The Dairy Ravensbourne
From a disused dairy to a destination venue, The Dairy Ravensbourne blends luxury design with sweeping views, family passion and a vision to host unforgettable celebrations.
01/09/25
Photography: Bronte McVeigh and Cieran Murphy
Words: Sam Kirby
Shimmering, playful, dancing. . .there’s an almost. . . ‘flirtatiousness’ to the way the light in Spring speckles as it weaves through the trees and spills out across the ranges in Ravensbourne.
Shooting little glimpses as it skirts and spins, stealing your gaze as it jetés out across the hills in front of you.
Vast pine forests that cover the land, giving way to rolling fields that open into those kinds of expansive panoramas that cause you to linger in the moment and exhale, almost as if “up until now, you’d been holding your breath”.
For this writer, many a sunny afternoon has been spent at the Gus Beutel lookout (IYKYK), finding inspiration or quietly sitting in that feeling and the area’s beauty and space.
And it was these very same reasons that first drew the Valdal family here.
Ravensbourne had always held its quiet pull, and when older brother Stuart Valdal married a Ravensbourne local, Emily, and a small, no-longer-running dairy farm came up for sale, well, it was just the place to build their family home.
And yet, as life so often has it, plans change.
Split working between the Sunshine Coast and schooling their young family in Toowoomba, over time, for Stuart and Emily, the idea of settling here became less practical. And so, gradually, as time went on, the questions started to change. They adored the property and couldn’t let it go, but if not a home, then what?
At the same time, Michael Valdal, Stuart’s brother, co-founder and already a driving force behind the local charity gala, Gather & Graze, recognised the opportunity for something larger.
The ‘ahhh moment,’ as Michael explains, wasn’t so much a thunderbolt as a natural step.
Their family had always loved entertaining, always loved bringing people together. And here, in Ravensbourne, was the chance to do it on a grander stage - to transform a disused dairy farm into a place where celebrations could feel as expansive as the views.
“Why not make it the most amazing function facility?” Michael, now the venue Manager, shares.
“It's honestly the most impressive build we've completed with Valdal Projects - throughout my career, at least. Something we are incredibly proud of.”
And so it became, The Dairy - the name a nod to its heritage and a way of honouring the old while celebrating the new.
In true Valdal Project's style, The Dairy is spectacular.
Spectacular, not in a loud, showy, look-at-me kind of way, but in the way the land and the architecture meet each other - an architecturally designed venue that rises out of the rural (incredibly well manicured, mind you) landscape in a way that both strikingly contrasts and yet somehow complements its surroundings.
Guests arrive through the olive grove, the great fig tree at the entrance stretching wide as if to welcome them in. Natural stone underfoot and on the walls, timber finishes - Marc & Co’s design, with interiors by Richard Stanisich.
As Michael explains, “The design blends a ‘lux, relaxed Mediterranean' style with a deep connection to the landscape. You can see it in the finishes, the stonework and timber were all chosen to feel timeless, tactile, and inviting.”
And it’s always that same moment Michael loves best - that quiet pause as people step inside, the pause, the expressions on their faces that say they’ve found something they never expected to discover here.
“Keen to preserve the history of the property, the old Dairy is now home to the cocktail house-bar, cafe & bakery.”
Of course, for Michael himself, managing The Dairy is both a culmination and a new beginning. After more than a decade in project management with Valdal Projects, his days are now spent meeting guests, guiding preparations across the space, and fine-tuning the details that turn a vision into an event.
Already since opening in early 2025, the venue has been busy hosting weddings, bespoke private dinners and lunches, and most recently, the VFIT wellness retreat, a beautiful and unique use of the space, hosting 100+ attendees for a day of yoga, pilates, a curated menu and a day of wellness speakers and practitioners.
“Each event is so different, it keeps things fresh and challenging,” Michael explains, “tailoring the space so it always feels unique, always feels like theirs - each couple, each brand, each experience.”
“It’s exciting to be part of something new for our region, a place where people can celebrate in a way that rivals international venues, without leaving Queensland. That’s our vision - for The Dairy to be known as one of Australia's most unique and luxurious venues.”
A space for people to celebrate weddings, host retreats, dine under the stars in the olive grove and feel truly transported - but also a destination not just for events, but for memorable experiences of all kinds.
“It’s part of the reason behind our soon-to-open Bakehouse (opening mornings, Thursday to Sunday, from September 18). We will be serving house-made pastries, fresh bread, and locally sourced produce. It's about bringing the same care and attention from the events side into everyday hospitality,” says Michael.
“Then, on the Sundays when we don't have private events, we will open up for cheese and wine afternoons with live music - perfect to relax and enjoy that community feel and the vast open lawns.”
Ultimately, as Michael explains, they see The Dairy evolving into a full destination, with ideas to add luxury cabins and perhaps even an infinity pool overlooking the valley.
“We are also keen to host experiences that go beyond weddings, so reach out if you have any ideas; we can make anything work”, he continues.
In the meantime, with a rapidly filling Spring and Summer ahead, Michael is quick to point out that none of it happens alone - we have an incredible team that makes The Dairy as magical as it is - it really does “take a village”.
“The family support we have is amazing too”, he adds. “My wife, Georgie, is a huge support, dealing with my long hours at the moment and making sure everything is perfect for each event.”
It’s a reminder that while The Dairy is shaped by stone, timber and sweeping views, at its heart it remains what it always was: a family endeavour, built on passion, finesse and the joy of bringing people together.
For those who haven't yet been fortunate to visit for an event, The Dairy are holding an Open Venue Day on November 16. It's open to the public, but guests must register on our website, which went live on September 21st. Alternatively, the Bakehouse opened on September 18.
For full details, visit thedairyravensbourne.com.au or follow along at @thedairyravensbourne and @thedairybakehouse.
