A new hinterland hideaway within easy reach of Brisbane has opened after a multimillion-dollar rebrand.
Should you be looking for an excuse to ditch the desk and make a dash for the mountains (aren’t we all?), let me steer you towards Peppers Clear Mountain.
The Moreton Bay retreat, formerly Mercure Clear Mountain, has just emerged from a multimillion-dollar renovation and rebrand – and is now welcoming guests into its 51 fully refurbished rooms. The transformation has given the long-standing mountain accommodation a fresh lease on life, with refined interiors designed to make the most of the enviable outlooks.
Located a zippy 35-minute drive from Brisbane, the hotel is set on 20 hectares of picturesque hinterland among Queensland’s native flora and fauna. Guests are promised views across Lake Samsonvale and the Glass House Mountains – a striking cluster of dramatic volcanic peaks dating back some 25 million years. Add in a treetop pool, on-site vineyard and revamped restaurant, and there’s plenty to get excited about.
A Moreton Bay milestone
Peppers Clear Mountain is set on 20 hectares of hinterland.
Peppers Clear Mountain is part of the Accor network and, as Moreton Bay’s first five-star hotel, marks a significant moment for the region. The multimillion-dollar transformation was announced in August 2025 and, now complete, is bringing an elevated level of hospitality to an area that has long been better known for day trips than weekend stays.
Tourism and Events Moreton Bay CEO Luke Edwards says the hotel will help change the way people see the region.
“Moreton Bay has traditionally been somewhere Brisbane visitors know well for a day trip, but increasingly we’re seeing the region evolve into a destination where people want to stay, slow down and explore."
The news follows several recent tourism developments in the wider Moreton Bay region, including the announcement of the new Tangalooma Dunes Cabana Club coming to Moreton Island.
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Hotel highlights
The hotel's revamp included the lobby area.
The rooms have been brought up to a premium standard.
Rooms feature a courtyard or private balcony.
With room rates starting from $309 per night, Peppers Clear Mountain makes a convincing case for swapping city for bush for the weekend – without having to break the bank.
The renovation was delivered in partnership with Sydney-based hospitality design and construction firm Dezign, delivering refreshed interiors that lean into a palette of muted greens and warm woods.
Across all 51 rooms, private balconies or courtyards make the most of the surrounding landscape, while artwork depicting native flora provides a subtle sense of place. In the refreshed lobby, tartan carpet, plum-hued lounge seating and natural stone add to the considered feel. And a new billiard room makes for a relaxed place to engage in some friendly competition.
A central fireplace and lounge area connects to the restaurant and bar.
Also new is The Glasshouse Restaurant. The new-look dining destination boasts gorgeous hinterland views, with a new statement fireplace, contemporary bar, relaxed lounge areas and two private dining rooms giving the space a distinctly grown-up feel. A new Chef’s Garden will supply seasonal produce for the kitchen.
The pool area features new decking and elevated lounges.
Outdoors, the treetop pool cradled by bushland is now finished with new decking, glass balustrades and comfortable loungers. The revamp also included improvements to the Serenity Lawn and upgraded connections between the Pavilion and on-site vineyard.
And for those looking to unwind and indulge, the hotel’s day spa remains a guest favourite.
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Eleanor Edström is Australian Traveller’s Associate Editor. Previously a staff writer at Signature Luxury Travel & Style and Vacations & Travel magazines, she's a curious wordsmith with a penchant for conservation, adventure, the arts and design. She discovered her knack for storytelling much earlier, however – penning mermaid sagas in glitter ink at age seven. Proof that her spelling has since improved, she holds an honours degree in English and philosophy, and a French diploma from the University of Sydney. Off duty, you’ll find her pirouetting between Pilates and ballet classes, or testing her friends’ patience with increasingly obscure vocabulary.
Ancient rainforest, coral reefs, laid-back luxury and adrenaline-fuelled adventures, Port Douglas offers a side of Australia unlike anywhere else.
Mornings in Port Douglas start with a beautiful symphony. As day breaks, the lyrical calls of Rainbow Lorikeets, cries of the sulphur-crested cockatoos and rhythmic Coral Sea waves create a colourful soundtrack for Tropical North Queensland’s sunrise. If there’s one place in Australia that captures the sweet spot between luxury and laid-back living, it’s here. This small, seaside village has just enough glamour to feel indulgent and just enough barefoot charm to make you feel like you’ve escaped the chaos of everyday life.
Whether you’re diving into the warm waters on Four Mile Beach or enjoying an ice-cold drink and a Barramundi burger overlooking the marina, Port Douglas offers more than just a seaside holiday.
Local gourmet goodies
Nab an open-air table beneath a canopy of palms at Nautilus. (Image: Toby Stanley)
The tropical food scene in Port Douglas is influenced by the rich agricultural regions surrounding it, with fresh produce arriving daily from nearby farms and tropical growers across the region. At Nautilus – a hidden, palm-fringed restaurant just off Macrossan Street – the menu showcases regional flavours. Its Signature Nautilus Mango Soufflé is a long-time favourite.
Nearby, Hi-Tide by the Beach offers a relaxed way beachfront dining experience overlooking the Coral Sea. From crocodile and lemon myrtle spring rolls to wild barramundi and a volcanic hot stone steak, taste the diverse flavours of Tropical North Queensland.
Visitors can also explore the region’s local markets. Port Douglas Markets offers artisan products and tropical treats each Sunday, while the Saturday morning Mossman Markets is the place for fresh local produce from the surrounding farming community.
Just outside of Port Douglas, Ospreys at Thala Beach Nature Reserve has one of the region’s most memorable dining outlooks. Perched on a small headland between rainforest and sea, take in views across the coastline and mountains while you dine. The seasonal menu highlights local seafood, tropical fruits and native ingredients sourced from across the region
Travelling with young humans
Catch a spectacle at Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures. (Credit: TTNQ)
Port Douglas caters for all types of visitors, but families especially love the walkable streets, wide beaches and range of activities nearby. An attraction that never fails to delight all ages is Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures – a wildlife sanctuary and ecotourism park with some of the region’s largest crocodiles. Here, you’ll also find koalas, cassowaries, turtles and other Australian wildlife.
For something slower paced, sit back and enjoy a tranquil visit aboard the historic Lady Douglas River Cruise. Glide along the calm waters of Dickson Inlet, keeping an eye out for birdlife and estuarine crocodiles along the mangroves. Children can take part in activity sheets onboard and even have the opportunity to help steer the boat.
This region is also deeply connected to Indigenous culture, and a Dreamtime Walk is one way to learn about it. Discover the stories, traditions and connection to Country of the local Kuku Yalanji people from local Indigenous guides, while exploring the rainforest and waters of Mossman Gorge.
Exploring local waterways
Walk along the peaceful Cooya Beach. (Credit: TTNQ)
Join a guided tour with Walkabout Cultural Adventures to explore the peaceful Cooya Beach. Led by deeply knowledgeable local Aboriginal guides, try seasonal local bush tucker, take in the beautiful landscape and gain insight into the history, culture and traditions of this land.
Surrounded by dense canopy and ancient species, nearby Hartley’s Creek Falls are at their finest after rain. These beautiful falls are reached via a lush rainforest walk that winds through creek crossings, towering greenery and moss-covered boulders.
To swim where the locals swim, head out past local farms and into the foothills of the Mossman River to Shannonvale – a low-key freshwater swimming hole surrounded by sun-warmed rocks and deep pockets of clear water. It’s a quiet area to spend a few hours retreating from the world.
Adrenaline adventures
Take to the ocean with Sailaway Port Douglas. (Credit: TTNQ)
One of the most high-octane ways to enjoy the nature of Tropical North Queensland is white-water rafting down the impressive Barron River. With Grade two and Grade three rapids, expect plenty of splashing, some teamwork, and a few moments where everyone in the raft screams and laughs at the same time.
Join Back Country Bliss for the most unique floating experience you’ll ever encounter. Head into the rainforest and float along the serene Mossman River on your individual board, taking in the sights and sounds of the ancient landscape around you.
If you prefer ocean swimming, Sailaway Port Douglas explores the idyllic Low Isles and the outer reef on their snorkelling tours. Enjoy the Great Barrier Reef from above or below and look out for coral gardens, giant clams, colourful reef fish and, if you’re lucky, sea turtles.
For land-lovers, the Devil’s Thumb is a challenging but rewarding hike with incredible views over the coast and endless cane fields. This 10km return hike will take around six to eight hours, so leave a whole day and pack snacks!
Experiences that give back
See the rainforest from above on The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. (Credit: TTNQ)
With two UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites – the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics of Queensland rainforest region – it’s not surprising Tropical North Queensland is a hub for eco-tourism. The stunning Daintree Ecolodge was founded on the principles of minimising environmental impact, supporting the local community and teaching guests about the local Indigenous culture. Their elevated rainforest-style ‘bayans’ are tucked among the trees, bringing nature into every part of a guest’s stay.
Further down the coast, the luxury bungalows and treetop hideaways of Thala Beach Nature Reserve are dotted across 45 acres of protected headland, forest and beach. The property’s design intentionally preserves large areas of native vegetation and beachfront ecosystem, while conserving the surrounding habitat. The private beach and various swimming pools offer a cool retreat from the heat of the day, while the main lodge offers the perfect place to read and relax.
The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, a 7.5-kilometre cableway between Cairns and nearby Kuranda, has won multiple tourism and environmental awards. It’s also the first tourism attraction in the world to achieve Platinum EarthCheck Accreditation, for its long-term environmental management and sustainability initiatives.
