This Secluded Hinterland Retreat Is The Perfect Winter Getaway
Max Relax
One of my favourite things about winter is embracing the cold and escaping to the countryside. Is there anything more relaxing than reconnecting with nature, rugging up by a fire, and savouring the peace and quiet? So every winter, I make a point to do just that. This year’s location? Beechmont Estate.
Nestled in the Scenic Rim and neighbouring Lamington National Park’s pristine landscape, the journey to Beechmont Estate set the tone for the rest of the getaway: idyllic. With lush views of farmland and many a cow to greet us along the way, we arrived at the gates of the property in full holiday mode.
Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed, swiftly checked in, and guided to our Hinterland View Cabin, complete with an outdoor deck perfect for soaking in the panoramic view. The cabin was cosy and had everything we needed for the night, including a fireplace, which we promptly got to work on lighting…then re-lighting once our first attempt fizzled out soon after the fire starters did.
Lamington National Park is almost 1km above sea level, meaning the climate was much cooler than in Brisbane. And for this city gal who finds Brisbane’s winters almost unbearable, that meant I stayed bundled up for the entirety of my trip and was constantly topping up the in-cabin fireplace. Thankfully, the attentive staff made sure we never ran out of firewood, wordlessly leaving it outside our door like our own personal fire fairies.
Once we were comfortably settled in our home-away-from-home, we were whisked away in a buggy for a private tour of the estate grounds. Originally a dairy farm, the property was then transformed into a polo club before becoming the beautiful retreat it is today. Subtly nodding to its past, equestrian motifs are aplenty throughout the property’s interiors, with framed photographs and artworks paying homage to the estate’s polo heritage. Exploring just a drop in the estate’s 75 acres of untouched beauty, we were treated to a brief history lesson and marvelled at our surroundings, including the huge polo field which is now home to the helicopter pad.
Following the buggy tour, I was dropped off at the day spa, which was conveniently located in the next-door cabin to mine, ready for my holiday to really begin. After a quick consultation with the beauty therapist, we decided on the Custom Spa Facial, personalised to suit my combination skin. I settled into the treatment bed with the afternoon sun dappling into the room through the curtains, and before I knew it, the full hour had flown by. I usually think it’s a waste to fall asleep during a massage or facial, but this time, I truly couldn’t help it.
Afterwards, I lazily dragged myself back to the cabin, joining my boyfriend on our deck to relax further with a tea and my book, before heading to the restaurant, The Paddock, for a sunset tour of the garden and dinner. But not without stopping along the way to take some photos. Maybe it was the golden hour or sun or maybe it was the chemical peel I’d just had, but my skin had honestly never looked better. Plus, Beechmont Estate is seriously picturesque, so it would’ve been rude not to snap a couple pics for the ‘gram.
The garden tour commenced and Executive Sous and Pastry Chef, Alex Norman, showed us around. The Paddock is a paddock-to-plate restaurant and is largely self-sufficient, with almost everything available on the property itself, or within a 14-kilometre radius, including a pumpkin patch, veggie patch, and cattle. With a constantly evolving menu based according to what they have in season, diners can expect up to three new dishes every week, meaning that no two dining experiences are the same here. But back to the garden. Who knew plants could be so interesting? We tasted unique herbs, learned about the creative process behind particular dishes, and got some hot gardening tips from the Chef herself. Psst, struggling with a snail infestation in your garden? Fill a shallow container with beer and let the trap do its work.
One educational garden tour and a hungry boyfriend later and it was finally time for dinner. This was the part I was most looking forward to, having heard rave reviews of the chef-hatted restaurant. Led by the aforementioned Alex Norman and Executive Chef, Chris Norman, this husband-wife duo delivers a casual approach to fine dining, spotlighting quality, sustainably sourced produce.
We enjoyed some delicious welcome cocktails by the fireplace before being escorted to a private corner of the rustic restaurant. We decided on the five-course set menu, which tonight featured truffle in every dish, and eagerly awaited the first course to arrive. Each dish, from the Murray cod fillet to our personal favourite, the wild shot Australian venison, was exquisitely crafted and absolutely divine. You know it’s good when your boyfriend says “woah” after every first bite, right? One of the best meals I’ve had in recent memory, I’m salivating thinking of that oh-so tender venison.
The next morning, the sounds of nearby cows and chirping birds gently woke us up. In an effort to soak up the last of our hours in this stunning place, we once again hit the deck, watching the morning fog roll over the hills. Then, it was back to The Paddock for breakfast.
Eating at The Paddock during the day is a totally different experience than the one we had the night prior. In the darkness, the restaurant is moody and ambient, the perfect backdrop for a romantic night. But in broad daylight, the floor-to-ceiling windows flood the space with natural light, showcasing the amazing view that wasn’t visible in last night’s darkness.
After a satisfying brekkie, it was sadly time for us to pack our things and leave. But not without a few last photos and one final walk around the property. Driving up the long, winding driveway, we were already vowing to return. Until then, we’ll be dreaming of truffle-infused dinners, cosy fireplaces, and misty mornings at Beechmont Estate.