Heavenly holidays: where to find converted church accommodation in Queensland
List
By Kim Barnard
When searching for places to bunker down on holiday, hotels, house rentals and holiday parks are ever-popular options, but have you ever stayed in a converted church? Spending the night (or a few) in old churches that have been given new life through renovations and redecorating is a travel trend that will add an even more memorable layer to your next holiday.
Converted churches not only provide a unique change of scenery, but they’re oozing with history too. So, next time you’re planning a holiday in Queensland, consider booking one of the following quirky spaces; they’re the best converted church accommodation options in Queensland.
Brisbane
Nestled in the Scenic Rim, approximately an hour’s drive east of Brisbane, is a gorgeous church built 130 years ago. Old Church Bed and Breakfast, hosted by Harry and Christelle, is a homely abode surrounded by mountains and lakes, and it’s just a stone's throw away from the charming township of Boonah. You can stay in one of the three en-suited luxury bedrooms, or upstairs in the mezzanine (the original church). Both house the same stunning interior—neutral walls, various wood tones and high ceilings.
If sleeping in a piece of history isn’t enticing enough, you’ll be spoiled with a delicious continental breakfast each morning as well. Featuring local produce (jam, juice and fresh fruits) and the hosts’ famous home-baked sourdough, it’s old-world country charm at its peak.
If you want to get out and about, check out the local activities, which include joy flights, hot air balloon rides, wildlife exhibitions, walking tours, yoga sessions, massages and gourmet food experiences. There’s also a two-day wine bus tour highlighting the vineyards of the Scenic Rim region; from $400 a person, you’ll receive two night’s accommodation, all your meals, and transport from Brisbane or the Gold Coast (note: there’s a minimum of four people for group bookings).
Gold Coast
Keen to connect with nature on your holiday? Then make your way to Clouds on Beechmont. Located in the Gold Coast Hinterland, just 50 minutes from Surfers Paradise, this leafy sanctuary is home to Old Saint Johns Church—a former place of worship turned into 6-person accommodation. Spread out in the open-plan layout, relax in front of a traditional log fire, cook up a feast of local produce in the self-contained kitchen, marvel at the recycled features throughout, and breathe in the aroma from the scented garden outback. You can even bring your pet along.
If you’re a bird lover, be sure to visit the massive bird aviary for a close encounter with some of Australia’s local and exotic birds while you’re in town.
Sunshine Coast
Another converted church accommodation in Queensland that’s eagerly awaiting your arrival is Glasshouse Mountains Ecolodge. As the name suggests, this destination is found in the heart of the Glass House Mountains. The 125-year-old church has interiors look as though they’ve come straight out of a magazine. Think original timber floors and walls, leather sofas, and a loft bedroom complete with a queen bed and massive window with views out to Mt. Tibrogargan. When you’re not staring out the window, you can read books from the library or enjoy some friendly competition at the games table.
Glasshouse Mountains Ecolodge is a proud member of the International Ecotourism Club—a worldwide organisation promoting environmental awareness to travellers. It also encourages supporting local businesses, which is why they have a self-serve breakfast featuring local tropical fruits and a selection of locally produced goods for sale, including coffee honey, bottled water, jams, chutneys and sauces. Be sure to pick something up so you can show your support and take a bit of the region back home with you.
Southern Queensland Country
If you’ve got your heart set on a countryside trip to Southern Queensland Country, there’s a few converted church accommodation options that you can make your base.
Hillview Cottages’ revamped church, built in nearby Memerambi in 1912, is the perfect size for a couple. The open-plan layout, fireplace and deck allow for simple, slow-paced living. Make the most of the double corner spa bath, enjoy outdoor barbecues, take in endless views of the South Burnett countryside, or stroll through one of the 12 local markets.
Abbey of the Roses is a heritage manor standing tall in Warwick, that was built for the Sisters of Mercy in 1891. It’s 13 rooms suit all kinds of groups; each one, from the floor to the ceilings, is decorated with elements true to the era it was built in. Fill you days with tennis, chess, cycling around local towns, relaxing in the gardens, taking part in murder mystery nights, and going on self-guided tours of the downstairs area (available on weekends through pre-booking).
If you plan on touring Toowoomba, bunker at Quest Toowoomba Apartment Hotel. The lobby of this accommodation is a gorgeous brick church, so you’ll enjoy walking through a piece of history each time you enter and leave your room. The picturesque arches, stained glass windows, and intricate details are not to be missed.
For other quirky stays in Southern Queensland Country, check out this handy list.
Cairns
Image via The Church Yungaburra
Nestled in Yungaburra, an hour’s drive from Cairns, is a 1927 Methodist Church that has been restored into a short-term rental for small groups. "The Church"’s well-decorated interior matches the historical village it resides in; original polished timber floors, high ceilings, and a multitude of casement windows are consistent throughout. Drift into slumber with pin-drop silence and soothing breezes, in the luxurious king bed perched on the original church altar.
On arrival, you’ll be greeted with a complimentary bottle of wine and find breakfast prepped in the fridge. Spend your days exploring Yungaburra and it’s 28 heritage buildings, wandering through the beautiful garden and fruit orchard (feel free to pick some fruit when the season is right), and keeping cosy in front of the fireplace.
Free private parking is available onsite.
Mackay
If you want to experience a converted church without staying the night, invite your friends and family for an evening of fine dining at The Church on Palmer. This Mackay venue has all the facilities for special events, no matter the occasion. Dig into an amazing à la carte menu where fresh, local produce is cooked to perfection and pair your delicious dishes with a collection of local and international wines, spirits and beers.
There’s five stellar menus to pick for your guests. Some of the meals include homemade pumpkin soup topped with sour cream, chives and roasted macadamia nuts, and pears poached in syrup, marinated in black currant liquor and served on cassis ice cream.
The Church on Palmer is open Monday to Saturday from 6:30pm to 12:00am.
If this list of converted church accommodation in Queensland has inspired you to stay in more peculiar places, check out this list of unique Queensland stays.
Feature image: The Church Yungaburra
