Know Before You Go: Spicers Hidden Vale (Grandchester, Australia)
Why fly halfway around the world for a family ranch trip? Because when the “ranch” is actually a 12,000-acre nature preserve filled with kangaroos, wallabies, and koalas — not to mention eucalyptus groves and mango trees where guests can pick fruit straight from the branch — it’s a world apart from any other. Set in the scenic Lockyer Valley, about an hour from Brisbane in the heart of Australian cattle country, Spicers Hidden Vale is first and foremost a sanctuary for wildlife and open space. Yet it also honors its roots as an 1800s Queenslander ranch, lovingly restored after multiple bushfires over the centuries. The result is a place that feels both timeless and deeply connected to the land. Designed with conservation and families in mind, Hidden Vale blends rustic authenticity with quiet luxury. Our kids loved roaming the wide-open property, while we appreciated the exceptional farm-to-table dining and laid-back atmosphere. Days were spent adventuring outdoors — from koala safaris and kangaroo spotting to gold panning — or relaxing with swims, animal feeding, board games at Homage, and billiards at The Barn. Each day ended on our veranda, gazing up at the vast, star-filled Australian sky. This property exceeded every expectation — and with the favorable exchange rate, it turned out to be one of our favorite family trips, offering both incredible experiences and exceptional value.
Sample Travel Club amenities and VIP benefits*:
VIP WELCOME & SPECIAL AMENITY
$100 HOTEL / RESORT CREDIT
PRIORITY FOR ROOM UPGRADE
DAILY BREAKFAST
EXTENDED CHECK-IN / OUT
UNLIMITED HIGH-SPEED WI-FI
*Specific amenities and benefits vary by property
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Have an existing booking and want to add Travel Club benefits? Contact us
OVERALL RATING
💛💛💛💛
Notable
Overview
At-a-Glance
Date of stay: November 2025
Length of stay: 4 nights / 5 days
Trip type: Family-friendly adventure and beach trip in Queensland
Property type: Boutique family-friendly country retreat
Tailor-made for: Families, couples, groups and special events
Highlights
Stunning setting amidst a 12,000-acre nature preserve, yet just 1-hour drive from Brisbane airport
Abundant bird species and wildlife roaming the property, including kangaroos and wallabies
Authentic Australian ranch feel with working farm, chicken coop, and large market garden
Beautifully restored Queenslander style cottages, some dating back to the 1800s and named after Australian cattle breeds; we stayed in 2BR/2BA Simmental cottage with large sitting room and wide veranda with rocking chairs and dining table for 6 overlooking the valley
Lots of family-friendly activities: Koala safari (the highlight), gold panning, animal feeding, extensive running and biking trails, and epic stargazing from our veranda at night
Luxurious yet local, laid-back feel; friendly staff welcomed us like we were part of the family — especially GM Matt who co-led the Koala Safari, Nina at Reception, Annemieke in Activities, and Adam, Olesia, and Dan at Homage Restaurant
Solid dining and cocktail program at Homage Restaurant — the barista-made Australian specialty coffee was a highlight — and hearty home-style, open-air BBQ lunches at The Barn
Each breakfast included a sweet amuse bouche-style starter of fresh fruit and homemade bakery bites; the avocado toast with eggs was delicious
Good to Know
While this is a luxury property with lots to keep kids entertained — including an outdoor pool, small grotto-style pool, playground, farm, and billiards — there is no room service, gym or spa here
We booked transfers rather than renting a car; there was plenty to do on the property to keep us entertained; there is a house Range Rover Defender and Ineos Grenadier for excursions and transportation around the property
The cottages, while authentic and charming, have more of a rustic, no-frills feel than similar luxury lodges we have stayed at; sound also carries within and from outside the cabin due to low soundproofing/ insulation
November is baby animal season with frequent mother-joey animal sightings (including kangaroos, wallabies, and koalas)
While we did not see any snakes during our stay, there are lots around here so travelers, especially those with young children, should be aware
Not all cottages in the same room category have the same layout/design so we requested a specific cottage during booking with our preferred layou (Simmental with King/Twin configuration)
Half-board dining option is available (breakfast and dinner); we booked this rate and found it to be good value
Kids menus and highchairs were available in Homage; however, other kid-specific amenities were more limited than at some other properties (no kids bathrobes/slippers for example)
Advantageous USD to AUD exchange rate provided a strong value
Rating Detail
OVERALL RATING 💛💛💛💛
LOCATION & SETTING 💛💛💛💛+
ROOM 💛💛💛
SERVICE 💛💛💛💛
DINING 💛💛💛+
ACTIVITIES 💛💛💛💛
FAMILY SERVICES & AMENITIES 💛💛💛💛
WELLNESS 💛💛💛
WOW FACTOR 💛💛💛💛+
VALUE 💛💛💛💛💛
Rating Legend*
💛💛💛💛💛 Exceptional
💛💛💛💛 Notable
💛💛💛 Standard
💛💛 Substandard
💛 Unsatisfactory
*All ratings are relative to similar-class properties
