View a selection of the videos that showcase the Scenic Rim Region.
Western Scenic Rim
Boonah
our town Boonah PDF
WHOEVER said the Australian rural town is dying a slow death obviously hasn’t been to Boonah. This country town is buzzing. Walk down the main street and you’ll feel the energy.
The CWA ladies sell their wares outside the supermarket (we challenge you to find better scones); Mums wrangle their kids out of the toy shop; Bill from up the road has a yarn to Dave from across the hill. Outside the post office a gaggle of local ladies catch up on the gossip, swap stories and compare notes on recent rainfalls. Get lost in the country store, and enjoy coffee and cake at one of the town’s many cafes.
Dusty, battered farm utes are parked alongside sleek town cars and four-wheel drives, this motoring mix reveals much about the people who call Boonah home.
It’s a town which began life as a hub of rural industry, settled by German and English pioneers in the early 1800s. These days farming is still the main industry, 90 per cent of Queensland’s carrots are grown here, but there’s also a new crowd in town.
Boonah has become a favourite among the ‘tree-change’ set, those people seeking more from life. They’re young families who want their children to have a pony and space to run; retirees who have long hankered for a simpler life, and to be part of a friendly community; or adventure-seekers who love the easy access to first-class bushwalking and rock climbing.
Boonah is the gateway to more of the Scenic Rim’s National Parks, Moogerah Peaks
National Park and Main Range National Park. It is also another important connecting gateway to Mt Barney National Park.
When you’re in Boonah, whichever way you look you’ll see mountains, the locals know them all by name. Mt Edwards, Mt Alford, Mt Moon, Sugarloaf, Mt French, Mt Greville and Mt Maroon, just to mention a few.
The area’s two dams are a huge hit with watersport and fishing enthusiasts. Visit Lake Maroon and Lake Moogerah most weekends, public holidays and school holidays and you’re sure to find a hive of activity as ski boats, fishing boats and kayaks share the water. In quieter times, the dams offer an idyllic setting for a laidback picnic.
If that’s not enough action for you, why not take to the skies? Go hot air ballooning, skydiving, gliding, or maybe you’ve always wanted to learn to fly?
You’ll also enjoy the atmosphere in the historic pubs and sidewalk cafes. On the outskirts of town, there are fabulous wineries just waiting to be discovered.
Bed and Breakfast, self-contained cottages, country guest houses and motel accommodation, whatever your preference you will find it here. This little town has it all, country charm and city conveniences.
For more information on Boonah and its heritage, click here.
Our People
John Jackson
JOHN Jackson is Boonah’s Rock Doctor and he believes rocks can tell the story of our planet. He uses brilliantly-coloured paintings to help illustrate his stories during his captivating excursions around the Scenic Rim.
Maureen Maynard
MAYNARDS Department Store opened its doors in 1944. It has just celebrated its 65th year in business and is now run by Graham and Maureen Maynard. With their son Gregory and his wife Kirsty, the third generation in the Maynard dynasty, they offer shoppers everything from workboots, to craft fabrics, to bras, bags and belts. Step inside this cavernous shop, you never know what you will find.
John Deeks
OYEZ, Oyez, Oyez: Retired police officer John Deeks is the Scenic Rim’s very loyal, and very loud, town crier. He’s standing in front of Boonah’s ornate and historic Commercial Hotel.
Zengarra Zingers
THE Zengarra Zingers are led by classical percussionist and pianist Christine Leah. Since arriving to the Scenic Rim, Christine and her husband Mike have turned their Zengarra Country House and Pavillions into a musical haven. The Zengarra Zingers meet weekly and every rehearsal is followed by afternoon tea, cooked by Christine.
David McMaugh
DAVID McMaugh has enjoyed a successful professional life, working as a soldier, university professor and development manager, but his true passion lies with winemaking. David owns and runs Bunjurgen Estate Vineyard and since he launched his first drop in 2005, his wines have attracted a cult following.
While you’re here
- Stroll down Boonah’s friendly, buzzing main street
- Meet and mix with the many, local colourful characters
- Get on your bike, we’re a popular place for cyclists and motorbike enthusiasts
- Try our local food and wine
- Walk up Mt French, the views from the top are great
- Stock up on local produce, jams and relishes
- Browse our art galleries, they’re full of local artwork and hand-crafted jewellery
- Visit the local donkey farm
- Go waterskiing at Lake Moogerah
- Step back in time at the Templin Historic Village
- Take a scenic drive through the hills and past the local farms
- Float over the patchwork of fields in a hot air balloon
For information on all other Scenic Rim Communities, click here.
For the latest Scenic Rim tourism brochure PDF, click here. or
Phone 1300 881 164 to request a copy of the new Scenic Rim tourism brochure to be posted or
Email your brochure request with your name and mailing address to: tourism@scenicrim.qld.gov.au
We have also just released a Scenic Rim DVD click here to view
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