Wattle Cottage at Tallowwood Lane, 1890
History
Dating to the late 19th century, Wattle Cottage’s story started in Urangan, near Hervey Bay in Queensland. Saved from demolition by owners and hosts Heidi & David Cuschieri, it was transported five hours to their tranquil, leafy property on Tamborine Mountain. For over four years, both the cottage restoration and gardens have been a labour of love for Heidi and David. A very special place that invites you to slow down and reconnect with nature, Wattle Cottage was a 2025 finalist in Airbnb’s Best Nature Stay category.
The cottage has original heritage features throughout, including soaring ceilings, tongue & groove timber walls, rows of stunning yellow and green stained glass windows, ornate timber fretwork, and French doors that lead from the lounge and sunroom onto the verandah.
With its sunny yellow weatherboards, colourful leadlight, and beautiful interior with handpicked antiques & vintage pieces, Wattle Cottage is one of the most charming properties in the Historic Stays collection.
Accommodation
2 Adults — 1 Bedroom — 1 Bathroom
Ideal for both couples and solo travellers, the cottage’s bedroom features a cast iron queen bed dressed in pure French flax linens from Sheet Society and Bed Threads. Snuggle in bed while listening to the patter of rain on the tin roof, or cosy up with a good book and pot of tea.
After a day exploring Tamborine Mountain, unwind in the clawfoot bath with a glass of wine. The bathroom is stocked with plush Sheridan towels, and natural Australian Sukin and Koala Eco bath & body products.
The second bedroom has been converted to a quaint parlour room. Choose a book from the antique bookcase and spend an afternoon stretched out on the day bed. There’s also a Smart TV for movie nights, or disconnect from technology with quiet evenings with chess, board games, and jigsaw puzzles.
Or simply cosy up in front of the wood fire under Grampian Goods and Waverley Mills wool blankets, enjoy a local wine with a cheese platter, and play some vinyl on the record player - the perfect way to reconnect.
Overlooking a paddock with grazing horses, the cottage’s fully-equipped farmhouse kitchen makes it easy to stay in and cook your favourite meals, with stone bench tops, electric oven and gas stovetop. The dining area, with antique table and row of leadlight windows is a lovely space to enjoy breakfast, or an evening meal with locally-sourced produce.
Pantry staples provided include mini Pepe Saya Butter rounds and Beerenberg jams, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Italian herbs, and local freshly-ground coffee & teas.
A Tranquil Haven for Rest and Rejuvenation
During your stay, experience the magical gardens surrounding Wattle Cottage. Heidi and David have planted hundreds of plants over four years, with their expansive kitchen garden and fruit trees featured in Good Organic Gardening magazine.
Wander through the shady tree fern forest, admire stunning native plants - including an avenue of yellow kangaroo paws and giant eucalypts - or just relax on the verandah at sunrise with your morning coffee, listening to the kookaburras.
Guests enjoy exclusive use of the the stoked stainless cedar hot tub. Heated daily, it’s the ultimate way to unwind while soaking up the serenity of your surrounds, and a beautiful experience during gentle rain, or during cooler months with mist on the mountain. You may also like to book a therapeutic massage with a local mobile masseuse to soothe any stresses away.
“Wattle Cottage was truly incredible, even better than the photos! Heidi was a wonderful host, recommending local markets, and provided extra firewood. A tranquil setting for a romantic getaway, with cosy fireplace and hot tub. It holds a special place in our hearts and we hope to return!”
Special Features
Cosy Fire
Full Kitchen
Clawfoot Bath
Nature Stay
Things To Do
Tamborine Mountain, known for its scenic natural beauty, offers so much to see & do. Visit Curtis Falls, a stunning waterfall at the end of an easy forest walk, or hike to Cedar Creek Falls. Stroll through Tamborine Mountain Botanical Gardens, with a colourful and diverse range of exotic and native flora, and visit the Glow Worm Caves. Take the cottage’s picnic blanket and basket to Hang Glider Lookout and watch the sun set with wine & cheese, or hire electric bikes at Peddly Picnics and pair with one of their bespoke picnic hampers. The Tamborine Mountain Heritage Centre offers insight into the area's rich history, with a museum and original slab cottage.
For local wine, Witches Falls Winery invites you to enjoy a wine tasting, complete with six pours and a microbrewery on-site. At Cauldron Distillery, join a Gin Blending or Gin Making class. And create your own pottery at Clay Temple Pottery Studio.
For foodies, stop by Franquette Bakery for French pastries and fresh sourdough, while MKII Trattoria serves up authentic Italian pasta and tiramisu. Tamborine Mountain Plantation’s cafe for breakfast or lunch features local produce, and coffee beans from their own plantation. Within walking distance from Wattle Cottage, historic St Bernards Hotel serves tasty pub meals with breathtaking mountain views.
Visit Tamborine Local Producers’ Market in The Green Shed, open on Sunday mornings with fresh organic produce from local farms. On the second Sunday each month, Tamborine Mountain Country Market has local crafts, gourmet food vans.
