When Lamington National Park is your neighbour, you’re blessed with unparalleled access to nature’s playground. Part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, Lamington National Park covers more than 20,000 hectares. If you’ve only got a few days to explore, here’s a few tips on how to make the most of it.

Plan hikes & walks in advance

The Binna Burra region wraps around the back of Beechmont Estate and has 13 walks for different fitness and experience levels. Quick research into the difficulty of walks will help you find the one just right for you. Whether you’ve only got time for a 30 minute rainforest circuit or a full day trip, you’ll enjoy the walk more if you wake in time for wildlife spotting, and are prepared with the right shoes, insect repellent, sunscreen and water.

2. PADDOCK TO PLATE

It’s the name of the game in this bountiful part of the world. Start out at Beechmont Estate’s appropriately named restaurant, The Paddock, where local seasonal produce dictates the menu. On Monday and Tuesday nights, settle in for The Pasture tasting menu.

Keen to take your shoes off? Order a Paddock Picnic Hamper and the kitchen will whip up fresh sandwiches, cheeses and cured meats for you to take out into the grounds. Between Wednesday to Sunday, make your way to the Sunset Terrace for a Wine and Cheese tasting class or settle in for Cocktail Masterclasses, held straight after.

3. TASTE TOUR OF THE SCENIC RIM

If you’re keen to venture further afield, head out with a Scenic Rim Farm Gate Trail map. Check the website for open days, when the likes of Canungra Creek Fingerlimes (don’t miss the marmalade!) and Tommerup’s Dairy Farm (make a beeline for the Jersey Girl ice creams) sell their produce at farm stalls.

4. BLISS OUT

More interested in getting back to nature with an organic facial? The Beechmont Estate Day Spa is calling. With the sprawling grounds in the distance, you’re a million miles away from the rat race as your therapists treat you to deep hydration, collagen boosting and tension relief. Book in for a Body Boost treatment and you’ll even get to soak up the benefits of raw local honey.

5. CHASE WATERFALLS IN LAMINGTON NATIONAL PARK

Spend an afternoon in the great outdoors ticking a few spectacular falls off your list. The Moran Falls, and the two-tier Elabana Falls are some of the locals’ favourites. Save time to check out Coomera Gorge too, on an 8km loop.

Chris hails from Scotland and boasts a career established in Michelin-starred restaurants and luxury hotels in the UK. His refined approach emphasises classic flavour combinations using modern techniques and he has a passion for ethically sustainable produce, which aligns perfectly with The Paddock’s commitment to the farm-to-plate ethos. Alex similarly honed her skills in Michelin-starred establishments and brings a meticulous touch to pastry and desserts. Her journey from a scholarship with London’s Royal Academy of Culinary Arts to roles at iconic luxury hotels and restaurants has allowed her to develop a flair for innovative desserts.

The couple met while both working at The Ritz, London and travelled to Australia in 2011. Here, they have lent their expertise to chef-hatted restaurants including Brisbane’s Hervé’s Restaurant & Bar, Sydney’s prestigious Merivale group, and luxury hotels and resorts including One&Only Hayman Island, Gold Coast’s Palazzo Versace and Emporium Hotel, Brisbane.

Morris Escapes CEO, Ross Penegar said Chris’ and Alex’s appointments are the latest example of of the group’s commitment to culinary excellence at its luxury lodges spread throughout Queensland.

“This marks the next big step for Beechmont Estate, one that will build upon the luxury retreat’s established reputation for sophisticated paddock-to-plate gastronomy,” Penegar said. “Chris and Alex are dedicated to showcasing the region’s finest ingredients, sourced sustainably from our on-site kitchen garden and the surrounding area. They emphasise a true farm-to-plate experience through a thoughtful use of native ingredients and local producers delivering directly to the kitchen door.”

Their passion for local flavours is obvious and brings to life an à la carte menu that encapsulates the essence of locality and seasonality, featuring dishes such as farm asparagus with whipped tofu, sweetwater cray with brandade croquette, dry aged wagyu rump served with beetroot, and Pike’s Creek black diamond plum with pistachio frangipane and finger lime leaf ice-cream. With its unpretentious take on fine dining, The Paddock offers an immersive restaurant experience and welcomes guests staying at Beechmont Estate, as well as visitors.

Chris and Alex are introducing a fresh calendar of events not to be missed in 2024, including guest chef collaborations, winemaker weekends and high teas.

WINE & DRINKS

Produce certainly isn’t the only thing growing in this fertile soil. The Sarabah Estate Vineyard sits just outside Canungra in a quiet valley that’s home to very happy vines. Sample the house drop with a meal at The Chalet Bistro or head straight to wine tastings. The pizza bar stays hot until 8pm on Saturdays.

At Tamborine Mountain Distillery, the team are famous for small batch liqueurs and spirits. Distillery tours, tastings, or even masterclasses are on offer, so whether you want a tipple or to spend an afternoon stepping up your knowledge of spirits, there’s plenty to keep you busy.