The Roadtrip Series: Treat your tastebuds to a trip to the Scenic Rim
Just one hour’s drive from Brisbane and one hour inland from the Gold Coast, you’ll find a picturesque paradise bordered by the Great Dividing Range and World Heritage-listed National Parks, a place bursting with local flavours and friendly farm stays, award-winning wines and boutique brews. Yes, it’s the Scenic Rim and it was recently awarded the honourable title of the most delicious region in Australia at the prestigious delicious. Produce Awards but as a result of the recent bush fires, the region is hurting. As devastating as the fires were and continue to be, there’s a misconception that the area was reduced to ash when in reality it was about one percent of the area that was affected. If you’ve ever thought of taking a little trip for a long lunch or a weekend getaway, there’s never been a better time to hit the road.
Image: Nightfall
Where to Stay
If you’re after a taste of good old fashioned country hospitality, you can’t go past the Old Church B&B at Milford. Housed in a historic church built in 1874, the quaint bed and breakfast offers a sweet sample of the Scenic Rim’s goodness with homemade sourdough, jams and local fruit. If romance is on the cards, indulge in a luxury glamping experience at Nightfall. Nestled in an untouched pocket of forest at Lamington (not just a delicious coconut-encrusted treat), the safari tents are equipped with plush beds, a twin bathtub and rotating fireplace so you can surrender to the tranquility of nature. Got the kids in tow? Mt Barney Lodge offers a range of accomodation options including rustic cabins, Queenslander Homesteads or for a budget-friendly option, you can pitch a tent and tell stories by the campfire. O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat has been making guests feel welcome for 93 years so suffice to say they’ve got things well and truly nailed when it comes to hospitality. There are a range of rooms to suit, from compact mountain-view studios to stunning three-bedroom rainforest villas but for a truly authentic rural experience, Tommerup’s Dairy Farm is a sixth generation working farm set on 200 acres of the Kerry Valley and one of very few working dairy farms in Australia where guests can help milk the cows and be part of the process from farm to fork. Stay in rustic country cottage accommodation, feed the pigs, sheep, calves, goats and chickens, collect and enjoy eggs, meat, cheese and fresh produce straight from the farm while taking in the spectacular views. Hosts Dave and Kay and their children Harry and Georgia would love to meet your tribe.
Image: Canungra Valley Vineyards, Luke Marsden
Places to Eat (and Drink)
When it comes to eating and drinking in the Scenic Rim, you’re truly spoilt for choice with wineries and boutique breweries nestled next to quaint cafes, exceptional eateries and fabulous foodie experiences aplenty. For some seriously good sips, stop by The Overflow Estate 1895 and enjoy a vino overlooking the picturesque Lake Wyaralong or roll out a rug for a gourmet picnic at O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards. The team take care of all the details so all you have to do is BYO appetite and chill vibes, oh and you can walk an alpaca while you’re there. Bunjurgen Estate Vineyard invites you to pack a lunch and sip your way around its small but tasty selection of wines and non-alcoholic grape juices and if beer is more your vibe, head to Scenic Rim Brewery at Mt Alford to sink one of Mike’s brews over a bite of Wendy’s Dutch-inspired dishes – the tarted-up version of a Chiko roll is legendary! Just a heads up, be sure to book as it has been known to pack out. Coffee connoisseurs, discover where your brew comes from at Tamborine Mountain Coffee Plantation. It’s a working plantation and roastery with a cafe (and bar) onsite. Do a plantation tour and get to taste the delicious local coffee, that’s win-win!
Image: Treetop Challenge
Things To Do
Whilst it would be easy to spend all of your time meandering from place to place eating and drinking, the Scenic Rim also offers a myriad of things to see and do – from beautiful bushwalks to exhilarating adventures on two wheels. For the adrenalin junkies, take the Tree Top Challenge, zip across an actual canyon on the longest, fastest and highest zipline tour in Australia at Mount Tamborine or fly head-first down Mt Joyce with more than 25-kilometres of dedicated mountain bike trails ranging from basic Green Trails for beginners through to Double-Black Diamond Level Trails for very experienced mountain bike riders. For bushwalkers, set out on your own adventure but if you would prefer a guided experience, Spicers Scenic Rim Trail is about as luxe as bushwalking gets! This multi-day trail traverses some of south-east Queensland’s most stunning World Heritage Listed National Park and is the only Great Walks of Australia hike in all of Queensland. If relaxing in a hot tub is about as adventurous as you’re keen to get, check out the Lost World Spa but if the idea of chasing waterfalls excites, a trip to Curtis Falls is a must! Nestled within the Mount Tamborine area, the falls are a short and easy walk, just don’t forget your camera! Another must-do on your Scenic Rim adventure is to take in a magical sunset (or sunrise if you feel so inclined), at Lake Moogerah, Lake Maroon or Lake Wyaralong. Of course, this is just a taste of all of the incredible things the Scenic Rim has to offer, for a more comprehensive list, check out Visit Scenic Rim’s website.
Image 1: Camping Lake Moogerah, Jason Charles Hill
Image 2: Scenic Rim Hiking Mt Mitchell (view is Spicers Peak)
Image 3: Tommerup Dairy Farm, Luke Marsden
Image 4: Tamborine Mountain Hiking
Image 5: Duck Creek Honey, Luke Marsden
