A Second Life for the Former Mercure Clear Mountain
Mandala Hotels & Resorts has completed the multimillion-dollar renovation of its property nestled in the Moreton Bay hinterland, north of Brisbane. The former Mercure Clear Mountain has reopened as Peppers Clear Mountain, set on a 20-hectare bushland estate overlooking the Glass House Mountains.
The 51-room property already offered Brisbane residents an easily accessible getaway. Mandala’s investment preserves that atmosphere while introducing enhanced interiors, more refined finishes and a reimagined range of experiences, positioning the hotel as a premium destination for stays, weddings and corporate events.
A Project Led by Mandala and Design Firm Dezign
The project was carried out in partnership with Dezign, a firm specialising in hotel design and construction, whose integrated approach helped create a cohesive identity across the restaurant, bar, guest rooms and outdoor spaces.
All 51 guest rooms have been fully renovated, with an uplift in quality of finishes while retaining the character and connection to nature that define the property. The Glasshouse Restaurant offers a refined yet relaxed dining experience, arranged around a fireplace, banquette seating and a contemporary bar, complemented by two private lounges, one of which opens onto a balcony.
The renovated event spaces can now host up to 150 guests, with new packages designed for conferences, seminars and weddings. A billiard room and a fully re-equipped gym round out the leisure offering.
Outside, the pool has been redesigned with new decking and glass balustrades, while a central fountain now animates the Serenity Lawn. The Chef’s Garden kitchen garden supplies the Glasshouse kitchen directly with fresh, seasonal produce. A new porte-cochère enhances guest arrival, extended by a fully redesigned reception and lobby.
Stronger Ties to the Accor Network
As part of the Accor network, Peppers Clear Mountain benefits from the group’s global distribution platforms, ALL.com, and the ALL loyalty programme, broadening its visibility among domestic and international travellers. The hotel joins the Peppers collection, present in Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia and known for its properties with strong identities and personalised service — a collection that has recently expanded with the rebranding of four Australian hotels from the Elanor Investors Group portfolio, including Peppers Clare Valley.
Rooms are available from approximately €191 per night, including breakfast for two. Mandala thus continues to build out its Queensland portfolio, a few months after being named operator of the Merchant Hotel in Brisbane , the first Radisson Hotel Group property in the state.
A Strong Signal for Queensland Tourism
Peter Flannery, Mayor of the City of Moreton Bay, welcomed the completion of the transformation, [FLAG: quote rendered as reported speech pending verification of an English-language original] describing Peppers Clear Mountain as the city’s first 5-star hotel and evidence of Moreton Bay’s growing appeal as a leisure and business destination.
He also pointed to the project’s economic impact, [FLAG: quote rendered as reported speech pending verification] noting that the upscale property is good news for the local tourism and major events sector, which is facing strong demand from both leisure and business travellers. He added that the investment reflects investor confidence in Moreton Bay’s economic strength and strengthens Mandala’s Australian portfolio.
Adrian Williams, Accor’s Chief Operating Officer for the Pacific, places the opening within a broader momentum: Queensland anticipates a surge in tourist numbers ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games, supported by increased air capacity. In his view, Peppers Clear Mountain is well positioned to support this growing demand.
Outlook for Mandala Hotels & Resorts
For Gemma McCourt, Chief Operating Officer of Mandala Hotels & Resorts, this renovation reflects a considered investment in one of Queensland’s most sought-after regions, with renewed attention to the expectations of today’s travellers around wellbeing, connection to nature and shared moments. The executive, recently promoted to COO of the group , frames the project as a continuation of Mandala’s development alongside Accor, EVT, BWH and Radisson Hotels.
The group states that the deal strengthens its Australian portfolio and reaffirms its commitment to creating differentiated, high-performing destinations in a Queensland market where demand for premium properties continues to grow.
At a glance by The Hospitality Tribune
Mandala Hotels & Resorts unveils Peppers Clear Mountain in Queensland
Former Mercure Clear Mountain becomes Peppers Clear Mountain following a multi-million-dollar renovation
First 5-star hotel in the City of Moreton Bay, Queensland, Australia
51 renovated guest rooms on a 20-hectare estate overlooking the Glass House Mountains
New Glasshouse Restaurant, event spaces for up to 150 guests, gym and billiard room
Project delivered with hospitality design and construction firm Dezign
Rates from approximately €191 per night via ALL.com
