Best B&Bs in Queensland

hero media
Our guide to the best B&Bs in Queensland

GLASS ON GLASSHOUSE

One of the new breed of B&Bs, Glass on Glasshouse has a sleek, modernist edge. Accommodation consists of three purpose-built contemporary pavilions with two floor-to-ceiling glass walls, offering views of the Glasshouse Mountains just 6km away. Foregoing the rustic look entirely, the interiors are chic with a minimalist, Japanese twist. A two-sided fireplace warms the lounge room and bathroom, where there’s a freestanding double spa bath. There’s a fully equipped kitchenette complete with espresso machine, but unlike many self-catering stays, this one provides breakfast for you.

SOMETHING SPECIAL

Local wildlife comes to visit, including kangaroos, black cockatoos and kookaburras. The fact that you can sit inside, nice and snug in winter, and still watch the animals out of the massive windows, is wonderful.

WHILE YOU’RE HERE

Take a ferry to Bribie Island; go shopping in Maleny or Noosa; visit the Irwins’ Australia Zoo.

 

CONTACT: Bill and Misao Rogers.

182 Glass House-Woodford Road, Glass House Mountains.

(07) 5496 9608; glassonglasshouse.com.au

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

AI Prompt

THE SPOTTED CHOOK FERME AUBERGE

Possibly the cutest B&B on our list, the Spotted Chook is also in the Sunshine Coast hinterland. While the pairing of lime green and powder blue in the Snowpea Suite might be a bit too lairy for some, the suite known as Amelie’s Petite Maison is more classically decorated. Amelie’s is a French-inspired, freestanding cottage with a balcony spa bath that overlooks beautiful hilly pastures. Inside, predominantly white decor features chandeliers, a king-size bed, overstuffed sofa and fireplace for winter snuggling.

SOMETHING SPECIAL

The food! French-Australian fusion abounds here even at breakfast, with homemade croissants and granola, French toast and French waffles. Dinner is extra and must be booked in advance, but if you do stay it’s worth planning to dine in one night. The hosts basically find out what the guests do and don’t like, then plan a menu around that. A past dinner menu was homemade duck and fig tortellini with goat’s cheese and walnuts with burnt butter and sage sauce. Told you so.

WHILE YOU’RE HERE

Explore Montville township’s shops and galleries; visit the region’s wineries.

 

CONTACT: Jane and Leeroy Hutton.

176 Western Ave, Montville.

(07) 5442 9242; www.spottedchook.com.au

Weekly travel news, experiences
insider tips, offers, and more.

WITCHES FALLS COTTAGES

Queensland’s oldest national park is right on the doorsteps of these cute gabled cottages in the Gold Coast hinterland, less than an hour from Brisbane. Each cottage is completely private, with a verandah, courtyard, fireplace and bathrobes. Breakfast is delivered to your room and barbecue hampers are available on request.

SOMETHING SPECIAL

Witches Falls Cottages won the Hosted Accommodation category at the 2010 Queensland Tourism Awards. Packages include the Seashell Massage package or a Visit Mt Tamborine tour, which includes pick-up from the Gold Coast or Helensvale train station.

WHILE YOU’RE HERE

Visit the glow-worm caves; go on a hot-air balloon ride over Lamington National Park; stroll along the Tamborine Mountain Rainforest Skywalk; visit the thunder-egg mine; trawl the village antiques shops.

 

CONTACT: Daniela Kuratli and David Kennedy.

Cnr Main Western Rd and Hartley Rd, North Tamborine. (07) 5545 4411;

www.witchesfallscottages.com.au

Australian Traveller

Australian Traveller

View profile and articles

This hidden region in Victoria is home to a peaceful lake trail

    Craig Tansley Craig Tansley

    Video credit: Tourism Australia

    From pink salt landscapes to oases fringed by forests of red gums, the lakes of this rural region are astounding. 

    You’re going to find peace and quiet when you take a road trip through the lakes of the Wimmera Mallee region. Whether it’s mirror-like pink salt lakes that look like an inland sea, or lakes fringed by forests of red gums that showcase Victoria’s arid beauty, there’s a lake for you out here somewhere.  

    1. Lake Tyrrell  

    Lake Tyrrell
    The colours of Lake Tyrrell blend into the sky. (Image: Visit Victoria/Anne Morely)

    Located in the dead heart of the Mallee, Victoria’s largest salt lake, Lake Tyrrell , is a landscape photographer’s dream – especially at sunrise and sunset when the pink salt flats look like a gigantic mirror. It’s easy to camp or park a caravan nearby, too, though the tiny town of Sea Lake is just south (with accommodation). In winter, shallow water covers the salt, creating surreal reflections of the sky.  

    2. Nhill Lake  

    There’s a permanent water source here, so there’s always plenty of water for water skiing, swimming and fishing (the trout and redfin fishing here is legendary). Located beside the pretty heritage town of Nhill with its main street of historic buildings, there’s options for eating and drinking right next door. There’s also a barbecue area with plenty of shady picnic spots and a boardwalk for walking around the lake.  

    3. Lake Bringalbert  

    Lake Bringalert
    Lake Bringalert is a great spot for aquatic adventures.

    Located south-west of the pretty Mallee town of Kaniva, Lake Bringalbert epitomises the best of ‘outback’ Victoria. It’s ringed by red gums and red mallee and feels completely hidden from the world – you’ll barely ever see another person. There’s basic camping on its foreshore and Kaniva offers more accommodation options. It’s the perfect lake for swimming, kayaking and skiing, and the stars at night come without even a hint of city glow.  

    4. Lake Hindmarsh 

    If you’re a bird fan, you’ll love Lake Hindmarsh . Located north of Dimboola, Victoria’s largest natural freshwater lake is like an inland sea full of pelicans, swans and numerous species of ducks – but it also teems with everything from spoonbills to parrots. Sunsets here will blow your mind – the lake is a mirror for the pinks and golds you’ll see on the horizon. There’s free camping spots along the foreshore if you’d like to really contemplate the magic of the lake.  

    5. Pink Lake 

    pink lake
    The Pink Lake is most vivid after rain. (Image: Visit Victoria/Anne Morely)

    Also known as Loch Lel , the summer months offer up some seriously vivid pink water colour at this lake north of Dimboola. The pink varies throughout the year, but is best after rain (hence why summer is the time to visit).

    pink lake
    Pink Lake, also known as Loch Lel, is located near Dimboola in the Grampians. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    There’s plenty of birds, including wedge-tailed eagles, but you’re as likely to spot big lace monitors, kangaroos and echidnas. Nearby, check out the uber-cute heritage town of Dimboola and its eclectic shops, and Little Desert National Park, full of walking trails through mallee heathland. 

    6. Lake Lascelles 

    Lake Lascelles
    You can camp at Lake Lascelles.

    On a hot summer’s day, there’s nowhere better for a cooling dip, kayak or boat ride. You can camp by the lake , or at powered caravan sites – or the pretty town of Hopetoun offers numerous accommodation options a short walk away. At night you’ll see the lights of Hopetoun reflect off the lake. Fish for yellow belly, redfin or catfish, or try water-skiing. There’s also a great walking trail around the lake, where there’s more birds than you can count.