Queensland

Hillview Homestead

Currumbin Valley From $900 per night uniqueestates.com.au Behind the skyscrapers and sequins of the Gold Coast is the Currumbin Valley, an idyllic world of farms and fruit stalls, jacarandas and hoop pines, settlers’ cottages and grand homesteads such as Hillview. This five-bedroom mansion has a spectacular perch on the Mount Warning caldera, looking across the valley to the Mount Tallebudgera escarpment in Springbrook National Park – part of the Gondwana Rainforests World Heritage Area. Savour the panoramas from the cushioned comfort of wicker armchairs, a hammock on the wraparound verandah or a sun lounge near the Hollywood-glamorous pool and spa. (Speaking of Hollywood, actress Cate Blanchett and her family stayed here for three months this year while she shot the latest Thor instalment on the Gold Coast.) The 1905 homestead was once a dairy farm but the décor today is luxuriously eclectic and contemporary. Expect a Guzzini arc lamp, Eames lounge chairs and an impeccably equipped entertainer’s kitchen (two ovens, two dishwashers, two coffee machines) complete with a breakfast bar for family corroborees. The homestead sleeps eight; a separate cottage amply accommodates another four. Activities-wise, there are two mountain bikes, a dam with a rowboat, a trampoline, a kids’ toy room and a library – everything a vacationing crowd might desire. The popular Currumbin Rock Pools are just down the road; Currumbin Beach is less than a 15-minute drive away; and it’s just an hour’s drive to the full catastrophe of family-friendly Gold Coast theme parks. Set aside some time to explore your own backyard of Springbrook National Park and its World Heritage-listed rainforest. Just mind the pademelons.