They say that a change is as good as a holiday, but when the two intersect, that’s when the magic happens.
A change of pace, scenery and climate married with a stay at a luxury estate in the Gold Coast hinterland, will leave you feeling restored and invigorated.
At least, that’s how we felt when we reluctantly checked out of Beechmont Estate, still warm from the roaring fire that kept us toasty over breakfast while we devoured poached eggs atop sourdough, kale and beetroot salad, a fruit platter, and homemade Vegemite scrolls, washed down with a steaming latte.
As it turned out, we needed that sustenance before we tackled the ascending Caves Track at the nearby Binna Burra section of Lamington National Park.
The plethora of bushwalking options in the lush, mountainous rainforest that borders the estate is a big drawcard for guests like us. But it’s certainly not the only attraction.
The plethora of bushwalking options in the lush, mountainous rainforest that borders the estate is a big drawcard for guests like us. But it’s certainly not the only attraction.
Beechmont Estate’s signature restaurant, The Paddock, keeps locals and visitors from further afield returning again and again.
Take the example of the couple who recently flew themselves in by helicopter, after dropping their teenage kids off at Warner Bros. Movie World for the day, to savour a long lunch together in the chef-hatted restaurant, overlooking the verdant 30ha of the former Polo estate. As you do.
The Paddock Restaurant. Photo Beechmont Estate.
Chris Norman (Executive Chef) and Alex Norman (Sous Chef and Pastry Chef) serve a seasonal menu focusing on locally sourced produce.
Often, that means fruit, vegetables and herbs picked just moments before from the Normans’ onsite kitchen garden.
At our table, we were served caramelised onion focaccia with smoked butter, followed by a miso-glazed celeriac fondant with potato gnocchi and toasted yeast leaves; beautifully rounded off with a pecan praline parfait, chocolate cremeux and cocoa husk ice cream.
The flavours coupled with the presentation of the dishes make it no surprise that the husband-and-wife duo hail from a background in Michelin-starred establishments.
A luxury pavilion bathroom. Photo Beechmont Estate.
Happily, the estate offers cosy cabins, luxury pavilions, or even a grand four-bedroom residence, all within rolling distance of the restaurant.
After a hearty meal like that, relaxing in front of our cabin’s fireplace with chamomile tea is pure bliss.
But Beechmont Estate is not only somewhere to retreat to in winter – its elevation of 650m above sea level means it’s several degrees cooler, all year round.
Sipping a cocktail as the sun slowly sinks behind the rolling hills in summer or enjoying a lavish picnic lunch under the sprawling Moreton Bay fig tree, are equally delightful ways to spark that holiday magic.
The writer was a guest of Beechmont Estate.
Note: Beechmont Estate has a charging station for electric vehicles.