From luxury stays on mountaintops with stunning views for days, to nature-immersing eco-pods, extraordinary escapes with award-winning chefs, lakeside retreats, sky lodges, a five-star glamping experience, and possibly Australia’s best infinity pool, all at home under a sea of brilliant stars, Queensland’s Scenic Rim region has just pushed the go button on luxury!
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It’s the region that was named by global travel authority Lonely Planet as one of the hottest destinations to visit in 2022, is a favourite destination of flavour-bible delicious. Magazine, and now the Scenic Rim has unveiled a ‘Luxe Cluster’ of world class accommodation experiences, backed by five-star food journeys.
ALCHERINGA HOUSES @ Lamington National Park
Topline: Five star luxe-adventure in the heart of ancient rainforests.
Alcheringa is the home of two exceptional accommodation experiences in Lamington National Park, adjacent to the famous Binna Burra Lodge. The two houses - Coomera and Numinbah - were finished in August last year and are the epitome of understated luxury featuring natural materials, grand spaces and extraordinary ever-changing views of the world famous ancient Gondwana rainforests.
There’s a wonderful history…. the original Alcheringa House was built in the early ‘70s by Donn Groom, one of the sons of Arthur Groom, co-founder of Binna Burra Lodge (he first coined the phrase, ‘Scenic Rim’). Brisbane architect Robin Spencer designed the house. Donn built six massive rock walls without cranes or heavy machinery and employed carpenters to build around them. The original house was destroyed in the bushfires of late 2019 and Robin was thrilled to be asked to design the replacement houses, which he did with his son Fraser. The houses are the gateway to over 145km of walking tracks in Lamington that offer a wealth of scenic beauty: dozens of waterfalls, subtropical rainforest, ancient Antarctic beech trees, open eucalypt forest, views from mountain lookouts and wind eroded caves, and 180 species of Australian birds and bush animals. It’s five star luxe-adventure.
Address: 1000 Binna Burra Road, Beechmont, QLD 4211
Website: https://alcheringa-lamington.com.au/
BEECHMONT ESTATE (formerly Hazelwood Estate)
Topline: A five star luxury and flavour stay on high.
A luxury country retreat on Lamington National Park’s Beechmont plateau 600m above sea level, Beechmont Estate is an exceptional cattle property and home to luxury cabins and pavilions across a 75 acre property of idyllic hinterland countryside. The acclaimed onsite restaurant – The Paddock – is led by famed chef Simon Furley who champions local produce and has his own kitchen garden. Watching the sun set over the green hills, with horses grazing in the distance and an open fire crackling on the terrace is a serious five star experience, as is their day spa. It is part of the Northern Escape Collection, a portfolio of boutique sustainable experiences that celebrate Queensland’s diverse natural beauty and the estate is harnessing cutting-edge renewables technology to become Australia’s first carbon positive hotel.
Address: 422 Binna Burra Rd, Beechmont QLD 4211
Website: Luxury Country Retreat | Accommodation | Scenic Rim | Beechmont Estate (formerly Hazelwood Estate)
BINNA BURRA SKY LODGES
Topline: The ultimate luxury mountain getaway.
Imagine waking to a misty mountain sunrise in a luxurious king bed, with the fireplace throwing orange light, great coffee brewing and birdsongs welcoming another day on the mountain. This is the wonderful reality at Binna Burra’s eco-friendly Sky Lodges, all of which have been designed to harmonise with the natural beauty of the landscape, featuring local stone, slate, and reclaimed hardwood. The beautifully-appointed bathroom and spa boasts Wallawa amenities infused with indigenous active botanical ingredients. Spread across three levels, the Sky Lodge apartments all share the same breathtaking panoramas of Lamington National Park and are a just stroll from Binna Burra Tea House (which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner) and Groom's Cottage Bushwalker's Bar.
Address: 1040 Binna Burra Rd, Beechmont QLD 4211
Website: The Sky Lodges | Binna Burra Lodge
HERRMANN HOUSE
Topline: Elegant country luxury
Step back in time to an era long-gone at the historic and multi-award-winning Herrmann House in the gorgeous little country village of Kalbar just an hour from Brisbane. Originally, the site housed one of Kalbar’s oldest and most beautiful houses. It sat there by itself since the turn of the century. Then recently, another historic and equally as beautiful Kalbar home was moved onto the same site to create the stunning country homestead that stands today. Inside the stunningly restored houses which are connected by a brilliant common deck and relaxation area, there’s four double bedrooms and two fireplaces, all beautifully fitted out. There is also a fire pit in the conifer garden.
Address: 37 George Street, Kalbar
Website: https://herrmannhouse.com.au/
MOOGERAH LAKE HOUSE
Topline: Waterside luxury in the country.
On the shores of the stunning Lake Moogerah in the Scenic Rim near Boonah is a collection of six stunning houses privately owned by the Moogerah Lake House Group. Each has been architecturally designed to create a luxurious and secluded escape. They feature stunning pools, spas, saunas, fire pits, outdoor BBQs and entertaining areas and for families or groups wanting a luxe break, some have backyard sandpits and cubby houses for the kids.
Address: 15 Greville St, Moogerah QLD 4309
Website: https://www.moogerahlakehouse.com.au/
MOUNT FRENCH LODGE
Topline: Private mountaintop luxury, all favours included.
Commanding prime position on a majestic mountainside overlooking the Scenic Rim near Boonah, Mount French Lodge exudes modern luxury, and is part of the Private Collection by Spicers. With four guesthouses catering to eight guests, the Lodge is designed to provide total ownership of a small group experience. For some, that’s reclining with a champagne framed against an endless horizon; for others, it’s walking around the 100 acres of the mountain and then music around a fire-lit sunset. This is what makes it unique. Included in any stay is breakfast and dinner created from local produce from the gourmet kitchen, select beverages, local walking tracks, a stunning saltwater pool, huge lawn area, tennis courts, enjoyment of the famous Great Room and exclusive use of the property.
Address: 139 Lutter Rd, Charlwood QLD 4309
Website: Mount French Lodge
NIGHTFALL
Topline: A unique luxury glamping experience in Lamington valley; private and unforgettable.
In a large and relatively untouched pocket of forest at Lamington, Queensland, Nightfall’s luxury tents sit delicately beside the crystal-clear tumbling headwaters of Christmas Creek and Queensland’s ancient Lamington National Park rainforests. The Nightfall ‘glamping’ (luxury camping) experience steps away from the excess and complications of modern life, redefining luxury through architect-inspired, hand-built, permanent safari tents (each tent has twin bathtubs and a rotating fireplace); sumptuous home-cooked organic food and the relaxed feeling of staying with old friends. Nightfall is limited to only eight guests at any one time, ensuring privacy, peace and quiet. A truly incredible experience, Nightfall the culmination of the owners’ vision to touch the earth lightly while creating a genuinely sustainable business, true to their principles of conserving and enriching the land.
Address: 3009 Christmas Creek Rd, Lamington QLD 4285
Website: Glamping at nightfall - luxe tents, romance, sumptuous food
O’REILLY’S RAINFOREST RETREAT
Topline: It’s about the journey AND the destination and luxury in a legendary place.
The home of the most spectacular infinity pool, with views that last forever across mountains, rainforest and sky, these one, two and three bedroom villas are for those wanting self-contained luxury in an extraordinary place. After a walk through one of the many World Heritage walking tracks, guests can relax in the private spa on the deck of their own villa, which boasts a full kitchen, BBQ area and fireplace. The retreat offers a day spa, and for families, eco-rangers during the school holidays to take the kids on their own adventures.
Tip - the journey to O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat is almost as memorable as the destination, taking in the village of Canungra and up to the Lamington Plateau, on a fantastic winding mountain road. Look to the mountains in the West and visitors can see why the region is called the ‘Scenic Rim’.
Address: 3582 Lamington National Park Rd, Canungra QLD 4275
Website: Gold Coast Hinterland Rainforest Retreat (oreillys.com.au)
VERANDAH HOUSE COUNTRY ESTATE
Topline: Designer country luxury with views for days.
The first five-star luxury retreat with THE most breathtaking views of the hinterland and beyond, in the heart of the Scenic Rim is Verandah House Country Estate, a brand new haven at Tamborine Mountain. Quite simply, it’s stunning. Eight designer-appointed guest suites capture beautiful country style with modern-day luxuries, all boast panoramic mountain views and bespoke interiors. Each suite offers a unique interior. There’s a wellness space, yoga and meditation areas, a cedar hot tub and infrared sauna, and a communal fire-pit and in 2023, there will be a cellar and barn for guests to enjoy a more communal space to interact and relax.
Address: 13 Munro Ct, Tamborine Mountain QLD 4272
Luxury Boutique Accommodation Set Atop Tamborine Mountain (vhcountryestate.com.au)
WANDER @ The Overflow 1895
Topline: Eco-pod luxury that reconnects with nature.
Wander is the design-led, eco-pod luxury accommodation experience that reconnects guests with nature and invites them into the story of the local community. A leader in sustainable tourism, Wander chose the Scenic Rim as their first home. Five secluded WanderPods now overlook Lake Wyaralong and 1600 hectares of bushland at The Overflow Estate 1895, the acclaimed winery, cellar door and restaurant between Boonah and Beaudesert, just 90 minutes from Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Each WanderPod is named after a local mountain, and is beautifully – and sustainably - appointed. A stay here is unique, memorable and connected. Wander is also a proud participant in the Scenic Rim Regional Council’s 1 Million Trees initiative.
Address: Beaudesert Boonah Rd, Wyaralong QLD 4285
Wander in the Scenic Rim | Luxury Off Grid WanderPod Accommodation
FIVE STAR FLAVOUR EXPERIENCES IN THE SCENIC RIM ….
Hand-in-hand with the LUXE CLUSTER of accommodation experiences in the Scenic Rim is a five star food journey, led by acclaimed, savvy and local-loving chefs who celebrate the outstanding regional produce and flavours.
BLUME @ Boonah - coming in hot at number 11 in the delicious. Top 100 Queensland Restaurants for 2022 and a top tip for 2023, Blume is an exciting 21-seater restaurant in Boonah. Under the culinary direction of owner chef Jack Stuart, who worked in the UK before three years as head chef at Melbourne’s Congress Wine, the menu stars local produce served with technique and restraint, and edible flowers and herbs from Jack’s aunt’s garden up the road! Described as putting the ‘OO-AH’ in Boonah, Blume is the real deal – a knockout regional destination restaurant that is a MUST VISIT. Fun Fact: the name Blume nods to Boonah’s original name of Blumbergville.
Website: https://blumerestaurant.com.au/
PICNIC REAL FOOD BAR @ TAMBORINE MOUNTAIN
Culinary pathmaker Brenda Fawdon is a chef of note; the driver behind Brisbane’s first organic restaurant in Mondo Organics for many years ago, she now proudly helms Picnic Real Food Bar. This Tamborine delight favours local and seasonal produce, and nourishing food made with love. Sustainability is important, so Picnic have a closed-loop system that turns the kitchen waste into compost so they can minimise garbage and nourish the soil.
Address: Shop 4, 12 High Street, Boonah 0477 900 535
Website: blumerestaurant.com.au
THE ROADVALE HOTEL @ HARRISVILLE (near Boonah)
The region’s FIRST GASTRO PUB, and under the culinary baton of award-winning chef Daniel Groneberg, the dining experience at this classic country hotel is extraordinary! The team live and breathe ‘eat local’ all year round, offering indoor and outdoor dining with regular live entertainment. PS the duck dish is next level!
Address: 320 Gray Street, Roadvale 07 5463 5702
Website: theroadvalehotel.com.au
KOOROOMBA VINEYARD AND LAVENDAR FARM (near Boonah)
One of the most beautiful places in the Scenic Rim, ‘Kooroomba’ is an award-winning cellar door and restaurant, blending rustic and contemporary architecture and a haven of lavender, food and fine wine! The selection of wines, along with modern Australian cuisine featuring local produce under Head Chef Nicholas Thiess, provides a unique regional wine and food experience.
Address: 168 F M Bells Road, Mount Alford 07 5463 0022
Website: kooroomba.com.au
SCENIC RIM FARM SHOP & CAFÉ AND ELDERFLOWER FARM (near Boonah)
There’s something special about the Scenic Rim Farm Shop & Café, nestled under towering 120-year old jacarandas and surrounded by working farms, with the carrot paddocks so close, visitors can almost pull out their own! Scenic Rim Food Ambassador Chef Kate Raymont celebrates all that is local, seasonal and fresh in her menu, and the coffee from Tamborine Mountain is worth the trip alone. Sharing the stunning grounds is the gorgeous Elderflower Farm.
Address: 541 Kents Lagoon Road, Kalbar 0493 437 220
Website: scenicrimfarmshop.com.au
THE PADDOCK @ BEECHMONT ESTATE
Executive Chef Simon Furley has a saying – ‘if it’s not from ‘round here, it’s not on our plates’, and his dishes are remarkable, so remarkable you can often hear the oohs and ahhs from diners as they experience his menus! A casual take on fine dining, this chef-hatted restaurant serves up seasonal creations for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Furley has a close relationship with the 6th generation Tommerup Dairy Farm ‘down the road’, making weekly visits to walk the gardens and paddocks with the owners and hand pick produce.
Address: Beechmont Estate, 422 Binna Burra Road, Beechmont 07 5602 9710
Website: beechmontestate.com.au
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE SCENIC RIM - visitscenicrim.com.au
ABOUT THE SCENIC RIM: In a major international coup, the Scenic Rim was named by global travel authority Lonely Planet as one of the hottest destinations to visit in 2022! Just an hour from Brisbane and 30 minutes from the heart of the Gold Coast, the Scenic Rim stretches from Canungra to The Lost World, Beaudesert to Boonah, Tamborine Mountain to Kalbar and is home to the ancient World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests, six historic national parks, charming towns and villages, adventure parks, farm stays, craft breweries, boutique wineries, ecolodges, tantalising gourmet experiences, world class camping and glamping and breathtaking spaces in between. It’s a region of more than 4,200 square kilometres of rich volcanic soil surrounded by ancient mountains and home to thousands of farmers and food creators, more than 30,000ha of parkland, plus three dams - Lake Moogerah, Lake Maroon and Wyaralong Dam.
For media opportunities, imagery and more, please contact
Contact details:
Kath Rose on kath@kathrose.com or 0416 291 493
