Beenleigh Artisan Distillery Recognised on the Global Stage

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Beenleigh Artisan Distillery — Australia’s oldest registered distillery — has once again proven its world-class credentials, taking home top honours at the 2025 New York International Spirits Competition.

In a major win for the region, Beenleigh was named Australian Rum Distillery of the Year, a prestigious title that highlights the distillery’s enduring legacy and its continued innovation in premium rum production.

But the accolades didn’t stop there. Two of Beenleigh’s standout rums also received international acclaim:

  • Beenleigh Artisan Distillers XO Rare Rum – Gold Medal and named in the Top 20 Rums of the Year
  • Beenleigh Artisan Distillers Double Cask Rum – Silver Medal and also featured in the Top 20 Rums of the Year

These awards are a testament to the craftsmanship, quality, and passion that define Beenleigh’s approach to distilling. With a proud history spanning over 140 years, the distillery continues to set the benchmark for Australian rum — and now, the world is taking notice.

This recognition is also a significant milestone for the independent beverage group behind Beenleigh, VOK Beverages, whose commitment to excellence and regional authenticity is helping to elevate Australian spirits on the global stage.

Beyond the awards, Beenleigh Artisan Distillery is also making significant strides in the tourism sector. The team has been actively collaborating with LOED’s tourism unit on a submission for the 2025 Queensland Tourism Awards, showcasing the distillery’s evolution into a must-visit destination. Recent developments — including the launch of a new kitchen and restaurant, expanded event offerings, and immersive visitor experiences — are drawing a broader audience and enhancing Logan’s appeal as a tourism hub.

This is an exciting time for Logan’s visitor economy, and Beenleigh’s success is a shining example of how local heritage, innovation, and global recognition can come together to create something truly special.

We extend our congratulations to the entire team at Beenleigh Artisan Distillery and look forward to supporting their continued growth and success.

 

Logan City Council Celebrated at AILA QLD Awards 2025

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Logan City Council has been recognised at the 2025 Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) Queensland Awards, receiving two prestigious accolades for excellence in civic and urban design.

At the award ceremony at Blackbird Brisbane on Thursday, June 12, Council, in partnership with project design partners AECOM Australia, received the landscape architecture award for the Cusack Lane Streetscape Upgrade in the Civic Landscape category.

A more flexible and usable public space at Cusack Lane was created through re-purposing on-street parking and undergrounding powerlines in Jimboomba. It has improved accessibility and created opportunities for more on-street activities for the local community and businesses and will encourage night time economy.

A landscape architecture award in the Urban Design category was also awarded to Council for the Croydon Road Precinct Revitalisation project, which transformed Croydon Road from an uninviting, car-dominated shopping street into a safe and inviting place full of activity, social interaction and community pride.

Jointly funded by the Council and the Queensland Government, the project enhanced public space amenity and activated the Croydon Road Precinct between Station Road and Blackwood Road in Logan Central by encouraging more people to shop in the area and stay for longer.

These awards highlight Council’s commitment to delivering high-quality, community-focused public spaces that enhance liveability and reflect the unique character of Logan. They also demonstrate that with thoughtful design and strategic investment, impactful outcomes can be achieved.

Family sitting on a bench on Cusack Lane Streetscape
Family sitting on a bench on Cusack Lane Streetscape
Lady sitting on an artistic concrete block on Croydon Road
Lady sitting on an artistic concrete block on Croydon Road
Couple holding hands crossing Croydon Road
Couple holding hands crossing Croydon Road
Friends chatting on Croydon Road Streetscape
Friends chatting on Croydon Road Streetscape

Logan Businesses Recognised in 2025 Best of Queensland Experiences

The Logan Office of Economic Development is proud to announce that 19 local tourism operators have been recognised in the 2025 Best of Queensland Experiences Program (BOQEP), an initiative led by Tourism and Events Queensland.

This program identifies and celebrates tourism businesses that consistently deliver high-quality visitor experiences across the state. Recognition in the BOQEP is a mark of excellence, awarded to operators who meet rigorous standards across several key performance areas.

Logan’s 2025 BOQEP Recipients:

About the Program

The Best of Queensland Experiences Program is designed to guide and support tourism operators in delivering exceptional service and memorable experiences. Businesses are independently assessed based on:

  • Consistently positive customer reviews
  • A secure, bookable website
  • Active social media presence
  • RTO membership and formal accreditation

These Logan-based businesses have demonstrated a strong commitment to quality and innovation, helping to position the city as a destination of choice for both domestic and international visitors.

We commend all recipients for their dedication to excellence and for contributing to Logan’s growing reputation as a vibrant and diverse tourism destination.

Learn more about the Best of Queensland Experiences Program.

Wakeboarder group of people sitting at a table talking Woman singing at Club Noir Ladies having high tea Young woman serving food couple being served drinks at Perentie Brewery

Logan leads the way with Olympic legacy vision

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The City of Logan has doubled down on a bold bid to become a South East Queensland destination of choice.

Logan City Council’s 2023-2028 Destination Management Plan, charts a new course for the city as a leader in sustainable nature-based encounters, sporting and cultural events and entertainment experiences.

The plan will work in tandem with Council’s 2032 City of Logan Legacy Roadmap – an exciting new vision to capitalise on economic, cultural and social development opportunities ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and beyond.

The ‘Roadmap’ – will guide the planning of the recently announced indoor sporting venue in Logan Central, as Council and the Queensland Government develop a business case for the multi-purpose facility.

It will also underpin future Council actions to advocate for vital transport and community infrastructure across the city, with improvements to supporting telecommunications systems and upgrades to the nearby Woodridge train station high on Council’s agenda.

Mayor Darren Power said the City of Logan was already a key logistics and workforce hub between Brisbane and the Gold Coast. It is also home to 234 different cultures.

“Our diverse city has enormous natural and cultural advantages as a commercial, tourism and culinary destination and this profile is certain to grow as the Olympic and Paralympic Games approach,” Cr Power said.

“With so many different cultures already calling our city home, Logan will be a ‘must-do’ destination for the many visitors we can expect in the lead-up to, and during the Games.”

Key actions within Council’s 2023-2028 Destination Management Plan include:

  • Encouraging the development of more high-quality, short-term accommodation
  • Expanding the city’s night-time economy, and enhancing the offerings of key food and cultural tourism precincts
  • Backing local businesses to support the growth of an active and engaged, trade-ready industry
  • Delivering and opening the new Riverine Discovery Centre at Eagleby (slated for completion in mid-2024)

The plan will also work to increase visitor spend and stay within the City of Logan and develop a calendar of destination-based events to increase visitor demand.

Economic Development Chair Councillor Jon Raven said small steps taken now were critical to delivering long-term, city-wide benefits for residents and businesses.

“The next decade and beyond is our once-in-a-generation opportunity to drive and deliver the infrastructure, employment and lifestyle opportunities that will help our city thrive,” Cr Raven said.

“Reaching those goals off the back of the Olympics and Paralympics will require bold decisions by this and future Councils, but the benefits for City of Logan families and businesses will be enormous.”

The community will be invited to have their say on Council’s 2032 City of Logan Legacy Roadmap in the coming months.

Details will be available soon on Council’s Have Your Say website: haveyoursaylogan.com.au

FLAME provides proof of concept for great events in the City of Logan

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This month Logan City Council delivered the FLAME BBQ street festival in Jimboomba.

Over 18,000 people attended the festival on Saturday 17 September 2022, well in excess of the original target of 8,000 and anticipated attendance of 13,000. The registration page experienced over 5,000 registrations in the 4 days leading up the event.

The street festival was developed as a result of feedback provided by the community at the 2019 Jimboomba Summit. Activation of Cusack Lane and street-based parties were identified from the Summit Outcomes, as well as delivery of a range of events from small-scale to large events in the centre.

During event planning a BBQ event was selected from a range of options and BBQ and Beer Roadshow was engaged to help deliver the event. Economic Development and Strategy Branch staff secured funding from the Australian Government’s Building Better Regions Fund to deliver the event.

The event featured BBQ food trucks, dessert and snack food trucks, market stalls, rides, car show, 2 stages with bands and competitions, beer garden at the local tavern and connections to local food and retail businesses.

Aerial photo of FLAME Festival at Jimboomba

Activation of Cusack Lane and Brisbane Street at Jimboomba

Data from event registrations show that residents from across Logan travelled for the event. 33% of attendees were residents of another Local Government, namely Brisbane, Gold Coast and Ipswich.

Feedback on social media was overwhelmingly positive, with attendees praising the concept of the event (music, bbq food trucks, family friendly) and asking for the event to become a common occurrence.

Logan City Council hosts a number of regular events in the city, including Eats and Beats, LEAF, Christmas events, Small Business Month and Seniors Month. The city also has great events spaces including Logan Entertainment Centre and recently opened Kingston Butter Factory.

Council is focusing on strategies that help build the city’s event calendar and grow the value and benefits of existing events through an events acquisition program and community event sponsorship fund.

Events help us to feel more connected and boost the economic, cultural and social fabric of Logan.

The FLAME event in Jimboomba and feedback received proves there is a large demand for great events in the City of Logan, and people will travel from across Logan and South East Queensland for the right events.

Best of Queensland recognises tourism businesses

Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ) have recently announced the Best of Queensland Experiences for 2022.

We are pleased to share that 12 Logan businesses have been identified as a Best of Queensland Experience! 🎉

The Best of Queensland Experiences Program (BOQEP) is an innovative program that guides the Queensland tourism industry to deliver exceptional transformational experiences.

The program is based on an independent set of criteria that incorporates online customer reviews, responds to consumer expectations, and reflects industry best practice. All operators assessed in the program receive an individual report providing valuable insights on consumer perceptions of their experience to drive business performance.  The Best of Queensland Experiences are assessed on an annual basis.

Congratulations to:

  • Australian Sunset Safaris
  • Bayside Wake Park
  • Beenleigh Artisan Distillery
  • Devon Pixies
  • Extraction Artisan Coffee
  • Hotel Gloria
  • Kingston Park Raceway
  • McNevins Logan Park Motel
  • Poppy’s Chocolate
  • Simply Beans
  • Spirits of the Red Sand
  • The Whitehouse of Waterford

Accreditation is increasingly becoming a necessity for businesses operating in the tourism industry. It is valued by operators, government, industry bodies and guests alike.

Learn more about the Best of Queensland Experiences Program

Devon Pixies at Kingston Butter Factory

Best of Brisbane Regional Support Program – Mentees:

This year, Logan Office of Economic Development selected 6 Logan businesses to take part in the Best of Brisbane Regional Support Program. Developed in collaboration with TEQ and Brisbane Economic Development Agency (BEDA), this was a joint local government program with all Brisbane LGAs participating.

Selected businesses worked closely with a dedicated mentor, Linda Tillman, over a 12-week period. The aim of this program was to help these businesses work towards becoming a Best of Queensland Experience. From this program, we had 3x mentees highlighted below become a Best of Queensland Experience.

  • Bayside Wake Park
  • Beenleigh Artisan Distillery
  • Beenleigh Historical Village and Museum
  • Devon Pixies
  • Eagle Rider
  • Kingston Butter Factory

$6 million brewery coming to Logan

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Distillery Road Market (DRM) in Eagleby has revealed its brand new anchor tenant this month – Perentie Brewing Co. – a bespoke $6 million-dollar, 1 million litre, architect designed brewery specialising in independently crafted Lager beers, opening mid-2023.

Born from a passion for sessionable beers with a uniquely Australian flavour, Perentie Brewing Co. is helmed by Kenton Campbell, founder of Zarraffa’s Coffee and Tonken Property Group, (the developer behind DRM), with the support and guidance of renowned Burleigh Brewing’s Master Brewer and Founder, Brennan Fielding.

Taking shape inside DRM’s 17,000 square metre precinct in the heart of South East Queensland, in Eagleby, Perentie Brewing Co. will feature a purpose-built brewery and taphouse specialising in authentic Lager beers.

An idea conceived over 15 months ago and progressed during COVID, Mr Campbell’s vision was to create a beer house honouring the traditional German Lager brewing process; to produce a crisp, clean Lager beer with an unmistakably Australian taste.

Kenton Campbell at Distillery Road Market

“In 2015 when I acquired the DRM site, I had a vision to build a bespoke brewery housed in its heart that had the ability to serve up a sessionable craft Lager beer experience, which in my opinion is the heart and soul of beer,” Mr Campbell said. Utilising classic German lager brewing techniques and authentic German yeast and hops, Perentie Brewing Co. will have the capacity to brew up to 1 million litres.

“Launching Distillery Road Market was a dream come true for me, and now to be able to bring Perentie Brewing Co. to fruition with the support of Burleigh Brewing is simply incredible,” Mr Campbell said.

Perentie Brewing Co. is set to open to the public mid-2023 at Distillery Road Market, 124 Distillery Rd Eagleby QLD 4207.

Experience Different with Explore Logan

Now is the time to reposition and present the City of Logan as an emerging and interesting tourism destination.

Introducing the new tourism destination brand for the city – Explore Logan.

Explore Logan logo

For visitors, day-trippers, family and friends, the City of Logan provides something surprisingly different when it comes to looking for a day out.

Using engaging content, Explore Logan will highlight Logan’s adventurous side, global flavours, cultural stories, great outdoors, upcoming events and uncover those hidden gems to potential visitors.

Logan is the city of cultures, a real deal destination for urban explorers, where you will be welcomed as you are. Here, you will discover hidden gems; culinary surprises; excellent arts and events; sporting passion and a twist of adventure. It’s for when you want a little bit of city; a little bit of country; a little bit of alternative; and a whole lot of time out.

Strengthening our tourism sector makes our economy more productive, creates jobs and improves our quality of life. Income injected into the local economy from tourism creates a multiplier effect as businesses draw on local suppliers and workers to meet the demand from external visitors.

Be sure to follow @exploreloganqld on Facebook and Instagram and stay tuned for their website launch in April!

Lime Cordiale ready to rock Logan

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ARIA award-winning band Lime Cordiale today toured the new Kingston Butter Factory (KBF) Cultural Precinct with City of Logan Mayor Darren Power ahead of their scheduled concert on Sunday, May 8.

Their show on KBF’s new outdoor stage is part of band founders Oli and Louis Leimbach’s annual travelling festival The Squeeze.

Along with Lime Cordiale, the line-up will include Thelma Plum, Client Liaison, The VANNS, Teenage Dads and Merci, Mercy.

Logan City Council is in the final stages of transforming the historic KBF into a world-class community precinct for arts, culture and entertainment.

Louis and Oli Leimbach from Lime Cordiale with Coouncillors Hall, Koranski, Russell and Mayor Power

Councillor Hall, Councillor Koranski, Louis and Oli Leimbach from Lime Cordiale, Mayor Power, and Councillor Mindy Russell

Mayor Darren Power said he was thrilled to welcome the band to KBF and the city.

“It will be wonderful to have them take to the KBF stage and fire up this new facility,” he said.

“We look forward to attracting many artists of this calibre to KBF as this new venue starts its journey in the coming months.”

City Lifestyle Chair, Councillor Laurie Koranski, said the KBF would become a live music and cultural icon, attracting visitors from outside the city.

“KBF will transform the way our growing city entertains its community and we also look forward to welcoming visitors from Brisbane, Ipswich and the Gold Coast,” Cr Koranski said.

“We are delighted to announce Lime Cordiale will be playing at the new precinct and look forward to many more exciting announcements”.

Oli Leimbach from Lime Cordiale said it was ‘crazy to think how The Squeeze has grown from an indoor event to a major outdoor national festival for its third year.

“After the industry has been hit so hard it’s a great feeling to know that we’re pulling this off,” he said.

Tickets for the City of Logan concert are available now from Logan Arts.

Join the Logan Travel the World Passport

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The City of Logan is a booming hub of some of the best food from around the world just waiting to be explored. From the familiar favourites of Indian, Chinese and Thai to the emerging Korean, Burmese, African, Arabic and Pacifica cuisines.

There are hundreds of hospitality businesses to be found across the city, many of which are family owned and operated by hard working and passionate locals and we are excited about educating the community about the great offerings we have.

The ‘Travel the World’ campaign, an initiative of local Rebecca Cobbing from Nom Nom Logan, is about getting exposure for these businesses and encouraging the local community to discover and experience the city’s amazing foodie scene.

Local food businesses are invited to participate in the initiative and can sign up now with the campaign running from January to March 2022.

Find out more information on how to join the program.

The campaign will be free for Logan food businesses and will contribute to developing and promoting the growing food ecosystem in Logan which is an outcome of the Logan Food Tourism Development Plan.

Sharing the messages and stories of our local hospitality businesses is important as it encourages consumers to think about the local food experiences before buying anywhere else.
This money spent in Logan is more likely to be reinvested into the local economy and support local jobs.

The Travel the World in Logan passport is an initiative by Nom Nom Logan, supported by Logan City Council.