MAIALA PARK LODGE

Welcome to Maiala Park Lodge

Nestled in the lush Brisbane hinterland, Maiala Park Lodge is more than just a luxury accommodation; it’s an experience, a journey into tranquillity. This award-winning, First Nations-owned and -operated venue stands proudly within the village of Mount Glorious, surrounded by the D’Aguilar National Park, a haven of subtropical rainforest and eucalypt woodland just a few minutes’ walk from the property.

As you approach, the majestic lodge greets you from the hilltop, exuding an aura of timeless beauty even though it was only built in the 1990s. Turning into the driveway, you’re embraced by two Queenslander-style buildings, connected by an expansive veranda that promises breathtaking views into the rainforest and ideal opportunities for birdwatching.

Upon arrival, you are immersed in the welcoming atmosphere that is a hallmark of Maiala Park Lodge. The soothing sounds of the rainforest fill the air, accompanied by the distinctive aromas of native Australian flora. Inside the main building, the grand parlour can’t help but impress, with its three-metre-high ceilings and full-height French doors that open up to spectacular views of Brisbane city and Moreton Bay. Straight away you will notice the interesting juxtaposition of Australian Aboriginal art and styling against the colonial style of the lodge built as a tribute to the architectural beauty of Queenslanders, unique to the state. Right from the outset the owners, Lucy and Joaben, have created a space that demonstrates reconciliation. Throughout your stay, their goal is for you to feel comfortable to ‘just be you’.

Behind ‘Maiala’ 

Lucy and Joaben come from very different backgrounds. Joaben is an Inningai/Wakka Wakka man from Central Queensland. Lucy is a First Fleet descendant who grew up nearby at The Gap. Their daughter Ava is their key inspiration behind everything they do at the lodge. They have purposefully curated an experience that demonstrates to their daughter that there is value in integrating both of her cultural heritages. And through that, they demonstrate how important it is to honour the country you’ll visit when you come to the lodge.

Maiala Park Lodge was built on Garumngar Country of the Jinibara Nation. The Jinibara people are mountain people, whose name translates as ‘people of the lawyer vine’. Garumngar Country is the rolling country between the Brisbane River and the southern edge of D’Aguilar National Park. The Jinibara Nation extends from the southern end of the D’Aguilar National Park up to Somerset Dam and the Glass House Mountains. The southern end of Jinibara country is where the lodge is situated. Renowned for its calm and serenity, Maiala Park Lodge embodies its name perfectly: the lodge was named after the Maiala day-use area of the D’Aguilar National Park, and maiala is a Jinibara word meaning quiet place and the lodge is exactly that – quiet!

If you’d like to learn more about Aboriginal culture or further investigate your personal interests Joaben and Lucy are able to run yarning circles or workshops in areas that overlap with their cultural knowledge and your interests. They love chatting with guests and take pleasure in curating unique experiences that support you to ‘just be you’. 

Facilities at the Lodge

The facilities at Maiala Park Lodge are designed to allow guests to make the most of its tranquil setting in the D’Aguilar National Park. The main building includes a shared kitchen and two appealing dining areas, ideal for social gatherings or making new friends and sharing stories with your fellow guests. On arrival you will be greeted with white chocolate and macadamia cookies, adding a sweet touch to the welcome experience.

The two cosy living spaces, set on each side of the main lodge, are furnished with decorative fireplaces surrounded by comfy armchairs, inviting guests to relax, share the day’s experiences and plan for the next day’s exciting adventures. The sounds of the rainforest form a backdrop to the crackle of the log fires, creating an intimate and inviting atmosphere. Large windows with panoramic views allow guests to feel closely connected to the natural beauty that surrounds them.

The function room, located downstairs, is ideal for private celebrations, exclusive corporate meetings, creative workshops or seminars. Its versatility means it can be arranged for your group to immerse yourself fully into whatever your shared pursuit is. Its strategic location within the lodge allows guests unable to stay overnight to attend daytime activities.

With its two accommodation wings linked by a vast veranda, the lodge encourages guests to step outside, feel the cool mountain breeze against their skin and commune with nature. Whether it’s the function room for events, the communal areas for socialising or the expansive deck for serene morning coffee or laid-back afternoon tea with just your significant other, every area has been carefully appointed to craft a luxurious yet homey vibe.

Accommodation Options

Maiala Park Lodge’s accommodations are a testament to its commitment to luxury and comfort, with each unique suite thoughtfully themed after native Australian animals and decorated with First Nations styling. Guests can choose from the Pademelon, Echidna, Kookaburra and Cockatoo Suites, each accommodating two guests with an option for either double or twin-share configuration. The Kookaburra and Cockatoo Suites lookout over Brisbane City and Moreton Bay, while guests in the Echidna and Pademelon Suites are nestled into the luxuriant rainforest. Guests in the suites have full use of the communal commercial kitchen and dining rooms, but each suite is also equipped with a kitchenette with a fridge, kettle and pod coffee machine. The plush linen promises restful nights, while Australian botanical toiletries by Leif will leave you feeling indulged and refreshed.

For a more secluded experience, the Bowerbird Cottage offers completely private and self-contained accommodation with its own kitchen, living room and dining room and fireplace, not to mention stunning panoramic views from a private deck. Expect to awaken in your queen-size four-poster antique bed every morning to the earthy scent of dewy rainforest and the calls of native birds – an ethereal experience that is both calming and rejuvenating.

Guests are free to explore communal gardens or watch the birdlife from the veranda, with binoculars and field guides provided. While staying at the lodge, you might get a chance to join a yarning circle with the owners that will spotlight the Indigenous history and cultural significance of this beautiful country, enriching your stay with educational and immersive experiences.

Explore the Surroundings

Mount Glorious is located in the D’Aguilar Range, which is home to some of the most spectacular rainforest around Brisbane. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy exploring the many relatively easy trails in the D’Aguilar National Park, which begins literally on the property’s doorstep. The park protects a variety of different habitats, including eucalypt woodland and subtropical rainforest, and is home to more than 200 species of native animals, some of them rare and endangered.

The nearby Phoenix Sculpture Garden, featuring the lifework of Graham Radcliffe, is a must-visit. Guests are free to feel the textures of more than 100 marble and bronze indoor and outdoor sculptures, allowing them to truly connect with the artworks. 

Those interested in the culture and history of the region can head to the quaint rural idyll that is Samford Village, whose museum provides an insightful journey into local heritage. The small art galleries, antique stores, and charming cafes combine to create a sensory-rich experience, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the essence of the Brisbane hinterland.

A short drive west brings you to the scenic Brisbane Valley, where the lush landscape and historic rail trails evoke days of early settler exploration. The tranquil lakes of Wivenhoe, Somerset and Atkinson offer calming vistas, where you can hear the gentle lapping of water against the shores and feel the cooling breeze.

Whether you’re nature enthusiast, a lover of art or a history buff, Maiala Park Lodge is a fabulous place to base yourself to explore these and the many other attractions in the region. Lucy and Joaben are very familiar with the area and will be happy to suggest activities to suit you.

Accessibility

Maiala Park Lodge is dedicated to making your stay as accessible and comfortable as possible, although there are limitations due to its structure. While the property is not accessible via public transport, there is accessible parking under the main house. However, guests should note that there are stairs to reach the main facilities and between the different levels in the main lodge.

The doorways at Maiala Park Lodge are wide enough to accommodate most mobility aids, but the absence of lifts and accessible bathrooms might pose challenges for some visitors. Lucy and Joaben encourage people with mobility needs to contact them to discuss their requirements in detail to make sure they can accommodate them comfortably. 

Service dogs are warmly welcomed, with grassy areas available for their needs. The lodge strives to adapt to the sensory preferences of guests, offering quiet areas and accommodating special requests, such as disabling oil diffusers. Visitors with chemical intolerances will be happy to learn that the Leif toiletries are hypoallergenic and that natural, plant-based, non-toxic SimplyClean products are used for all bedroom cleaning.

Three bathrooms have a walk in shower with a small lip, while the other two have showers over a bath. All stairs in the lodge have banisters or handrails. Ground surfaces throughout the lodge are flat – a mixture of concrete, tiles, polished floors and timber decking – with the only potential tripping hazard being rugs on the floor upstairs.

Despite some structural limitations, the lodge places a strong emphasis on dialogue and accommodation for all types of accessibility needs. The staff have received accessibility training, and they welcome conversations before arrival to better understand and meet the access requirements of all guests to Maiala Park Lodge.