Scenic Rim: 

Where to stay

15 OCTOBER 2024

Less than an hour’s drive from Brisbane – spanning ancient rainforest, World Heritage-listed national parks, rolling farmland, and cute country towns – the Scenic Rim is known for its natural beauty and thriving foodie scene. Whether you’re dreaming of a luxury lodge in the rainforest, a quaint bed and breakfast, a rustic farmstay, or a relaxed campsite, we’ve discovered some of the very best places to rest your weary head after a big day of eating and adventuring around the region.  

Luxury lodges, laidback campgrounds and everything in between  

Lamington National Park and surrounds

Positioned 800 metres above sea level in Lamington National Park, the award-winning Binna Burra Sky Lodges – crafted from local slate, stone, and reclaimed hardwood – boast expansive rainforest views that’ll have you feeling on top of the world. Established in 1933, the resort also offers campsites and safari tents, so you can wake up to the misty magic of the rainforest, whatever your budget or camping skill-level.

Another iconic wilderness stay, O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat features rooms within its lodge, a campsite, and 48 architecturally designed villas. Treat yourself to a trip to the Lost World Spa and infinity pool, where you can hang up your walking boots and bliss out after a day amongst the trees.

In the pretty village of Beechmont, the cute-as-a-button Old St John’s Church is one of five accommodation options at Clouds on Beechmont – including a chalet with a veggie garden; a modern house with a sauna; and Indian or African-themed glamping tents, all offering panoramic views across the Numinbah Valley.

Nearby in Lower Beechmont is At Home on Freemans Road, a thoughtfully kitted-out AirBnB. This picturesque two-bedroom cottage overlooking the Gold Coast comes complete with a fireplace, veggie patch, well-stocked kitchen and toys for young travellers.

If a luxury country retreat is more your style – think rolling hills, a hatted restaurant, and a dreamy day spa offering organic facials and massages – look no further than Beechmont Estate, a family-owned Wagyu cattle and polo farm near Beechmont spread across 75 acres of idyllic hinterland.

Located in the heart of Canungra, a tranquil town surrounded by the Lamington National Park’s lush beauty, the refurbished Village Inn Canungra features comfortable and charming guestrooms for a cosy getaway. The family-owned Village is open year-round for bookings, and is centrally located to local shopping, cafes, bushwalking trails, and vineyards, and is a favourite for Hot Air Ballooning pick up & drop off.

Tamborine Mountain

Trade the city for the serenity of Tamborine Mountain Bed and Breakfast, where four secluded cabins nestle amongst lush, subtropical gardens. Charmingly decorated with ensuites and fireplaces, you’ll love strolling through the grounds and admiring the coastal views.

A sustainable, healthy, harmonious space, Homeostasis Retreats Wellness Cabin has been designed with feng shui and wellness principles in mind – think earthen clay-rendered walls, polished concrete floors, organic hemp and linen bedding, plus a permaculture veggie garden out the back.

Tucked down a pathway across from Witches Falls National Park, the idyllic Witches Falls Cottages are straight out of a storybook. The decadent touches – including spas, fireplaces, and breakfast hampers – make this the perfect place for a couple’s retreat, spend a night or two and fall under its spell.

Blending Japanese and Australian hospitality, Yumeji Japanese Retreat is an opportunity to leave your shoes (and your worries) at the door and experience the comfort and attention of a traditional Japanese inn, complete with aesthetic courtyard gardens and your own private Cypress wood bath.

 

Beaudesert and surrounds 

For those who want to get back to basics, Beaudesert Caravan and Tourist Park has a quiet, peaceful feel, and ticks all the boxes when it comes to amenities. With a selection of cabins, as well as powered and unpowered sites, it’s a fuss-free base for day-tripping around the region.

Set on the banks of Lake Wyaralong and named after each of its surrounding mountains, the five spectacular glass-fronted eco pods at Wander at the Overflow 1895 are designed to maximise your connection with nature. Indulge your senses with 100% flax linen bedding, Leif products, native edible bush herbs and an outdoor bath – all those who wander are definitely not lost.

The Lost World 

Seclusion, privacy, romance - when it comes to escaping the world, Wongari Eco Retreat has it all. These self-contained cabins have wood fires, rainforest decks, rainforest showers, and fire pits, and are perfectly placed for exploring the surrounding forest and pristine creek.

Nearby, Christmas Creek Cafe and Cabins offers comfortable, rustic accommodation and adventure activities for families or larger groups. Swimming, tennis, basketball, star-gazing – tire yourself out in this picturesque setting before heading to the cafe for some tasty country-style fare. 

 

Boonah and surrounds 

For a side of old-world charm, look no further than Milford Country Cottages. Bottletree Cottage and Rose Cottage have been lovingly decorated to feel like a home away from home, with two-bedrooms, fireplaces, and everything you need to enjoy your stay – enjoy a glass of wine on the deck as the sun dips below the horizon.

Choose from glamping tents or the Baya Tiny House Eco Retreat at Ketchup’s Bank Glamping, which offers an alluring blend of luxury and sustainability. Take in the incredible rainforest view through the floor-to-ceiling glass doors before cooking up a storm in your alfresco kitchen to the sound of resident birdlife.

Looking out over Lake Moogerah, Moogie House is a stylishly renovated home for a family or group getaway, with three bedrooms, a tropical spa room with twinkly lights, and an outdoor fire pit, plus regular visits from friendly kangaroos and wallabies.

Kalbar and surrounds

The light-filled farmhouse of your dreams, Lumiére Farmhouse boasts eclectic furniture, a fireplace, a chef’s kitchen, a spacious back deck, and peaceful surrounds. Lovingly restored by the McHolden family, this more-than-a-century-old ‘grand old lady’ has an abundance of heart and soul.

In the cute, historic town of Kalbar sits the majestic Herrmann House – a turreted homestead oozing luxury from every room. Elegantly designed with two kitchens, four bedrooms, indoor fireplaces, alfresco dining, and an expansive country backdrop, your stay is bound to be picture perfect.

Farmhouse by name, fancy by nature, Skyline Farmhouse is an exclusive contemporary getaway designed for large families or groups. For weddings, birthday parties, family reunions, and more, the team can hook you up with the best local suppliers to help take your rural celebration to new heights.

Mount Barney and surrounds

Running Creek Cottage Farmstay at Running Creek Beef is a working cattle farm with a quaint, two-bedroom cottage on-site. Take a tour to find out about their paddock-to-plate philosophy before enjoying local wine, cheese, and olives by the fire pit.  

A 1907 farmhouse sleeping nine people, set behind the original school building, The Old Laravale School is one for the retro enthusiasts. With a country-style kitchen, antique furniture, and plenty of old-school charm (pun most definitely intended), this space gets top marks.  

Get on board at The Hill Station – a quaint renovated railway station with 360-degree views at Barney Creek Vineyard Cottages. Alternatively, stay in their serene lakeside bungalow; the romantic Florrie’s Cottage with double spa bath; the family-sized Garden Cottage; or the rustic zero-power cabin, for camping vibes without the hassle.   

Whether you prefer camping, glamping, cabins, or the comfort of a historic homestead, Mt Barney Lodge – with its creek frontage and incredible mountain views – has you covered. Swimming and bushwalking from your door, plus the centre’s range of outdoor activities, means you’re sure to tire yourself out before doing it all over again the next day.  

Feeling inspired to get away from it all? Book your Scenic Rim adventure today.  

Poolside at Calile hotel