10 Reasons to Holiday Here in 2020

Dorothy was right – there’s no place like home. Australia has some of the most beautiful landscapes, intriguing animals and tastiest food in the world and we couldn’t be prouder to have the trifecta at Spicers Retreats. Now it wasn’t easy, but we’ve whittled the list down to the top 10 reasons to holiday here this year.

1. Track Koalas on a Koala Safari
One of the top native wildlife experiences of Australia according to traveller.com.au, the koala safari at Spicers Hidden Vale gives you the opportunity to track some of the 26 koalas from the Hidden Vale Wildlife Centre’s koala research project led by Dr Andrew Tribe. Seventy-five percent of the ticket sales go towards the project to help continue this important conservation work.

2. A Hunter Valley Wine Tour
Our newest retreat, Spicers Guesthouse, is in the heart of Hunter Valley wine country and the perfect base for exploring the region. Start your holiday with our Wine Wall Tour, led by in-resident sommelier, Cam, then build a winery tour based on your favourite drops.

Wine wall at Spicers Guesthouse

WINE WALL TOUR AT SPICERS GUESTHOUSE

3. A Scenic Rim Trail Hike
Not for the faint-hearted, but worth every step just to experience those views, the Scenic Rim Trail is a guided 2 or 5 day walk through some of Queensland’s most beautiful landscapes. Explore this magnificent region by day and enjoy the creature comforts of Spicers by night.

Accommodation on the Scenic Rim Trail walk cabin overlooking rainforest

Timber Getters accommodation on the 5 day Scenic Rim Trail walk

4. Rooftop Bar Cocktails in Vibrant Brisbane
Think Brisbane is nothing but a big country town? Think again. Recently named on National Geographic’s Cool List 2020, Brisbane is packed with museums, craft breweries, restaurants and more. And the year-round mild climate makes it perfect for rooftop cocktails at Spicers Balfour Hotel near Howard Smith Wharves.

Balfour rooftop outlook for 20% off B&B offer

Cocktails at Spicers Balfour Hotel

5. Visit France… in Montville
In the heart of Montville in the Sunshine Coast Hinterlands you’ll find one-hatted French restaurant The Long Apron at Spicers Clovelly Estate. Start your French-staycation with a wine tasting led by sommelier Peter Marchant then enjoy a 5-course French tasting menu by our multi award winning Head Chef Chris Hagan.

6. A Romantic Picnic Among the Vines
While away the afternoon with someone special with a romantic picnic among our vines at Spicers Vineyards Estate. And when the sun sets head inside, grab your favourite bottle of red and enjoy the evening by the fire.

7. A Private Shopping Tour in Sydney
The list wouldn’t be complete without bustling Sydney. See it from a different perspective with a private shopping tour. Shopping not your thing? No problem. Whether it’s a private Harbour cruise and a historical walking tour, Sam at Spicers Potts Point will pull together your perfect itinerary.

8. Stargazing 1,100m Above Sea Level 
We never get tired of looking at the stars at Spicers Peak Lodge. The Lodge is 1,100 above sea level and miles away from any light pollution so the view is just magic. Melissa, the Activities Guide up there, knows her celestial maps… but see if you can stump her anyway.

Stars at Spicers Peak Lodge

Enjoy the view of the stars at Spicers Peak Lodge

9. Learn to Cook in the Rainforest
Spicers Tamarind Retreat in Maleny runs a Cooking School every Saturday that is a Sunshine Coast must-do. Led by chefs from hatted-restaurant The Tamarind, the class is a lot of fun and suitable for any level. The team’s passion is contagious and you’ll walk away with some great tips. While you’re there enjoy the live music and some delicious small plates amongst the rainforest.

10. Discover the Healing Qualities of the Australian Bush
Ever noticed how you just feel better when you’ve been out in the fresh air? This is the feeling you get at Spicers Sangoma Retreat in the Blue Mountains. Spa treatments are in a luxury tent so you get all the benefits of the sounds of the Australian bush while feeling completely pampered.

Spa Anise Day Spa at Spicers Sangoma Retreat