Country House wins Gold at Tourism awards

The Country House at Hunchy has been announced winner of the Hosted Accommodation category Gold Award at the Queensland Tourism Awards Gala Ceremony held at The Star Brisbane on Friday 15 November 2024. 

The win means Country House at Hunchy will now compete for top national honours at the 2024 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards to be held in Adelaide on 21 March 2025.  

Minister for Tourism and Member for Glass House Andrew Powell said: “Steve, Terri, and Teresa Koepenick have created a stand-out 5-star Award-Winning Bed & Breakfast.  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.”

Steve, Terri, and Teresa Koepenick came to Australia from California after retiring from the robotics technology industry and medical fields in September 2023 and made improvements to the beautiful modern Queenslander homestead. Following renovations of the gardens and property, it was not long before they created an Award-Winning Bed and Breakfast.

“We moved here because we love Australia and especially the people – there is nowhere else like it,” said Steve.   

Montville Village Association President Wayne Parcell praised the Koepenicks for their contribution to the local economy and their commitment as active volunteers to 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”.

Another Queensland Tourism Award winning property was the Montville Misty View Cottages who accepted the Silver Award. 

With a growing number of travellers looking for unique and immersive experiences, Montville and Maleny continue to establish themselves as premier destinations.

Minister for Tourism and Member for Glass House, Andrew Powell, congratulates the Koepenicks on the win.