Did someone say long weekend?

Just when you thought the summer holidays were over you hear the happy news – there’s still the Australia Day long weekend to go!

Spend your Australia Day weekend exploring the Scenic Rim.

Here’s 20 ideas to help your long weekend planning.

Lake Wyaralong

1. Take in the regatta action. 25 – 27 Jan

Pull up a picnic blanket beside Lake Wyaralong and take in all the action of the Queensland State Championship Regatta. Spectator entry is free, and food and drinks will be available for purchase.

O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyard.

2. Have a gourmet BBQ by Canungra Creek. 26 Jan

Escape the crowds and enjoy a chilled Australia Day by the creek at O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards. Feast on a BBQ lunch, enjoy a chilled O’Reilly’s wine, pat the resident alpacas and have a hit of cricket. Be sure to book ahead!

Summer Land Camels.

3. Spend the day with the camels. 26 Jan

4. Cool down at the Beauy Pool Party. 26 Jan

Entry is free on Australia Day between 10am and 2pm. Party on with music, games, neon tubes and plenty of giveaways! Or dip your toe into one of these 15 local waterholes, creeks and lakes.

Australia Day at Binna Burra Lodge.

5. Enjoy activities galore at Binna Burra Lodge. 26 – 27 Jan

Spend the Australia Day long weekend at Binna Burra Lodge and make the most of their action-packed schedule of activities. The barbecues will be running hot all day, every day!

Australia Day Fassifern Sports Club.

6. Go barefoot bowling at the Fassifern Sports Club. 26 Jan

Australia Day at the Bearded Dragon, Tamborine.

7. Have a true blue Aussie good time. 26-28 Jan

Experience an Australia Day long weekend like no other, with beers, a barbecue, pub meals, good times and free live music. Bring the whole family down for good old fashioned Aussie traditions like cane toad racing and lamington eating competitions.

Australia Day at the Pavilion Tavern.

8. Party at the Pavilion Tavern – 26 Jan 

Hang out at the Pavilion Tavern for an afternoon of Australia Day activities at the Ramada Resort Kooralbyn Valley. There will be an Aussie barbecue and spit roasts, thong throwing contest, cane toad races, sack races and Aussie music all day.

Kalbar.

9. Join Kalbar’s small-town celebrations. 26 Jan

Head to the Kalbar Showgrounds for the Fassifern Australia Day celebrations. The Kalbar Baptist Church will host the morning function, starting with a free cooked Aussie breakfast from 6.15am to 7.30am.

VK Everydays Cafe

10. Head to the VK Everydays Artisan Market. 27 Jan

Enjoy great coffee and tasty homemade food, shop from local craftspeople and be entertained by live music at the VK Everydays Artisan Market.

Kooroomba Vineyard and Lavender Farm.

11. Take a joy flight over the Scenic Rim. 27 Jan

12. Pitch your tent

Spend a sedate weekend camping on the banks of Lake Moogerah, Lake Maroon or Lake Wyaralong, and explore the local walking trails, go for a paddle, or chill out and read a book. Book a table at one of the local hotels for a hearty country pub feed. We love the Scenic Rim Brewery, the Dugandan Hotel, the Roadvale Hotel , the Commercial Hotel, the Beaudesert Hotel and the Railway Hotel. Love the bush? There are plenty of local camping spots available.

Mt Maroon by Jason Charles Hill

13. Hit the Scenic Rim’s walking trails

The region is home to six national parks and many, many amazing walking trails. Here’s 14 of our favourites to get you started. 

14. Eat local on Tamborine Mountain

The rich, red alluvial soil sustains a bounty of glorious fresh food on the mountain. You can find it on the menu at local cafes like the Vintage Pickle ; stock up at a roadside stall; or visit the Green Shed Markets on Sunday morning for a selection of just-picked organic produce.

15. Retreat to the mountains. Stay in a luxurious lodge

No need to rough it, when there are so many amazing luxurious mountain lodges on your doorstep. Try O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, Binna Burra Mountain Lodge, or for the ultimate indulgence book into Spicer’s Peak Lodge. For a luxury glamping experience, check out Nightfall Camp.

16. Paddle around one of the Scenic Rim’s three lakes

BYO kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddle board, or hire one from a local operator at Lake Moogerah, Lake Maroon and Lake Wyaralong.

Jason Garner with his catch at Lake Moogerah. Picture source Fishing World.

17. Drop a line

There’s some fantastic fishing to be had in the region. Lakes Moogerah and Maroon are stocked with bass. Launch your boat, or try your luck from the shore.

The Commercial Hotel, Harrisville. Just one of the Scenic Rim’s many country pubs.

18. Tuck into some pub grub

Drop into one of our welcoming country pubs for a hearty feed and a cool drink. You’ll love the Canungra Hotel, St Bernard’s Hotel, the Royal Hotel Harrisville, the Royal Hotel Kabar and the Beaudesert Hotel.

Beaudesert Race Club.

19. Spend the day trackside. 28 Jan

They’re off and racing at Beaudesert for the very popular, annual Australia Day long weekend race meet. Relax trackside with your friends and enjoy the chilled country racing vibe.

Pet-friendly Barney Creek Vineyard Cottages.

20. Take your canine friend for a pawfect outing

Pack the ball, the lead and pet food and check out these pet-friendly destinations for your perfect Australia Day long weekend escape.