New boutique resort for the Scenic Rim

 

A new boutique escape will open in the Gold Coast hinterland in early December.

Tamborine Mountain, in the Scenic Rim region, just an hour from Brisbane and the Gold Coast, is set to welcome a revamped boutique hotel called The Tamborine.

The Tamborine is styled as a 1980s Hacienda-style motel, with views from each of the 23 rooms, all boasting private balconies or terraces and luxe king beds. 

Guests will be bale to unwind poolside - the resort will have a heated mineral pool and spa - while ordering drinks and bar snacks. 

There will be complimentary continental breakfasts and Peacock O’clock (hosted aperitifs) in the  lounge and bar area.

From the team behind Cassis Red Hill on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, The Tamborine is taking bookings now.

“Whether it be immersing oneself in nature, enjoying a tipple at one of the many and emerging micro-breweries and distilleries, or exploring the artisan wares the mountain is famous for, The Tamborine will be the perfect escape for our guests," says co-owner Nina Aberdeen. 

"We want guests leaving feeling enriched and connected, and eager to return."

Co owner Gina McNamara adds: "Every detail has been crafted to ensure that when guests arrive, they feel a deep sense of relaxation and belonging. We can’t wait to see them experience the stunning views, unwind by the pool, and explore everything the Scenic Rim has to offer." 

Local tourism authorities are delighted by the re-birth of what was formerly known as the Mount Tamborine Motel. 

“With its stunning, unique offerings as not only a midweek getaway or weekend destination but also a highly sought-after wedding destination, Tamborine Mountain attracts over 5,000 visitors per week seeking relaxation and adventure," says Christelle Moller, executive officer of Destination Scenic Rim. 

"The booming wedding industry injects over $20 million into the local economy every year and as this sector, and the tourism industry continues to grow, demand for accommodation has continued to grow. 

“The Tamborine, as a beautifully. re-designed boutique accommodation offering of 23 rooms and its thoughtfully curated experiences, provides a unique experience to enhance visitors stays, complimenting the established boutique getaway cluster on the mountain.” 

The Tamborine is at 99 Alpine Terrace, Tamborine Mountain. See www.thetamborine.com.au

New identity for Queensland country retreat

It is farewell to Hazelwood Estate, the luxury country retreat in Queensland's Scenic Rim region, and hello to Beechmont Estate.

The lodge is rebranding as Beechmont Estate and joining the Northern Escape Collection, a travel portfolio owned by Morris Group.

Morris Group Executive Chairman Chris Morris said the name change celebrates the estate's location near the town of Beechmont in the Gold Coast hinterland. 

It joins the collection's other properties: Orpheus Island Lodge, Daintree Ecolodge and Mt. Mulligan Lodge.

“We're really excited to add an authentic hinterland experience to our reef, rainforest and outback offerings and give guests even more opportunities to enjoy Queensland's diverse natural beauty,” Morris said.

“Beechmont Estate will offer guests the same outstanding experience and unique brand of understated luxury it's become renowned for over the past 14 months; whether it's a getaway in our elegant yet relaxed accommodation, dining at our chef-hatted restaurant, The Paddock, or hosting intimate weddings and corporate retreats.”

Northern Escape Collection CEO Ross Penegar said Beechmont Estate's ethos perfectly aligns with the collection's focus on sustainability.

“We're committed to reducing our impact on the environment and making a positive impact on the local community,” Penegar said.

Beechmont Estate is located near Binna Burra in the Scenic Rim. It is 90 minutes from Brisbane and 45 minutes from the Gold Coast.

The 75-acre property neighbours the World Heritage-listed Lamington National Park and the estate sleeps 48 guests in luxury accommodation including a private residence, and offers a range of leisure activities including day spa packages, bushwalking, and gourmet dining experiences at The Paddock restaurant.

See www.beechmontestate.com.au

Image: Dylan Evans

Scenic Rim retreat has a sustainability focus

Luxury country retreat Hazelwood Estate in Queensland’s Scenic Rim region is harnessing cutting-edge renewables technology as it aims to become Australia’s first carbon-positive hotel by next year.

The lodge, which opened in September last year, is installing a Vanadium redox flow battery to allow excess electricity produced by its solar panels to be stored and used even when the sun is not shining.

Daily solar generation exceeds Hazelwood’s current energy requirements but cannot be stored for evening usage.

The supply of a Vanadium battery through a partnership with Queensland-based mining company Vecco Group will allow the property to go completely off-grid.

Vecco Group managing director Tom Northcott says the use of Vanadium batteries supports the global movement towards decarbonisation, a key focus of the travel industry as smart travellers increasingly command sustainability efforts from their accommodation providers.

“Green energy projects, such as the Vanadium battery installation at Hazelwood, will allow renewables to become a large part of a lower-carbon future," he says.

"Previously, the application of Vanadium batteries was confined to electricity utilities and industrial companies."

Green building principles were embedded in the estate’s design and construction.

A large solar farm was constructed on the roof of the horse stables nearly 1km away from the estate’s main operations, allowing the production of clean energy without impacting on aesthetics.

The build also saw the planting of over 6,000 trees, including native plants, to rejuvenate soil biology and the restoration of the once derelict dairy farm using regenerative farming practices including carbon sequestering.

By switching to regenerative practices without the use of pesticides or synthetic fertilisers and bringing back grazing animals on the land to mimic natural cattle migration, the property aims to work to restore soil health, enabling nature to rebalance carbon levels.

The resort has over 600,000 litres of water storage onsite, with all water used being harvested rainwater.

The Paddock restaurant is one of only 15 Queensland restaurants listed on The Good Fish Project - an initiative by the Australian Marine Conservation Society which guides diners on restaurants committed to removing unsustainable seafood from their menus.

Executive chef Simon Furley works closely with suppliers to ensure the supply chain is at the very least carbon neutral and all ingredients are sourced from South-East Queensland aside from oil, salt and flour.

“We are right next door to the world heritage-listed Lamington National Park and some of the most untouched rainforests on earth, why not make a difference if you have the opportunity?" Furley says.

"My ethos is simple, if it’s not from here it’s not on here - we have an unwavering focus on sustainable, ethical, seasonal cooking.”

Local experiences and activities are centred around environmental education including market garden tours and bushwalking trails. Beekeeping tours will be added to the resort’s offering in the coming months.

E-bikes and electric golf carts also provide a fun, sustainable transport option for visitors to explore the property.

Hazelwood Estate is at 422 Binna Burra Road, Beechmont, Queensland. 90 minutes from Brisbane and 40 minutes s from the Gold Coast. It can cater for up to 44 guests.

See www.hazelwoodestate.com.au

Auckland and the Scenic Rim grab global attention

New Zealand's largest city, Auckland, and the Scenic Rim region of Queensland are the only Australian and New Zealand destinations featured in the newly released Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2022.

The book is the 17th annual collection of the world’s hottest destinations and "must-do" travel experiences for the year ahead, and features lists of the top 10 countries, cities and regions to visit in 2022. 

Chris Zeiher, Lonely Planet Senior Director Trade Sale and Marketing, said Auckland deserved its place as the No.1 city destination. 

 

“This is an amazing recognition of Auckland and its surrounding attractions," he said. "Within the city’s boundaries there are 53 volcanoes, more than 50 islands, three wine regions and numerous beaches that make this a truly exciting and vibrant city.

 

“There is so much to discover or rediscover in Auckland and this recognition, especially now as people start contemplating travel again, places Auckland as the number one city on the map.” 

Auckland Mayor Phil Goff says: “Lonely Planet’s promotion of Auckland as the best city in the world to travel to in 2022 is a fantastic acknowledgement of what Tāmaki Makaurau has to offer. It will give a real boost to Auckland’s tourism and hospitality sectors as they start to recover from the Covid-19 lockdowns and borders reopen.  

 

“It is also a reminder to Aucklanders and New Zealanders of the treasure trove of places and experiences we have on our doorstep. Seeing Auckland through the eyes of an international traveller is one way to understand how breath-taking, exciting, creative, and full of energy our region is.

 

“Knowing it is top of the list for travellers around the world, Aucklanders and New Zealanders have the first chance to explore and rediscover everything Tāmaki Makaurau has to offer.”

 

The book lists top five Auckland highlights including West Coast beaches, Hauraki Gulf Islands, Auckland War Memorial Museum, Auckland Art Gallery and volcanic cone climbs (top image). aucklandnz.com

 

Close Kiwi neighbours The Cook Islands - one of the world’s smallest countries – claimed the coveted spot as the No.1 country to seek out in 2022.

 

The Scenic Rim in South-east Queensland, meanwhile,  was named No.8 region in the world to visit.

 

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. 

It is home to the ancient World Heritage-listed Gondwana rainforests, historic national parks, charming towns and villages, adventure parks, farm stays, craft breweries, boutique wineries, ecolodges, tantalising gourmet experiences, world- class camping and glamping. 

 

“After bouncing back from the 2019 Black Summer bushfires with a raft of new attractions and a renewed focus on sustainability, the Scenic Rim in Queensland is primed to become of Australia’s low-impact tourism power players,” says Zeiher. 

“It’s such an untouched and diverse eco-based Australian destination. From the amazing food and wine to the incredible rainforest and bush walks and memorable places to stay, this is an unexpected pocket of Australia that has it all.”

 

Highlights of the region noted by Lonely Planet include Binna Burra Mountain Lodge and O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, Australia’s newest Great Walk in The Scenic Rim Trail by Spicers, ecolodges Nightfall Wilderness Camp and Mt Barney Lodge as well as the six national parks. Visitscenicrim.com.au

 

The lists comprise:

Top 10 Countries: 1. Cook Islands, 2. Norway, 3. Mauritius, 4. Belize, 5. Slovenia, 6. Anguilla, 7. Oman, 8. Nepal, 9. Malawi, 10. Egypt.

Top 10 Regions

1. Westfjords, Iceland, 2. West Virginia, USA,  3. Xishuangbanna, China, 4. Kent Heritage Coast, UK, 5. Puerto Rico, 6. Shikoku, Japan, 7. Atacama Desert, Chile, 8. The Scenic Rim, Australia, 9. Vancouver Island, Canada, 10. Burgundy, France. 

Top 10 cities

1 Auckland, New Zealand, 2. Taipei, Taiwan, 3. Freiburg, Germany, 4. Atlanta, USA, 5. Lagos, Nigeria, 6. Nicosia/Lefkosia, Cyprus, 7. Dublin, Ireland, 8. Merida, Mexico, 9. Florence, Italy, 10. Gyeongju, South Korea

Thumbs up for Slovenia, Vancouver Island, Burgundy, Dublin and Florence, all among my favourite destinations. Thumbs down for Lagos. Seriously? 

Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2022: $27.99 is available at all good book shops