.

Choose between 10 different luxury holiday homes, which range in size from cosy studios to sprawling three-bedroom villas.

Either way, you’ll stay on the border of Ravensbourne National Park, within easy reach of the High Country Hamlets, Crows Nest and Toowoomba CBD.

Deck with chairs overlooking trees at sunrise.

Ravensbourne Escape, Toowoomba Region

7. The Arbour Apartments, Toowoomba

Finding a luxury hotel outside a capital city can prove tricky, but Toowoomba’s Arbour Boutique Apartments raise the benchmark for what to expect from Queensland’s regions.

You’ll find one, two and three bedroom, fully self-contained apartments, which push the interior design envelope of hotel rooms, with luxurious finishes like chevron timber floors, polished stone and custom furniture.

Nods to its botanical name and position within the Garden City are tastefully woven through the fit out, just in case the panoramic views of the city from your bedroom let Arbour Apartment’s location escape you for a moment.

Positioned near Toowoomba’s medical precinct, St Vincent’s Hospital and Toowoomba Grammar School, you’ll be conveniently positioned to tick off these 10 things to do in Toowoomba.

Luxury apartment open plan living area.

The Arbour Apartments, Toowoomba


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Acknowledgement of Country

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.