Our Story
As one of (if not the oldest) properties on the mountain, the St Bernards Hotel has a rich history.
On the site of the current Council Quarry on Tamborine Mountain, the St Bernards Hotel was built in 1881 by Robert Muir as accommodation for its managers and staff. Mr Muir bought acres of heavy scrubland with the intention to clear the land and plant and grow sugar cane, however he unfortunately drowned in 1887, with the hotel taken over by Parbury, Lamb and Company after his death, and managed by John Pindar in 1889.
The new owners started a village settlement, and in 1898 moved St Bernards to its present site. Since being built, the hotel has held many positions in the town including a simple guest house, a home for American military officers based as Camp Cabe during World War 11, and later a post office receiving centre.
The premises was not actually licensed until 1915, and during the 1920’s it operated as a ‘convalescent private hotel’, housing up to 100 guests.
Fast forward to today and not a lot has changed as far as aesthetics. Preserving the history of the hotel was important so any modifications to the original venue have always remained true to the ambience you’d expect when stepping inside this warm country pub. Nestled amongst the century year old trees with breathtaking views, St Bernards Hotel often features as a ‘must stop’ when visiting the locale of Mount Tamborine.
Being a popular destination for short stays due to our close proximity from the Gold Coast and Brisbane, we’ve met many repeat visitors who make the hotel their homebase when exploring the region for fun and adventure, or simply stopping by to enjoy a well-cooked pub meal. An area admired for hot air ballooning, birdwatchers, bushwalkers and even rodeo participants, there’s lots to see and do around here!
