SCENIC RIM TO BEACH AUSSIE ADVENTURE

DISCOVER RAINFORESTS OF QUEENSLAND AND GOLD COAST WONDERS

You’re invited to join us to experience a uniquely curated Aussie Adventure!

JOURNEY DATES: JUN 16 – 26, 2025

This Adventure showcases two Thirdhome Club properties and offers the opportunity to forge new friendships with other Club members as your journey together. This small-group trip is a wonderful balance of active and leisure days – beginning at the pristine mountain hideaway of Mount French Lodge with rainforest and regional activities, followed by a relaxing coastal ending at the boutique beach-chic Halcyon House Hotel with ample free time to swim and surf.

Extend your Adventure longer with optional pre or post packages into Australia’s outback, the Barrier Reef and famous cities; or explore the New Zealand’s Sister Islands, glaciers and more!

PART 1 – The Mountain Hideaway: Mount French Lodge

Escape to Mount French Lodge, located in the Scenic Rim of Queensland, Australia, and only 1-hr drive from Brisbane. Mount French is part of the Moogerah Peaks National Park with its stunning two peaks, and the Lodge is perched at 600-ft above sea level with magnificent views. Enjoy the stunning views within the natural beauty and panoramic vistas from this private country estate designed to inspire relaxation along with soft-adventuring. On this segment, you will be immersed into quaint country towns, gorgeous lake drives, rainforest treetops and waterfalls; in addition, you will visit eclectic and award-winning wineries and spirit distilleries while also enjoying culinary tastings. Guests will encounter an extraordinary outback Camel Dairy Farm and learn the The Scenic Rim’s pioneering past including its Aboriginal History.

PART 2 – The Boutique Beach Escape: Halycon House

Tucked between Byron Bay and the Gold Coast, is a dreamy beach-chic hotel infused with Palm-Beach meets Aussie style, called Halcyon House. Located in the gorgeous Tweed Shire on Cabarita Beach, Halcyon House is more than just a boutique hotel – it’s an experience. Chill in posh accommodations, dine on innovative and award-winning Paper Daisy restaurant cuisine led by celebrated Chef Andrew Milford, all which will delight the senses and rejuvenate the soul. Lull away your worries at Halcyon House and see why it is a coveted haven for its beautiful location and variety of activities, scenic walking and biking trails. Discover the charming coastal towns and explore the beach with Halcyon House bicycles, relax poolside, hit the waves on a surfboard, and decompress with access to the Spa steam-room along with your choice of a massage or facial. Opt-in for optional activities such as morning yoga on the beach, snorkeling, stand-up paddle boarding, ocean kayaking, guided coastal tours or a sunrise hot-air balloon ride. As a group enjoy an included full-day Coastal Wonders tour with a Koala & Kangaroo wildlife sanctuary encounter, along with a behind-the-scenes visit to a small-batch rum and gin distillery and a fabulous lunch with gorgeous views!

OPTIONAL – Pre & Post Extensions in Australia and New Zealand

Explore longer in Australia with optional pre or post extensions to enjoy Sydney, Ayers Rock, Cairns or Hamilton Island on the Barrier Reef – and/or – discover the neighboring islands of New Zealand, with time in Auckland, Rotorua, Christchurch, Queenstown, Mt Cook and Franz Josef.

THE SMALL-GROUP SIZE

Our Adventures are purposefully kept small, allowing for a more intimate, engaging and rewarding experience for everyone within each location and activity we have curated.

This is a small-group tour with a maximum occupancy of 16 Adults

Important Note: This Adventure requires the participation of 16 people (in 8 unique Lodge Suites & Beach Bedroom 4-star accommodations); should the number of participants be less than this required number, Thirdhome and Mount French Lodge will still operate this Adventure however there would be a revised cost requirement of the Adventure based on the lower number of participants.

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE

All Thirdhome Club Members (our Founders have 1st priority booking status)

Members may also invite their Family or Friends to join them on this exclusive Club Adventure.

ACTIVITY LEVEL & GROUP EXPECTATIONS

Guests can expect quality relaxing free-time throughout this Adventure, along with two expertly planned group excursion days in the region.

To experience this unique destination and location, you will need to be able to walk or hike over a variety of terrains; including being physically able to surf, snorkel, swim or horseback if you opt into these types of activities; and journey by comfortable small-group coaches for planned excursions. Participants must be comfortable encountering wildlife in outdoor natural settings while residing in a shared Lodge and its open-air public spaces. This adventure is purposefully crafted as a small-group experience in which some activities or excursions will require being pre-planned in advance whether as a group or privately as a couple or individual; in addition, dining will be enjoyed either in a group gathering family-style experience and/or independently/privately. 

Please note that this small-group Adventure has pre-planned organized group activities and excursions that require everyone to enjoy together. Guests may of course opt-out of any day’s planned activities or scheduled meals should they not wish to participate in what has been scheduled for that day, but please note that there are no price-reductions offered for missed activities or meals that are part of the overall scheduled group experience of this Adventure journey.

TRANSPORTATION SERVICES OFFERED

Group Bus Transfers

Prices for all private group transportations are on a “request basis” and will be quoted based on the total number of participants (individual or couples) that wish to not self-drive. Pricing will be dependent on how many will want this option as opposed to a rental car. In addition, guests will be grouped together based on their arrival and departure flights, so as to share transportation costs.

Self-Drive Rental Cars

For those who would prefer to rent a car and self-drive, you can certainly do so. Thirdhome recommends the below two local rental car companies. You may prefer to join aboard the group bus from Brisbane Airport to the Mount French Lodge, in addition ride the bus from Mount French Lodge to Halcyon House beach hotel; then while at on the coast, rent a car to explore as you wish. Or you can simply opt-in for all the group bus transfers, or self-drive the entire Adventure on your own!

• Alpha Australia – https://alphacarhire.com.au/car-rental-locations/gold-coast-airport/
• Hertz –  https://www.hertz.com.au/p/hire-a-car/australia/new-south-wales/tweed-heads

Travel Distances

Part 1: Getting to Mount French Lodge – Please note that the journey from Brisbane Airport to Mount French Lodge is approximately 1-hr drive. Participants can book a rental car on their own arrangements if they wish to do so, or we can assist with vehicle transportation from Brisbane to the property and will coordinate with guests based on their individual flight arrival times and/or based on their pre-extension arrangements.

Part 2: Getting to Halcyon House – Please note that the journey from Mount French Lodge to the coast (Cabarita Beach/Halycon House) is approximately 2-hrs drive. Participants can book a rental car on their own arrangements if they wish to do so, or we can assist with vehicle transportation from the Mount French Lodge to Halcyon House.

Departure from Brisbane at the end of the Adventure: The journey from Halcyon House back to Brisbane Airport is approximately 1-1/2 hr drive.

The Adventure Experience

Enjoy the pristine location of the Scenic Rim’s best kept secret – Mount French Lodge

While at Mount French Lodge…

• Thirdhome Welcome Meet & Greet with the Lodge Owners upon arrival
• 5 Nights Accommodations at Mount French Lodge – an exclusive Thirdhome Reserve Property
• Slumber within 4 Loft Suites (2-story with stairs) and 4 Single-Level Suites all with patio-decks
• Retreat into a mountain sanctuary infused with countryside rustic chic ambiance
• Gather together to view sunrises and sunsets in the open-plan Lodge public spaces
• Welcome each day with freshly prepared hot breakfasts
• Delight your appetite with 2-course Dinners each evening (served Family Style)
• Enjoy BBQs in the outdoor pavilion and cozy-up to the fire pit for magical evenings
• Afternoon Sunset Cocktails with artfully prepared charcuterie platters each day
• Unlimited selection of alcoholic beverages and soft-drinks included (view Dining details below)
• Take a dip in the swimming pool or play some tennis with stunning mountain views
• Listen to nature or enjoy the SONOS music selections in the great room and pavillion
• Immerse into the Australian bush with nature walks and spot local wildlife
• Discover the local region with two extraordinary regional guided excursions as a group
• Visit a boutique Camel Dairy Farm for hands-on petting and educational tour
• Immerse into the Scenic Rim and enjoy a rainforest on a canopy walkway tour
• Sip your way with tastings at small-batch wineries & local Australian distilleries
• Optional Yoga and Massage sessions can be arranged on-site (additional costs paid directly)

Enjoy the serene coastal ambiance of Cabarita Beach – Halycon House

While at Halcyon House…

• Welcome Cocktail upon arrival
• 5 Nights Accommodations at Halcyon House
• Slumber within a hand-selected choice of luxurious rooms
• Retreat into a coastal beach oasis infused with beach-chic ambiance
• Welcome each day with delightfully prepared breakfasts
• Delight your appetite with 2-course Dinners each evening
• Soak in the sun, hit the beach & dip in the swimming pool
• Ride complimentary bicycles to explore the local coast
• Take on the waves with complimentary surfboards
• Relax in the House Steam Room with complimentary access
• Enjoy the days as you wish relaxing or opt-in for various regional activities
• Explore the Gold Coast on a privately guided tour to encounter Koalas, Kangaroos, Rums & Gin
• Optional Activities offered are listed in the “Not Included” (additional costs paid directly)

The Accommodations

MOUNT FRENCH LODGE

Dwell within uniquely designed architecture with captivating Scenic Rim views

Enjoy accommodations in either Loft Suites (2-story with stairs) or Single-Level Suites

THE TWO-STORY LOFT SUITES

The Two-Story Loft Suites are located in one building with four units; each offers a King Bedroom upstairs and a spacious open-concept design lounge space indoors with a TV, an outdoor patio, along with a private en-suite bathroom with tub and fireplace. WiFi access in all rooms.

THE SINGLE-LEVEL SUITES

The Single-Level Suites are located in a pod of four units together; each offers a King Bedroom with an open-concept design with an indoor lounge area with TV, and an outdoor deck space, along with a private en-suite bathroom with tub and fireplace. WiFi access in all rooms.

HALCYON HOUSE

Dwell within a posh charming boutique hotel with the ocean at your feet

Enjoy accommodations in a hand-selected variety of rooms

MASTER ROOM

Our Master Rooms are generous, individually designed suites featuring a deluxe king size bed (or twin beds on request), spacious lounging area and a luxurious bathroom complete with English tapware, marble vanity and a deep bath for ultimate relaxation. Each Master Suite features a large private balcony with expansive ocean views, offering the perfect aspect to enjoy the complimentary mini bar. All rooms have unlimited WiFi.

OCEAN SUPERIOR ROOM

Individually designed Ocean Superior rooms feature a deluxe king size bed (or twin beds on request) with a luxurious bathroom complete with English tapware, marble vanity and handmade floor tiles. Each Ocean Superior room offers a large private balcony with expansive ocean views, providing the perfect aspect to enjoy the complimentary mini bar. All rooms have unlimited WiFi.

SUPERIOR ROOM

Superior Rooms are individually designed and feature a deluxe king size bed (or twin beds on request) and luxurious bathroom fitted with beautiful English tapware, marble vanity and handmade floor tiles. Each Superior room offers a private balcony some with pool and garden views, providing the perfect aspect to enjoy the complimentary mini bar. All rooms have unlimited WiFi.

The Dining

THE MOUNT FRENCH LODGE PALATE

Guests will enjoy The Mount French Lodge commitment to sourcing the highest quality of local ingredients based on seasonality. All meals are served “Family sharing style” with afternoon sunset gatherings for cocktails and nibbles. Sit back and relax, while the expert on-site team crafts your cocktails and prepares the delightful grazing platters and main meals each day.

Breakfast offers sold and hot options such as cereal, toast, confitures, and fresh fruit, farm-fresh eggs, smashed avocado, croissants, ham & cheese, bacon, sausage, vegetables and cheeses.

Sunset Afternoon Cocktails & Charcuterie offers amazing grazing platters of nibbles and along with a prepared cocktail or mocktail (which varies) paired with locally sourced cheeses and cured meats as well as savory options of nuts and olives, combined with a selection of crackers.

Beverages Package is included and offers guests an “all-inclusive package” with a vast variety of soft drinks (regular and sugar-free), spirits, domestic wines and beers, including imported beers as well as zero-alcohol options. The Lodge wines varietals include Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, as well as a Moscato and Sparkling Wine; in addition to Shiraz, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and a premium blend that is an Italian grape varietal and are very popular in the wineries of the Scenic Rim. Sprits include all the basic liquors you would expect to find in a fully stocked bar like local Gin, Vodka, Rum, Tequila, Scotch, Canadian or Irish Whiskey, etc. The Lodge also keeps on-hand premium offerings of French Champagnes available for purchase onsite (not included in the package).

Evening Dinners are prepared with the highest quality seasonal local ingredients offering guests a 2-course meal (main and dessert) served ‘family sharing style”. Each dinner includes a main protein with various seasonal side dishes, bread, and salad, and end with a delicious dessert. Examples include Beef Tenderloin Medallions with garden fresh chimichurri, local fish like Barramundi in lemon garlic dill butter sauce, and Stuffed Chicken Breast.

THE HALCYON HOUSE & PAPER DAISY RESTAURANT

Guests will taste culinary wonders prepared with the ethos that drives Paper Daisy Restaurant is one of sophisticated simplicity, producing dishes that are satisfying, thoughtful and deeply memorable. Enjoy a relaxed style breakfast and seasonally inspired two-course dinner menu daily. Relax and enjoy a curated beverage at the Paper Daisy bar. With Australia’s largest selection of Australian made gins, award-winning wine menu and drool worthy cocktails, the Paper Daisy bar is the ideal venue for a post-beach or pre-dinner drink.

Breakfast offers an a la carte menu to choose one breakfast specialty per person, along with coffee, tea and juice included.

Evening Dinners at Paper Daisy Restaurant offer an a la carte menu to choose from, for guests to enjoy a 2-course meal (one entrée and one main). Desserts and alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages are not included and are personal pay directly.

Complimentary Mini-Bars are offered in all rooms, and are stocked daily with a variety of beverages and snacks for guests to enjoy.

Dietary Restrictions or Food Allergies – Please note that each property can cater to guests’ personal needs regarding any dietary substitutions, restrictions and personal food allergies, but we require knowing these in advance so that Thirdhome can advise each Chef team with our guests’ needs.

ADVENTURE COST

$5295 per Adult (based on sharing Double Occupancy)

Single Guests – this adventure is best experienced as two people sharing as friends; bedding in both properties can be converted to two/twin beds.

DEPOSITS & FINAL PAYMENTS

DEPOSIT REQUIRED: $2600 per person (non-refundable)

FINAL PAYMENT DUE DATE: MAR 1st, 2025

Deposits & Final Payments are non-refundable for all Adventures

This Adventure requires 16 people to operate at the price quoted; if less participants join, than this Adventure can still occur however a change in cost will be incurred depending on final guest count.

OPTIONAL PRE AND POST CUSTOMIZED EXTENSIONS

For those who might wish to extend their time in either Australia within another region or visit the neighboring Islands of New Zealand, a customized pre or post extension can be arranged. Be inspired by these curated short and sweet itineraries below…

7-Night Highlights of Australia Extension

Enjoy 4-star boutique hotel/lodge accommodations with expertly guided excursions

COST: starting at $5595 per person

• 3 Nights Sydney with panoramic city tour and Opera House visit
• 2 Nights Ayers Rock (Uluru) with Field of Light Evening Experience with dinner
• 3 Nights Cairns with Outer Barrier Reef Snorkel-Swim Cruise, Aquarium visit and Rail tour

(pricing varies depending on what each guest wishes to arrange and hotel accommodations chosen)

5-Night Romantic Reef Escape Extension

Enjoy 4-star boutique hotel/lodge accommodations with expertly guided excursions

COST: starting at $4495 per person

• 2 Nights Brisbane with city sightseeing tour and free time
• 3 Nights Hamilton Island Barrier Reef with Snorkel-Swim Cruise and a Helicopter Reef Tour
• OPTIONAL: Perhaps also add-on Melbourne or Sydney with Ayers Rock 3-Night Experience

(pricing varies depending on what each guest wishes to arrange and hotel accommodations chosen)

7-Night Best of New Zealand Extension

Enjoy 4-star boutique hotel/lodge accommodations with expertly guided excursions

COST: starting at $4395 per person

• 1 Night Auckland
• 2 Nights Rotorua, Hot Springs Spa, Waitomo Tour, Indigenous Evening Dinner & Dance
• 1 Night Christchurch with rental car for remainder of extension
• 3 Nights Queenstown with Milford Sound Cruise and Jet Boat Ride excursion
• OPTIONAL: Perhaps also add-on 3-Night Mt Cook, Franz Josef glaciers & rainforest Experience

(pricing varies depending on what each guest wishes to arrange and hotel accommodations chosen)

TERMS & CONDITIONS

This Adventure operates with pre-set established payment terms as noted.

Adventure is 100% non-refundable (this applies to all deposits and final payments).

This Adventure requires 16 people to operate at the price quoted. Should we have less participants join, the Adventure can still operate however an increase in cost would occur, which Thirdhome will advise all participants prior to final payment due date.

Thirdhome strongly recommends that all participants consider travel insurance. The unexpected can (and frequently does) happen, and especially after the final payment is made the cancellation penalties can be costly. A travel protection plan can cover you for many unexpected disruptions you may encounter as specified in the plan, including trip cancellation, trip interruption, travel delays, baggage loss or delay, emergency medical expense and emergency medical evacuation. 

THIRDHOME has partnered with USI Affinity Travel Insurance – Click here to obtain a quote.

Important Note: Cancel for Any Reason travel insurance is required to be purchased within 14-days of confirming your Adventure participation (once you have paid an Adventure deposit and/or Final Payment); otherwise Standard Insurance can be purchased at any time prior to your departure.

Any traveler that elects not to purchase travel insurance, agrees to release Thirdhome and its tour operation partners from liability for any loss of funds incurred due to the cancellation of a specific Thirdhome Adventure as a result of, but not limited to, an act of God, a failure to purchase travel insurance, the cessation of business with respect to a tour operator/ground operator partnered services, and/or the failure of a tour operator/ground operator to refund consumer deposits or payments following the cancellation of a Thirdhome Adventure or a material failure to complete the operation of any Thirdhome Adventure.

Thirdhome Adventures reserves the right to modify, change or cancel itinerary accommodations and/or alter tour routing and operations, if conditions beyond our control and that of our travel partners who operate our journeys, require such alterations thereof due to any unforeseen circumstances.

Click here to view the THIRDHOME Adventures Terms and Conditions.