NEW RETREAT A BOOST FOR SCENIC RIM TOURISM
Hazelwood Estate is expected to open in early 2021.
11 May, 2020
The Scenic Rim is set to gain a new luxury retreat neighbouring the World Heritage Listed Lamington National Park.
Hazelwood Estate, a 75-acre polo and Wagyu beef property at Beechmont, will transform into a retreat comprising luxury cabin and glamping accommodation, modern conference facilities, a day spa and a wealth of experiences from its Wagyu Cellar Door to farm-gate workshops.
Tourism Development Minister Kate Jones today announced the State Government will help fund the project, with Hazelwood Estate receiving $1.8 million through the Attracting Tourism Fund.
Hazelwood Estate, which is expected to be open for business in early 2021, is tipped to attract an extra 18,000 tourists annually, pumping an extra $4.5 million into the economy. It will particularly target corporate retreats, events and visitors to the region.
Mayor Greg Christensen said it was a significant step forward for the Scenic Rim, particularly in helping the region recover from the impacts of bushfires and COVID-19.
"Hazelwood Estate will greatly enrich the Scenic Rim's tourism offering, and give visitors yet another way to enjoy the stunning natural environment of Beechmont and neighbouring Binna Burra," he said.
"In the Scenic Rim we offer authentic visitor experiences and give people the opportunity to truly connect with each other, with the locals, with nature and with the beautiful land their food comes from. Hazelwood Estate is another rich offering which will bolster our position as The Richest Place on Earth, in Australia.
"This investment demonstrates confidence in our local tourism industry and I thank the State Government for its support."
Councillor Virginia West said Hazelwood Estate's focus on paddock-to-plate experiences would serve to bolster the Scenic Rim's ever-growing local food movement.
"Hazelwood Estate's commitment to showcasing quality regional produce is very promising for the Scenic Rim as we continue to cement our reputation as the delicious. Produce Awards Most Outstanding Region in Australia," she said.
"Our region is rich in fresh, quality food grown by fantastic local producers, so we have an abundance to offer Hazelwood Estate in its paddock-to-plate endeavours."
Hazelwood Estate managing director Claire Burman and her partner, who are Scenic Rim landowners and enthusiasts, said they are incredibly excited to work with the Hazelwood team to bring this unique tourism product to the Scenic Rim.
"Hazelwood will showcase the best regional Queensland has to offer, all in one place, while being so close to the major tourism gateways of Brisbane and the Gold Coast," she said.
“We are delighted that Hazelwood Estate will be able provide luxury accommodation to support visitation of Lamington National Park, especially while the Beechmont and Binna Burra communities recover and rebuild after the bushfires.
“We look forward to working alongside our neighbours at Binna Burra Lodge to complement our offerings and attract more visitors to the spectacular Scenic Rim.”
Minister for State Development, Tourism and Innovation Kate Jones said Hazelwood was a project like no other.
“The next generation of tourists want an experience they can’t get anywhere else,” Ms Jones said.
“The Scenic Rim is one of the most beautiful places in the world. This project will combine the natural beauty of the Scenic Rim with a unique food experience.”
For more information about Hazelwood Estate, visit https://www.hazelwoodestate.com.au/