Even the verdant Scenic Rim, south of Brisbane and west of the Gold Coast is on the up. It’s now home to one of the state’s most exciting restaurants Blume, Boonah, which was named one of the top regions in the world to visit by Lonely Planet in 2022. Beechmont Estate, formerly known as Hazelwood Estate, became part of the prestigious Northern Escape Collection in November. To Brisbane’s north on the Sunshine Coast, Calile Malouf investments is planning to build the Calile Noosa, an integrated resort tucked away on the Noosa River with 178 rooms, 12 suites, 15 villas and a number of dining options. On the Gold Coast, just an hour south from the capital, QT Hotels unveiled qtQT Cabins in November, a collection of tiny house-style cabins on the rooftop of its Ballroom, replete with its own “curator of sunshine”; an experience designed to appeal to those looking for something different in Surfers Paradise. Almost next door, Marriott is planning to introduce Australia’s first St Regis, as part of Tim Gurner’s luxe La Pelago development.
