Spicers Peak Lodge

Spicers Peak Lodge, a stunning luxury retreat set upon rolling green pastures atop a mountain in the Scenic Rim, is about the nearest thing you’ll find to heaven on earth in Queensland (or Australia for that matter).

Inspired by the great alpine lodges of the northern hemisphere, Spicers Peak manages to combine their timeless architectural grandeur with a uniquely Australian ambience. Featuring ceiling to floor glass, gorgeous stone feature walls and warm timber trim, it’s a retreat to be enjoyed all year round, and no matter what the weather.

From the minute guests arrive at the entrance, whether to dine or to stay, the experience is seamlessly first class, from the warm greetings of the attentive staff to the awe-inspiring views from the stylish lounge with its mega fireplace, the infinity pool and spa overlooking ethereal panoramas of the Scenic Rim, the delectable food at the hatted chef restaurant and the rooms themselves, with plantation shutters and individual working fireplaces*.

While most come to experience the great outdoors on the doorstep of the lodge, it’s also the kind of place you could settle into for a week without venturing beyond the red London phone box that stands like a beacon at the edge of a paddock.

Upstairs is a mezzanine floor with well-stocked library of everything from books on art to travel guides and novels (the ones you always meant to read), and a pool table while down in the lounge bar by the fireplace are all kinds of coffee table books to get lost in while the waiter fetches coffees or drinks.

Also dotted around in nooks and crannies are table games like Chess and Chinese Checkers are set up to challenge another guest to. And no trip here is complete without partaking in a fabulous Spa session, whether to relax after one of the nearby bush hikes or to release some built-up city stresses.

There’s also a state of the art tennis court overlooking the cow paddocks, mountain bikes for the energetic and what would have to be one of the most stunning settings in the world in which to enjoy an infinity pool and spa. Or, for a real indulgence, guests can take to the skies with a scenic helicopter ride.

When it comes to dining at in-house restaurant The Peak, dinner guests are treated to a heavenly five/seven course degustation menu which changes daily, is seasonal and features top quality regional produce and wines from The Granite Belt and Scenic Rim. Expect to enjoy exquisite degustation dishes like Roast Chicken, Pearl barley bean and sage; John Dee Beef, Burnt chard, pumpkin and Yuzu Miso; and Vietnamese Mint, Blueberry and compressed melon as part of either 5 or 7 courses that can be enjoyed with matched wines.

At lunch time there are great value a la carte menus (2 or 3 course, with or without paired wines) featuring Entrees such as Charcuterie, pickles and brioche, Mains such as Barramundi with celeriac lemon and mint or Ox Cheek with potato puree and Dutch carrots and Desserts such as Meringue, Marscapone and Strawberries.

Breakfast meanwhile is a continental buffet (fruit, yoghurt, cereals, toast and pastries) with the option of combining with delicious hot a la carte dishes and real coffee.

Need to know: Most rooms have working fireplaces, except for the handful of (upstairs) first floor rooms. There are also 2 self-contained guest lodges suited for groups.

Spicers Peak Lodge is only a one and a half hour drive from Brisbane CBD and as such, makes a great destination for day trippers to enjoy a special occasion lunch. It’s also a great place for functions.

The ultimate way to enjoy the lodge, however is as part of the iconic Scenic Rim Trail walk, a three day trek for Brisbane residents (or 4 day for out-of-towners including a night at Spicers on Balfour in New Farm) that incorporates 2 nights at the gorgeous African safari-like tents of Spicers Canopy, 3 days of trekking and finishing with a night at Spicers Peak Lodge.