New Scenic Rim Accommodation puts this fabulous region just an hour from Brisbane or the Gold Coast firmly on the must-do weekend getaway list. Who doesn’t need a dose of country charm with exceptional local food drawn from a deep food bowl? Throw in luxury retreats, quaint country cottages, eco-pod stays, stately country homes, dog-friendly stays and glamping for more reasons why you must visit the Scenic Rim soon.
The Scenic Rim has been named one of the hottest destinations to visit by the global travel authority Lonely Planet, and they certainly got that right! Here are the eleven new Scenic Rim accommodation stays you’ve been waiting for.
Eleven Fabulous New Scenic Rim Stays
Verandah House Country Estate, Tamborine Mountain
Verandah House Country Estate, Tamborine Mountain
Verandah House Country Estate, Tamborine Mountain
The first five-star luxury retreat with breathtaking views of the hinterland and beyond, in the heart of the Scenic Rim, Verandah House Country Estate (formerly Aaronlee Retreat) is 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 firepit, and in 2023, there will be a cellar and barn for guests to enjoy a more communal space to interact and relax.
Rates: From $549 per night for two.
Why stay here? Live in the lap of luxury while you rediscover the magic of Tamborine Mountain.
Alcheringa West House Deck
Alcheringa East House upper bathroom
Alcheringa Houses, Lamington National Park
Alcheringa is the home of two exceptional holiday houses in Lamington National Park, adjacent to the famous Binna Burra Lodge in the Gold Coast Hinterland of South East Queensland. Both have a remarkable history.
The original Alcheringa, designed by esteemed Brisbane architect Robin Spencer, was built in the early 1970s by Donn Groom, one of the sons of Arthur Groom, co-founder of Binna Burra Lodge. 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 that swept the east of Australia in late 2019. Robin Spencer was thrilled to be asked to design the replacement houses, which he did with his son Fraser. The Alcheringa houses are a short walk from the four main track entrances at Lamington National Park.
Rates: Four nights midweek from $1512.
Why stay here? Beautifully appointed with understated luxury, it’s a perfect base for exploring Lamington National Park. Binna Burra Sky Lodge is another great stay.
Beechmont Estate, Beechmont
Beechmont Estate
Beechmont Estate, Beechmont
A luxury country retreat on Lamington National Park’s Beechmont plateau 600m above sea level, Beechmont Estate (formerly Hazelwood Estate) is a privately-owned Wagyu farm. It’s home to luxury cabins and pavilions across a 75-acre property of idyllic hinterland countryside. Their acclaimed onsite restaurant, The Paddock, is led by famed chef Simon Furley who champions local produce. Watching the sunset over the green hills, with horses grazing in the distance and an open fire crackling closely on the terrace, is a beautiful experience. Beechmont Estate is part of the Northern Escape Collection, a portfolio of sustainable boutique experiences celebrating Queensland’s diverse natural beauty.
Fun fact: The estate is harnessing cutting-edge renewables technology to become Australia’s first carbon-positive hotel by 2023.
Rates: From $359 per night.
Why stay here? This is hinterland luxury on many levels. A great adults retreat with real country vibes.
Scenic Rim glamping at Cedar Creek Lodges
Judy Minnikin creekside at Cedar Creek Lodges
Cedar Creek Lodges, Tamborine Mountain
Cedar Creek Lodges shares a 112-hectare rainforest property with Thunderbird Park on Tamborine Mountain, along the beautiful Cedar Creek with luxury and glamping Scenic Rim accommodation. Guests can adventure, go bushwalking, swim in rock pools, order Farm to Fork platters and listen to the sounds of the ancient landscape.
The Courtyard Spa Luxe features a vaulted ceiling, a private bush courtyard, a couple’s bathroom, an oval bed, luxe linen and local produce on a platter at any time. It’s perfect for babymoons, honeymoons and romantic and quiet time away for couples!
The Woodlands Family Tents are surrounded by rainforest and overlooking Cedar Creek. Taking glamping to a new level, they boast an ensuite (showers under the stars, anyone?) and one king bed, two single beds and a day bed.
Rates: From $209 per night
Why stay here? Plenty of options mean there’s something for everyone here. It’s just a short drive to explore Tamborine Mountain’s delights or you take the kids fossicking for thunder eggs in Thunderbird Park.
Gen Windley at the Scenic Rim Farm House near Kalbar. IMAGE Pete Wallis
Scenic Rim Farm House
Scenic Rim Farm House, Kalbar
Located beside majestic 120-year-old Jacaranda trees and surrounded by a patchwork of green paddocks for which the region is famed, Scenic Rim Farm House is the perfect base for food adventures, hiking, relaxing or exploring.
Oozing country charm and comfort, it sits on the Scenic Rim Farm Shop grounds. Coffee and local dishes created by chef Kate Raymont are a stone’s throw away. Elderflower Farm’s beautiful flower field and shop are also just next door. The house features three bedrooms, all king beds (or king singles), a full country kitchen, a generous dining table, a comfy lounge and a large private back deck complete with additional outdoor seating and BBQ, wrap-around verandahs, and a huge front lawn. It’s the perfect setting for a family catch-up or a weekend with friends.
TIP: Catch the early morning, cuppa in hand, from the cane lounge on the verandah as the sun rises. It’s so quiet, save for the bird song, an irrigator watering the neighbouring crops, and perhaps a tractor passing by.
Rates: On application
*Dog-friendly. Want more dog friendly Scenic Rim options? Here’s a list.
Why stay here? You can bring your family and the dog and catering is easy with the Farm Shop next door.
Barney Creek Vineyard Cottages
Barney Creek Vineyard Cottages.
Barney Creek Vineyard Cottages, Mt Barney
Nestled at the base of the World Heritage-listed Mount Barney National Park, this pocket of paradise is the perfect hideaway. The five cottages seamlessly blend into the natural environment, with glorious views and access to the creek, the lake, the vineyard, a rambling country garden and the mountains.
Hill Station cottage is the old Logan Village railway station, beautifully refurbished and perched atop a hill. Florrie’s Cottage is a delightful 120-year-old renovated workers’ cottage that makes a couple’s paradise. The Lakeside Bungalow is also a perfect escape for two. You’ll wake to stunning views across the lake to Mount Barney and enjoy a coffee in the dining nook. There’s a sunken spa and a woodfired heater.
The Garden Cottage sleeps eight and is excellent for a family or a group of friends. Shaded by giant pecan trees, Pecan’s Camping Cabin sleeps four beside the Logan River, offering a wonderful way to reconnect.
Rates: From $150 per night
*Dog friendly Want more dog-friendly Scenic Rim options? Here’s a list.
Why stay here? Five cottages mean plenty of choices plus the option of group stays, all in a magical environment. You might want to add in a guided walk at Mt Barney.
Mount French Lodge
Mount French Lodge
Mount French Lodge, Mt French
Commanding prime position on a majestic mountainside overlooking the Scenic Rim, Mount French Lodge (formerly Bunyip Retreat) is part of the Private Collection by Spicers and is all about modern luxury. 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 full champagne framed against an endless horizon. For others, it’s walking around the 100 acres of mountain and then music around a fire-lit sunset. 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, a vast lawn area, tennis courts, enjoyment of the famous Great Room and exclusive use of the property.
Rates: Costs from $4,250 and sleeps eight adults.
Why stay here? This is private luxury for groups who don’t want to share!
Kerry Valley Secret, Kerry Valley
The Kerry Valley outside Beaudesert is a magical spot. Now you can enjoy this special place with a bush campsite at Stockyard Creek. Property owners Sally and Michael Undery created the camp for family and friends to book exclusively and use as a base to relax or adventure. It sits beside the gorgeous Stockyard Creek and is a short walk to the Albert River swimming hole. This stunning spot features Silky Oaks and Ironwood trees and views of Luke’s Bluff and Ding Bing falls in Lamington National Park. It has plenty of shade for tents and a massive space for caravans and camper trailers to turn around in.
Rates: Costs from $249 per night for up to 20 people.
Why stay here? Imagine having your own camping ground filled with your top people! It’s close to the river, has shady spots and will take all types of campers.
Two Rabbit Hill, Boonah
Two Rabbit Hill owner Jo Reid and her happy hound in the Scenic Rim. IMAGE Peter Wallis
Two Rabbit Hill, Boonah
Two beautifully appointed cabins have opened to offer a country escape only minutes away from Boonah township, wineries, restaurants, and good old country pubs. Two Rabbit Hill is close to some of the most stunning walks in the country, with guests regularly welcomed by the owners’ two rabbits on the hill as they approach! The cabins are fully fenced, and furry friends are more than welcome to stay. Sleeps six with three bedrooms and two bathrooms.
Rates: From $390 per night with a two-night minimum plus cleaning and service fees.
*Dog friendly
Why stay here? Great spot to escape with your dog and still enjoy the joys of Boonah. Put dining at The Bowl Boonah at the top of the list.
Wander & The Overflow 1895
Wander @ The Overflow 1895
Wander @ The Overflow 1895, Lake Wyaralong
Wander is the design-led, eco-pod 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.
Rates: Costs from $371 per night with a two night minimum.
Why stay here? Within walking distance of a winery and enjoying substantial lake views, Wander offers adult relaxation in style.
Wiss Cottage, Kalbar
In 1909 Wiss Bros built the Emporium at Kalbar, designed by Ipswich architect M W Haenke. Having been vacant for many years, this stunning building in the booming village of Kalbar is now home to an eclectic offering of fashion, collectibles, vintage pieces and more! Beside the Emporium is the gorgeous two-bedroom cottage, built circa 1890 and lovingly refurbished.
Rates: It costs from $220 (plus cleaning and service fee) a night with a two night minimum. Suits three guests.
Why stay here? Perfect location for exploring Kalbar. The Emporium takes at least an hour to go through, plus there’s a great coffee shop over the road and a barbecue ribs place around the corner. On the road between Kalbar and Boonah, stop at the Templin Museum on Sundays to see an amazing fashion collection.
