Wind your way along country roads to discover Spicers Hidden Vale, an escape just an hour’s drive from Brisbane combining the style and comfort of a luxury retreat with the warmth of country welcomes. Here you can discover a genuine regional adventure that combines a breath of fresh air with luxury, garden to plate dining and a generous range of nature-based activities.
You can experience the bush at its best in understated luxury, with space to relax. Space to listen, to laugh, to embark on an adventure among the abundant wildlife on the 12,000 acres of Australian bush.
And here’s a few ways to get the best out of your weekend…
1. Visit Homage Restaurant
On the grounds you’ll find Homage Restaurant, a culinary delight. In 2020 Homage Restaurant opened in the newly built Hidden Vale Homestead, after a short time locating in an authentic historic barn after the original homestead was destroyed by fire.
Here you can experience the award-winning culinary team transform the bounty of their landscape into inspiring cuisine that will delight your eyes and warm your soul.
Fresh honey, fruit, herbs and much valued vegetables are harvested daily from the market garden or trusted local growers. Unique ingredients emanate from Homage’s own smokehouse and captivating preserving room. Fragrant roasts in the ovens, over the coals of the Mibrasa grill or open fire are free-range, sourced from nearby organic farms. You will be warmly welcomed here at this homage to the region, exploring the seasonal bounty from ethical farmers located in the Lockyer Valley, Scenic Rim, Ipswich and Darling Downs.
2. Gold and gem fossicking
You can book in to try your hand of gold panning and gem fossicking for sapphires, emeralds and garnets. It’s just like taking a step back in time.
3. Take a half-day 4WD tour
Let one of the Spicers expert field guides take you on a private tour of the 12,000-acre property. You’ll take in panoramic views from private lookouts and can add on a picnic lunch or cheese and wine for two.
4. Book a koala experience
Guests can experience wild koala sightings and learn about the Hidden Vale Wildlife Centre conservation program on a 2.5-hour tour. The koala safari is led by researchers and will give unique insights into their habits and habitat.
5. Cheese and wine tasting
Relax and enjoy the setting sun with a paired cheese and wine tasting experience. Enjoy three Australian cheeses paired with three Australian wines and hear the stories behind them.
6. Market Garden Tour
Wander the Homage market garden and be taken behind the scenes of the preserving room with walls adorned with jars filled with ingredients on their pathway to your plate. You can also see the smokehouse and learn about the smoking process.
7. Guided Nature Walks
Take a hike around the property with a field guide to lead the way. Learn about the history, geology, ecology and traditional customs of the area. The tour goes for 1.5 hours.
8. Frisbee golf
Have a toss on the three-hole frisbee golf course. Play as many rounds as you like.
9. Guided mountain bike tours
Head next door to Hidden Vale Adventure Park and let a guide show you around for two hours. The tour includes bike hire and helmets.
10. Helicopter fishing
You can fly directly from Spicers Hidden Vale by helicopter to take an Indigenous-led fishing experience on North Stradbroke Island. Enjoy cooked pipis on arrival and use live bait that has been gathered from local shores.
