Luxury mountain accommodation within the Scenic Rim

It’s one thing to set foot in a Gondwana-age rainforest, and another to stay in the thick of it at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat. Established in 1915 and popularised by Bernard O’Reilly’s heroism in saving two stranded survivors from the Stinson crash, O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat has grown into an eco-certified escape offering everything from campsites through to lush rooms that allow guests to reconnect with the rainforest.

This luxury mountain retreat is tucked in Lamington National Park and serves as the trailhead to many of the Scenic Rim’s greatest walks. Make the most of your stay with a booking in their Rainforest and Valley View Villas; self-contained one, two and three-bedroom villas that offer large living areas, fully en-suited bedrooms, spacious decks and spas overlooking rolling valleys.

Along with your room, you’ll have access to their infinity pool, on-site rainforest bar and dining room offering breakfast, lunch and dinner menus partnered with O’Reilly’s own wine. Their luxury mountain location allows those with a thirst for adventure to work hard in hiking to hidden waterfalls and stunning lookouts, then play hard in indulgent food, wine and comfort.

New to the luxury scene in the Scenic Rim is Pat’s Farm by O’Reilly’s, a collection of intimate architecturally designed chalets perched on the hillside of a working cattle farm and surrounded 360 degrees by Lamington National Park.

Your private chalet has all the key touches to make this a luxurious off-grid stay, from enjoying the fresh mountain air from your heated plunge pool or snuggling up with a blanket by the fire pit roasting complimentary marshmallows.

With the added convenience of O’Reilly’s restaurants only 10 minutes down the road, you can choose to pre-order gourmet charcuterie platters, dessert boxes, wood-fired pizzas, wine or the ultimate experience – a Farm Box with enough fresh local produce to enjoy for two breakfasts and two dinners.

Beautifully designed to allow you to completely switch off from daily life, if you do choose to head out and about, you’ll be spoiled for choice with mountain trails, charming towns, wineries and food spots to visit.

One of the Scenic Rim’s newest and most highly-anticipated hotels is The Tamborine, a 23-room boutique hotel surrounded by sub-tropical rainforest that’s easy on the eyes, ears, and palette.

Within the European-styled building, each of the 23 rooms comes with a luxurious king-size bed, ensuite bathroom and breathtaking views from your terrace on to the verdant mountains. After checking in and donning your complimentary robe and slippers, acquaint yourself with the property by locating the indoor and outdoor lounging spaces, the Moda hydration station, and the heated mineral pool and spa, and “The Pantry” – a shelf of local and bespoke snacks, beverages and lifestyle items for purchase. If you find you fancy the flavours of our local producers, visit these country markets and fill your own pantry.

The Tamborine ensures you start your day right with a complimentary continental breakfast, and the central bar operates from 7am to 7pm for those who feel thirsty for a local drop. While nature’s beauty acts as a natural privacy screen for The Tamborine, you’re an easy drive away from the boutique stores, eateries and bars on Tamborine Mountain. Still looking for itinerary plans? Ask the team for suggestions, and you’ll be inundated with trails to trek, waterfalls to view, wineries to visit and activities that’ll leave you with lifelong memories.

A stay at Binna Burra Lodge is an experience that generates an ‘on top of the world’ feeling thanks to its location above the clouds on a ridgeline in Lamington National Park.

There are no wrong answers when picking your room type, but our suggestion is a luxurious eco-friendly Sky Lodge apartment. Inside, you’ll find large windows looking out onto Lamington National Park to compliment your king-size bed, cosy gas fireplace and hideaway TV. Alternatively, opt for a Tiny Wild House resting on Bellbird clifftop, where floor-to-ceiling windows provide unobstructed views of Ships Stern Range that you can enjoy from your queen bed, couch, and fully-equipped kitchenette.

Pack your walking boots – when you’re not rejuvenating in your room, you’ll be exploring the many trails that delve into the bush just a short stroll from your door. From Binna Burra, you’ll find hikes that lead to waterfalls, caves, cliffs and lookouts that’ll make your jaw drop. Not sure where to start? Hop on the Coomera Circuit to see these awe-inspiring waterfalls. After checking off your 10,000 steps, return to Binna Burra to indulge in a hearty meal from the Tea House Café and Restaurant or kick back for a relaxed drink at the Bushwalker’s Bar before snuggling back into your comfy accommodation.

If designer-appointed guest suites, breathtaking hinterland vistas, and a country-luxe aesthetic tickle your fancy, meet your next escape: Verandah House Country Estate. Each minute detail of Verandah House Country Estate has been custom-designed to create a feeling of elevated homeliness, from the wooden make of the furniture to the sage green, powder blue or soft red walls.

A luxurious king bed, mini bar, log fireplace, flatscreen TV, intimate lounge area, ensuite bathroom, balcony and robes and slippers are just some of the luxuries that await in each guest’s room. Beyond your room, a vast menu of facial and massage treatments, body rituals and all-inclusive packages are on offer in the Mountain Spa, and a European-style pool and wooden spa offering panoramic views out to the Gold Coast and beyond are favourite places for guests to sip back and relax with a champagne in hand.

Whether you prefer to lap up the time in your lavish surroundings or venture out on Tamborine’s streets and trails, Verandah House offers one of the best experiences of rejuvenation and indulgence on the market.

Beechmont Estate is a five-star luxury establishment set on 75 acres of manicured farmland atop the Beechmont Plateau, adjacent to Lamington National Park. With space for a maximum of 48 guests, Beechmont Estate never feels crowded, and service is highly personalised to suit your needs.

Let’s start with the food. The ‘farmhouse’ is where chef-hatted restaurant, The Paddock, serves up an à la carte menu that showcases the finest ingredients and sustainable produce from the Scenic Rim and surrounding regions.

In perfect formation around The Paddock like jewels in a crowd, you’ll find Beechmont’s Cabins. Each abode is fitted with king-size or twin betting, an ensuite with a rain shower, luxury Salus body products, a minibar stocked with locally sourced treats, and a private deck looking out onto country views.

If you can’t get enough of the cool mountain air, feel it rush through your hair as you take the complimentary e-bikes out for a ride around the property. For an experience with less peddling and more pampering, book into the Beechmont Estate Day Spa to enjoy facials, massages, scrubs and wraps inspired by the riches of the Scenic Rim.

Set beside the bubbling Cedar Creek, Tamborine Mountain Glades allows visitors to connect with their surroundings just the way they like. Whether that’s staying in a luxurious glamping tent and sipping bubbles in a private jacuzzi or opting for solid walls with balconies that place you amongst the canopy, a stay at Tamborine Mountain Glades will have you forest bathing.

If the elevation and separation from the sweltering coast isn’t enough to keep you cool, check out their array of glamping tents and spa rooms each with their own private plunge pool. Alternatively, pop down to the adjacent Cedar Creek for your pick of rockpools that let you refresh in crisp mountain water (or dip your toes in these idyllic places to cool off within the Scenic Rim.)

You’ll never be without a way to fill your itinerary with Thunderbird Park’s adventure attractions (high ropes, zip lines, laser skirmish, crystal panning, mini golf, pickleball and more) right nearby. To stay nourished while discovering the Glades, visit the Rainforest Restaurant to enjoy breakfast buffets and a la carte menus showcasing local ingredients for lunch and dinner. Feel like a special night in? Purchase from their range of ‘stay enhancers’ (think: curated platers, wines and flowers).

There are plenty more homely-havens found in the Scenic Rim’s mountains. For an elevated getaway, consider Alcheringa, Songbirds, Mount French Lodge, Mount Barney Lodge, Eagle’s Nest Retreat and Wander at the Overflow Estate 1895.