When the temperature drops, a quiet weekend away starts to sound pretty good.
Tucked into the Gold Coast Hinterland, Palmer & Gunn is a small, off-grid stay designed for properly switching off. The “wee tiny” cabin sits beside a creek in Austinville Valley, surrounded by bushland and with little else around. It’s been put together with reclaimed timber, vintage pieces and simple, thoughtful details that make the space feel warm without trying too hard. Inside, there’s a queen bed, a compact kitchen, and a clawfoot bath that’s worth carving out time for.
There’s no Wi-Fi and not much reception, so the pace shifts pretty quickly. Mornings start slow with coffee on the deck, afternoons can be a walk through the hinterland or a dip in the creek, and if you feel like venturing out, you’re not far from spots like Springbrook National Park.
By the evening, it’s all about settling in. Light the fire, cook something simple, open a bottle of wine and make the most of the quiet. There’s also a wood-fired outdoor tub, which makes the colder nights a bit more appealing.
It’s a small space and best suited to two, but that’s part of the appeal. For Brisbane locals wanting a low-key, cosy escape without a long drive, this one keeps things simple in the right way.
Palmer and Gunn
Austinville, QLD
Palmerandgunn.com
