A 16-acre sanctuary, a luxury Lexus, $1M in gold & more.
A 16-acre sanctuary, a luxury Lexus, $1M in gold & more.
Some homes whisper, but this absolute stunner belts out a power ballad from the mountaintops Von Trapp clan style. Mater Prize Home No. 326 isn’t just a dream property – it’s the whole dream life, neatly bundled into a $5,767,303 prize package.
Think a breathtaking Tamborine Mountain estate, a Lexus GX550 Sports Luxury, and a John Deere ride-on mower that would make your seven-year-old self scream “SHOTGUN!” before anyone else could blink. Oh, and you know, a casual $1 million in gold bullion, ideal for adding a little “cha‑ching” to your tree‑change fantasy.
Perched on a sprawling 16-acre estate inside a private gated community, this architectural beauty is the sort of place that makes you weak at the knees from the moment you arrive. It’s called Aquila – Latin for eagle – and honestly, the name fits. With endless mountain views stretching out like a real-life screensaver, you’ll be tempted to narrate your own life in David Attenborough’s voice.
Inside, the home is a masterclass in mountain luxury. The heart of the house is a grand open-plan kitchen, dining and living space framed by wow-factor five-metre ceilings, and walls of glass that keep the Hinterland panorama front and centre. Imagine hosting a long lunch, binging a series, or simply fixating on the view because, well, the view! Add polished concrete floors, an internal gas fireplace, and seamless flow into the lounge area making it equal parts cosy and colossal, and you’ve got yourself the kind of setup that makes staying in feel like an event.
The kitchen is a modern marvel, complete with a huge butler’s pantry that’s basically a VIP lounge for your groceries. Also, there’s five bedrooms – plus a sixth styled as a dedicated home office – meaning there’s space for family, friends, and that mate who always “just happens to be in the area” and needs a place to crash. Speaking of, the main bedroom comes with views so spectacular you’ll never need a meditation app again because the serenity-coded outlook does all the heavy lifting.
If relaxation is your sport of choice, the inground heated magnesium pool and six-jet spa stands tall at the top of the awards podium. Prefer your leisure time with a side of popcorn? The cinema room, featuring a 99-inch Samsung TV, is ready for movie marathons, doco deep dives or rewatching Off Campus for the seventh time. There’s also a games room with a kitchenette and pool table, because why go out when you can bring the fun in-house?
Outdoors, the magic continues. The fire pit with sandstone seating screams sunset sessions, toasted marshmallows, and deep chats about how you’ll spend your $1 million in gold. The outdoor kitchen – complete with BBQ and fridge – makes alfresco entertaining a breeze, while the triple garage and separate triple Titan shed ensure there’s room for all the toys, tools, and treasures you’ll inevitably accumulate.
And yes, the Lexus GX550 Sports Luxury and John Deere ride-on mower are included. One for cruising the mountain in style, the other for living out your rural glam fantasies. Both equally iconic.
Tamborine Mountain itself is the cherry on top. High above the coastal buzz, it’s a place where crisp air, rainforest whispers, and misty valley views greet you each morning. The community is warm, the artisan markets are bustling, the wineries are boutique, and the cafés are charming. It’s peaceful without being remote, vibrant without being chaotic, and just a short drive from the Gold Coast when you need a hit of beach, shopping or sparkle.
While the home isn’t open for public inspections – private gated community and all – you can explore every inch via the virtual tour from the comfort of your couch. Pyjamas encouraged.
This is more than a prize. It’s a complete lifestyle upgrade wrapped in tranquillity, luxury and a whole lot of “how is this even real?”. Your Tamborine Mountain dream life is waiting – all you need is a ticket. Go on – give fate a little nudge.
Where: Mt Tamborine
When: Not open for inspection (gated community) but you can purchase your tickets here.
Words by Bianca Trathen.
STORY SPONSORED BY MATER PRIZE HOME
Tamborine Mountain’s creative escape awaits at Muddy Matcha.
Getting stuck in the mud isn’t so bad when matcha is part of the deal. Perched along Tamborine Mountain’s Gallery Walk, Clay Temple Co. and Muddy Matcha have teamed up to create a dreamy double act where ceramics and ceremonial tea swirl together for a perfect day out.
The creative collaboration is the handiwork of couple Dyllan Joyce and Janel Eldridge, who have quite literally moulded their passions into one beautiful mountain sanctuary. It’s equal parts pottery studio and matcha bar, a space where getting your hands dirty is a must and your reward is a perfectly whisked cup of green goodness.
The story began, fittingly, on a date. While visiting Tamborine Mountain, the pair spotted a space for lease and the wheels (pottery wheels, that is) started turning. For Dyllan, the opportunity felt fated. Having worked as a pottery teacher in the city, he had dreamt of opening his own studio and the mountain’s creative community felt like the perfect place to fire up that idea.
Dyllan’s path to pottery has been anything but one-note. With a background spanning building, music, teaching and art design (not to mention previously running the sourdough bakery Perfect Loaf!) he’s no stranger to crafting things by hand. Learning construction alongside his father and brother taught him how to shape spaces as well as clay, a skill that comes in handy inside the cosy studio.
Nestled in the oldest part of Tamborine Mountain, the space may be small, but it’s packed with personality. Natural textures, earthy tones and clever design nod to the elements that inspire Dyllan’s work.
Inside Clay Temple Co., students settle in at the wheel to experience the meditative art of pottery. But once the clay has been thrown and creativity is flowing, it’s time to pop next door for the other half of the experience: Muddy Matcha.
While Clay Temple Co. has been opened for a few years, Muddy Matcha has just joined the fold. This is where Janel’s passion comes into play inspired by her Japanese grandfather and shaped by her upbringing in the Philippines.
Every cup of matcha is hand-whisked using organic tea sourced from Uji in Kyoto, widely regarded as the spiritual home of high-quality matcha. The result is smooth, earthy and beautifully balanced sips that pair surprisingly well with pottery-fuelled fun.
Ordering your drink is almost as creative as throwing a bowl. Choose a base – matcha, hojicha, cold brew, chai or cocoa – then customise it with flavours like strawberry, Tokyo banana or salted caramel and black sesame. Pick your sweetness, your milk, and maybe finish with a fluffy honey cloud on top.
In a clever twist for mountain wanderers, drinks can even be canned on the spot so you can take them with you to explore Tamborine’s boutiques, rainforest walks and lookout points.
Or just grab a seat outside the studio and soak up the good vibes. Trust us, matcha tastes even better after making something of your own.
Where: Shop 2-3 / 161 Long Road Tamborine Mountain
When: Clay Temple: Wed–Sun 9am–5pm Muddy Matcha: Sat–Mon 9am–3pm
Instagram:@muddy.matcha
Words by Lisette Drew
Images by Carly King
Peddly Picnics is the new way to explore the magic of Tamborine Mountain.
We love a road trip, but driving around can often make you feel like you’re missing out on secret spots. That’s where Peddly Picnics rolls in, the ultimate sipping, snacking and cycling experience that lets you explore the Scenic Rim at a slightly slower pace.
Set against the lush surrounds of Tamborine Mountain, this brand-new, eco-friendly adventure combines fresh air and foodie fun with a modern, electric bike-powered twist. It’s the perfect day out for couples, friends, families and even your four-legged friend (yes, pups are welcome if they fit in the basket!).
Here’s how it works: book your experience instore or on the Peddly Picnic website, pick up your e-bike and picnic basket from their shop in Tamborine, and set off on a self-guided trail that loops through the mountain’s most celebrated cellar doors, distilleries, cafes, and farm-to-table eateries. Think of it as a progressive picnic on two wheels, with spectacular Scenic Rim views along the way.
And because no one wants to cycle on an empty stomach, the stops are seriously worth braking for.
Kick things off at Picnic Real Food Bar, a wholesome haven from chef Brenda Fawdon, where organic produce and closed-loop sustainability are the order of the day (literally – your scraps are composted back into the soil!).
Just a quick pedal away, Loborn Distillery offers a modern Australian take on amaro, the iconic Italian aperitif. Learn about their sips and soak in the mountain magic.
For wine and beer fans, roll on to Witches Falls Winery and Boxer Brewing Co for a double delight of wild ferment wines on one side, crisp lagers and ciders on the other.
Cauldron Distillery stirs the pot. Set across seven scenic hectares, it’s home to award-winning gins and brand-new agave spirits, best enjoyed with woodfired pizza on the sprawling lawn.
Then coast down to Saint Marthe Brasserie for a French feast before swapping your wine glass for a coffee cup at the Tamborine Mountain Coffee Plantation, where beans are grown, roasted and brewed right where you sip them.
Of course, no Peddly Picnic is complete without a little nature time. Park your bikes at Curtis Falls Track for a short rainforest walk to one of the region’s prettiest waterfalls or take in the views from Robert Sowter Park Lookout, the perfect place to lay out your picnic and watch paragliders drift over the rim.
If you’re anything like us, you’ll want a rest after all the sipping, snacking and cycling. With new accommodation, boutique stays, cabins and glamping spots popping up across the mountain, you might just be tempted to make a weekend of it. Tamborine Mountain is a few degrees cooler than the coast, making it the ideal summer escape.
So if you’re craving a day that’s equal parts adventure and indulgence, get geared up for a trip to Tamborine Mountain.
To book your ride, head to peddlypicnics.com.au.
Where: 43 Main St, Tamborine Mountain
When: 8.30am – 4pm Thursday – Sunday, 9am – 1pm Monday
Words by Lisette Drew
STORY SPONSORED BY PEDDLY PICNICS
Sleep under the stars in style.
If your idea of camping involves plush beds, candlelit baths and zero wrestling with tent poles, you’re in the right place. These glamping escapes – all located within two hours of the Gold Coast – deliver luxury tents, rainforest hideaways, cracking fire pits, outdoor baths and serious switch-off energy. Best of all, you can soak up the great outdoors without committing to a long-haul road trip. We give you full permission to call it camping… even if you’re secretly staying in luxury. We won’t tell anyone!
We’re starting strong with Nightfall Camp, glamping in its most elevated form. Tucked deep within Lamington National Park’s ancient rainforest, the safari tents are anything but modest, featuring freestanding outdoor baths, indulgent organic bedding and interiors so refined you’ll quickly forget you’re technically camping. Days unfold slowly here, spent wandering mossy forest trails or sinking into spa rituals and private yoga sessions, either within the privacy of your tent or beside the gently flowing creek. As night falls, evenings are devoted to organic, decadent feasts enjoyed under canvas, with nothing but the stars above. Wild, indulgent and unapologetically romantic, Nightfall is made for milestone moments and couples who prefer their nature with a generous side of luxury.
Best Suited: Couples seeking a romantic, luxurious rainforest escape
Where: 3009 Christmas Creek Rd, Lamington
Distance from Gold Coast: approx 2 hours
Perched 800 metres above sea level in the Woonoongoora rainforest, it’s no surprise that guests feel on top of the world here at Binna Burra Lodge. On offer: luxury Tiny Wild Houses and Sky Lodges, or safari tents, perfect for families who want comfort without pitching a tent. Activities abound: walking trails, ziplining, cliff climbing, birdwatching, and lawn games. Misty mornings with a coffee in hand and sweeping rainforest views are certainly a highlight. Perfect for nature lovers who want to earn their wine with a bushwalk, then enjoy it somewhere cosy.
Best Suited: Nature lovers, families, and adventure seekers
Where: 1040 Binna Burra Rd, Beechmont
Distance from Gold Coast: approx 1 hour
At Clouds on Beechmont, you’re staying in fully self-contained chalets, the romantic Old Saint Johns Church, or modern Clouds Safari tents with 180-degree panoramic views. Guests can enjoy wine tasting, picnics by Canungra Creek, walks along the Lahey Tramway, and visits to local markets. Waterfalls, wildlife (including vibrant peacocks) and rainforest surround you for the ultimate nature reset. Activities range from spa indulgence to hang-gliding or para-gliding for the adventurous. Bonus: pet-friendly stays are available!
Best Suited: Couples, nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers
Where: 1805 Beechmont Rd, Beechmont
Distance from Gold Coast: approx 45min
Tamborine Mountain’s Southern Sky Glamping experience offers a refined take on camping, blending nature with contemporary comfort. The self-contained tent cabins feature fully equipped kitchens, private en-suite bathrooms and screened glass doors that open to sweeping views across the property, with native birdlife often close by. Accommodation includes queen or double beds, with trundle options making it suitable for families of up to five. Guests can unwind across the expansive green grounds or take a dip in the heated, resort-style swimming pool (closed during winter), while the surrounding region invites exploration with glow worm caves, the Skywalk, treetop adventure courses, zip-lining, waterfalls, scenic bush walks and panoramic lookouts.
Best Suited: Families, couples, nature-lovers
Where: 21-27 Wilson Rd, Tamborine Mountain
Distance from Gold Coast: approx 45min
If camping had a VIP section, this would be it. Woodlands Glamping at Tamborine Mountain Glades pairs luxury safari-style tents (available for couples and families) with rainforest surrounds and creekside serenity. Family tents dial things up with private plunge pools, spacious sundecks with day beds and fully equipped outdoor BBQ areas, while couples’ tents lean into romance with open-air showers, underfloor heating and private outdoor jacuzzis overlooking tranquil Cedar Creek. Days drift between slow strolls and doing very little, while nights are for wine, wildlife spotting and falling asleep to the sounds of the forest.
Best Suited: Families, couples, and nature lovers seeking a luxurious outdoor escape
Where: Tamborine Mountain Rd & Cedar Creek Falls Rd, Tamborine Mountain
Distance from Gold Coast: approx 1 hour
Gold Coast Tree Houses invite you to relax amongst the gum trees without sacrificing comfort. These eco-friendly, off-grid tree houses are thoughtfully designed, with disability-friendly accommodation options available alongside luxurious touches throughout. Wake to bushland views, unwind on private decks and score indulgent soaking moments in a copper bath or stone-carved tub. It’s immersive, peaceful and surprisingly close to the Coast, even though you feel like miles away.
Best Suited: Couples, nature lovers
Where: Lot 1/123 Mount Nimmel Rd, Austinville
Distance from Gold Coast: approx 30min
Tuckers Retreat offers luxury eco-tents with an optional “Indulgence Pack” featuring French champagne, Swiss chocolates, gourmet cheese, antipasto, and more. You had us at gourmet cheese. Each tent even comes with a hydrotherapy jacuzzi- perfect for soaking while watching local wildlife at dusk. This adults-only retreat lets you enjoy the charm of camping without pitching a tent, all while reconnecting with nature. Safari-style tents and rural surroundings make it a perfect romantic escape.
Best Suited: Couples, adults-only retreats and spa lovers
Where: 163 Upper Coomera Rd, Ferny Glen
Distance from Gold Coast: approx 45min
Mountview Alpaca Farm blends rural charm with glamping comfort. Stay in cottages or tents on rolling hills surrounded by paddocks, wildlife, and alpacas. Activities include farm tours, animal feeding, hands-on experiences, and local nature walks and scenic views. Ideal for families, couples, and anyone who wants a countryside escape with a mix of adventure, animal encounters, and peaceful rural vibes.
Best Suited: Families, couples, and animal lovers
Where: 852 Lamington National Park Rd, Canungra
Distance from Gold Coast: approx 45min
For coastal glamping with a side of adventure, Castaways on Moreton Island delivers beachfront tents just steps from sand and sea. Days are spent swimming, snorkelling, exploring, or simply doing nothing; nights are made for fire pits, stargazing, and listening to the waves. This laid-back island retreat is perfect for couples, groups, or anyone craving a salty escape, ocean views, and an off-grid reset without leaving home.
Best Suited: Couples, groups, and ocean lovers seeking an off-grid getaway
Where: 100 Moreton St, Bulwer
Distance from Gold Coast: a ferry ride from Brisbane
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
