Happy New Year – discover what’s new within the Scenic Rim

The Tamborine Boutique Hotel

Serving up a slice of luxury is the freshly opened The Tamborine Boutique Hotel – a stylish reimagining of a 1980s Hacienda-style motel. Guests can expect luscious rainforest and mountain views from each of their 23 rooms, best soaked in from your private balcony or king-sized bed. When you’re not enjoying the room’s incredible interiors, we’d hazard a guess you’ll be lounging beside its heated mineral pool and spa. On the menu, there’s complimentary continental breakfast, bar snack menu, access to “the pantry” (read: flash mini bar of local produce) and Peacock O’clock with hosted drinks in the lounge and bar area. At your doorstep are all the spoils of Tamborine Mountain – that is, if you can pull yourself away.

Pat’s Chalet at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat

New to the famed flagbearer for Australian eco-tourism, O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, is Pat’s Farm – an exclusive offer for those who want the luxury of space. With six exclusive, self-catered chalets on Pat’s Farm, you’ll spend your stay on a heritage cattle farm, surrounded by the World Heritage-listed Lamington National Park. Indulgence and relaxation are the main order of business, and each of the chalets has been designed with that in mind – with a fire pit, deep 2m heated plunge pool and couple’s hammock outside. Low food miles make your break complete; you can order an O’Reilly’s Farm Box to DIY or indulge in Pat’s Farm’s In Room Menu for complete meals to be delivered from O’Reilly’s Dining Room.

Village Inn at Canungra

The stylishly revitalised Village Inn Canungra is now home to 10 brand-new guestrooms ready to accommodate your perfect country escape. The family-owned Village Inn dates back to 1978, welcoming visitors to the idyllic town of Canungra for five decades. Central to bushwalking tracks, vineyards and next to Hot Air Ballooning pick up and drop offs, check into the Village Inn to explore the best of the Scenic Rim.

The Stables Canungra

If you’re looking for a tranquil escape amidst nature, take booking a holiday by the reigns and check into The Stables. This luxury country escape is set inside a lovingly restored Queenslander, less than one kilometre from Canungra’s famous vineyard estates and nine kilometres from its village centre. Sleeping up to six guests, don’t dismiss this one is one for groups – it’s the perfect romantic retreat and even starred on MAFS 2024!). Furry friends are also welcome – the premises are fully fenced. See more places to stay and play with your pup here.

Barney Creek Vineyard Cottages – Quiet Stays

Barney Creek Vineyard Cottages at the base of Mount Barney, has introduced a new accommodation offer in 2025, Quiet Stays. On select weekends of the year, they host Quiet Stays, where all cottages on the beautiful property are reserved for parents of neurodivergent children to have a break, to breathe, and to focus on themselves. The first Quiet Stay was held from November 1-3 and was fully booked. 2025 dates are soon to be announced.

Moogie GLAMP and the Hot Tub Under The Stars – at The Moogie Collective, Lake Moogerah

Accommodation options on the shore of Lake Moogerah have expanded with the introduction of Moogie Glamp and the Wood-Fired Cedar Hot Tub under the stars. This bespoke luxurious off-grid couples retreat is ideal for those wanting a distraction-free digital detox. Simply sit down under the stars, stoke the campfire, and treat your palate to the complimentary baked brie, local Moogerah honey, and freshly grown rosemary. Moogie Glamp joins the Moogie Collective’s suite of established accommodation offerings – Moogie Pod, a bijou pod for two with all the modcons, plus its own outdoor area and firepit and views, and the pet-friendly Moogie House, ideal for up to six people.

Tamborine Mountain Glades

There’s a new addition to Tamborine Mountain Glades’ (formerly Cedar Creek Lodges) 114 hectares, with 20 new luxe suites – The Vistas. The Vistas join their range of accommodation offerings which include rooms, 5-star glamping and lodges. The property recently added to its trophy shelf with two golds at the 2024 Queensland Tourism Awards: the RACQ People’s Choice Award for Accommodation and Best Business Event Venue and joined the eco-elite, certified by Ecotourism Australia in the Nature Tourism category. As you’re enjoying this eco-certified stay, learn how to enjoy sustainable travel here.

Baga Baga – Minjehla Camping

Nestled between Mt. Barney and Mt. Maroon National Parks, Yugambeh Land Enterprises Limited launched Baga Baga – Minjehla Camping. Pitch your tent or drop your caravan legs a short distance from the Lower Portals to explore the region. Comprised of entirely unpowered sites, Minjehla Camping offers a true escape to nature – and is owned and operated by the Yugambeh People. Stay and experience the Dugulumba (Logan River), the majestic awe of (Baga Baga) Mt Barney in the west, Mt Maroon to the north, and (Jalgambuny) Mt Lindesay to the south.

Trinity House, Rathdowney

For a stay packed with loads of country spirit, book a stay at Trinity House Rathdowney. This newly renovated former church (built in the 1900s), is filled with character – and accommodates up to six guests across three bedrooms and two bathrooms, a large living space with a fully equipped kitchen, dining, lounge, wood heater and air conditioning. To soak up the country charm of Rathdowney, watch the world go by from the deck and fire-pit. If you’re not dining in, it’s a short wander up the famous Rathdowney Pub (home of a standout lineup of parmies).

The Sunday House

Set to open in early 2025, be one of the first to cross the threshold of The Sunday House. Set to the backdrop of a verdant valley, on 200 sprawling acres, with Christmas Creek meandering through the property, this two-bedroom cottage offers the perfect break from reality. Just a 90 minute drive from Brisbane and the Gold Coast, it’s a world away from the real-word, where you can wake to birdsong, take a dip in the creek, toast marshmallows by the fire, and look up at a million twinkling stars.

Boxer Brewing Co.

There’s a new brewer on Tamborine Mountain – cheers to that! Boxer Brewing Co., based at Witches Falls Winery, features ‘The Kennel’ Tap Room and Sports Bar and the Brewery Door. On tap, you’ll find their Cerveza, IPA, Lazy Ale and Pale Ale pouring from 10am daily. For a sip trip, try chardonnay and savour craft beer with a visit to both Boxer Brewing and Witches Falls Winery.

Loborn Distillery

An amaro with an Australian twist? You’ll need to visit Loborn’s tasting bar for a sip. This modern amaro (think Aperol, with centuries-old Italian heritage), is open Friday to Sunday on Tamborine Mountain. Loborn literally means Locally Born, and the spirits made here all pay homage to the rich history and craftsmanship of Italy, each with distinct local Tamborine Mountain flavours.

Saint Marthe Brasserie

There’s a new Bistro to put on your holiday agenda, Saint Marthe Brasserie. From the owners of El Burro on the mountain comes their sibling restaurant; Saint Marthe Brasserie – a place to wine, dine, snack and gather. Prepare your taste buds for a menu that features French-inspired small, medium and main plates, whipped up by chef Marcus McKay. Think: terrines, charcuterie and mussels to name a few delicacies.

Sip & Skull

A licence for The Commercial Hotel in Harrisville was granted to Ellen Butler in 1901, and 123 years later, women are once again at the helm, as Sip & Skull opened in December 2024. At Sip & Skull, the focus is on community, conversations and connection.  Opening for now with high teas and a cocktail bar in full swing, their full kitchen is expected to open later in January 2025.

The Logan and Albert Hotel

Affectionately dubbed the “L ‘n A”, the Logan and Albert Hotel in Beaudesert is scheduled to re-open early in 2025 under new ownership. The original hotel was destroyed by fire in 1934, and while a number of renovations have taken place since, the famous façade and design remain true to the vision of the 1934 builders. Expect the kitchen to be championing local produce and pours (look out for the Beauy Beer!), with a seasonal menu and specials like Sunday Roasts, Shanks & Shiraz and traditional pub classics. It’s home to the dining room (called Red’s Kitchen), a micro-brewery, outdoor Garden Bar, Sports Bar and event spaces.  On weekends, The Chandelier Room upstairs will open, featuring an art deco premium bar that’s home to jazz-paired cocktails and boutique wines. There’s also a dedicated area for kids and no pokies onsite.

Canyon Flyer

Australia’s largest, highest and fastest zip line tour has re-opened following the storms on Tamborine Mountain on Christmas Day 2023. The Canyon Flyer has been meticulously rebuilt with added features – now starring an additional zipline to the seven over the 1.4km course. Expect an adrenaline-pumping immersive flight through the treetops, at its home in Thunderbird Park.

Happitat – Cliff Park

Perched on the edge of a 200-metre lava-formed cliff at Binna Burra in Lamington National Park, Happitat will open as the world’s first eco-adventure experience of its kind. An embodiment of sustainable thrill and exploration, Happitat is designed to blend seamlessly into the natural panorama, ensuring minimum impact and maximum enjoyment: scale the vertical cliff face on the Via Ferrata, weave through the geological marvels on the Cliff Conqueror, or fly over it on the Mega Zipline.

The Floral Atelier

Looking to master the art of the perfect bouquet? Local floral artist, Katherine Chamberlain, creates bespoke florals and now runs workshops at her studio at North Stores on Tamborine Mountain. She also hosts regular masterclasses – visit The Floral Atelier website for upcoming dates.

Yarriba Dreaming at Mount Barney Lodge

This new cultural immersion program, Yarriba Dreaming, is one of a kind in southern Queensland and was developed through a collaboration between Savannah Guides and Mt Barney Lodge. The experience sees participants immersed in the ancient landscapes of the Scenic Rim – walking, sharing stories, learning traditional Indigenous ways of living, and considering their own place in nature. The experience is hosted by Gurruhmun ‘Old Man Kangaroo’, a Ugarapul and Bidjara man with ancient local heritage, and the acclaimed Mt Barney Lodge guides.

Sol Elements Bathhouse

Coming soon to the Scenic Rim (Autumn 2025) you can immerse in a transformative sanctuary at SOL Elements Bathhouse. Nestled at Tamborine Mountain Glades, this luxurious spa retreat blends ancient bathing traditions with modern wellness innovations. From rejuvenating thermal pools to soul-soothing rituals inspired by the elements, every detail is designed to ignite balance, serenity, and renewal.

Maroon Hill Estate

Tie the knot in one of the region’s newest editions, Maroon Hill Estate. Perched alone on top of Maroon Hill, this modern-barn sits on 44 acres, with uninterrupted 360-degree views of the surrounding country including the magnificent Mount Maroon. With no visible neighbours, guests can enjoy complete privacy from any part of this property for a dreamy country-luxe wedding and picture-perfect photos.