How to take the perfect country Brisbane road trip

Queensland's capital Brisbane is well-known as a bustling sub-tropical metropolis, with its contemporary skyline and flourishing range of world-class restaurants and bars. But just on the city's doorstep lies photogenic scenery and culinary delights of another kind - an entirely different and oh-so-charming world to be explored that's easily accessible within just an hour by car from the bright lights.

Need proof? The Scenic Rim (the sub region that makes up the majority of country Brisbane) was the only destination in Australia to be included in Lonely Planet's Top 10 Regions of the World list for 2022.

Here's our guide to discovering the best of greater Brisbane on a road trip that's both picturesque and delicious. Feel free to take it slow - you're in the countryside now.

Day one

Morning: Summer Land Camels

Point your GPS towards Harrisville, just under an hour's drive from central Brisbane but seemingly a world away. There you'll find Summer Land Camels, a delightful camel farm and dairy that produces ethical, sustainable and premium camel products, from camel milk cheesecake right through to skincare. 

Come face-to-face with their gentle but enthusiastic camels as you feed them and learn about the incredible immune nutritional properties of camel milk. Take the time to sample the cafe's delicious treats, straight from the camels themselves, on the porch of the beautiful white homestead against the backdrop of dramatic mountains.

Afternoon: Overflow Estate 1895

Head 40 minutes south-east to Overflow Estate 1895, a boutique winery nestled on the edge of Lake Wyaralong. The property sits on a peninsula surrounded by lake with around 12 kilometres of waterfront.

The estate takes its name from an 1895 pastoral holding, and the cellar door restaurant is modelled on a shed with an outdoor pavilion. It's a lovely spot to sit and unwind accompanied by views of the lake, a wam breeze, a charcuterie board and a bottle of (very) good wine.

Evening: Spicers Hidden Vale

If you decide to pause your road trip here and stay a few extra days, we wouldn't blame you. 12,000-acre rural retreat Spicers Hidden Vale is the perfect blend of country-luxe, farm-to-table fine dining, and nature.

From its fairy-lit market garden to its newly refurbished luxury homestead and range of nature-based activities like archery and mountain biking, it's hard to tear yourself away (especially once you've tried the food at Homage restaurant). It even has an on-site wildlife research centre which offers a guided koala-spotting safari on the sprawling property.

Day two

Morning: Spicers Scenic Rim Trail

You certainly find more when you explore the roads of country Brisbane by car. But for an even more immersive experience, the Spicers Scenic Rim Trail takes you deep into nature.

Starting from private property Spicers Canopy, these small-group guided hikes let you discover the best of the surrounding awe-inspiring nature (and get a good workout along the way!) but providing comfort where it matters such as meals at Homage, helicopter transfers up the mountain, and accommodation at various Spicers locations along the way. Choose from 2, 3, 4, 5, or 7-day hikes for a once-in-a-lifetime interlude on your country road trip.

Final day

Morning: Scenic Rim Brewery

It's time to hit the road again, although you don't have to go far. Once a general store, Scenic Rim Brewery in Mt Alford is now a must-stop in the area for food and drink-lovers (and you don't even need to be a fan of beer, although it helps).

Pull in and treat yourself to a beer flight of their six or so available on tap, all named after quintessential Queensland characters. All the better for washing down the menu's hearty German-style food, including freshly-baked pretzels.

Check out this post for more local foodie pitstops.

Afternoon: Kooroomba Vineyard and Lavender Farm

Forget Provence, Brisbane's own Scenic Rim has purple fields to rival it at Kooroomba Vineyard and Lavender Farm. Set against the majestic peaks of the Great Dividing Range and featuring a striking outdoor chapel set amongst the lavender blossoms, this jaw-droppingly pretty spot has photography opportunities at every turn. The French and Italian lavender species are designed to be in flower year-round, so the view from the on-site restaurant and cellar door is always in living colour.

Fine dining created from local produce can be found inside (hint: don't miss the lavender ice cream), or perch yourself outside for more casual fare. Don't forget to pick up a bottle of wine with you to enjoy at your next destination.

Evening: Tommerups Dairy Farmstay

It's an authentic taste of the country at your next destination Tommerups Dairy Farm in the Kerry Valley, a 6th-generation working dairy farm with on-site accommodation that allows you to take part in life on the farm.

Choose from the beautifully rustic historic homestead (which was built in 1888 and has housed five generation of Tommerups in its time), or the self-contained cottage near the creek, and enjoy your local wine under the stars or by the fire.

Wake up and join farmer Dave for milking, feed baby farm animals, swim in the river, browse the farm gate for fresh produce, or simply relax into the simple life.