Two Pines cafe: History Gold Coast Hinterland property to be sold after green light for glamping

A big change is coming for a historic Gold Coast hinterland property which would bring more tourists to the area once it is transformed. FIND OUT MORE

A remote Gold Coast Hinterland site which is home to one of the region’s oldest businesses and earmarked for glamping, is on the market.

The 1.52ha Nerang-Murwillumbah Road site is home to the historic Two Pines cafe which began operating 91 years ago in 1934. It is earmarked for a 12-unit luxury glamping tourism facility “in the heart of the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests”.

It is one of several sites in the hinterland to be targeted for nature-based tourism, something the Gold Coast City Council is pushing to promote the “green behind the gold”.

The Two Pines Cafe site in the Gold Coast Hinterland is on the market. Picture: Canford Estate Agents

The site is being marketed by Canford Estate Agents, with firm principal Roland Evans describing it as a “unique development location”.

“It has a great history behind it and it is now waiting for a new owner to take it on and it will have an exciting future,” he said.

“It has a unique development approval, because it will allow for short-term accommodation, it’s licenced and will be able to double as an entertainment or wedding venue.

“It has so many uses for a Gold Coast business to go there right on the edge of the rainforest.”

The site sits just 1km north of Natural Bridge and neighbours the insta-famous Bower Estate, a popular wedding venue which is also leaning into glamping.

Canford’s Roland Evans. Photo: Supplied

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 to tourists as well as operators of the local mail run.

The council last year gave the green light to a glamping attraction which would have 10 luxury units plus two Disability Discrimination Act-compliant accessible units.

There is also a single-storey luxury residence with up to four bedrooms and space for 34 cars alongside its existing cafe and restaurant.

“The proposed tourist park comprises 12 ‘glamping’ tents nestled within the natural landscape environment of the site,” a report lodged with council on the project read.

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

“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 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”.

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.

Meanwhile the Bower Estate, operated by Amanda Appel, last year lodged plans with the council to transform it into a “premier function facility and accommodation retreat”.

New features will include:

■ A function centre

■ A permanent reception building which will have “exquisite views of the Springbrook National Park”

■ 18 one-bedroom eco cabins and a pair of two-bedroom cabins.

■ A day spa

■ A caretaker’s house.

Originally published as Two Pines cafe: History Gold Coast Hinterland property to be sold after green light for glamping