Where to stay in Girraween National Park: Girraween Environmental Lodge

In need of an escape back to nature? Desperately seeking a break from computers, phones, internet and all the ‘stuff’ that comes with life? My friend, it sounds like you need to jump in the car and get ya bad self out to Girraween National Park in Southern Queensland Country. While the rest of Queensland (and some of New South Wales) may be spending their cheeky weekend getaways along the coastline, the country is where you’ll find a great slice of peace, relaxation and nature. It’s a chance to reconnect with the great outdoors, unwind and see some pretty spectacular stuff while you’re at it. If this sounds like the kind of trip you’re itching to take, here’s a look at the gorgeous Girraween Environmental Lodge and everything there is to see, do and eat while you’re there.

Planning your trip?
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Hotels, I use Agoda
Insurance: Cover-More
Rentals: Discover Cars
RVs: Motorhome Republic
Transfers: Welcome Pickups
SIM Cards: Simify

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Alright, gimme the deets, where is this place?

Well, amigo, you’ll find Girraween Environmental Lodge in Girraween (shock!) This idyllic retreat sits around a 3-hour drive south-west of Brisbane’s CBD and 25 minutes north of Tenterfield. Don’t let the 3 hour drive turn you off, it’s actually an awesome little road trip and the time passes really quickly. You wind your way out of Brisbane, past the outer suburbs, up through the Great Dividing Range then into gorgeous Queensland countryside, sprawling and dense. With the right mix-tape in your cassette player, the drive is super easy and kind of a nice way to de-stress before you get there.

But, what’s the accommodation like?

You guys, this place is peaceful AF! To find the lodge you have to drive past Stanthorpe, right to the edge of Girraween National Park. It’s nestled in the Queensland bush, so it’s all things lush, nature, sky and trees. The best way I can describe it is that it’s like something out of a Tourism Queensland advert. In the afternoon you’ll spot scores of kangaroos and wallabies nibbling on the grass, the sun a brilliant orange and pink as it tucks below the horizon for the evening.

The accommodation here is everything you need it to be in this kind of setting. You’ll find yourself set up in one of the private, stand-alone chalets hidden somewhere along the winding private roads within the lodge grounds. The chalets are incredibly spacious and very comfortable, offering up everything you could possibly need to bunker down and soak in all the nature.

The chalets are able to accommodate anywhere from two to six guests, so they’re great for a romantic couples vacay or a getaway with the family or friends. You’ll find them boasting big, comfy king-size doubles beds or king-size single beds with electric blankets for those cold winter evenings. The bathrooms are huge and spacious, inclusive of a 2 person spa bath. For cosy winter trips, you’ll want to fire up the slow combustion wood fire heater and snuggle up in blankets in front of it, watching the logs crackle and burn.

Each chalet comes with its own self-contained kitchen and gas BBQ, so you’ll want to bring your own supplies to keep the troops happy. If that sounds like more effort than you were planning on, don’t worry, there are loads of great places to eat in the region. You’ll find the accommodation provides everything you could possibly need in an incredibly earthy setting. The chalets themselves are rustic, warm and welcoming, offering up a very cosy home away from home. It’s an ideal escape destination during the cool and warm months, so don’t let the heat scare you off.

And what exactly would I do up there?

So you’re in the middle of the bush, holed up in a private chalet. You’ve caught up on sleep and now you’re itching to get out and explore. What is there to do? Ah, there’s heaps of things to do!

First things first, you’re going to want to make the most of the fantastic hiking trails within the grounds of the lodge. You can grab some information on trails from the incredibly lovely on-site manager, Kelly, who will gladly give you all the information you need on where to go, the best trails to do and everything else you could imagine. Not only that but Kelly’s gorgeous pooch, Tas, will happily accompany you on your hike.

Aside from the great on-site trails, you’re incredibly close to Girraween National Park, so it’s well worth waking up early and tackling the hike up to The Pyramid for stunning early-morning views of the region. After that early start, you’re going to want to keep it nice and easy for the rest of the day, so head back to the lodge for a swim or a spa, then settle in for a movie marathon (Kelly has a killer DVD collection!)

The best part? There’s absolutely no WiFi or phone reception at the chalets which means there’s nothing for you to do but completely disconnect from it all and let your mind, body and spirit recharge. We’re talking late nights with bottles of wine, toasting marshmallows in the fire, sleeping in late and finally reading that book you’ve been meaning to get to.

Talk me through the food situation…

You’re in Southern Queensland Country, so it should come as no surprise that the food and wine scene here is next-level. Stanthorpe’s packed with great spots—from hearty pub lunches and cosy bakeries to cute cafés serving up proper country hospitality.

For a meal with character, head to the Ballandean Tavern for a laid-back bite or book in at Mason Wines for a relaxed lunch and a cheeky glass (or two) of something local. The whole region is dotted with restaurants and cafés showcasing the Granite Belt’s incredible produce—think fresh, seasonal, and packed with flavour. And if wine is your thing, you’ll find plenty of cellar doors offering tastings of the region’s best drops.

Be sure to swing by Sutton’s Juicery Factory & Cidery for a juice tasting and to stock up on their famous apple creations—seriously, don’t leave without trying the apple pie. Granite Belt Brewery and Restaurant is another must-visit, with craft beers brewed on-site and a menu of hearty, satisfying meals. And for something a little sweet, stop in at Jamworks for fantastic coffee, warm scones, and a wall of award-winning preserves that’ll have you clearing space in the boot.

The verdict…

Living in Queensland or northern New South Wales, it can sometimes feel like you need to trek all the way down to the Barossa or Hunter Valley for that perfect mix of wine, food, fresh air and natural beauty. But here’s the good news—we’ve got all of that right on our doorstep. It’s closer, cheaper, and way less hassle to get to, which makes it an easy win for a weekend escape.

Girraween Environmental Lodge is the kind of place that lets you truly switch off. You can sleep in, sip local wines by the fire, cook up a feast with fresh local produce, watch kangaroos nibble nearby, and wander through peaceful bush trails without seeing another soul.

These days, the lodge still has that same rugged charm, with a few upgrades thrown in. They’ve added a Tesla charger for EV travellers, and the cosy chalets—complete with spa baths, wood-burning fireplaces, full kitchens and BBQs—are just as perfect as ever. Prices start around $290 a night, depending on when you go and which chalet you pick. With hundreds of glowing reviews and a shiny TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice award under its belt, it’s safe to say this little slice of country paradise is still delivering the goods.

If you’ve been feeling flat, cooped up or just overdue for a break, this is your sign. Book the weekend, pack the good snacks, and go fill your lungs with fresh air and your soul with some much-needed quiet.

Book Girraween Environmental Lodge here

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