A food lover’s long weekend guide to the Scenic Rim
Itinerary
By Lucille Burkitt
It doesn’t take long to uncover some of the state’s best kept local secrets. The Scenic Rim is home to some of South East Queensland’s premier food and beverage experiences, hidden in the hillside within an hour’s drive from Brisbane or the Gold Coast.
The kind of place you can tuck into a home-made apple pie for morning tea and sip on wines of the local vineyards by lunch. There’s a sense of space. There’s an appreciation for local ingredients. There’s a rich culture, and even richer community. Most importantly, there’s an entire long weekend in Scenic Rim to be savoured.
From the natural beauty of the century-old volcanic mountains and valleys, to the award-winning regional produce, and every country charm in between, there’s something to be enjoyed for every food enthusiast while winding your way through a long weekend in Scenic Rim. It's no wonder it was the only Australian destination to be included in Lonely Planet's Top 10 Regions of the World list for 2022.
Time it right and you could savour the bounty of the region during Scenic Rim Eat Local Week (25 June - 3 July), where festival spirit soars and visitors get a backstage pass to the farms, producers and makers during workshops, long table lunches and degustations.
Day 1
Quench your thirst for experience at Scenic Rim Brewery
A little destination packed with Scenic Rim personality and nestled into the picturesque town of Mount Alford is Scenic Rim Brewery & Café, a local haunt that will give you a taste of the region before you’ve barely ventured through it. One trip to Mike and Wendy’s beloved brewery will leave your heart full and warm, as they share their journey with you about the place they love and call home, in a way it’s best shared: over a beer and a bite to eat.
This heritage-listed old general store is the humble beginning to a food adventure that connects you to the land it’s inspired by. Taste-test beers with quintessentially Queensland brew names like Shazza and treat yourself to a bite or two off their Dutch-inspired menu.
Set off for Kooroomba Vineyard & Lavender Farm
With something to tantalise each of your senses, there’s few places as unique as Kooroomba Vineyard and Lavender Farm to stop in on your long weekend in Scenic Rim. After your morning of fresh country air you’ll be sure to have worked up an appetite for lunch - and you're in just the right spot.
While seasonal local produce is prominent on the menu, it’s of course lavender that takes the leading role, with dishes like lavender honey glazed duck breast and a lavender ice cream with macadamia nut crumb. There’s nothing quite like the joy of letting your taste buds dabble in something a little different.
You’ll also find a cellar door and lavender shop here, all overlooking six acres of vineyards, fields of lavender, and of course, Scenic Rim range views that speak for themselves.
Fall for the region’s wine and cosy cottages at Witches Falls
Tamborine Mountain is home to some of Queensland’s most spectacular features – accessible rainforest walks, waterfalls, community events, adventurous activities and climbs, along with some of the region's most beautiful vineyards and cottages, a favourite among them being Witches Falls. Follow the ridgeline of the incredible landscape back toward the coast until you reach the peak of Tamborine Mountain where Witches Falls Winery sits.
Get to know their signature drops with a tasting paddle, or order ahead of time to indulge in a local platter full of deli-favourites and Jambreen cheeses for you to enjoy on the grounds.
Settle in for the night in the sweet secluded hideaway, Witches Falls Cottages, a string of gorgeous stone villas that set the scene for romantic getaways. Sink into a luxury night away with a loved one complete with fireplace, spa, and continental breakfast baskets to cook up the following morning. Interact with the local wildlife and enjoy being greeted by birds that call the neighbouring trees and rainforest home.
Day 2
Get to know Tamborine Mountain
First up this morning: explore the quaint town lined with galleries, tasting rooms and cafes. When it's time for a wander, take one of Witches Falls walking tracks, a gentle hike through the Heritage-listed rainforest which is appropriate for most fitness levels. You could also drive five-minutes up the road to Cedar Creek Estate where you can witness a natural glow worm habitat, taking a tour through damp, purpose-built caves – an initiative that helps support and ensure their survival, and Queensland’s only opportunity to see glow worms during the day.
There’s no age limit for enjoying adventure and activities, and there’s certainly no shortage of those on Tamborine Mountain, with plenty to be enjoyed from Tree Top ropes challenge to dips in local swimming holes.
Settle in and dine in at Pethers Rainforest Retreat
Photo by @bridgetnam_
Let Mother Nature put on a show as you watch the sunset light dapple through the greenery from Pethers Rainforest Retreat, the ultimate escape from everyday life. This unique and tranquil adults-only lodge offers a sense of escape and peace that few places this close to a major city could offer: stay in one of ten private treehouses set amidst lush sub-tropical rainforest brimming with native Australian flora and fauna.
Enjoy your evening meal at Pethers Rainforest Restaurant, a graceful dining room within the Retreat that sources much of its ingredients from within the region, transforming it into a modern contemporary Australian cruise that will hit the spot nicely to finish your day.
Head chef Patrick Cooke’s ethos revolves around showcasing the best of local and seasonal produce, making for a completely immersive and exceptional dining experience.
Day 3
Nature waits for you at O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat
Take the scenic drive towards your rainforest escape for the next day and night (insider tip: keep an eye out for Dale Mahoney’s iconic potato stall on Coburg Road).
Feel worlds away from cityscapes and busy streets amidst the World Heritage-listed Lamington National Park and spend a fulfilling slice of time at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat. This proudly third generation family operated experience will have you exploring peaceful walking trails to waterfalls, guided bird walks, Segway tours and the renowned Tree Top Walk.
O’Reilly’s have been pioneers of eco-tourism in Australia since 1926 and have built a reputation for merging luxury comfort with adventurous activities that will have you whiling your time with them with as much or as little action as you seek. Stay in cosy serviced accommodation at the Retreat with expansive views overlooking the western McPherson Ranges - best enjoyed from your private spa.
Day 4
Rise early for a sparkling sunrise
Not a morning person? You'll still be jumping out of bed with excitement before dawn today, ready to jump into a hot air balloon for the best sunrise views over the valley. Once you touch back down, a champagne breakfast awaits at O'Reilly's Canungra Valley Vineyard. Stick around to explore the 15-acre property, including Mountview Alpaca Farm where you can help feed the animals.
Take home farm-fresh Scenic Rim produce
Your long weekend in the Scenic Rim might be coming to an end - but your food experience doesn't have to. Get your hands on the tastiest souvenirs and wind your way home via visits to Summer Land Camels and Tommerup’s Farm, both were state winners in the 2020 Delicious Magazine Harvey Norman Produce Awards along with other Scenic Rim star, Heritage Poultry.
If you've fallen in love with the local food and produce here, you can order a Scenic Rim Farm Box and take the seasonal flavours home with you. Filled with meat, dairy, pantry picks and plenty more, the box will be delivered directly to your door so you can eat local from the Scenic Rim every week. Deliveries are available to Brisbane, Ipswich, Redlands, Logan and the Gold Coast.
