Best B&Bs in Queensland

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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

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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

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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

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After dark: 6 experiences along the Murray lighting up the night

(Credit: Serena Munro)

    Gemma Kaczerepa Gemma Kaczerepa
    See the Murray region in an entirely different light by exploring its night-time experiences and attractions.

    By day, the mighty Murray River is a majestic and ever-changing sight, with river red gums and wetlands stretching along 2500 kilometres. But by night, its cities, towns, villages and landscapes totally transform.

    From Albury Wodonga to Mildura, and everywhere in between, you’ll be in for a multi-sensory and memorable treat encompassing mesmerising light shows, guided ghost tours and vibrant celebrations that capture the nocturnal magic of the river.

    This is no ordinary nighttime adventure; the region becomes an entirely different world when the sun sets. Discover six must-do activities along the Murray that can only be enjoyed after dark.

    1. Share in ghostly tales

    Port After Dark tour Murray at night
    Hold on to your nerve when learning local ghost stories. (Credit: Campaspe Shire Council)

    If you’re up for something a little more spine-tingling, Port After Dark in Echuca is your best bet. Rumour has it that the Port of Echuca Wharf and the buildings around it have long been home to lingering ghosts and mysterious events – like the vengeful woman said to haunt an old tramway bridge and spirits searching for stolen money through the town centre.

    You can hear all about them on this guided lantern tour, which takes place on Wednesday and Saturday nights after dark. The stories are atmospheric and intriguing – you may even spot a ghost or two yourself. If you’d like a more intimate experience, private tours are also available to groups of 15 or more.

    2. Wander art installations

    Bruce Munroe's Fibre Optic Symphoinic Orchestra Murray at night
    See Bruce Munro’s immersive art installation. (Credit: Serena Munro)

    Right near the Perry Sandhills, sits an experience that feels almost otherworldly. Artist Bruce Munro (of Uluru’s Field of Lights fame) has created a Fibre Optic Symphonic Orchestra, a network of 80 Hills Hoists illuminated with fibre optic light combined with the sounds of an orchestra. The clotheslines glow and pulse in time to the specially composed score, immersing you in a dreamscape of light and sound.

    For a different light experience, you’ll find stillness at Trail of Lights, also curated by Munro. Located just 30 minutes away on Lock Island in Mildura, thousands of lights stretch over the landscape, spotlighting both the river and a series of Munro’s sculptures. The trail is intended to be a peaceful and meditative setting for wandering and reflecting.

    3. Learn through lasers

    Heartbeat of the Murray at night
    Travel 30 million years into the Murray’s past at Heartbeat of the Murray. (Credit: Ewen Bell)

    Discover a fascinating history in this dual act of lights and projections on the banks of the Little Murray River. Legends of the Mallee is a multimedia show in Swan Hill combining lasers and lights, which tells the story of the region’s rich past. Learn about the Wamba Wamba and Wadi Wadi Peoples who first inhabited the area, as well as the figures and events that shaped the Mallee of today.

    The river steals the spotlight in the Heartbeat of the Murray, a multimedia spectacle inside the Pioneer Settlement encompassing lights, lasers, sound and special effects against the natural backdrop. Through a sequence of large-scale animated projections, you’ll go back 30 million years to explore the Murray River’s formation before travelling to the present to learn how it supports modern communities.

    4. Light up the lake

    Lake Mulwala Laser Light Show Murray at night
    Watch the lights and lasers of Lake Mulwala. (Credit: Mulwala Water Ski Club)

    Travelling with kids? Head to Yarrawonga Mulwala and nearby Lake Mulwala for the family-friendly Laser Light & Sound Show. Lights and lasers are projected over the lake and onto curtains of fog, creating a colourful and high-energy visual display. The show suits all ages and tastes, set to a mix of songs that everyone knows and loves.

    You can take in the spectacle from either the grassy banks of the lake or book a table at the Mulwala Water Ski Club’s Malibu Deck Cafe, serving pub-style food and refreshing drinks, including excellent classic cocktails. If you’re watching from the foreshore, the show is entirely free, making it a great budget-friendly option.

    5. Be captivated by local culture

    Bullanginya Dreaming Murray at night
    Soak in the culture of the Bangerang People. (Credit: Laser Vision)

    Set aside an evening to explore Bullanginya Dreaming in Cobram Barooga – you’ll want ample time to take in the stories and symbolism of this immersive laser light and sound trail. The 1.8-kilometre trail explores the storytelling and culture of the Bangerang People, who have long cared for the lands around Bullanginya Lagoon in Barooga. The trail features 12 activations – each telling a different story – and combines dramatic lights and lasers with water and fire.

    Intertwined with the visual displays are Bangerang narratives, giving you meaningful insight into the area’s Indigenous heritage. It’s designed to be explored over 90 or so minutes, encouraging you to move slowly and thoughtfully.

    6. Discover a winter glow

    winterglow festival
    See the streets of Albury Wodonga come to life after dark. (Credit: Visit Albury Wodonga)

    Albury Wodonga comes alive as the weather drops, with an annual celebration of the season on Saturday, 15 August. WinterGlow takes over the CBD and features a vibrant program of things to see, do, learn, eat and drink.

    Take part in hands-on workshops that let you try different art forms and crafts. Feast on street food and winter warmers from local eateries. Browse for artisan wares at the night markets. Watch musical acts on the main stage. Or get involved in different activations, including a silent disco and giant maze. Artificial snow will be falling to add to the festive atmosphere.

    Even wandering the streets and laneways and soaking up the late-night energy will leave you feeling enchanted.

    Start planning a day-to-night adventure along the Murray at visitthemurray.com.au.

    Best B&Bs in Queensland - Australian Traveller