Visual Hotel Review – Beechmont Estate, Queensland
There’s a place where morning mist drifts through tall gums and the sound of birdsong carries across open paddocks. A place where you can wake slowly, breathe deeply, and let time unfold at a more relaxed pace.
Nestled in the hinterland of Queensland’s Scenic Rim, Beechmont Estate sits quietly on a ridge surrounded by ancient rainforest and farmland. Though just an hour from the coast, it’s remote enough to feel off-grid, yet close enough to slip away to for the weekend.
I recently spent two nights here with my family, surrounded by nature and good food with a gentle rhythm that brought us back to the joy of appreciating the beauty of downtime and the great outdoors.
A Setting That Invites Stillness
Set on 75 acres of rolling hills in Yugambeh Country and bordered by World Heritage-listed Lamington National Park, Beechmont Estate feels far removed from city life and invites guests to relax and retreat. Surrounded by open paddocks, ancient Gondwana rainforest, and views that change with the light, it’s an ideal place for a creative reset, hiking, and indulging in some culinary delights.
Upon waking on our first morning, we saw kangaroos grazing in front of the cabin and kookaburras called from nearby branches. What felt like a front row seat to our own documentary of Australian wildlife, we then had rainbow lorikeets darting through the trees, cockatoos crashing their party, and flashes of colour as vibrant red rosella’s flew against the green tones of the bush. The distant sounds of roosters, horses and cows in the nearby paddock added to the atmosphere as we sat with our cosy blankets and a coffee on the deck. Take a peek at this video to hear the soundscapes and view scenes from our stay.
Throughout the estate there is plenty to explore on foot, by complimentary e-bike, or by car. From the club house and horses, to the polo field, chicken coup and wooden swing dangling from the branches of a mighty Moreton Bay fig tree.
Hinterland Cabins
Our base for the weekend were the Beechmont Hinterland Cabins, beautifully designed spaces with expansive decks, country luxe interiors and the best part of all, a fireplace, which was ideal when the temperatures got a little chilly during our stay.
Sitting by the fire each evening with a warm tea and a book was so perfect, with time to also watch flames flutter as I downloaded images from a day spent wandering in the rainforest.
Inside, the styling is warm and minimal, with natural textures and thoughtful design details that make it feel like somewhere you don’t have to leave at all…except, of course, to visit The Paddock restaurant for some incredible meals. The rain shower, curated mini bar, woven throws, and outdoor lounges all offered subtle comforts that let the view and Beechmont experience take centre stage.
For those wanting a little more space, the Luxury Pavilions offer deep soaking bathtubs, floor-to-ceiling windows, and even more privacy, ideal for couples or longer stays. There’s also The Residence, a sprawling four-bedroom property with lap pool, large living areas and views all the way to the sea, ideal for larger groups, families, or friends…photography retreat anyone!?
A Creative Pause
There’s something so calming about the pace and placement of Beechmont Estate. Without the need to travel far, or rush between activities and viewpoints, I found myself settling into the country lifestyle and pace, with nearby trails just a few minutes away, and an entire estate to wander with my camera.
Photographing here felt effortless. Not in a technical sense, but in the way that my mind was busily distracted by the flickering light, forest tones, shadows, birds and hinterland views. It was less about capturing epic landscapes and more about observing, pausing and letting the scene reveal itself slowly.
For anyone craving a reset, creatively or otherwise, this space offers the clarity that only nature and solitude seem to bring.
Dining at The Paddock
The culinary experience of The Paddock, the estate’s chef-hatted restaurant, is a highlight in itself, and as regular readers will know, I’m no chef myself, sometimes living off a diet of museli bars when I’m out on an adventure. To dine somewhere like this feels like a glimpse into a world far beyond my own kitchen, where ingredients are considered, grown locally (many in the estate’s own edible garden), and prepared in a way that only a true connoisseur of flavour can create.
When you stay overnight, you’ll be treated to a complimentary breakfast, but dining in the evening was something special at The Paddock, we devoured every dish almost as quickly as we noted how delicious it was and curiously discussed how it was made.
Led by executive chefs Chris and Alex Norman, the kitchen crafts seasonal menus that reflect the best of the Scenic Rim’s produce. We opted for the dry-aged market fish, served with basil cavatelli, pickled cauliflower, and ajo blanco, a roast breast of duck with spiced carrot purée, brussel sprouts, and a lentil jus and as my sister is vegan, she was presented with a thoughtful hand-written menu, ending up with a cauliflower dish that was plated with just as much care and creativity.
To finish, we shared the peanut praline parfait, served with vanilla cream and a silky Valrhona Guanaja 70% dark chocolate sorbet, a dessert that felt indulgent, refined, and the perfect note to end on before wandering back to our cabins where the fireplace was calling. You can browse the sample menu of The Paddock here.
Also, on our second day we ordered a picnic to take with us around the property and in the car as we ventured over to Lamington National Park. Take a peek below at the platters – we couldn’t believe it! I was expecting some sandwiches and crackers, instead, inside the basket were fresh sausage rolls straight from the oven (each one taking into account our specific dietary requirements, including my gluten free pastry!), plus dips, wraps and these two huge charcuterie boards.
Adventures – Wandering Through the Rainforest
Just a short drive from the estate lies Lamington National Park, a landscape of towering trees, moss-covered trails, and ancient ecosystems. The Binna Burra section (check here for trail + park info), just 10 minutes from the estate, offers a variety of walks that invite you into the rainforest at your own pace.
Here are the two trails I explored during my stay:
Coomera Falls Lookout (5.5km return – Moderate)
Beginning along the Border Track, this shaded trail winds through forest before opening to one of the park’s most spectacular views, a lookout above Coomera Falls where water cascades into a deep gorge below. Morning light softens the view beautifully, and after rain, the falls are especially dramatic. It is a rewarding half-day hike for those who want a little adventure with a big payoff. I actually spent so much longer than the average time because I kept stopping to record birdsong and take photos/videos.
Rainforest Circuit – Binna Burra (1.2km loop – Easy)
For something gentle but atmospheric, this short circuit weaves through dense subtropical forest, just steps from the main car park. Along the way, interpretive signs share insights into the park’s biodiversity, and the path leads past twisted fig trees and mossy trunks that invite closer inspection. It is ideal for quiet photo walks, especially in soft afternoon light.
On our way to the property we also stopped by Springbrook National Park, which is approximately 55mins drive from Beechmont Estate. Purling Brook Falls and their dramatic drop of just over 100m make for a must-see photo stop, with a number of viewpoints located relatively close to the carpark, or the 4km circuit trail if you’ve got some extra time.
Whether you are a photographer, a nature-lover, or simply someone craving space to reset, Beechmont Estate is a place that allows you to breathe a little deeper. The onsite spa, restaurant, and outdoor adventures provide an experience that lingers far beyond checkout, you leave feeling refreshed, recharged, and ready to return again one day soon.
Explore a stay at Beechmont Estate via their website. If you’re interested in adventures further afield in Queensland, take a peek at the Morris Escapes portfolio.
It’s time to let the photos do the rest of the talking. The image collection below was captured over a two-day period in June, with cosy wintry conditions and clear blue skies. Enjoy a visual review of the experience and if you have any questions about my stay, feel free to leave a comment.
*Please note, I was a media guest of Morris Escapes, however paid a media rate for the accommodation and covered meals since it was a family trip – all opinions are my own and all imagery was photographed during my stay.
Hello! I’m the founder and photographer behind The Wandering Lens.
With 19+yrs experience as a professional travel and landscape photographer, all advice found on this site is from my personal experience, or that of contributors, on the road. I hope it’s useful for your own travels and would love to hear in the comments about your trips and experiences around the world.
