Spicers Peak Lodge Maryvale

As you watch a band of morning clouds roll through the mountain peaks, close enough to almost touch, you instantly feel part of nature’s grand scheme.

At 1,100 metres above sea level, Spicers Peak Lodge immerses you in the sights, sounds and spirit of an unspoiled wilderness. At its heart lies the palatial mountain lodge, where guests are enveloped in Spicers’ signature comfort and exquisite luxury, and every wish or whim is attended to with quiet aplomb.

Poised majestically atop a soaring mountain of the imposing Great Dividing Range, Spicers Peak Lodge is surrounded by untouched rainforest, the world heritage listed Main Range National Park and the dramatic volcanic scenery of the fertile Scenic Rim.

With its rarefied position, a distinct sense of solitude and stillness fills the air, whilst the enticingly remote location gives promise to endless adventures. At the top of the long winding country road that delivers you to the lodge, you’re greeted by the retreat’s own herd of curious and hirsute Highland cattle, their splendid locks flowing in the breeze.

Inside, the towering peaks of the main guesthouse reach for the wide sky; imposing wooden beams frame the rooms with intent; and the heavy stones of the striking fireplace connect calmly with the earth.

Tall panes of glass invite the gentle light to stream in, and soft leather couches invite the guest to while away time without care or contrition. The lounge and dining rooms are cavernous and are filled with exceptional and carefully curated artwork and sculptures, punctuated by some of the country’s more significant indigenous pieces.

In The Peak restaurant, a captivating story unfolds daily, celebrating the very best of Australian cuisine and ingredients. With a nod to the narrative of the great Australian battler, and a modern twist applied for intrigue, diners will often find dishes such as Kangaroo Island marron, Abrolhos Island scallops, Red Gum lamb rack and native pepper and white chocolate ganash on the menu.

This inimitable retreat is Australia’s highest non-alpine mountain lodge, and here, every experience is elevated. Myriad adventures await in the sky or on the land. For the active, there’s helicopter scenic flights, nature hikes, 4WD discovery tours and mountain biking.

For those wishing for a gentler pace, there’s sunset picnics, star gazing, a guest library, pool table and tennis court. The peerless infinity pool – with yawning views of the mountains – is a temptation impossible to resist for most, as are the indulgent and restorative powers of the Spa Anise Day Spa.

The ten suites and two private lodges at Spicers Peak Lodge offer the ideal remote hideaway, swathing guests in opulent furnishing and fittings. Bluestone and wooden floorboards accentuate the mountain aesthetic in the Lodge suites, while cosy reading nooks and direct access to the library are a feature of the Loft suites.

In the private standalone lodges, separate lounge rooms, outdoor spas, private verandas and panoramic views create the ultimate remote luxury escape.

THE HISTORY
Spicers signature retreat, Spicers Peak Lodge is where the Spicers Retreats story began. Peak Lodge was built from scratch with love, and a view to sharing the breathtaking, natural scenery of the Scenic Rim with you.

Spicers Founder, Jude Turner and her husband, Graham “Skroo” Turner both grew up in the Scenic Rim region, in Warwick and Stanthorpe respectively, so have always had a soft spot for the area.

The pair met in London working for Skroo’s then fledgling travel business, Topdeck Travel. They later married and returned to Brisbane, Australia, where they started their internationally renowned Flight Centre business, and settled to raise their young family.

Living in a rural suburb in Brisbane’s West, the children attended school and later university. Once the kids had flown the coup, however, Jude and Skroo moved into the inner city, which left them yearning for some country land where they could build a farmhouse for family visits.

They both felt drawn back to the beautiful but relatively undiscovered Scenic Rim region common to their childhoods. In 1999, they bought a mountain-top property called ‘Cedar Mountain’ for around $300k at auction.

The property was known as ‘Cedar Mountain’ because of the wealth of cedar timber that had been taken from the site in the late 1800s-early 1900s. At the time of the sale, the only structures on the property were a few sheds and an old barn. These were retained and used as storage facilities. Beyond that, they would need to start from scratch.

The property is 8,000 acres in size and sits at 1100m above sea level. With a winding 11km driveway the development of the lodge took 2 years to complete.

The more Jude and Skroo visited the Spicers Peak property in those early days, the more the couple realised that if they built a farmhouse solely for their family, they were unlikely to visit often enough for it to be worthwhile. The opportunity to share the experience emerged; ideas started percolating of a boutique style getaway for the public.

Jude and her sister Ros immersed themselves into the design of Peak Lodge, giving life to Jude’s original vision of a boutique accommodation experience. The stone that frames all fireplaces through the lodge was hand hewn in Scotland arriving as ballast on ships bound for Adelaide.

Jude found the stone and had it transported to the mountain taking 17 semi-trailers. Once here it took 55 trips to get the stone up the 11km drive to the plateau. With only one load falling off the truck.

In 2006 Spicers Peak Nature Refuge was established covering 2000ha of the 3000ha property. It has 7km of boundary with the Main Range National Park, meaning the area has significant conservation value and is protected in perpetuity through a Conservation Agreement between the owner and the Queensland Government.

This agreement binds all future owners to conserve the significant natural and cultural resources of the area, and provide for the controlled use of the land’s natural resources for livestock production, eco tourism and adventure activities. Jude is a passionate conservationist and went on to create a further 2 nature refuges at different properties.

ROOMS & SUITES
With a mix of elevated Loft Suites, Lodge Suites featuring bluestone fireplaces, and Private Lodges perched on the escarpment, Spicers Peak Lodge offers the perfect blend of connection and seclusion in luxurious comfort.

TWO BEDROOM PRIVATE LODGE
Positioned at the edge of the escarpment the Two Bedroom Private Lodge is the epitome of privacy and luxury. Surrounded by bushland, the Lodge features an outdoor Jacuzzi with views over Spicers Gap and two spacious bedrooms with king size beds with ensuites. Ideal for a group of friends or family getaway, you will never want to leave.

ONE BEDROOM PRIVATE LODGE 
This Private Lodge is perfect for guests who want to enjoy a more private, luxury getaway whilst still accessing the full use of the main lodge’s facilities. Surrounded by natural bushland with a private outdoor infinity spa and double sided fireplace you will be sure to enjoy your lodge inside and out.

LODGE SPA SUITE
For an indulgent escape we recommend a Lodge Spa Suite. Relax in the spa, enjoy a glass of champagne on the balcony, or unwind with the crackling fire as your soundtrack to a chilly winter night.

LODGE SUITE
Located on the ground floor with expansive views across the valley to the surrounding mountain ranges, the Lodge Suites are tastefully decorated and feature a private balcony to enjoy the vista.

LOFT SUITE
Centrally located adjacent to the guest mezzanine level, the Loft Suites provide a spacious yet private oasis in the main lodge. One Loft Suite features mountain views, while the other features rural farmland views.

ACCESSIBLE LODGE SUITE
Located on the ground floor with expansive views across the valley to the surrounding mountain ranges, the Lodge Suites are tastefully decorated and feature a private balcony to enjoy the vista.

DINING
With such a uniquely Australian setting it’s only fitting that The Peak is an exceptional dining experience using the best of Australian produce, sourced as locally as possible. With a menu that changes daily, this is truly dining at the height of luxury.

In the elegant mountain top haven of Spicers Peak Lodge, you’ll discover a dining experience that scales the dizzying heights of Contemporary Australian cuisine elevated by the finest regional produce.

With the ever-unfolding majesty of the Great Dividing Range serving as a seductive backdrop, The Peak Restaurant embarks daily on a peregrination of the best of Australian flavours, produce, creativity and technique. Like the clouds rolling through the valley below, the menu is electrifying, bold, elegant and thoughtful.

The kitchen raises a triumphant flag to the heart and soul of our country, and the central narrative of celebrating the best Australia has to offer cleverly informs the food experience.

Dishes such as Red Gum Lamb Rack, Kangaroo Island Marron and Abrohlos Island Scallops are illustrative of the approach and style, while classic ingredients such as duck breast, fish, pork and garden vegetables are teamed with native flavours.

Deserts are playful and intoxicating – Bombe Alaska or Native Pepper and White Chocolate Ganache are just two recent creations to feature on the menu. In keeping with the location’s history as a working potato farm, the team works in close partnership with passionate and tireless local producers to ensure the ingredients sourced are fresh, sustainable and in-season.

The dining room is filled with comfortable furnishing and is punctuated by the stone clad open fireplace; whilst the outdoor dining terrace provides a cool, seraphic experience with uninterrupted views of the Scenic Rim mountain ranges. Perfect for friends, romantic evenings and special occasions, the mood is rarefied, yet relaxed.

With its remote location, accomplished menu, attentive service and global wine list, The Peak at Spicers Peak Lodge remains one of Australia’s sought-after culinary destinations.

WEDDINGS
Why just walk down the aisle when you can walk amongst the clouds? Spicers Peak Lodge is one of Australia’s most awarded and luxurious venues, specialising in exclusive destination weddings.

The scene for your perfect day is set 1100 metres above sea level on a stunningly beautiful grassy plateau where a majestic, architecturally designed cedar and bluestone lodge frames your perfect day.

MEETINGS
The unique mountaintop location of Spicers Peak Lodge makes it ideal for board and senior management meetings as well as incentives, executive retreats and exclusive events. Situated just two hours from Brisbane, set in over 8,000 acres of naturally inspiring wilderness, Spicers Peak Lodge is luxury at its finest.

SPA ANISE
Spa Anise at Spicers Peak Lodge is a beautiful, purpose-built mountaintop spa retreat with specially designed single and double treatment rooms, a plunge spa pool on the deck and relaxation lounge with open stone fireplace. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a day spent exploring the natural beauty of the countryside.

• Aromatherapy massage
• Pregnancy massage
• Hot stone massage
• Performance facial
• Full body treatments

CAN-AM ADVENTURES
The wonders of Spicers Peak Lodge are best explored by Can-Am. Discover the rugged terrain with a personal guide as you travel to the very edges of our stunning property. Venture through creek crossings, across extensive farmland and stop for a picnic lunch at Bellbird Weir.

This adventure is ideal for all age groups and fitness levels and will be a highlight of your visit to Peak Lodge. The Can-Am Adventure takes four hours and costs $195 per person. This experience is available for a minimum of two people and a maximum of 5 people and includes a picnic lunch, tea and coffee.

SUNSET 4WD TOUR
This is a chance to experience the true wilderness of Cedar Mountain, the home of Spicers Peak Lodge. Tackle the vast network of mountain property trails by 4×4 vehicle, cruising down one ridgeline then up another.

View wallabies coming out to graze on the fresh plateau grass or bounding through the trees. Listen to the serene call of the Bellbird. If you’re lucky maybe you’ll catch a glimpse of a massive wedge-tailed eagles circling the skies.

Hold on tight as you experience the exhilarating ridgeline rollercoaster ride out to Ryan’s Lookout. Once arriving at the lookout, enjoy the stunning sight of the sun sinking into the western valley whilst enjoying a glass of bubbles and a delicious cheese board.

MOUNT MISTAKE HELICOPTER EXPERIENCE 
Take to the sky with a scenic helicopter flight like no other. As you depart from Spicers Peak Lodge, heading east across the Main Range National Park, take in the sights of Mount Mitchell, Mount Cordeaux and Spicers Peak Saddle.

Winding through the Great Dividing Range, a clearing opens atop your private mountain destination – Mount Mistake, a private property owned and managed by Spicers Retreats.

After your 15 minute journey, you will land to enjoy a gourmet picnic accompanied by your choice of bubbles, beer or wine on the escarpment edge with views east over Mount Beau Brummell and the Lockyer Valley.

Enjoy 30 minutes for your private picnic and photographs, before returning to Spicers Peak Lodge. As you fly south through Maryvale Valley, the lodge will appear with the open plateau on the horizon – truly the most spectacular way to take in the remoteness of Spicers Peak Lodge.

HELICOPTER FISHING EXPERIENCE 
This incredible Aboriginal Fishing Experience will see you arrive by helicopter from Spicers Peak Lodge, with a scenic flight over Brisbane city, across Moreton Bay and along the coastline of South Stradbroke Island with views of the ocean and possible whale sightings, before landing on North Stradbroke Island, Minjerribah.

You’ll be greeted by Quandamooka Traditional Elder Andrew Watego on arrival who has picked the perfect fishing location of the day based on time of year, tides and moon, plus one million years of local knowledge passed down from his ancestors.

Your fishing day with focus on fishing technique and bait collection on the beaches or still waters of the Island. Eugaries (Pipis) cooked over an open fire will be your entree and welcome. The bait is live and fresh and gathered from Minjerribah shores. A truly special and unique experience.

SCENIC RIM WINERY TOUR BY HELICOPTER
This is an unforgettable experience for wine lovers. Departing from Spicers Peak Lodge, take in the stunning views of the Scenic Rim from the sky as you travel to some of the most renowned wineries in the region.

This all-inclusive tour for two people takes you to The Overflow Estate 1895, Bunjurgen Estate and Kooroomba Vineyards and includes wine tastings, a bottle of wine to take home from each winery and a 3-course lunch including beverages. This tour is available from Wednesday-Sunday.

GRANITE BELT WINE TOUR BY HELICOPTER
This is an unforgettable experience for wine lovers. Departing from Spicers Peak Lodge, take in the stunning views of the Granite Belt from the sky as you travel to some of the most renowned wineries in the region.

This all-inclusive tour for two people takes you to Ravens Croft Wines, Savina Lane Wines and Ballandean Estate Wines and includes wine tastings, a bottle of wine to take home from each winery and a 3-course lunch including beverages. This tour is available from Wednesday-Sunday.

BUSHCRAFT
Learn tried and tested skills used by our bushmen and early settlers. We demonstrate a range of methods used to make fire from throughout time, with a focus on techniques used in Australia’s history.

We demonstrate friction methods and explore the flint and steel techniques used by our bushman and early settlers. You’ll have a chance to put these methods to the test throughout the experience. You’ll also learn how to weave lomandra, a plant found throughout our property, into rope.

Complimentary experiences are offered over a set weekly roster. You will be advised of daily experiences upon arrival. Alternatively, please contact reception to enquire about making a private booking.

BILLY TEA & DAMPER
Enjoy an experience that’s steeped in history. Using techniques similar to those used by early settlers and explorers, we make a pot of traditional billy tea over a roaring fire. Sip this traditional brew with a delicious piece of damper with your choice of treacle, malt syrup or honey collected from bees from our property.

While you relax and enjoy your cuppa, our guide shares stories about the history of the region. Complimentary experiences are offered over a set weekly roster. You will be advised of daily experiences upon arrival. Alternatively, please contact reception to enquire about making a private booking.

MILLAR VALE CREEK HIKE 
Embark on a tour to Millar Vale Creek from Spicers Peak Lodge and explore volcanic rock walls which are millions of years old, along with platypus habitat and bat caves. Taking place on our own private property, this is truly an exclusive Spicers’ experience.

The walk ventures along unmarked trail that follows Millar Vale Creek from west to east. It begins on an open, flat area of dry sclerophyll forest before descending into the gorge where we explore the creek system, home to turtles, fresh water mussels and crayfish.

CELLARMASTER WINE & CHEESE TASTING
It has been said that age appears best in four things: old wood to burn, old wine to drink, old friends to trust and old authors to read.

Let our in-house sommelier at Spicers Peak Lodge take you on an age-old culinary journey as you delight in an interactive education about the nose, notes, palate and profiles of three of our Premium Cellar Master Wines, expertly matched to three of our chef selected cheese varietals.

Each bottle holds a memory of the vineyard, the harvest, the process and the passion. Let us pour you a glass by the warmth of our lodge fire and help you and your loved ones create memories.

PICNIC WITH A VIEW
Imagine feasting on a delicious, gourmet picnic parcel prepared by an award winning restaurant. Now imagine it 1100m above sea level where you feel like you can touch the clouds. Add in breathtaking views of a World Heritage Listed national park and you have an experience that is one for the bucket list.

Explore the 8,000-acre property at Spicers Peak Lodge while enjoying this picnic of a lifetime which comes complete with basket, rug, comfy pillows, cutlery, glasses, drinks, and cuisine that will do crazy things to your tastebuds. With 180 degree views of the Scenic Rim, this is a picnic experience you will never forget.

PEAK TO HIDDEN VALE KOALA
Take a scenic helicopter flight from Spicers Peak Lodge to Spicers Hidden Vale and track koalas in their natural habitat at the Hidden Vale Wildlife Centre. Leaving from Peak Lodge, your flight will take you over the Little Liverpool Range before arriving at Spicers Hidden Vale.

Embark upon a guided 2-hour Koala Experience where you will explore parts of the 12,000 acre property to find koala hotspots and assist researchers in checking the welfare of the koala community. You must wear enclosed shoes on the koala experience, and long pants are recommended.

Follow your Koala Experience with an award winning dining experience at Homage Restaurant, including a two course lunch and a glass of wine or beer upon arrival inside the homestead. A portion of the Koala Experience cost goes back into funding the Wildlife Centre’s research projects.

HALF & FULL DAY SPICERS TOURS 
Create your own itinerary! Discuss with your guide what you would like to experience and they will create a unique tailored itinerary just for you.

Options include day hikes from Spicers Peak Lodge to summits or waterfalls in neighbouring Main Range National Park, a visit to the spectacular sights of Queen Mary Falls and Lake Moogerah or a trip down memory lane on a history tour through the local townships of the area. The choice is yours!

Half day and full day itineraries include private guide, bespoke itinerary, vehicle transfers, gourmet picnic hamper and your choice of inclusive drinks.

PRIVATE WHISKY APPRECIATION
The name ‘whisky’ derives from the Gaelic ‘uisge beatha’ meaning ‘water of life’. This fermented grain liquor has a respected presence in Scotland, America, Ireland, Canada, Australia and Japan. Join your Spicers Peak Lodge guide in exploring the flavour profiles and distilling history of three of our Premium Cellar Master drams from around the world.

Unveil the story contained within each bottle and discover how this ‘life water’ has survived thousands of years, whisky rebellions, prohibition and so much more. This 45 minute experience is limited only by how adventurous your taste buds are.

ART APPRECIATION TOUR
The average person spends 17 seconds looking at a work of art in a museum. But understanding it requires slowing down and taking time to see the details. Be guided through the carefully curated art and sculpture of Spicers Peak Lodge during this 30 minute experience.

Discover more about the lives of the artists behind these masterpieces and be taken on a journey as you learn about the balance, harmony, movement and mediums of the subject matters they portray.

Complimentary experiences are offered over a set weekly roster. You will be advised of daily experiences upon arrival. Alternatively, please contact reception to enquire about making a private booking.

YOGA
Settle onto your mat, close your eyes, and connect to your breathing. Leave the distractions of the world behind and gift yourself a moment during this one hour guided yoga and meditation experience at Spicers Peak Lodge.

Hatha yoga offers a gentle series of stretches that connect mind, body and breath through flowing movement. Yoga mats, blocks and other props are provided. Please advise your instructor of injuries or pregnancy within the first trimester. Poses can be modified to suit all levels of fitness.

Complimentary experiences are offered over a set weekly roster. You will be advised of daily experiences upon arrival. Alternatively, please contact reception to enquire about making a private booking. Private classes may be held in the comfort of your suite or outside amongst the sights and sounds of nature.

MOUNTAIN BIKING
This downhill mountain bike track at Spicers Peak Lodge is not for the faint hearted! Ride down the undulating terrain through the surrounding eucalyptus and acacias.

Don’t worry – a pick-up at the trail end can be arranged (depending on staff availability). For adventurous souls, tackle the 7km uphill road to return to the lodge. Bikes and helmets are available to use at your leisure. This track is for intermediate to advanced mountain bikers.

PEAK WALKABOUT
Join your Spicers Peak Lodge guide in a walk around the lodge plateau rim, learning about the history of Cedar Mountain, from its humble potato-growing days to the luxury destination it is today.

Explore the geology, ecology, flora and fauna that make this area of South East Queensland so incredibly unique. Allow yourself to disconnect from your every day and reconnect with nature.

Inhale the serenity of the breathtaking views over Main Range National Park, from one or more of our lookouts and marvel at the silence broken only by the call of the bellbird. Return with your guide to the lodge lounge for a refreshment or perhaps extend your walk further.

Complimentary experiences are offered over a set weekly roster. You will be advised of daily experiences upon arrival. Alternatively, please contact reception to enquire about making a private booking.

Rooms: 12

Price: from 675 EUR per night

Source: www.spicersretreats.com