Two Pines cafe: History Numinbah Valley site to become luxury glamping location

One of the Gold Coast Hinterland’s oldest businesses is set to expand, with plans unveiled for a high-end glamping retreat. SEE THE PLANS

One of the Gold Coast Hinterland’s oldest businesses is set to expand, with plans unveiled for a high-end glamping retreat.

The rural getaway is earmarked for the historic Two Pines cafe property on Nerang-Murwillumbah Road which was founded 90 years ago in 1934.

Located close to Natural Bridge, the site’s owners want it to become a key part of the rural tourism sector.

According to plans lodged with the Gold Coast City Council, it will “offer high-end accommodation for visitors passing through the area, in the form of 12 glamping tents”.

“Of these, two of have been purposely designed for accessibility, thereby promoting tourism within the area for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy,” a report lodged with council reads.

Artist impression of new glamping facilities planned for Two Pines Cafe in the Numinbah Valley of the Gold Coast Hinterland. Picture: Supplied

“The proposed tourist park comprises 12 ‘glamping’ tents nestled within the natural landscape environment of the site.

“Each ‘glamping’ site will be constructed with lightweight, natural materials that will flawlessly integrate with the natural surrounding environment.

“An ancillary recreation building will offer facilities for the exclusive use of guests staying within the Tourist Park.”

The Two Pines cafe was created in 1934 and was at one time home to the region’s telephone exchange, as well as a service station.

In the 1950s it became a stop on the rural bus route, offering food tourists as well as operators of the local mail run.

The proposed glamping facility is the latest in a series of projects aimed at building up the Hinterland’s tourism credentials. In September 2023 plans were unveiled for a “giant world-class eco adventure tourism attraction”.

Artist impression of new glamping facilities planned for Two Pines Cafe in the Numinbah Valley of the Gold Coast Hinterland. Picture: Supplied

A former banana farm belonging to the Stephens and Pantiz families, some of the region’s pioneers, will be transformed in the $14.2m Numinbah Escape eco-tourism project.

It will be built in five stages and will feature abseiling, mountain biking, rock climbing, canyoning, plus an eco-lodge, glamping and a function centre.

It comes as council also turns its attention to building up the Hinterland region as an attraction.

In June a supermajority of councillors back the city’s new Nature Based Tourism Program which will see city leaders invest more than $500,000 in the sector.

Artist impression of new glamping facilities planned for Two Pines Cafe in the Numinbah Valley of the Gold Coast Hinterland. Picture: Supplied

Mayor Tom Tate said at the time the city had been losing market share in the area, something he hoped to change.

“The data shows we are increasingly
losing that share to regions that have capitalised on the demand for nature-based activities – places like New Zealand, the Hunter Valley, the Mornington Peninsula and the Sunshine Coast,” he said.

“We know that more travellers want to connect with nature, so it’s time we got serious about this sector.

“It’s time we showed the world what we have been keeping to ourselves for so long – that the green behind the gold is world-class.”