A former dairy farm in Southeast Queensland's Scenic Rim has been transformed into a luxury country getaway.
Hazelwood Estate on the Beechmont Plateau, neighbouring the world-heritage listed Lamington National Park, was formally opened on Friday.
Andrew and Claire Northcott bought the dairy in 2014, turning it into a 30-hectare working Wagyu cattle and polo farm, along with a homestead and guest house.
The couple set out with overseas visitors in mind by creating three luxury pavilions and 16 eco-friendly farm cottages for up to 40 guests.
It also includes a day spa, a restaurant and club house, Wagyu Cellar Door restaurant, a tack room where visitors can gear up to explore on horseback or learn about beekeeping, permaculture and cooking in the workshop.
Hazelwood Estate general manager Tom Simpson said the estate was targeting corporate, health and art retreats, project launches, and high-end events.
"Visitors can enjoy bushwalking in Lamington National Park, our day spa, polo, gourmet picnics as well as beekeeping tours and of course the Wagyu Cellar Door, both of which are available in early 2022," Mr Simpson said.
"Hazelwood's experiential offerings have been designed to provide a true escape from modern city life, offering visitors genuine rural experiences, through a curated calendar of events, activities and workshops.
"We hope the opening of Hazelwood Estate will provide another reason for Australians to travel to and within Queensland following COVID-19 and discover the world class tourism offerings we have right here in Queensland, while contributing to the recovery of Gold Coast Hinterland tourism following the 2019 bushfires."
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The state government pitched in $1.84 million through its Attracting Tourism Fund to help make Hazelwood Estate's luxury makeover a reality.
Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe, who attended the opening, said the Attracting Tourism Fund predated the global pandemic and was initially intended to build the infrastructure the Scenic Rim needed to attract international visitors looking for luxury experiences.
"We think domestic visitors will also see the value in Hazelwood Estate," Mr Hinchliffe said.
"It's predicted to help bring up to 18,000 extra visitors to the Scenic Rim with potential to contribute almost $4.5 million to the local visitor economy.
"The estate opens as the region continues its recovery from the bushfires of 2019 and the global pandemic."
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