Sit and sip in the Scenic Rim – our 20 best country pubs revealed!

From boutique breweries to heritage hotels, parmy specialists and pubs with a view, to laid back places where the locals go, these are the best country pubs to sit and sip in the Scenic Rim. Take a day trip, stay over OR even do a country pub crawl by chopper with Pterodactyl Helicopters!

📷 Eric Williams and daughter Ashley Bates-Williams enjoy a beer at the iconic Canungra Hotel; by photographer Luke Marsden.

Check out our top 20 Scenic Rim country pubs and breweries below:

1. Scenic Rim Brewery – boutique beers and pretzels!
   This boutique, family-owned craft brewery packs a big flavour punch. Based in the picturesque town of Mount Alford, just past Boonah, owners Mike and Wendy brew a superb range of beers, all of which have names to make you smile – there’s the Shazza, Digga’s, Fat Man, Giddy Gout and the PharQue. The Ginger Extra Dry alone is worth the drive. The menu is a nod to Wendy’s Dutch heritage, yes there’s mouth-watering bitterballen (Dutch meatballs), perfect giant pretzels (that are guaranteed to make you thirsty) and a range of European gourmet hotdogs as well as great coffee, delicious icecreams, cake and daily specials.
   Address: 898 Reckumpilla Street, Mount Alford QLD 4310
   Website: https://www.scenicrimbrewery.com.au/ 
2. The Canungra Hotel –parmy dreams are made of this
   Parmy lovers, hold onto your forks, we’ve found your dream pub! With over 10 different parmy toppings, The Canungra Hotel is not about to let your (parmy) dreams pass you by. Sitting in gorgeous Canungra at the base of Tamborine Mountain and right on the Scenic Rim Wine Trail, this pub is the stuff of legend – and the perfect place to sit and sip after a hike.
   Address: 18 Kidston St, Canungra QLD 4275
   Website: https://www.canungrahotel.com.au/
3. The Dugandan Hotel – cold beers since 1886
   The Dugandan Hotel, or “The Dugie” as it is affectionately known, is the quintessential Australian country pub and features a great beer garden deck out the back and outdoor area under huge trees. Just five minutes outside Boonah, and looking over a cricket field and up to Mt French (where there’s walks and BBQ sites), The Dugie serves up traditional pub fare, hearty country classics, icy cold beers, a great range of crafts and wines.
   Address: Cnr Mt French and Boonah Rathdowney Roads, Dugandan
   Website: https://www.dugandanhotel.com.au/
4. The Royal Hotel, Kalbar – no crowns required
   If you haven’t been to the foodie haven that is Kalbar, just an hour from Brisbane, then choose a day and lock it in. This gorgeous country town is home to quite a few ‘must visit’ foodie establishments and fresh produce provedores, with The Royal Hotel leading the charge. Be sure to book ahead for this friendly country pub, which offers plenty of seating on the large deck and in the grounds.
   Address: Corner George and Edward St Kalbar,
   Website: http://www.royalhotelkalbar.com.au/
5. Fortitude Brewing, Tamborine Mountain – the ultimate mountain hoppiness!
   A trip to Fortitude Brewing Company will make you giddier than a little kid with a tambourine. At home at the end of the Gallery Walk on Tamborine Mountain, Fortitude Brewing is famous for its gourmet pizzas, cheese platters and beer tasting paddles, the perfect way to start or finish a daytrip or staycay.
   Address: 165 Long Rd, Tamborine Mountain QLD 4271
   Website: https://fortitudebrewing.com.au/
6. The Royal Hotel, Harrisville – a living history
   The Royal Hotel Harrisville began life in 1875 as the Harrisville Inn. The original hotel serviced the local cotton and beef industries and was one of the first in the region. It was destroyed by fire in 1916 and rebuilt. A gorgeous country Queensland pub that serves up authentic country meals, its beer garden overlooking a creek with views over the Great Dividing Range make it popular for events and as a set for filming opportunities. Just 30 mins west of Ipswich in the Scenic Rim, there’s rumour of a resident ghost, but you will have to ask the publican for more on that!
   Address: 1 Wholey Dr, Harrisville QLD 4307
   Website: https://www.royalhotelharrisville.com.au/
7. The ‘Rathy’ – home on the range
   The “Rathy Pub” has been a central feature in the Rathdowney township since the 1900s as they serve the heartiest country meals seven days a week in this historic country village. With gorgeous views over the range, a flavour-filled menu and great bar area, it’s the perfect spot for a family outing, a bike ride or a couples visit.
   Address: 4287/73 Collins St, Rathdowney QLD 4287
8. The Bearded Dragon Hotel – Tamborine dreams
   Set on 110 picturesque acres with sweeping views across surrounding Tamborine, The Bearded Dragon Hotel has been delivering the true-blue Aussie experience for 20 years. With 15 local and imported beers on tap, all day dining with classic pub meals and views to wow your socks off; this pub is the perfect weekend dining spot.
   Address: 2-22 Tamborine Mountain Rd, Tamborine QLD 4270
   Website: http://www.beardeddragon.com.au/
9. The Australian Hotel, Boonah – the cheer of yesteryear
   Another traditional country pub, The Australian was built in 1888 and is a favourite of Boonah locals and visitors alike. Here’s a tip – with pub lunches around $20, it’s the perfect spot to pop in on a day trip or longer stay.
   Address: 32 High St, Boonah QLD 4310
   Website: https://www.australianhotelboonah.com.au/
10. The Beaudesert Hotel – Beauy’s best
    One of Beaudesert’s most historic and established dining venues, The Beaudesert Hotel, known as The Beauy, underwent an extensive renovation in 2015, and is now modern and cool inside, while keeping it’s classic country pub status and serving up perfect pub meals for lunch and dinner. The Hotel also offers a spacious dining room, great bar areas, a gaming room and a courtesy bus service.
    Address: 80 Brisbane Street, Beaudesert 4285 Queensland
    Website: https://beaudeserthotel.com.au/
11. St Bernards Hotel, Tamborine Mountain – lunch with a view!
    Enjoy a tasty pub lunch on the deck overlooking stunning hinterland and garden views, and keep an eye out for the gorgeous resident St Bernards! There’s plenty of space for the kids to run around after lunch while you sit and let your meal settle.
    Address: 101 Alpine Terrace, Tamborine Mountain
    Website: http://stbernardshotel.com/
12. Railway Hotel, Beaudesert – friendly local vibes since 1887
    Make yourself at home in this friendly pub in the heart of Beaudesert. The popular Railway Hotel on Brisbane Street, across from Beaudesert’s old railway building, is where the locals go. With great lunch specials and always cool inside, the Railway Hotel is the perfect pit stop en route to your Scenic Rim adventures. Local trivia: The Beaudesert Railway Hotel brand has been well over a century in the making, with records showing the original Railway Hotel building was constructed in 1887 where the Beaudesert Woolworths car park now stands. The original Railway Hotel was owned by one family for over 90 years, and it is said to have been the oldest existing hotel building in Beaudesert.
    Address: 121 Brisbane Street, Beaudesert
    Website: https://railwayhotelbeaudesert.com.au/
13. Mount Alford Hotel – tiny town, big tasty meals
    Great atmosphere, super cold beer and delicious pub grub. What more could you want?  It’s conveniently just across the road from the Scenic Rim Brewery, so you’ve got your local pub crawl sorted.
    Address: 901 Reckumpilla Street, Mount Alford
    Website: https://www.facebook.com/mtalfordhotel/
14. Commercial Hotel Harrisville – laid back country vibes
    You’re likely to bump into a few locals in this country pub on the main street of Harrisville. It’s got a laid back atmosphere and it’s a great place to relax and enjoy a beer.
    Address: 24 Queen Street, Harrisville
    Website: https://www.facebook.com/Commercialhotelharrisville1
15. The Peak Pub at Peak Crossing – character galore!
    A country pub full of character, tall stories and ice cold beer! Come enjoy a meal and the relaxed vibes of this small country town.
    Address: 15-17 Fassifern Street, Peak Crossing
16. Commercial Hotel, Boonah – cold beers on High Street
    It’s the perfect spot to stop for a cold one while you wander down Boonah’s bustling High Street. You’ll know it when you see the mannequins peering down at you from the second storey verandah (true story!)
    Address: 39 High Street, Boonah
    Website: https://www.facebook.com/Commercial-Hotel-Boonah-1553694321559364
17. Simon’s Tavern, Boonah – a 70s gem with a long history
    This 1970s building in Boonah’s High Street houses a business with a history dating back to 1902, when original developer and owner Carl Gustav Simon first opened its doors. The original ornate Simon’s Tavern burned down and was replaced by the current structure. Go chill out in the aircon and have a cold bevvie.
    Address: 80 High Street, Boonah
    Website: https://www.facebook.com/simonstavernboonah
18. Roadvale Hotel, Roadvale – not your average country pub!
    With new owners and award-wining chef Daniel Groneberg in charge of the kitchen, this family and dog-friendly hotel is quickly building legendary status as the Scenic Rim’s first gastro pub. Here you can Eat Local all year round with indoor and outdoor dining, a bar and beer garden. Address: 320 Gray Street, Roadvale
    Website: https://www.theroadvalehotel.com.au
19. The Pavilion Tavern – Kooralbyn’s answer to a country pub
    This local hub is a short stroll from the Kooralbyn Valley Resort, and the beers are always cold, Enjoy indoor and outdoor dining, mini golf, bowling green and playground!
    Address: 1/21 Routley Drive, Kooralbyn
    Website: https://www.facebook.com/kooralbynpavilion