What to do in Beaudesert & Kooralbyn: A first-timer’s guide

Some destinations shout to get your attention. Beaudesert doesn’t have to.

Just over an hour from Brisbane, this Scenic Rim town is comfortable in its own skin – quietly sitting in its corner of South East Queensland. Here, cattle paddocks outnumber shopping centres, country pubs are local institutions and championship golf courses share the landscape with working farms. And all, just an hour from Brisbane.

Beaudesert is uncomplicated, unpretentious and calmy confident. Spend a day or two here and you’ll start to understand why.

Best known for:

• Country pubs
• Golf
• Lake Wyaralong
• Museums
• Markets

Best for:

• Couples
• Families
• Weekend escapes
• Road trips

Agriculture has shaped Beaudesert since its earliest days, so it’s fitting the town takes its name from the Beaudesert pastoral run established by Edwin (Ned) Hawken in the 1840s. Today, that farming heritage is still woven through the landscape, from working cattle properties to the fertile crop-country surrounding the township.

To explore the region’s past, spend an hour at the Beaudesert Historical Museum, one of Queensland’s largest regional museums. Its collection of more than 10,000 artefacts traces the stories, industries and characters that helped shape the district.

Kooralbyn shares a similar story. While it’s now best known for its championship golf course and resort, the fairways that draw visitors today were once grazing paddocks, continuing the region’s long connection to the land – albeit with a different swing nowadays.

For history, Willman House at The Old Laravale School

For a stay with a slice of history, check into The Old Laravale School. Left vacant for decades before being lovingly revived by its current owners in 2015, the former schoolhouse now offers comfortable, self-contained accommodation for groups of up to nine.

The practical layout includes two bedrooms and two sleepouts, giving families or groups plenty of room to spread out. Better still, there’s no need to pack the linen. Bedding and towels are provided, making it easy to arrive and settle straight in.

For caravanners and campers, Beaudesert Caravan & Tourist Park

Pop up the tent, unhitch the caravan or roll in with the motorhome. Beaudesert Caravan & Tourist Park puts you within easy walking distance of the town centre (right next to the showground), while still offering a peaceful place to pull up for the night.

If you’ve been on the road for a while, you’ll appreciate the practical touches, including a camp kitchen, laundry, wash bay and dump point. Choose from powered or unpowered sites, then take a moment after dark to look up. Despite being close to town, light pollution is minimal, making the Scenic Rim’s night skies worth lingering over.

For the Scenic Rim’s largest accommodation, The Kooralbyn Valley

Get away with all of your closest friends at the region’s largest accommodation, The Kooralbyn Valley. It’s so large, it in fact, also wears the crown for the southern hemisphere’s largest rammed earth eco-construction property on 800 acres. While the award-winning pool and day spa invite you to slow down, chances are you’ll spend just as much time spotting kangaroos on the fairways, tackling the number one resort golf course in Queensland (as ranked by Golf Australia 2018) or exploring the network of bushwalking and mountain biking trails. 

For a comfortable, no-frills place to stay, Beaudesert Central Hotel, Kerry Court Motel and Annalee Motel

When you need a simple place to rest your head that is cosy, convenient and the right touch of hospitality, there are three notable hotel/motels in the region. Beaudesert Central Motel provides all the amenities you’d appreciate in a home away from home, like a relaxing BBQ area and kitchenette supplies to cook your own locally-sourced meals.

Kerry Court Motel is a family-friendly, nine-room stay and are easy-to-find around the corner of the Beaudesert library and swimming pool. Only an hours drive from Brisbane, this ideal last-minute overnight option is suitable for families that need a mini getaway option.

Annalee Motel provides accommodation options for single sleepers or large groups. With hot cooked breakfast and continental breakfast room service options, a swimming pool, and lush lawns to relax on, who wouldn’t want to book a night or two while exploring the area?

Roastbeef and The Frog

Dine among the vines at Roastbeef and The Frog, the restaurant at The Overflow Estate 1895, where the menu pays tribute to both French and British culinary traditions. The name is a playful nod to the partnership between British-born chef Jake Hatch, the “Roastbeef”, and French chef Olivier, the “Frog”. The restaurant overlooks Wyaralong Dam from its position on the 4,000-acre working estate, and here, the views are just as memorable as the food. Expect British classics given a French twist – like pork cheek confit cassoulet served with red wine jus – with seasonal Scenic Rim produce taking centre stage alongside the estate’s own wines.

The Logan and Albert Hotel

Don’t let the heritage façade fool you. Behind the doors of The Logan and Albert Hotel, Red’s Kitchen is turning out more than your standard pub fare. Modern Australian flavours take centre stage, with dishes such as crab lasagne and duck roll-ups sitting comfortably alongside an impressive steak menu and pub favourites. The kitchen makes the most of locally sourced produce, keeping food miles low and flavours fresh. If you’re visiting midweek, keep an eye out for meal specials that leave change from $20. Although its façade might point to its establishment in 1934, The Logan and Albert Hotel is affectionately known as the “new old hotel” thanks to a recent major renovation, which updated the old, while keeping the character firmly intact.

The Railway Hotel Beaudesert

If you’re chasing a classic country pub, pull up a chair at The Railway Hotel. The menu is built around hearty pub favourites, with no fewer than seven parmys to choose from. If you’re firmly on Team Schnitty (a serious rivalry in this part of the world), there are a couple of those too, alongside burgers, steaks and other pub staples.

Beaudesert Café

Breakfast has a home in Beauy and its address is the Beaudesert Café. Whether you’re chasing something light like an Acai bowl or something with a stronger protein base to power a day’s adventure like the double stacked breaky burger – there’s plenty of options, with all dietaries covered from every corner of the menu. Even a simple dish like eggs on toast tastes better when it’s served with local, free-range eggs sourced from local Tommy’s Pasture Eggs.

Ned’s Bistro & Grill

Put down your golf clubs, and swing into Ned’s Bistro & Grill at the Beaudesert Golf Club instead. With a passion for steak (makes sense given the primary cattle industry out here) – you’ll see beef star across most menu items here whether it’s the steak sandwich, flame grilled steaks or classic pub crumbed kind. Food miles are sliced as masterfully as the steak – with local produce starring wherever possible – from beef, dairy to veggies.

The Club Beaudesert

A well-known any-day-of-the-week community gathering place, there’s something about tucking into a juicy stacked burger and icy pint from the tap at The Club Beaudesert that makes anyone want to have a yarn with the locals like they’ve known each other for years. That’s hospitality!

The Beaudesert Hotel

Experience a true Queensland pub and one of Beaudesert’s most historic dining venues. Whether you are stopping in for lunch, watching a big game, celebrating a special occasion on the private outdoor deck, or just checking in to see the new renovations, The Beaudesert Hotel is ready with mouth-watering food, chilled drinks, weekly community events, and friendly staff faces.

Visit one of Queensland’s largest country town museums

If you prefer your history viewed up-close rather than behind glass, the Beaudesert Historical Museum puts you right amongst its 10,000 artefacts. From the humble Mother Potts clothes iron, to the large red Dennis fire engine circa 1935, objects of history take a distinctly mechanical turn here. Don’t leave without a photo of the Milbanks Pioneer Cottage whose timber dates back to 1875.

Explore and buy local artwork at the Lyrebird Gallery

When the Scenic Rim is the muse, it’s little surprise the region has a thriving arts scene. To discover the work of Scenic Rim artists all under one roof, step inside the Lyrebird Gallery at the Beaudesert Community Arts and Information Centre. Browse paintings, pottery, textiles, jewellery, leatherwork, books and handcrafted pieces, all created locally and available to purchase.

Water sports, horse riding, hiking and more at the Wyaralong Dam

When you’ve had your fill of rolling green hills, head for the blue waters of Wyaralong Dam, the newest dam in Southeast Queensland. Nestled on Teviot Brook at the foot of Mt Joyce, it’s become one of the Scenic Rim’s favourite outdoor playgrounds.

Whether you prefer exploring by kayak, paddleboard or boat, saddling up for a horse ride, or stretching your legs on one of the surrounding walking trails, there’s no shortage of ways to spend a day on and around the water.

For motorbike riders, there is the QLD Moto Park:

Grab life by the handlebars at QLD Moto Park. With 14 tracks and more than 50km of trails winding across 1,800 acres of rugged terrain near Wyaralong, there’s plenty of dirt to discover. Whether you’re a first-timer, riding with the kids or an experienced MX or Enduro competitor, there’s a trail to match your skill level. From beginner-friendly loops to more technical tracks, it’s a place where riders of all abilities can get their adrenaline fix.

Swap your weekly supermarket shop for something a little more local at the Beaudesert Markets in Dick Westerman Park. Held on the first Saturday of every month, the markets are filled with everything from clothes, candles and bric-a-brac to plants, leatherwork, handmade crafts and jewellery.

On the second Sunday of each month, the Kooralbyn RSL hosts its own community market from 8am until lunchtime. Browse the stalls with a freshly brewed coffee in hand, settle in for the live music and pick up a homemade treat before heading on your way.

Is Beaudesert worth visiting?

Yes. Beaudesert is one of the Scenic Rim’s largest towns and makes a great base for exploring Lake Wyaralong, Kooralbyn, local farms, galleries and country pubs.

How far is Beaudesert from Brisbane?

Beaudesert is just over one hour south-west of Brisbane by car.

How long should I spend in Beaudesert?

A full day covers the highlights, although two to three days gives enough time to explore Kooralbyn, Lake Wyaralong and nearby attractions.

What is Kooralbyn known for?

Kooralbyn is best known for The Kooralbyn Valley resort, championship golf course, bushwalking and mountain biking.