New boutique escape ready to open 

NEW LOOK: Guest who arrive at The Tamborine will be greeted by a modern new design
NEW LOOK: Guest who arrive at The Tamborine will be greeted by a modern new design

THE old hacienda-styled Mt Tamborine Motel welcomed thousands of guests to the region for more than four decades before it closed its doors two years ago.

Since that time many locals would have noticed that behind its gates major design changes and upgrades were underway as a tired motel slowly made way for a stylistic reimagining.

With the upmarket renovations now finished the motel will reopen its doors in December with the new name “The Tamborine”.

The new venue is the creation of long-time friends and co-owners, Gina McNamara and Nina Aberdeen, who share a passion for curating exceptional experiences. 

Their 40-year friendship, combined with their experience in the tourism and hospitality sectors, fuelled their vision to create a first class accommodation venue on Tamborine Mountain. 

Gina developed and owner operates Cassis Red Hill—luxury villas that offer bespoke guest experiences and deep connections with the local community in Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula.

Her commitment to high-quality service was instrumental in shaping The Tamborine’s new design and offerings. 

Together with Nina they believe they have carefully curated The Tamborine so it will be able to offer a unique, personalised stay, blending local charm with refined touches. 

The idea to take up the motel project came about when a friend from Tamborine Mountain called in to see them at their Mornington venue.

He told them that the old motel was on the market and that it presented a wonderful new accommodation opportunity.

Once they realised the parallels between Mr Tamborine and Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, in terms of its closeness to major cities and its natural beauty, they moved to purchase the property. 

They saw what an excellent opportunity it presented to restore a building with some iconic architectural features, and bring a new, elevated accommodation offering to the mountain. 

The location of the old motel was also paramount with its breathtaking views across the valley.

The Tamborine now offers 23 rooms, all boasting private balconies or terraces and luxe king beds. 

Guests can now unwind poolside enjoying a heated mineral pool and spa. 

Nina Aberdeen said whether it be immersing oneself in nature, enjoying a tipple at one of the many and emerging micro-breweries and distilleries, or exploring the artisan wares the mountain is famous for, The Tamborine will aim to be the perfect escape for our guests. 

Her fellow co-owner, Gina said they were beyond excited to open the doors to The Tamborine and to have the chance to share a special place with their guests. 

“The hotel is designed to offer a seamless connection between our guests, our hosts, the natural surrounds, and the local community,” she said.

“The Tamborine has a genuine sustainability vision and commitment to preserving the unique beauty and surrounds of the local area. 

“All materials and suppliers were selected to tread lightly on the environment. 

“An example of this is the extensive use of Queensland plywood which has one of the lowest carbon footprints of any construction material.”