One of the most naturally beautiful properties on the Gold Coast is the Historic Rivermill in Mt Nathan. Just 30 minutes from the centre of the Gold Coast, the 6.4-hectare property is made up of shaded, verdant lawns fringed on one side by a meandering river. Overlooking the river is a rustic restaurant and function centre with a chapel, accommodation cabins and various other buildings scattered across the site.
The Historic Rivermill carries a long history. First opened 108 years ago, it was the largest of three mills operating on the Coomera River, where arrowroot was milled. (GC Bulletin)
Since then, under various owners, the venue has developed into a café and event centre, a petting zoo and museum displaying farm and mill equipment from the property’s history.
Recently, owners Liansu and Weiwu returned to Australia to manage the property, their vision being that the venue will be a community hub infused with ‘a unique blend of entertainment, nature, and hospitality’. They invite families to enjoy the tranquillity of nature, community groups to use the space for meetings and activities, and locals to celebrate weddings, birthdays and special events that will create lasting memories.
The site has many assets: a natural beauty, abundant space and rustic venue opportunities, an accomplished chef heading the kitchen, and a team with heart. There is plenty of parking on site and the terrain is pram and wheelchair friendly.
Integral to the owners’ plans is the kitchen, where seasoned chef Luke Corvin, who has led the kitchens of Caracara in Tugun and Pablito’s Sanctuary Cove, caters for restaurant and function meals.
Open for breakfast from 9am to noon and lunch from noon to 3pm with morning and afternoon tea also available, there’s a short menu covering many bases including gluten free and vegan. It is quality food with an individual twist, food to share, including cakes, snacks and add-ons.
We dine overlooking the river, my partner choosing a hearty cheeseburger filled with an Angel Bay beef patty and salad with the crispiest chips we’ve eaten in a long time. My choice of tacos echoes Chef Luke’s recent experience at Pablito’s: his Crispy Mushroom Tacos filled with crispy flash fried oyster mushrooms, rich cashew cream and the tang of pickled onion. What a subtle and elegant dish this is, full of flavour and varying textures, and miles away from the ‘melts’ of some other pseudo-Mexican restaurants.
Chocolate mudcake follows, dense and delicious. It’s one of the best chocolate cakes we’ve tasted, and for us it’s a cake that’s rich enough to share.
The Historic Rivermill has always been a family-friendly venue that is famous for its animals. A large enclosure holds llama, deer and a pig, with animal food available in the café. The river is home to many hungry turtles, which eagerly approach the jetty and riverbanks when people approach.
Now, there is an added attraction: two Peruvian Paso horses, a breed that is inherently capable of a smooth four-beat lateral gait. These are the horses you will see in Spanish riding schools performing the Marinera courting dance. You can book horse riding sessions, have photographs taken with the horse at your wedding, event or children’s party.
It’s an easy drive to the Historic Rivermill. Plan a visit for a few hours to get away and enjoy the green space. Consider the venue for your next meeting, event or celebration. Bring your children down to feed the animals or to have a horse ride, but plan to have a meal while you are there. Chef Luke’s delicious food overlooking the river is not to be missed!
The Historic Rivermill, 950 Beaudesert Nerang Rd, Mount Nathan QLD 4211 Ph: 08 8121 4043
NOTE: Good Food Gold Coast dined as guests of The Historic Rivermill.