A food lover’s long weekend guide to the Scenic Rim

Day 1

A 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 the 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.

The perfect destination to enjoy with another, 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.

(Photo by @visitbrisbane)

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 the fare on offer for lunch.

While seasonal local produce is prominent on the menu, it’s of course lavender that features 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 accommodate intimate getaways for travelling couples. Surrounded by shrubland, but feeling miles from civilisation, 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

Familiarise yourself with the area and take the journey up one of Witches Falls walking tracks, a gentle hike through the Heritage-listed rainforest which is appropriate for most fitness levels. Take the five-minute drive 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, or even fossicking for Thunder Eggs with your family at the mountain’s famous Thunderbird Park.

Settle in for a night at Pethers Rainforest Retreat

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, complete with every luxury comfort after a day of eating and drinking your way around the region.

Guests can stay in one of ten private treehouses set amidst lush sub-tropical rainforest brimming with native Australian flora and fauna, and are offered a truly luxurious and sensory experience.

The Pethers dining experience for your Scenic Rim long weekend

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 Obie Faulkner’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. A quaint expression of Gold Coast hinterland, this proudly third generation family operated experience will have you exploring peaceful walking trails, 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. A family-friendly place to rest your head, stay in cosy serviced accommodating at the Retreat with expansive views overlooking the western McPherson Ranges, or one of 48 self-contained and architecturally designed villas, perched upon the sloping hillside.

Order farm-fresh, quality Scenic Rim produce

The secret of exceptional food in the Scenic Rim has escaped. In a proud moment for the Scenic Rim, the region had three state winners in the 2020 Delicious Magazine Harvey Norman Produce Awards. Dairy awards were given to both Summer Land Camels and Tommerup’s Farm, followed by a paddock award to 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.