Helidon Spa eco-escape plans lodged to Lockyer Valley Council

A golf course at the foot of the Toowoomba Range could be transformed into a nature-based escape, plans lodged to a regional Qld council reveal.

Plans have been lodged to Lockyer Valley Regional Council to transform Helidon Spa golf course into a eco-tourism cabin escape.

Plans to transform a golf course into an eco-tourism escape in a small township at the foot of the Great Dividing Range were lodged to the Lockyer Valley Regional Council last month.

If approved, what once was the Helidon Spa Golf Course would now be developed into 48 cabin eco-village with orchards where visitors could pick fruit and learn more about the selected species.

The facilities would be developed alongside a 2ha solar farm, boosting the project with its own source of energy.

The plans were lodged by Zone Planning on behalf of Rich Hill Development Pty Ltd to Lockyer Valley Regional Council in December 2024.

Plans have been lodged to Lockyer Valley Regional Council to transform Helidon Spa golf course into a eco-tourism cabin escape.

The impact assessable project would need to satisfy a 15-day public notification period.

The proposed development will add to the tourist accommodation available at the foot of the Toowoomba range, and is only one kilometre away from the former spring and pool site, currently home to Helidon Spa Eco-Village, a caravan and campsite.

Situated on the southern side of the Warrego Hwy from Helidon, according to the current proposal, the property’s main feature is the 48-cabin concept with verandahs that encircle and look out onto a lagoon.

The cabins are expected to accommodate more than 50 people at a time and can be access off the highway through Kelly Rds with a direct entrance from Lavender Rd, the development application shows.

Taking the waters at Helidon Spa, c1918.

Helidon, with a population of around 2000 people, is historically known for its natural mineral spring, which once was the water source of a lake.

In the 1920s, it was filled in by landowners, who replaced it with a bluestone metal lined pool.

The springs, known for their curative properties, was bottled and sold internationally by Helidon Spa Water Company from 1850, and won international acclaim in London at an exhibition in 1886.

Concerts Cabaret Summer Spectacular at the Helidon Spa, in November 1966. The event, which was organised by Radio 4GR and JB's drew thousands. The band, the Bee Gees performed at the event. November 28, 1966. Photo: The Chronicle Archives

In the 1960s, after some renovations, it was Australia’s largest swimming pool and hosted events described as “mini woodstocks”, which drew artists like John Farnham and the Bee Gees to play by the pool. 

In 2007, Joan Webster wrote a comprehensive two-part history book on Helidon.

The development hopes to attract domestic and international tourists, offering nature-based experiences and agricultural activities the region is well-known for.