Driving through forests and rolling paddocks, Spicers Peak Lodge  seems a world away from the hustle and bustle of city life, yet is only a couple of hours away from the city of Brisbane and the major regional city of Toowoomba. Right in the foodies paradise of the Scenic Rim area of Queensland, Spicers Peak Lodge offers so many surprises – stunning views and photo opportunities, an elegant country atmosphere, beautiful food and accommodation – all packaged up in one sophisticated bow, ready for you to enjoy on your wedding day. Let’s join Felicity as we take a tour around Spicers Peak Lodge.

Please describe Spicers Peak Lodge surrounds and location?

As a member of Luxury Lodges of Australia and Relais & Chateaux, Spicers Peak Lodge is one of Australia’s most awarded and luxurious boutique hotels.

The lodge is situated 1,100m above sea level on a stunningly beautiful grassy plateau and is a majestic, architecturally designed cedar and bluestone lodge, with open fireplaces throughout. Perched at the peak of our 8,000 acre property and surrounded by picturesque mountain views, it is truly a destination like no other.

What makes your venue unique?

Being a boutique hotel with 13 rooms onsite, a two hatted restaurant and amazing mountain views make this a stunning destination wedding venue.

Image by Studio Impressions

As you are part of an 8000 acre property, what does this lend to the feel of your venue?

The property is a total of 8,000 acres, 5000 of which are nature refuge and the other 3000 are used as land for Spicers Peak Station, a working cattle farm with 800 head of cattle. While being a working farm, the plateau of Spicers Peak Lodge enjoys the benefits of a variety of native flora and fauna, as well as a relaxed country farm.

What is your role at Spicers Peak Lodge? How much assistance do you give couples?

I am very lucky to have a dual role at Spicers Peak Lodge. I am the Assistant General Manager, as well as the Wedding & Events Coordinator. I am there for all phases of the wedding, from the start of meeting and doing enquiry emails, to viewing the property, booking and then of course on the day. On the day I assist with set up of the venue, as well as all the little details for the couple. The best part – getting the bride just before the ceremony to let her know its time to get married. As a small, intimate lodge I am then there most days the day after the wedding at breakfast and to say goodbye.

Image by Studio Impressions

What do you most love about your job?

Making each guests’ stay a memorable one. Being a secluded, yet personal environment myself and the team get to know all of our guests, making them feel at home. I also love being able to make an amazing memory for all our couples with an easy, stress free wedding. Having an amazing team of chefs, food and beverage staff, housekeeping and spa therapists allows me to have the utmost confidence in the whole team to be able to provide an incredible wedding, where nothing is too much trouble.

Do you have some favourite places outside to hold a ceremony?

We have 8000 acres of amazing places to get married, but certainly the favourite has to be the front lawn next to the pool, with 180 degree mountain views of Spicers Gap and endless green rolling hills.

What are the outstanding features in the buildings?

The building was architecturally designed around the sunset, and the blue stone fireplace. The floor to ceiling windows in the lounge provide the most amazing backdrop for a wedding, allowing the best vantage point for sunset. The Lodge also features a loft area with a stunning balcony with engraved timber boards of all the names of the mountains.

Image by Hamilton Lund

How many wedding guests are you able to seat at a reception?

We can host a maximum of up to 60 guests for a seated reception, with then larger numbers up to 120 guests with a marquee.

Is the chef able to use local produce to create your own take on the food and seasons of your area?

Absolutely. The onsite restaurant, The Peak is a two chef hatted restaurant with the menu designed with the focus on highlighting the best of Australian produce, matched with local produce from the Scenic Rim.

A favourite dish of the chef is…..

Anise braised Mallow organic lamb, fennel, crushed kipfler, or dessert – I love desserts so either the Chocolate, caramel, popcorn, honeycomb or a Cheese Station.

What dining options (for weddings) do you provide?

We offer a 3 Course Alternate drop menu or 3 course shared banquet platter, or to truly have The Peak experience, our 5 Course Degustation menu. We also offer a selection of canapés following the ceremony and charcuterie, antipasto and cheese stations to finish off the night.

Are you able to help the couple with wine matching suggestions?

Another absolutely! Each evening our team matches wines with our nightly changing 5 course degustation, so we are fully equipped to be able to pair wines with a 3 or 5 course dinner. With a group sommelier, Spicers Peak Lodge has a changing wine list, with premium Australian, New Zealand and other international wines, as well as a great selection of craft beers.

Image by Studio Impressions

What facilities do you provide for bride and groom and/or bridal party?

We have a 3 treatment room day spa on site, the perfect place to get ready on the day. The large day spa allows for hair and makeup to come on site in the morning, with a lovely lounge area, bathrooms and an outdoor spa, this is the ultimate retreat to get ready in,

Do you provide accommodation? Or is there a town nearby where guests can stay?

We have 13 rooms onsite, made up of 10 rooms in the main lodge, and 2 Private lodges that sit on the escarpment with the best views on the property and their own outdoor spa. For the additional guests we arrange bus transfers to and from the venue to local nearby accommodation between 20 – 45 minutes away.

Image by Studio Impressions

How much freedom do the bridal couple have in terms of décor, wedding stylist or other suppliers?

We have a preferred suppliers list that I have compiled through working with amazing suppliers over the last 6 years. Most suppliers come from the Toowoomba and Brisbane region as its only 1.5 – 2 hours away. I give personal recommendations on various suppliers, and only recommend suppliers that have worked at the venue before. Couples are welcome to use whoever they would like as we are not contracted to any suppliers.

Do couples stay for their honeymoons or minimoons?

Most couples stay the night before, and often another night after their wedding to enjoy some time together before heading off on their honeymoon. As we are a hotel, guests can stay as long as they would like before and after the wedding.

What activities do you provide on the property?

We have as much, or as little to do on the property (as guests wish). Activities including 8 walking trails, 2 mountain bike trails, tennis court, lawn games, board games & library, onsite day spa, as well as our weekly activities including wine & cheese tasting, gin appreciation club and sunset 4WD tours.

Image by Studio Sixty Photography

What do you love about the area you live and work in?

I love the area as we are slowly bringing awareness to people that the Scenic Rim region is only 2 hours south of Brisbane, and yet has some of the most amazing bush walks, waterfalls and mountainous views, you would expect to find in Tasmania. The area also has many local producers, including the largest producer of carrots in Australia. It’s still a well kept secret, but it’s certainly getting out there.

What do you like to do on your days off?

Coming from a restaurant background I am a foodie, and love exploring new restaurants and bars, whether it be in Warwick, Toowoomba or Brisbane.

Thank you Felicity for sharing your story. This beautiful  venue holds so many surprises that are sure to delight you on your wedding day.  To find out more about Spicers Peak lodge visit the website.

Headshot by Simon Magnus of Spicers Peak Lodge.