A First Timer’s Guide: How To Get the Most out of a Trip to the Scenic Rim

There’s a good chance most people couldn’t place the Scenic Rim on a map. It shouldn’t be this way. Less than an hour’s drive south-west of Brisbane lies lush countryside at the foothills of the Great Dividing Range, brimming with national parks, walking trails and waterfalls – and some of the best restaurants and boutique country accommodation in the country. In partnership with Spicers Retreats , we seek out what to eat, drink, see and do on your first trip to this special part of Queensland.

Visit the Kooroomba Lavender Farm

Wade into a sea of purple and sample local wines at this working lavender farm and winery at Mount Alford, just south of Boonah. Bright clumps of lavender grow among the vines at this photogenic vineyard, set against a mountainous backdrop. Wine-tasting is available and the gift shop is packed with farm produce, including lavender ice-cream and lavender oil. The Kooroomba Kitchen is a heavenly spot for lunch, with a French farmhouse-style menu drawing heavily on local producers – think duck breast soaked in lavender tea, and pork with fermented apple.

Stay at Spicers Hidden Vale

Hidden Vale is a dreamy country estate set on the site of a 4800-hectare former cattle farm overlooking the Lockyer Valley. Rustic but luxurious Queenslander-style cabins with spacious verandas are dotted around the property, as well as more modern suites, surrounded by beautiful gardens. The Chinese cottage, which is part of the original 19th-century homestead, is a great option for couples (it’s also dog-friendly). Amenities at the retreat include a swimming pool, a tennis court and plenty of activities to keep you occupied, including mountain biking, stargazing, private picnics and guided hikes. Hidden Vale is also the meeting point for the four-day Spicers Scenic Rim Trail , a luxury guided hike through the mountains of the Main Range National Park, staying in modern eco-lodges in the rainforest throughout. This serene, secluded retreat feels a world away – it’s hard to believe that it’s a one-hour drive from the Brisbane city centre.

Get into nature at Tamborine National Park

With six national parks in and around the Scenic Rim, you’re never far from nature. Tamborine National Park is a cool haven of rainforest and wildlife, full of walking tracks, waterfalls and lookouts. The 3.6-kilometre Witches Falls circuit shows off the highlights, weaving around impressive strangler figs and piccabeen palms, and leading to a lookout over lagoons fed by a seasonal waterfall. For a different perspective of the tree canopy, check out the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk , and browse the eco gallery afterwards, which is filled with work from local artists.

Have dinner at Homage

History is written in every dish at this restaurant at Spicers Hidden Vale in Grandchester. Built on the site of a historic country estate, with many of the dishes using produce from the property’s market garden, working farm or nearby suppliers. Have a welcome drink beside the outdoor firepit, then head inside to the elegant homestead to select from a gourmet – and sometimes surprising – modern Australian menu.

Start with emu tartare, quail or maybe Scenic Rim mushrooms, then tuck in to substantial mains which, depending on the season, could include seared kangaroo fillet, Murray cod, a succulent steak cooked in the kitchen smokehouse, or roasted cauliflower. If you can’t decide, go with the chef’s tasting menu ($139 per person), with matching wines for each course for $90. As the name implies, it’s a fitting tribute to the bounties of the Scenic Rim. Even if you’re not staying at the retreat, this destination diner is well worth the one-hour drive from Brisbane.

Visit Australia’s largest camel farm (and camel dairy)

Summerland Camels is a camel farm that produces camel milk dairy products, skin care and even camel milk vodka. Learn about the history of camels in Australia, hear tales from real cameleers, and head out to the paddocks to meet and greet the stars themselves, or even have a ride. The farm shop and cafe stocks a vast array of dromedary products (try the marinated Persian feta), and it’s a peaceful spot to stay and have lunch. You can even buy a camel on your way out, though you may not be able to ride it home.

This article is produced by Broadsheet in partnership with Spicers Retreats.