Bearded Dragon Hotel Tamborine
Once upon a time at Bearded Dragon Hotel Tamborine in the heart of the Scenic Rim (also affectionately known as the Gold Coast Hinterland), well before Instagram, Facebook and youtube — let alone Tik Tok & Snapchat!
In a sleepy village called Tamborine, a farmer and family man known as ‘George’ conspired with the love of his life and some close-knit family about his grand idea for the Ferndale Farm property you now visit.
Set on 110 acres with sweeping views across the Ferndale Stud Farm to the picturesque Tamborine Mountain, a magic bean called the ‘Bearded Dragon’ was planted that is realized today nearly 25 years on! Established 1997.
A traditional pub was built in this cow paddock. The Bearded dragons, local lizards & wildlife watched from afar and in awe! The windmill, seen as the emblem of the Australian outback, stands proud as a constant reminder of Australian hope and resilience.
Some good ol’ fashion hospitality was added, and in 1997 the first beer was served, no advertising required, no marketing. Roll the barrels across the drive and that is how it started.
Many thought George was mad back then (we believe he has since lost the plot!) and who would have guessed how far the journey would take the family. Only George (and his family) truly knew as they had always understood the magic of Tamborine. Our location at the base of the Tamborine mountain and being the ‘black sheep’ has served us well.
True Blue Aussie Experience
Now let us serve you well and offer a ‘True Blue Aussie Experience’, which is hard to find nowadays. We pride the fact we are a “FREE HOUSE”. Our business is not ruled by a brewery, a supermarket, or anyone. We are only here to serve you.
Join us for a Stay & Play Accommodation package in our 18-room guest Boutique Hotel.
Enjoy the All Day Casual Dining Restaurant serving delicious meals from breakfast to dinner with Chefs Specialities blackboard paddock to plate and our farm-grown herbs and vegetables.
The Bearded Dragon is conveniently located at Tamborine, under one hour’s drive from Brisbane and the Gold Coast, for events of all sizes catering to weddings, conferences and live music events.
Our popular Tamborine property was purpose-built as a gambling-free establishment – no poker machines or mainstream gambling.
The Australian family had a long history in pubs and had seen the general change (for the worse) in pubs. Today a typical pub experience means a general lack of customer service, no good ol’ fashioned entertainment and a lack of cleanliness. Huge gambling palaces (where antisocial behaviour is permitted) have replaced the ‘true blue’ pub experience.
Since we opened, Bearded Dragon has proudly flown the “blow up the pokies banner” (much to the accountant’s dismay!). However, over 20 years later, we have survived without them, and our customers at Bearded Dragon Love the pokie-free vibe.
The Bearded Dragon has filled the void and offers a gambling-free environment except for live Cane Toad Racing for charity!
Book your private Toad Race Event at your next party, or keep your eyes peeled for our gig guide lineup for upcoming events at Bearded Dragon Hotel Tamborine.
Beware Imitations
There is only one Bearded Dragon, so be a part of our history and book your special event now or follow our story close up or from afar. Of course, you can find us on social media – we might be old-fashioned; however, we keep up with that stuff.