Spicers Hidden Vale

We were in Australia for 3 weeks from the U.S. The koala safari at Spicers Hidden Vale was a highlight of our trip! Seeing koalas (and their joeys!) in their own habitat was thrilling. And our guide Kristen (sp?) was so friendly and knowledgeable. We'd highly recommend this to anyone visiting the Brisbane area!.

Go for the views This was a lovely place for a wedding destination. I'm a foodie so don't head here for the food, head here for the views, comfortable rooms and lovely bush walks.

We spent a few magic days at Spicers Hidden Vale for my birthday and I couldn’t have loved it more! The location and views of the hills are stunning and there is a magic feeling the place gives that words can’t describe. All of the staff were exceptional, genuinely warm and welcoming, which is not common these days - a special thank you to Adam, Te, and Kristen. We loved the wine tasting experience, enjoyed the 7.5km walking trail spotting kangaroos and wallabies, loved feeding the animals, and the market garden tour was fantastic. The main pool is a great size for relaxing by or swimming some laps, we didn’t get to tennis this time but we will next time! The main homestead has so much space to relax and read or play games. The room and bathroom were stunning, every detail thoughtfully put together. Last but definitely not least, the food is incredible! The a la carte breakfasts contained beautiful produce and were the perfect size, whilst the evening meals were divine. Our favourites were the quail entree and the Toowoomba king Angus fillet main. Highly recommend this stunning retreat and can’t wait to come back again!

Some things are wonderful but there are a few issues. First the positives - the rooms (really little cottages) are great - well thought out with large bedroom, very comfortable beds and quality bedding, a comfortable lounge room, good size bathroom and separate toilet and outside private deck. Breakfasts are very good. Only minor issue is a very small bar fridge. 2nd - the problems. Spicers is one of the few 5-star accommodation places in Australia that require full payment on booking. (OK - if they can get away with that, fair enough). I booked and paid 7 months ahead. So, I was surprised to suddenly find a $120 charge on my credit card a week or two before arriving without any explanation. On ringing, I was told room costs had risen since I booked despite what I thought was a contract. I then emailed the manger. The charge was reversed with apologies but why it happened in the first place is a mystery. Other issues were associated with the restaurant. Due to its location, we virtually had to eat there every night of our stay. The food is excellent -and hard to fault. But the only option is a 3-courses meal. My wife is not a big eater and only wanted a few scoops of ice cream on our 2nd night for her third course. Only 3 desserts were offered, and all were "heavy" (cake based) . Although we were charged for the full courses, she was charged $6 extra for her non menu ice cream. Again, this was reversed on a query but should not have happened in a 5 star establishment. Also, at lunch time there is also only a set number of courses - no availability for a just a light meal or a snack other than a cheese board. Little things like this could be considered for a more enjoyable stay.

Very relaxing place to stay food is great & staff are extremely friendly.

We had a lovely overnight stay, with a delicious breakfast included.