Skip to main content

The Country House at Hunchy/Montville is the 2024 Gold Winner for Best Hosted Accommodation in Queensland!

 

About the Queensland Tourism Industry Council

The Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) is Queensland’s
peak tourism industry body and the leading advocate for Queensland’s
tourism and hospitality sector. QTIC represents the interests of the
state’s more than 60,000 tourism businesses and more than 800
members across Queensland working in all sectors of the tourism and
hospitality industry.

The Queensland Tourism Awards honours the finest individuals, businesses, and events across the state!

 

 

Bed and breakfast lines up against Australia’s best

The Country House at Hunchy is a contender for a national tourism award.

By Sunshine Coast News

28 February 2025

A Sunshine Coast hinterland bed and breakfast is in the running for a national tourism award next month.

The Country House at Hunchy is a finalist in the Hosted Accommodation category of the Australian Tourism Awards, which will be held in Adelaide on March 21.

It progressed to the national finals after winning gold in its category in the Queensland Tourism Awards last November.

The Hosted Accommodation category recognises places that offer a bed and breakfast, farm stay, cottage or other intimate accommodation experience and meet a three-and-a-half-star rating standard.

Tourism Minister and Member for Glass House Andrew Powell commended Country House operators Steve and Terri Koepenick and Terri’s mother Teresa Hopton on their achievements so far.

Tourism Minister Andrew Powell (left) with Steve and Terri Koepenick.

“Steve, Terri and Teresa have created a stand-out five-star award-winning bed and breakfast,” Mr Powell said.

“Their outstanding contribution underscores Montville and Maleny topping the list of Australia’s Most Welcoming Cities in the 13th annual Traveller Review Awards.

‘I am proud to see Queensland hospitality being recognised at a national level, showcasing unique holiday experiences in the hinterland.”

The Koepnicks and Ms Hopton came to Australia from California after retiring from robotics technology and medical fields in September 2023, and made improvements to the modern Queenslander homestead.

“We moved here because we love Australia and especially the people – there is nowhere else like it,” Mr Koepenick said upon accepting the state award.

The Country House at Hunchy won a Queensland Tourism Award to progress to the nationals.

Montville Village Association president Wayne Parcell praised the trio for their contribution to the local economy and their commitment as active volunteers in the annual Rangebow Festival and other regular community activities across the Range.

“The future of our village rests with great people like Steve, Terri and Teresa who truly understand service quality, delivering social and economic benefits and thoroughly embraced by the local community – a potently successful mix of business and community,” he said.

Montville Misty View Cottages took out a silver award in the Hosted Accommodation category of the Queensland awards, bolstering the Range’s reputation as a preferred destination for relaxing getaways.

Other Sunshine Coast and Noosa businesses that won Queensland Tourism Awards in 2024 were On the Beach Noosa, which won a bronze for Self-Contained Accommodation, and Maleny Botanic Gardens and Birdworld, which won silver in Excellence in Accessible Tourism.

The Mary Valley Rattler, based at Gympie, won gold for Outstanding Contribution by a Volunteer or Volunteer Group.

‘More than a B&B’: country retreat earns major Queensland tourism award

This B&B was recognised with a significant tourism award.

By Sunshine Coast News

A five-star bed and breakfast on the Sunshine Coast has been recognised with one of the top accolades at the Queensland Tourism Awards.

The Country House at Hunchy claimed Gold for Hosted Accommodation at the event in Brisbane, hosted by the Queensland Tourism Industry Council.

It’s a getaway renowned for its stunning views, outstanding accommodation (two luxury suites) and excellent dining.

It’s nestled among the rainforest in a secluded area not far from hinterland village Montville.

Seven Sunshine Coast and Gympie businesses received awards at the event and it was revealed that the region welcomed a record 4.3 million visitors during the last financial year: up 9.7 per cent.

These figures included a record 1.4 million visiting friends and relatives, with business visitation growing by 23.3 per cent to 301,000 and holiday visitation increasing 5.9 per cent to 2.5 million.

The Country House at Hunchy.

Queensland Tourism Industry Council chair Elsa D’Alessio congratulated the region’s tourism operators for their significant contributions to the Queensland tourism industry during.

“It’s fantastic to see so many of the region’s business operators and individuals celebrated in this year’s Queensland Tourism Awards,” she said.

“Three of the seven awards were presented for accommodation related categories, so it’s no surprise that visitors are drawn to staying in the Sunshine Coast.

“From the sprawling pristine beaches to the beautifully lush hinterlands, visitors can make the most of opportunities to hike through subtropical rainforests, watch the majestic whales or enjoy a sunrise swim in the ocean.”

The Country House’s website details the retreat’s charms.

“Escape the hustle and bustle to a pristine rainforest sanctuary nestled between magical villages amongst mountains, lakes, waterfalls and forests,” it states.

“Imagine for a moment breathing unpolluted mountain air, being greeted by friendly faces and enjoying simply unbeatable home cooking and baking.

“The Country House is more than a B&B, it’s an unforgettable experience for you and your loved one.”

Sunshine Coast award winners

  • Gold- Hosted Accommodation – The Country House at Hunchy
  • Gold- Outstanding Contribution by a volunteer or volunteer group – Mary Valler Rattler
  • Silver- Hosted Accommodation – Montville Misty View Cottages
  • Silver- Excellence in Food Tourism – Creative Tours
  • Silver- Excellence in Accessible Tourism – Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World
  • Bronze- Tour and Transport Operator – Creative Tours
  • Bronze- Self Contained Accommodation – On the Beach Noosa

Ms D’Alessio also celebrated Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World’s silver win for Excellence in Accessible Tourism, a category introduced into the Queensland Tourism Awards for the first-time last year.

“The Excellence in Accessible Tourism award recognises the businesses that are providing services that go above and beyond to accommodate for people with disabilities or specific needs,” she said.

“Everyone deserves the opportunity to participate in a tourism experience with choice and with confidence.”

The workers and businesses behind the awards gathered at The Star, Queen’s Wharf for a night of glamour, being recognised for their hard work in the Queensland tourism industry over the past year.

There were 31 award categories ranging from attractions, events, tour and transport operators, accommodation, restaurants, accessible tourism, culture and marketing.

Tourism operators were awarded 80 awards including 31 Gold, 25 Silver and 24 Bronze.

Select category winners gain automatic entry into the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards, which will celebrate its 40th Anniversary and will be held in Adelaide, South Australia on March 21.